PROGRAMME SPECIFICATION BA (Hons) Education Studies Specialist and Joint Honours (from 2010 entry) 1. Awarding Institution York St John University 2. Teaching Institution York St John University 3. Programme(s) Accredited by (professional/statutory body) N/A 4. Faculty offering the Programme(s) Faculty of Education and Theology 5. Final Award(s) BA(Hons) / BA Ordinary 6. Interim Awards Certificate of Higher Education (Level 1) Diploma of Higher Education (Level 2) 7. Programme Title(s) BA (Hons) Education Studies - Single and Joint Honours 8. UCAS Code / GTTR / Other X302 9. Approved Combinations (for Joint Honours programmes only) For 2010 entry Education Studies and: Business Management Counselling Studies Children, Young People and Families English Language English Literature History Information Technology British Sign Language Modern European Languages Modern International Languages Music Theology & Religious Studies From 2011 entry Education Studies and: Children, Young People and Families English Language English Literature Theology & Religious Studies NX23 LX53 L541 XQ33 XQ3H VX13 GX53 QX13 XR38 XT39 WX33 VX63 L541 XQ33 XQ3H VX63 10. QAA Benchmark Group(s) Education Studies 11. Applicable to Year of Entry to the Programme(s) 2015 (final entry to this version of the programme) 12. Date Produced/Revised June 2010 (different mods to 2009 entry as revalidated for 2010), June 2011 (change to JH pairings only) June 2012 no change, October 2013 (no change), September 2014 (no change) 13. Mode of Study The programme is offered in the following modes of study: Full-time: Over 3 years or 1 year for Foundation Degree students taking Level 3 only Part Time: Over 6 years or 2 years for Foundation Degree students taking Level 3 only 1
14. Introduction and Special Features 14-a Introduction Education Studies is concerned with understanding how people develop and learn throughout their lives, and the nature of knowledge and critical engagement with ways of knowing and understanding. It offers intellectually rigorous analysis of educational processes, systems and approaches, and their cultural, societal, political, historical, and economic contexts. Graduates are able to participate in and contest changing discourses exemplified by reference to debate about values, personal and social engagement, and how these relate to communities and societies. Students have opportunities to develop their critical capabilities through the selection, analysis and synthesis of relevant perspectives, and to be able to justify different positions on educational matters. They will engage in a critique of current policies and practice and challenge assumptions. An education studies course provides the knowledge, understanding and critical analysis to inform current and future professionals. Transferable skills Education Studies graduates will be able to; construct and communicate oral and written arguments use information and communication technology (ICT), including word processing, databases, internet communication, information retrieval and online searches interpret and present relevant numerical information work with others, as a result of the development of interpersonal skills, to demonstrate the capacity to plan, to share goals, and work as a member of a team improve their own learning and performance, including the development of study and research skills, information retrieval, and a capacity to plan and manage learning, and to reflect on their own learning analyse, synthesise, evaluate, and identify problems and solutions. 14-b Special features of the programme. Students will engage in a work placement at level 2, and will also have the opportunity to study abroad at level 2. 15. Criteria for Admission Entrance to the Education Studies Subject area does not require specific subject knowledge or additional criteria to the University s standard entrance requirements. All applicants will be treated as set out in the York St John University Admissions Policy In line with the University s standard entrance requirements, Education Studies considers a range of qualifications as follows: Tariff Offer The standard offer is at present 200+ points on the UCAS tariff including a minimum of two 6-unit awards. Foundation Degree Students who have successfully gained 240 credits leading to a Foundation Degree in Supporting Learning will be able to enter the Education Studies at Level 3 in order to acquire the 120 credits needed to gain an Honours Degree. Those wishing to proceed to Level 3 will join the Single Honours students. BTEC A BTEC National Diploma or Certificate/SCOTVEC with a merit profile (merits in second year units); Scottish Highers 2
THREE Scottish Higher level passes at grades B, C, C or TWO passes at the Advanced Higher level grades C, C plus three passes at Standard level including English Language grades 1-3; Irish Leaving Certificate FOUR Irish Higher level passes at grade C including English Language and English Literature; Entry for candidates without standard qualifications The University is committed to providing alternative entry routes for applicants who do not hold standard academic qualifications to meet the normal minimum entry requirements and have been out of full-time education for a period of at least 2 years. in accordance with the University s guidance on APEL (document SRA7); Overseas Qualifications An equivalent overseas qualification, for example, the European or International Baccalaureate Diploma. We would normally require International English Language Testing Service (IELTS) test at Band 6 in all components or other acceptable equivalent (EFL) qualifications. Vocational Qualifications We will also consider other relevant professional qualifications. Please note: GCSE/GCE O level passes must be at grades A-C. All candidates must have a minimum of grade C in GCSE English language or a recognised equivalent qualification; We welcome A2 level General Studies as a qualification and will accept a grade at General Studies as meeting part of the entrance requirement. This information is for guidance and offers may vary slightly depending on particular circumstances including the number of places available and the time the offer is made. 16. Programme Aims The Aims of the B.A.(Hons) Education Studies Degree are to: draw on a wide range of intellectual resources, theoretical perspectives and academic disciplines to illuminate understanding of education and the contexts within which it takes place; provide students with a broad and balanced knowledge and understanding of the principal features of education in a wide range of contexts; encourage students to engage with fundamental questions concerning the aims and values of education and its relationship to society; provide opportunities for students to appreciate the problematic nature of educational theory, policy and practice; encourage the interrogation of educational processes in a wide variety of contexts; develop in students the ability to construct and sustain a reasoned argument about educational issues in a clear, lucid and coherent manner; promote a range of qualities in students including intellectual independence and critical engagement with evidence. (QAA subject benchmarks Education Studies 2007) 17-1 YSJU Level 1 / NQF Level 4 / FHEQ C 17-1a Level 1 Programme Outcomes Students who gain the award specified will have demonstrated the following learning outcomes: Level 1 Certificate of Higher Education Single Honours students 3
Demonstrate an understanding of the underlying values and principles relevant to Education Studies Analyse basic educational concepts, theories and issues of policy in a systematic way Apply, at a basic level, their developing value system to their work Single (in addition to the above) and Joint Honours students Demonstrate a broad-based knowledge and understanding of a range of underlying concepts, content, and theoretical perspectives associated with Education Studies. Appropriately apply perspectives, skills and knowledge gained across Education Studies Present, evaluate and interpret different forms of information, evidence, data, artefacts and performances, appropriate to Education Studies. Communicate effectively using a range of basic skills appropriate for the audience and purpose. Demonstrate a range of basic key transferable skills (including those for lifelong learning) appropriate for further study and future employment in the subjects studied. 17-1b Level 1 Programme Structure and Content Modules for the Programme code Title Credits Sem Status Status Joint single 1ED060 Education and policy 1 20 1 Compulsory Compulsory 1ED070 Learning as a student 20 1 Compulsory Option 1ED080 Education for all? 20 1 Compulsory 1ED090 Education and meaning 20 2 Compulsory Compulsory 1ED100 Education and faith 20 2 Option Option 1ED110 Education and diversity 20 2 Compulsory All modules are 20 credits. Students will need a minimum of 100 credits to progress. Single Honours students will take all compulsory modules. 1ED100 will be an option, along with MFL modules. Joint Honours students will take the two compulsory modules, with 1ED070 and 1ED100 as optional. 17-1c Level 1 Teaching and Learning and Assessment Strategies Lectures Assignments Seminars Essays Web-based mediated discussion Group presentations groups Individual presentations Group discussions Learning journals Project work (tutor-set and student Research/project file initiated) Portfolio of work Individual/group tutorials 17-2 YSJU Level 2 / NQF Level 5 / FHEQ I 17-2a Level 2 Programme Outcomes Students who gain the award specified will have demonstrated the following learning outcomes: Level 2 Diploma of Higher Education Single Honours students Demonstrate an understanding of the underlying values and principles relevant to Education Studies and a developing personal stance which draws on their increasing knowledge Critically analyse more complex educational concepts, theories and issues of policy in a systematic way Apply their developing value system to their work 4
Single (in addition to the above) and Joint Honours students Apply theoretical perspectives and concepts to a range of situations and issues relevant to Education Studies, including those associated with work-based settings. Demonstrate critical awareness of research strategies particular to Education Studies. Critically analyse data and information relevant to study in Education Studies. Communicate subject-relevant information, ideas and arguments effectively to specialist and non-specialist audiences. Demonstrate an ability to apply knowledge and skills effectively in decision-making in the context of growing maturity as an independent learner. 17-2b Level 2 Programme Structure and Content Modules for the Programme code Title Credits Sem Status Status Joint single 2ED030 How we learn 20 1 Compulsory Compulsory 2ED090 Education, democracy 20 1 Option Option and caring 2ED100 Representations of 20 1 Option Option Education 2ED110 Alternative educations 20 1 Compulsory 2ED010 Knowledge and the 20 2 Compulsory Compulsory Curriculum 2ED120 Education and 20 2 Compulsory globalisation 2ED130 Enquiring about education 20 2 Compulsory Option All modules are 20 credits. Students will need a minimum of 100 credits to progress. 2ED130 will provide the opportunity for a work placement. Study abroad opportunities will be offered during level 2. Single Honours students will take all compulsory modules. A choice will be made between 2ED090 and 2ED100. Joint Honours students will take the two compulsory modules, with 2ED090, 2ED100 and 2ED130 being optional. 17-2c Level 2 Teaching and Learning and Assessment Strategies Lectures Assignments Seminars Essays Individual/group tutorials Group presentations Group discussions Learning journals Project work (tutor-set and studentinitiated) Placement report Research/project file Work placements 17-3 YSJU Level 3 / NQF Level 6 / FHEQ H 17-3a Level 3 Programme Outcomes Students who gain the award specified will have demonstrated the following learning outcomes: Level 3 Ordinary Degree Single Honours students only Demonstrate a proficient understanding of the underlying values and principles relevant to Education Studies and a developing personal stance which draws on their increasing knowledge. Critically analyse complex educational concepts, theories and issues of policy in a systematic way. Apply and reflect on their own value system Single (in addition to the above) and Joint Honours students 5
Show proficiency in combining theories and principles in the analysis and solution of complex educational problems. Demonstrate proficiency in evaluating the appropriateness of research strategies associated with Education Studies. Proficiently use and communicate approaches to the evaluation of qualitative and quantitative data relevant to Education Studies. Acquire, organise and communicate information, ideas and arguments in Education Studies, showing an understanding of the significance and limitations of knowledge in Education Studies. Demonstrate theoretical understanding to help sustain an argument and proficiently apply learned educational theory and principles. Level 3 Honours Degree Single Honours students Demonstrate a complex understanding of the underlying values and principles relevant to Education Studies and a developing personal stance which draws on their increasing knowledge Critically evaluate complex educational concepts, theories and issues of policy in a systematic way Critically reflect on the application of their own value system to their work Single (in addition to the above) and Joint Honours students Demonstrate an understanding of the relationship between theoretical and empirical knowledge at the forefront of Education Studies. Devise and sustain critical commentary on advanced studies in Education Studies. Manage and reflect critically upon own learning. Demonstrate an appreciation of the uncertainty and ambiguity of much knowledge in Education Studies. Apply skills, concepts, theoretical and empirical knowledge, and methods appropriate to Education Studies to initiate, design, plan and execute research. Demonstrate an ability to reach reasoned judgements about arguments and evidence based upon sound critical analysis and an understanding of different value positions. Exercise initiative and personal responsibility in a range of decision-making contexts related to their studies. 17-3b Level 3 Programme Structure and Content Modules for the Programme code Title Credits Sem Status single Status Joint 3ED997 Special Study in Education 20 1/2 Compulsory Option 3ED991 20 (SS20) Special Study in Education 40 1/2 for award if taken Option 40 (SS40) 3ED030 Investigating Learning 20 1 Compulsory Option SS20 Option SS40 3ED070 Education and values 20 1 Compulsory Option SS20 Option SS40 3ED080 Education and policy 2 20 1 Compulsory Option SS20 Option SS40 3ED090 Education and society 20 2 Option Option 3ED060 Education and Contemporary 20 2 Option Option Ethical Issues 3ED100 Education, health and wellbeing 20 2 Option Option 6
In order to be eligible for classification, a student will be required to pass a minimum of 100/120 credits in the final level for the honours degree or 60/120 credits for the ordinary degree. There is no requirement to pass the Special Study for the Ordinary Degree. Single Honours students must take either a 20 or a 40 credit Special Study. If they take the 20 credit Special Study (3ED997), then 3ED030, 3ED070 and 3ED080 are compulsory, with students choosing 40 credits from 3ED090, 3ED060 and 3ED100. If they take the 40 credit Special Study (3ED991) then they choose 40 credits from 3ED030, 3ED070 and 3ED080, and 40 credits from 3ED090, 3ED060 and 3ED100. Joint Honours students must take a 20 or a 40 credit Special Study, but can take it in either subject. If they take the 20 credit Special Study (3ED997), then they must take 3ED090, with the option of 3ED030 in semester 1, and 20 credits from 3ED100 or 3ED060 or the other subject or development modules in semester 2. If they take the 20 credit Special Study in the other subject then they will take 3ED030 and 3ED090, with the option of 20 credits from 3ED070 or 3ED080 or the other subject in semester 1 and 20 credits from 3ED100 or 3ED060 or the other subject or development modules in semester 2. If they take the 40 credits Special Study (3ED991) then they choose 20 credits from 3ED030, 3ED070 or 3ED080 or the other subject in semester 1, and 20 credits from 3ED100, 3ED090 or 3ED060 or the other subject or development modules in semester 2. If they take the 40 credits Special Study in the other subject then they will take 3ED030 and 3ED090, with the option of 20 credits from 3ED070 or 3ED080 or the other subject in semester 1, and 20 credits from 3ED100 or 3ED060 or the other subject or development modules in semester 2. 17-3c Level 3 Teaching and Learning and Assessment Strategies Lectures Assignments Individual/group tutorials Essays Seminars Individual presentations Group discussions Learning journals Web-based mediated discussion Dissertation groups Project work (tutor-set and studentinitiated) Independent study through research and dissertation 18. Progression and Graduation Requirements The University s general regulations for undergraduate/postgraduate awards apply to this programme. These can be found in the Document Directory via the homepage. 19. Internal and External Reference Points This programme specification was formulated with reference to: University Mission Statement QAA subject benchmark statement Joint Honours Framework The Framework for Higher Education qualifications produced by the Quality 7
Assurance Agency for Higher Education Learning and Teaching Strategy 2007/8-2011/12 20. Further Information Further information on the programme of study may be obtained from: Admissions Entry Profile (Admissions) Programme validation document (Registry Academic Standards) Regulations (Registry Academic Standards) Student programme handbook (Faculty) Module handbooks (Faculty) 8