Education and Sociology - BA (Hons)
Explore the theoretical understanding and practical application of education, combined with the core concepts of sociology, enabling you to develop your skills in conducting social research. You will study a range of important social issues and contemporary challenges as well as how professionals operate in the education sector, from policy making to teaching. Education and Sociology will help to equip you with valuable skills in communication and problem-solving, preparing you for a career in teaching or related fields.
We are in the process of refreshing our curriculum for the 2025/26 academic year to reflect best practices and the latest advancements in academia. New course content and modules will be available on this course page in Autumn 2024.
Year of entry
- 2025
Course type
- Combined Honours
UCAS code
- LX33
Duration of study
- 3 years / 4 years with international or placement year
Why study Education and Sociology at Keele University?
Teaching Excellence Framework GOLD
Keele University has been awarded the highest rating of gold in the teaching excellence framework (TEF), 2023. The TEF assessment identifies excellence in the educational experience and outcomes of our students, focusing on all undergraduate courses and students.
"As I am looking at a career in teaching, I chose to take a Placement module. I had the opportunity to spend time in primary, secondary and special schools. This was really beneficial as I was able to put the theoretical knowledge from the course into practice and was able to see how policies are implemented in schools and their effects on both teachers and learners."
Additional opportunities
There are a range of additional opportunities available when studying this course.
Please note, undertaking one may impact upon the availability of another.
Work Placement Opportunities
In the School of Social Sciences, you may have the opportunity to apply for a placement module to develop your knowledge and skills in professional environments. This may include opportunities to experience teaching and learning in Primary, Secondary and Special Educational Needs (SEN) schools.
During this experience, you would observe and assist with classroom activities and develop your practical and professional skills in the company of professionals and learners in different age and development stages. We have a wide range of contacts with local schools in the area where you can gain this valuable hands-on experience in the education sector.
Please note: There are limited spaces on this module.
Work Placement Year
On this course, you will have the opportunity to opt for a Work Placement Year in either subject between Year 2 and 3. This will allow you to apply your knowledge and practical skills in a workplace environment enabling you to build key skills in communication, teamwork and project management. You will be able to demonstrate your abilities and creative thinking, working with fellow professionals as well as independently.
You will be supported by staff in your preparation to apply for a work placement that suits your interests and career prospects. This opportunity will allow you to develop both personally and professionally during your studies which will assist you in your employment after university.
Study Abroad
International Year
Enhance your career prospects with an International Year at one of our partner institutions. Choosing this optional opportunity between 2nd and 3rd year can help in your employment search to stand out from the crowd and broaden your horizons, potentially working across the globe.
This experience will expose you to a different culture and society where you will be able to reflect on your learning and apply your knowledge further. You will also gain insight into the different challenges faced by the community and develop your understanding of sociological factors that impact the way in which people live their lives. This will enhance your expertise in this subject area and allow you to grow personally and professionally, ready for when you leave university.
On successful completion of all modules across the year, you will graduate with an enhanced degree title. This can be highly beneficial for your career prospects and through experiencing different cultures; you will not only grow as an individual, but you will also strengthen your knowledge and interests within society. You can find more information here.
Alternatively, you may choose to study abroad for just a semester in your second year which will count towards your second-year grades. Our Global Opportunities team will support you through the process, ensuring you are able to get the most out of your international experience.
Entry requirements
The following section details our typical entry requirements for this course for a range of UK and international qualifications. If you don’t see your qualifications listed, please contact us to find out if we can accept your qualifications. If you don't think you'll meet the entry requirements specified, you may be able to gain entry to this course via a Foundation Year.
Typical offer
Please ensure that you read the full entry requirements by selecting your qualifications from the dropdown menu below. This will include any subject specific, GCSE/Level 2 Maths, and English language requirements you may need.
Please select your qualification from the drop-down list below for the full entry requirement information
A Level
BBC in three A Levels.
Contextual Offer: CCC in three A Levels.
You will also need: an English language qualification (see below).
BTEC Extended Diploma / National Extended Diploma
DMM in any BTEC Extended Diploma / National Extended Diploma.
Contextual Offer: MMM in any BTEC Extended Diploma / National Extended Diploma.
You will also need: an English language qualification (see below).
BTEC National Diploma / Diploma
Distinction and Merit in any BTEC National Diploma / Diploma and C in one A Level, or Merit and Merit in BTEC Diploma and A in one A Level.
You will also need: an English language qualification (see below).
BTEC National Extended Certificate / Subsidiary Diploma
Distinction in any BTEC National Extended Certificate / Subsidiary Diploma and CC in two A Levels, or Merit in any BTEC National Extended Certificate / Subsidiary Diploma and BB in two A Levels.
You will also need: an English language qualification (see below).
T Level
Merit in any T Level.
You will also need: an English language qualification (see below).
International Baccalaureate Diploma
554 in three Higher Levels or 29 points.
Contextual Offer: 444 in three Higher levels or 27 points.
You will also need: an English language qualification (see below).
International Baccalaureate Career-Related Programme
We encourage applications with the IBCP but recognise that your combination of qualifications may differ depending on where you are studying.
If you are taking a BTEC National Diploma / Diploma with one or more Higher Levels, your offer will be similar to our BTEC + A level offer (see 'BTEC National Diploma / Diploma') but with an HL requirement of 6 for A, 5 for B, or 4 for C.
For any other combination, please contact the University Admissions Team for advice.
Access to HE Diploma
112 UCAS points in any Access to HE Diploma including Distinction in at least 15 Level 3 credits.
You will also need: an English language qualification (see below).
Welsh Baccalaureate / Bagloriaeth Cymru
The Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate is equivalent to one full A Level at the same grade and can be included alongside 2 other A Levels in a standard A Level offer for this course (see A Level). All subject specific requirements will still need to be met.
Scotland - Highers and Advanced Highers
BCCCC in five Highers, or CD in two Advanced Highers and CC in two Highers, or CCD in three Advanced Highers.
You will also need: an English language qualification (see below).
Extended Project Qualification (EPQ)
If you have B or higher in the EPQ and are studying A Levels, BTEC, the International Baccalaureate Diploma, or an Access to HE Diploma, you will typically receive an alternative offer which will be lower than the standard offer. Please see 'Alternative and contextual offers' below.
Core Maths
If you have B or higher in Core Maths and are studying A Levels, BTEC, the International Baccalaureate, or an Access to HE Diploma, you will typically receive an alternative offer which will be lower than the standard offer. Please see 'Alternative and contextual offers' below.
Ireland - Leaving Certificate
H3, H4, H4, H4, H4, H4 in the Irish Leaving Certificate.
You will also need: an English language qualification (see below).
China - Gaokao
70% in the Gaokao.
You will also need: an English language qualification (see below).
India - Standard XII
Average of 65% from four subjects in the ICSE, CBSE or Western Bengal Standard XII, or average of 70% from four subjects in any other Standard XII.
You will also need: an English language qualification (see below).
Germany - Abitur
2.4 overall average in the Abitur.
You will also need: an English language qualification (see below).
France - Baccalaureate
12 in the French Baccalaureate/International Option Baccalaureate/Baccalauréate Français International.
You will also need: an English language qualification (see below).
Hong Kong - Diploma
443 from two electives and one core subject in the HKDSE.
You will also need: an English language qualification (see below).
Spain - Bachillerato
Overall average of 7 in the Título de Bachillerato.
You will also need: an English language qualification (see below).
Italy - Diploma di Esame di Stato
75% in the Esame di Stato.
You will also need: an English language qualification (see below).
Cyprus - Apolytirion
17.5 / 83% in the Apolytirion.
You will also need: an English language qualification (see below).
Portugal
Overall average of 15 in a Secondary Certificate.
You will also need: an English language qualification (see below).
Canada - Diploma
60% / BCCCC in five courses in the Grade 12 Diploma.
You will also need: an English language qualification (see below).
Kenya - KCSE / Diploma
We do not accept the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education for direct entry. However, you can apply to study an International Foundation Year at Keele University International College. On successful completion, you can progress to an undergraduate degree at Keele.
We may accept a two year Diploma. Please contact the University Admissions Team for advice.
Nigeria - Senior School Certificate / OND
We do not accept the Senior School Certificate (WAEC or NECO) for direct entry. However, you can apply to study an International Foundation Year at Keele University International College. On successful completion, you can progress to an undergraduate degree at Keele.
We may accept an Ordinary National Diploma with GPA of 2.5 or a Merit / Lower Credit. Please contact the University Admissions Team for advice.
USA - Advanced Placement
443 from three Advanced Placement subjects.
You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)
Ghana
We do not accept the West African Senior School Certificate Examination for direct entry. However, you can apply to study an International Foundation Year at Keele University International College. On successful completion, you can progress to an undergraduate degree at Keele.
Sri Lanka - Advanced Level
BBC in three Advanced Levels.
You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)
Malaysia - STPM
BBC in three Principal Level subjects in the STPM.
You will also need: an English language qualification (see below).
Pakistan - Secondary School Certificate
We do not accept the Secondary School Certificate for direct entry. However, you can apply to study an International Foundation Year at Keele University International College. On successful completion, you can progress to an undergraduate degree at Keele.
Singapore - A Levels (H2)
BBC in three H2 Levels.
You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)
European Baccalaureate
70% overall.
You will also need: an English language qualification (see below).
NCUK
Pass NCUK Foundation Year with BBC and a C in EAP English Language module.
Uganda - Advanced Certificate of Education
BBC in three Principal Level subjects in the Advanced Certificate of Education.
You will also need: an English language qualification (see below).
Zimbabwe - Advanced Level GCE
BBC in three Advanced Level subjects.
You will also need: an English language qualification (see below).
English language requirements
All of our courses require an English language qualification or test. For most students, this requirement can be met with a 4 or C in GCSE English. Please see our English Language guidance pages for further details, including English language test information for international students. For those students who require an English language test, this course requires a test from Group A.
Alternative and contextual offers
We're committed to ensuring equality of opportunity to all our applicants with the potential and motivation to succeed, regardless of background. That's why we operate a range of alternative offer schemes with clear eligibility criteria, including contextual offers, offers for those studying within the Keele region, and recognising a range of additional qualifications in your offer.
General information
The entry grades outlined in this section indicate the typical offer which would be made to candidates, along with any subject specific requirements. This is for general information only. Keele University reserves the right to vary offer conditions depending upon a candidate's application.
"I chose to study a combined honours degree in Education and English Literature which broadened my subject expertise and demonstrated how two distinct fields can merge and inform each other. I was given the freedom to choose from a diverse list of modules which meant the degree I studied was shaped by my own interests. The degree programme offered many opportunities to gain transferable skills through placements in schools and involvement in community projects. The teaching and classes were genuinely enjoyable, and they were delivered by a team of knowledgeable and engaging lecturers. My study of Education at Keele was a fantastic experience."
Foundation year
Our Foundation Year provides an excellent alternative route to Keele, providing a unique opportunity to better prepare for your chosen degree, and with guaranteed entry onto your undergraduate course once you successfully complete your Foundation Year.
This extra year of study can improve your academic skills, expand your subject knowledge, give you a better understanding of higher education and, perhaps most importantly of all, build your confidence.
Keele University is consistently ranked among the top universities for student satisfaction, and we have over 70 years' experience of teaching a foundation year to students. On the Keele Foundation Year, you'll study on campus, joining our undergraduate community from the outset, with access to all the facilities and support that you'd get as an undergraduate student at Keele.
The information in this Foundation Year section is for UK/Home applicants. Where an international Foundation Year is available, please see the 'Information for international students' tab.
The information within this page is for students wishing to start their studies in September. If you would like to start this course in January, please visit our January pages for further details.
Course content
Our Foundation Year allows you to develop your critical thinking, academic reading, writing, and communication study skills along with subject-specific knowledge and skills which will be invaluable in your academic studies and beyond. Upon meeting the progression criteria and successfully completing our Foundation Year, you will automatically progress into your Keele undergraduate degree with the confidence that you have the skills, and knowledge needed to successfully complete your course.
The Keele Foundation Year is a two semester programme which provides a tailored pre-degree programme of study to better prepare you for the BA (Hons) Education and Sociology degree. For example, the Foundations of Social Sciences 1 module introduces you to the ‘backbone’ of social sciences, the concept of social inclusion, the factors that lead to exclusion and the impact this may have on individuals, families and communities. In addition, the Advancing Social Sciences module aims to take the Social Sciences out of the classroom and into the real world to investigate the impacts of industrialisation, de-industrialisation and gentrification on Stoke-on-Trent. Course content has been developed in collaboration with degree teaching teams, so that by the time you begin Year 1, you will be ready to excel at your studies, as the majority of our Foundation Year students do.
Find out more about the Keele Foundation Year, including information about teaching and assessment methods by visiting the Foundation Year homepage.
Course structure
The module details given below are indicative, they are intended to provide you with an idea of the range of subjects that are taught to our current students. The modules that will be available for you to study in future years are prone to change as we regularly review our teaching to ensure that it is up-to-date and informed by the latest research and teaching methods. The information presented is therefore not intended to be construed and/or relied upon as a definitive list of the modules available in any given year.
Semester one modules
In addition to the modules listed, students will study a further 15 credits in semester one. The optional modules available for students to choose from is dependent on the degree programme and timetabling restraints.
FYO-00247 | Foundations: Breaking the code - Understanding Academic Writing | 15 credits |
FYO-00263 | Foundations of Social Sciences 1 | 15 credits |
FYO-00265 | Foundations of Social Sciences 2 | 15 credits |
Semester two modules
FYO-00269 | Advancing Social Sciences | 30 credits |
FYO-00271 | University Research Portfolio | 30 credits |
Entry requirements
The entry grades outlined in this section indicate the likely offer or range of offers which would be made to candidates along with any subject specific requirements. This is for general information only. Keele University reserves the right to vary offer conditions depending upon a candidate’s application. Read more about our undergraduate entry requirements.
- Between 40-48 UCAS points from at least 1 A level/level 3 qualification or equivalent, or
- Relevant work experience
AND
- GCSE English Language at grade 4 (C), or Level 2 Functional Skills, or
- IELTS 5.5 (with 5.5 in all subtests)
How to apply
Students will need to apply for BA (Hons) Education with Foundation Year (UCAS code X3L3) through UCAS at www.ucas.com. You will be contacted to confirm your second subject by a member of our team.
Direct entry students
If you already have your qualifications, are not expecting any further results and only wish to apply to Keele, please contact the Admissions Office directly.
The information in this Foundation Year section is for UK/Home applicants. Where an international Foundation Year is available, please see the 'Information for international students' tab.
We also offer a January start for some of our Foundation Year courses. Adopting a blended learning approach, the January start is particularly useful for students wishing to return to education following time out of studying, or who are seeking a flexible approach to their Foundation Year studies. Our January start is available across most of our Science, Humanities, Social Science, Health and Business courses.
Whilst still being a full-time course, our blended delivery model combines live teaching sessions - both online and on-campus - with self-directed study, enabling you to predominantly study at a time that suits your lifestyle. You will benefit from weekly online taught sessions which encourage you to engage with your teachers and peers.
In addition to online study there will be a series of full study days that you will be required to attend throughout each semester. These sessions may include lab-based activities, group work, review of course and assessment materials studied online. They will emphasise opportunities for you to deepen your knowledge and understanding of your chosen route.
Please refer to the September start tab for more information about the entry requirements and what you will study. The modules that you will take on a January start Foundation Year will be similar to those for the September start, but on a compressed timescale and tailored to a blended learning approach (with the majority of learning taking place online).
For more information, including fees, the UCAS code for this course, how to apply, and how you will be taught, please visit our January Start Foundation Year webpage.
Our International Foundation Year is delivered on campus through Keele University International College (KUIC). Find out more about the International Foundation Year options on the KUIC website.
Discover the Keele difference
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