BA (Hons) Education, Childhood and Culture with a Year Abroad
Course options
Key Details
- Award
- Degree of Bachelor of Arts
- UCAS Course Code
- X01A
- Typical Offer
- BBB
- Contextual Offer
- BCC
- Course Length
- 4 years
- Course Start Date
- September 2025
Why you should choose us
Course Overview
Childhood is a vital life stage, and a fascinating area of study. On UEA’s Education, Childhood, and Culture course you’ll explore childhood from a range of perspectives, including the psychology of childhood, spaces of transition and change, developmental stages, global childhoods, and how childhood intersects with cultural issues such as race, gender, disability, and ethnicity. You’ll develop a critical understanding of childhood across a range of cultures and backgrounds.
At UEA, you’ll be taught by leading experts and practitioners from a range of disciplines. You’ll have sessions from experts in sociology, psychology, philosophy, art, mathematics, and many other fields. Our team will help you explore what education and childhood mean to you.
You’ll be able to shape the course to explore your own interests across a range of settings. You’ll explore art and creativity, the human brain, nature and outdoor learning, AI and digital technology, and so much more.
Situated on a vibrant campus in the heart of Norwich, this course will allow you to take advantage of our facilities and links to the local area. Gain experience through placements in educational settings, explore the coast and fens of Norfolk, learn from museums and galleries, and hear from local practitioners.
You’ll be supported towards a wide range of career pathways, with an emphasis on supporting and nurturing children, such as through our strong links to teaching training, careers in educational research, work in government and charity sectors, or youth work. Our team will help you unlock your next steps.
Placement Year and Study Abroad
During a year spent abroad, you’ll further broaden your understanding of education by experiencing teaching at of our partner universities across the globe. This is a key opportunity to understand the cultural and social dynamics of education in an international setting.
For further details, visit the Study Abroad section of our website.
Study and Modules
Structure
You’ll begin your degree by establishing a solid foundation in key theories, concepts, and issues in education. You’ll explore sociological, psychological, historical and philosophical contexts of education, and discover how such contexts help us to understand education in society today. You’ll also link the key concepts and issues to real-life examples, thinking about global education and the impact of technology. We will also equip you with the skills needed to study effectively with key study techniques such as reflection and academic writing.
All first-year education students across our different course titles will take the same set of modules, which means you’ll have the opportunity to transfer to one of the following courses after Year One:
- BA Education
- BA Education, Learning and Teaching
- BA Education, Special Educational Needs and Inclusion.
Compulsory Modules
Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring, review and update of modules. Where this activity leads to significant (but not minor) changes to programmes and their constituent modules, the University will endeavour to consult with students and others. It is also possible that the University may not be able to offer a module for reasons outside of its control, such as the illness of a member of staff. In some cases optional modules can have limited places available and so you may be asked to make additional module choices in the event you do not gain a place on your first choice. Where this is the case, the University will inform students.
Teaching and Learning
You’ll learn in a combination of large lecture groups and smaller seminar groups. You’ll complete individual and group tasks, supporting your understanding of key topics in education. In many sessions you’ll be asked to draw on your own educational experiences. In your first year, you’ll be taught practical skills such as academic reading, note-taking and academic writing.
Alongside your taught sessions, you’ll be required to work independently, and with your peers in groups. You’ll also develop the skills to find readings on your own, which you’ll be expected to bring to taught sessions.
Assessment
You’ll encounter a range of coursework-based assessment techniques, from more traditional essays and presentations to creative projects which will help you build your teaching portfolio.
Structure
At this stage, you’ll study early childhood development (from birth to five years of age), the transitions through childhood to youth (from six years of age), and research methods in educational research. You’ll learn the skills required to undertake empirical research and gain practical knowledge of education.
You can also choose optional modules to tailor your learning to your interests. You’ll have access to a range of modules that focus on topics such as educational psychology, teaching, special educational needs, outdoor learning, language, and other broad understandings of education.
Compulsory Modules
Optional A Modules
(Credits: 20)Optional B Modules
(Credits: 20)Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring, review and update of modules. Where this activity leads to significant (but not minor) changes to programmes and their constituent modules, the University will endeavour to consult with students and others. It is also possible that the University may not be able to offer a module for reasons outside of its control, such as the illness of a member of staff. In some cases optional modules can have limited places available and so you may be asked to make additional module choices in the event you do not gain a place on your first choice. Where this is the case, the University will inform students.
Teaching and Learning
You’ll continue to work in larger lecture groups and small seminar groups. You’ll build upon key skills introduced in Year 1, including team-working and communication, academic reading and writing skills, higher order thinking (critical analysis, synthesis and evaluation) and the link between theory and practice.
You’ll develop skills that are readily transferable into future work settings. This will include growing your independent learning skills, using independent and collaborative learning strategies and conducting small-scale, informal investigations.
Assessment
You’ll continue to be assessed using a wide range of methods as you are given more freedom in your selection of subject areas.
Structure
You’ll spend your third year abroad, further broadening your understanding of education, childhood and culture by learning from one of our partner universities, widening your perspective on the ways culture and education overlap.
Compulsory Modules
Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring, review and update of modules. Where this activity leads to significant (but not minor) changes to programmes and their constituent modules, the University will endeavour to consult with students and others. It is also possible that the University may not be able to offer a module for reasons outside of its control, such as the illness of a member of staff. In some cases optional modules can have limited places available and so you may be asked to make additional module choices in the event you do not gain a place on your first choice. Where this is the case, the University will inform students.
Teaching and Learning
During your year abroad, you’ll further broaden your understanding of education, childhood and culture by learning from one of our partner universities, widening your perspective on the ways culture and education overlap.
Assessment
During your year abroad, you’ll be assessed by your teachers and lecturers at our partner university.
Structure
In your final year you’ll study the construction of childhood, exploring narratives of childhood and what these mean for our understanding of this key period. You’ll also undertake an extended research project, selecting a topic to explore under the supervision of a lecturer.
You’ll select further areas of study from a range of topics, including media representation, mathematics, language learning, and key issues and politics in modern education. This will enable you to build skills for pathways beyond this degree, including continuing into research through Master’s and PhD studies, continuing into education through PGCE pathways, or various other career pathways that we will support you in exploring.
Compulsory Modules
Optional A Modules
(Credits: 20)Optional B Modules
(Min Credits: 20, Max Credits: 40)Optional C Modules
(Min Credits: 0, Max Credits: 20)Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring, review and update of modules. Where this activity leads to significant (but not minor) changes to programmes and their constituent modules, the University will endeavour to consult with students and others. It is also possible that the University may not be able to offer a module for reasons outside of its control, such as the illness of a member of staff. In some cases optional modules can have limited places available and so you may be asked to make additional module choices in the event you do not gain a place on your first choice. Where this is the case, the University will inform students.
Teaching and Learning
You’ll continue to work in larger lecture groups and small seminar groups. In addition, you’ll complete an extended dissertation project, which will improve your independent study skills and provide you with the opportunity to undertake a substantial piece of independent research. This will enable you to organise, design, conduct, and communicate interests and issues within the exciting field of education.
Assessment
Like your first two years, your final year will be assessed by coursework related to your compulsory and optional modules, with the addition of a subject dissertation. For your dissertation you’ll work closely with a supervisor who will provide you with formative feedback throughout the process.
Entry Requirements
- This course is open to
UK and International fee-paying students. Choose UK or International above to see relevant information. The entry point is in September each year.
We welcome and value a wide range of qualifications, and we recognise that some students might take a mixture of different qualifications. We have listed typical examples that we accept for entry.
You should hold or be working towards the specified English and Mathematics requirements and one of the examples of typical entry qualifications listed below. If your qualifications aren’t listed, or if you are taking a combination of qualifications that isn’t specified, please contact Admissions.
- English and Mathematics
All applicants must hold or be working towards GCSEs in English Language and Mathematics at minimum grade C or grade 4.
We accept a wide range of English Language qualifications, please see our English Language equivalencies page.
- Contextual Offers
UEA are committed to ensuring that Higher Education is accessible to all, regardless of their background or experiences. One of the ways we do this is through our contextual admissions schemes.
- Typical UK Entry Requirements
A levels
BBB
Contextual: BCC
BTEC
Level 3 Extended Diploma: DDM
Contextual: DMM
Combinations of BTEC and A levels
Extended Diploma: DDM
Contextual: DMM
Diploma: DD plus B at A level.
Contextual: DD plus C at A level.
Extended Certificate: D plus BB at A level.
Contextual: D plus BC at A level.
BTEC in Public Services, Uniformed Services and Business Administration are all excluded from our BTEC offers
Access to HE Diploma
Pass Access to HE Diploma with Merit in 45 credits at Level 3
T levels
Obtain an overall Pass including a B in the core of the T Level and a Merit in the Occupational Specialism. We accept: Education and Early Years, or Science
- Further Examples of Typical Entry Requirements
International Baccalaureate
31 points overall
Irish Leaving Certificate
2 subjects at H2, 4 subjects at H3
Scottish Highers
AABBB
Scottish Advanced Highers
CCC. A combination of Advanced Highers and Highers may be acceptable
NCFE/CACHE Level 3 Extended Diploma
Grade B or above in the following subjects:
- Children's Care, Learning and Development
- Children's and Young People's Workforce
- Health and Social Care
- Deferred Entry
We welcome applications from students who have already taken or intend to take a gap year. We believe that a year between school and university can be of substantial benefit. You are advised to indicate your reason for wishing to defer entry on your UCAS application.
- Admissions Policy
Our Admissions Policy applies to the admissions of all undergraduate applicants.
- This course is open to
UK and International fee-paying students. Choose UK or International above to see relevant information. The entry point is in September each year.
We welcome and value a wide range of qualifications, and we recognise that some students might take a mixture of different qualifications. We have listed typical examples that we accept for entry.
You should hold or be working towards the specified English and Mathematics requirements and one of the examples of typical entry qualifications listed below. If your qualifications aren’t listed, or if you are taking a combination of qualifications that isn’t specified, please contact Admissions.
- English and Mathematics
All applicants must hold or be working towards GCSEs in English Language and Mathematics at minimum grade C or grade 4.
We accept a wide range of English Language qualifications, please see our English Language equivalencies page.
- Typical International Entry Requirements
We accept many international qualifications for entry to this course. For specific details about your country, view our information for International Students.
A levels
BBB
BTEC
Level 3 Extended Diploma: DDM
Combinations of BTEC and A levels
Extended Diploma: DDM
Diploma: DD plus B at A level.
Extended Certificate: D plus BB at A level.
BTEC in Public Services, Uniformed Services and Business Administration are all excluded from our BTEC offers
International Baccalaureate
31 points overall
- INTO UEA
If you do not meet the academic and/or English language requirements for direct entry our partner, INTO UEA offers progression on to this undergraduate degree upon successful completion of a preparation programme. Depending on your interests, and your qualifications you can take a variety of routes to this degree.
- English Foreign Language
Applications from students whose first language is not English are welcome. We require evidence of proficiency in English (including writing, speaking, listening and reading):
- IELTS: 6.0 overall (minimum 5.5 in all components)
We also accept a number of other English language tests. Review our English Language Equivalencies for a list of example qualifications that we may accept to meet this requirement.
Test dates should be within two years of the course start date.
If you do not yet meet the English language requirements for this course, INTO UEA offer a variety of English language programmes which are designed to help you develop the English skills necessary for successful undergraduate study:
- Deferred Entry
We welcome applications from students who have already taken or intend to take a gap year. We believe that a year between school and university can be of substantial benefit. You are advised to indicate your reason for wishing to defer entry on your UCAS application.
- Admissions Policy
Our Admissions Policy applies to the admissions of all undergraduate applicants.
Fees and Funding
Tuition Fees
View our information for Tuition Fees.
Scholarships and Bursaries
We are committed to ensuring that costs do not act as a barrier to those aspiring to come to a world leading university and have developed a funding package to reward those with excellent qualifications and assist those from lower income backgrounds. View our range of Scholarships for eligibility, details of how to apply and closing dates.
Course Related Costs
Please see Additional Course Fees for details of course-related costs.
How to Apply
UCAS Hub is a secure online application system that allows you to apply for full-time undergraduate courses at universities and colleges in the United Kingdom.
Your application does not have to be completed all at once. Register or sign in to UCAS to get started.
Once you submit your completed application, UCAS will process it and send it to your chosen universities and colleges.
The Institution code for the University of East Anglia is E14.
View our guide to applying through UCAS for useful tips, key dates and further information:
Employability
After the Course
You’ll graduate as a skilled and confident advocate for education, with a key focus on early years, childhood, and youth. You will have training in various emerging cultural experiences and their educational potential, such as education through social media, journalism, public communication, or theatre. You may wish to pursue educational careers that focus on early years and childhood, or on the cultural sector, or both.
You’ll also graduate with the skills and knowledge necessary to progress to postgraduate courses such as a PGCE in primary school teaching. Beyond teaching, you could go on to work in a range of sectors, including educational management and administration, youth, community or charity work, social work, occupational therapy, or museum and gallery education. Or you could continue your studies and research, undertaking other postgraduate courses, including Master’s degrees such as MA in Education, MA in Social Work, MRes in Social Sciences, or MSc in Occupational Therapy.
Careers
Examples of careers that you could enter include:
- Early years practitioner
- Education Officer Arts and Museums
- County Council
- Community Development Officer
- Education and Welfare Consultant
Discover more on our Careers webpages.