Education, Culture and Childhood BA

2024-25 entry
School of Education

This degree is one of only a few in the country to combine the fields of education and childhood studies, designed to prepare you for a career in almost any area of education or children's services.

Key details

Explore this course:

    Course description

    Photograph of BA ECC seminar

    Gain a 360 degree view of education and open up a range of career opportunities working with children and young people.

    Our course is one of only a few in the country to combine education and childhood studies.

    You'll investigate different perspectives - philosophical, psychological, sociological, historical - to get a comprehensive view on educational theory, policy, practice and culture and discover some of the key issues surrounding child development and child psychology.

    In year two you will develop your knowledge and skills in the professional environment through a work placement or work-based project. Thanks to our partnerships with regional educators we offer quality work placements, providers include primary schools, prevention and early intervention services, dyslexia centres and even a farm!

    You’ll have plenty of opportunities to gain valuable work experience, enhancing your skills and influencing your career path.

    During your second and third years, you get to shape the degree to match your interests with topics covering areas such as educational psychology, the sociology of education, children and digital cultures, philosophies of education and education policy. We'll also train you in educational research methods.

    There's a small-scale research project in the second year and an extended dissertation in the third year.

    Our academic team are internationally recognised in their specialist areas and experts in their fields of research, so you will graduate with the knowledge and insight that employers are seeking in the areas of education, social care and youth studies.

    Why study this course?

    • Dedicated placement support - we will support you to secure a placement, bring in alumni to share their experiences, work with you to ensure you develop the most in-demand skills, and support you with career planning and CV workshops.
    • Your learning environment - your course director knows every student personally, and you will get a lot of individual support across all of your modules, receiving swift feedback that is personalised and part of an ongoing dialogue to support your future development. You will be assessed by written coursework and presentations - there are no final year exams.
    • You are the focus - student reps, student voice week and our ambassadors all shape how our department runs. Within this relatively small student cohort, you will have a strong sense of group identity that allows you to flourish.

    Modules

    A selection of modules are available each year - some examples are below. There may be changes before you start your course. From May of the year of entry, formal programme regulations will be available in our Programme Regulations Finder.

    Choose a year to see modules for a level of study:

    Title: Education, Culture and Childhood BA course structure
    UCAS code: X300
    Years: 2025
    First year

    Core modules:

    Education, Power and Society: Introduction to the Sociology of Education

    This module explores the relationship between educational institutions/cultures/systems and social inequalities. We focus on class, gender, ethnicity and disability and look at the ways in which education systems serve to tackle or reproduce patterns of inequality and relations of power. The module also evaluates different policy frameworks and goals. For example, whether the focus of education policy should be placed on nurturing active citizenship (and what this would look like) or whether the main priority should be to serve the needs of the economy (and how this might be achieved).

    20 credits
    Making Sense of Education: Facts, Fiction and Data

    Politics, practices and media discourses related to Education, frequently invoke 'evidence' or statistical reasoning in an attempt to persuade. These approaches can be deliberately misused or accidentally misleading. This module will equip you with the knowledge you need to become a discerning data user and critic through a mix of active learning, seminars and computer workshops. You will develop practical skills to support your engagement with 'evidence' throughout your studies, explore a range of issues in qualitative and quantitative research design, and create a foundation for your future development as a critical researcher.

    20 credits
    Child Psychology

    This module explores the relationship between psychological theory and educational policy and practice, considering some of the ways in which Education and Local Authority services have been influenced by ideas about children developed in psychological research. Some of the core concepts of Psychology are introduced such as cognitive psychology (intelligence, language and learning), behaviourism (including modification techniques), social and emotional development (including family and attachment, trauma) as well as the study of individual differences (with reference to psychopathologies such as autism, attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder).

    20 credits

    Optional modules - two from:

    Exploring Makerspaces: Foundations for Creative Learning

    This module provides a comprehensive study of makerspaces, focusing on their role in modern collaborative learning and innovation. A growing movement internationally, maker education provides children and communities with the skills, knowledge and habits of mind to make projects in relation to real world problems using both high- and low-tech tools, traditional crafts and modern digital materials and technologies. 

    This module begins by defining makerspaces and examining their significance in formal and non-formal educational contexts. It emphasises the importance of makerspaces not just as physical entities, but also as an innovative pedagogical approach.

    Practical application is central to this module. Students will actively engage in areas such as electronics, materials, digital literacies, and digital design and fabrication. In addition to skill acquisition, the module emphasises aligning these skills with wider academic and professional attributes. A local field-trip allows students to observe real-world makerspaces and design processes, reinforcing classroom learning. 

    At the end of the module the students will exhibit an artefact or artefacts that they have made over the course of the module accompanied by a curation note for audiences which will explain the concepts and process underpinning the creation. This will form the first part of the assessment. The second part will be a written commentary which explains and elucidates the artefact, locating its conception, design and creation within the field of makerspace practice and discourse.

    This module is informed by the cutting edge research and practice project, Maker{Futures}. It blends theoretical understanding with hands-on experience, preparing students to create and innovate in makerspace environments, and to introduce makerspace pedagogies and approaches into broader professional settings.

    20 credits
    Critical Curriculum Study

    The curriculum is often taken for granted by those who experience it, such as parents, students and teachers. This module poses questions about curriculum - what is it and who is it for? Different perspectives on curriculum are explored to establish a framework for critical curriculum study. After examining school curriculum reform both in England and in international contexts, the module will focus in depth on a single case study curriculum in England. This focused study will be carried out from the perspective of curriculum history, policy reform, analysis and implementation through research involving classroom-based curriculum development.

    20 credits
    Social and Historical Constructions of Childhood

    In this module students will explore how childhood has been portrayed across different societies and at different times, and will examine how childhoods are shaped and influenced by the societies in which children live, learn and are cared for. Through a series of lectures, group work and individual study tasks, students will think about the ways in which childhood has changed over time and how different views and perspectives on childhood create different expectations of children. Through the study of historical and social constructions of childhood, students will develop a fuller understanding of how ways of working with children can be shaped by external influences.

    20 credits
    Histories of Education

    This unit introduces students to a range of historical perspectives on education. It takes a critical historical approach to understanding the development of educational ideas, systems and practices by drawing attention to different cultural and historical contexts. In helping students question and challenge dominant ideas about education and its purposes, it will engage with and critique the philosophy of history to explore possible links between historical investigation and present day understandings of education. Topics include: the nature of history, early conceptions of education, education in pre-modern and modern contexts, development of mass schooling, histories of education, social justice and meritocracy.

    20 credits

    Plus one or two other optional modules.

    The content of our courses is reviewed annually to make sure it's up-to-date and relevant. Individual modules are occasionally updated or withdrawn. This is in response to discoveries through our world-leading research; funding changes; professional accreditation requirements; student or employer feedback; outcomes of reviews; and variations in staff or student numbers. In the event of any change we'll consult and inform students in good time and take reasonable steps to minimise disruption.

    Learning and assessment

    Learning

    There will be a small number of students in your year group, so you will get to know each other and your tutors well. There will be some lectures but much of the teaching is through seminars, either as a year group, or in smaller groups. This creates a supportive learning environment where you can explore a topic in detail and exchange ideas.

    We invest to create the right environment for you. That means outstanding facilities, study spaces and support, including 24/7 online access to our online library service.

    Study spaces and computers are available to offer you choice and flexibility for your study. Our five library sites give you access to over 1.3 million books and periodicals. You can access your library account and our rich digital collections from anywhere on or off campus. Other library services include study skills training to improve your grades, and tailored advice from experts in your subject.

    Learning support facilities and library opening hours

    You'll be taught by academic staff who are internationally recognised for research in their specialist areas. Many of them have won awards for their teaching while others are practitioners in fields such as educational psychology.

    Assessment

    We assess your learning through written coursework and presentations. Feedback is swift, personalised, and is part of an ongoing dialogue to support your future development.

    Programme specification

    This tells you the aims and learning outcomes of this course and how these will be achieved and assessed.

    Find programme specification for this course

    Entry requirements

    If you have non-standard entry qualifications you may be able to do the foundation year option and then progress onto the main course.

    With Access Sheffield, you could qualify for additional consideration or an alternative offer - find out if you're eligible.

    Standard offer

    The A Level entry requirements for this course are:
    ABB

    A Levels + a fourth Level 3 qualification
    BBB + B in a relevant EPQ (relevant research topics include politics, sociology, childhood studies, and psychology)
    International Baccalaureate
    33
    BTEC Extended Diploma
    DDD in a relevant subject
    BTEC Diploma
    DD in a relevant subject + B at A Level
    T Level
    Distinction in the CACHE Education and Childcare T Level, including Distinction in the occupational specialism and grade A in the core component
    Scottish Highers
    AAABB
    Welsh Baccalaureate + 2 A Levels
    B + AB
    Access to HE Diploma
    Award of Access to HE Diploma in a relevant subject, with 45 credits at Level 3, including 30 at Distinction and 15 at Merit
    Other requirements
    • CACHE Extended Diploma in a relevant subject is accepted at grade A

    Access Sheffield offer

    The A Level entry requirements for this course are:
    BBB

    A Levels + a fourth Level 3 qualification
    BBB + B in a relevant EPQ (relevant research topics include politics, sociology, childhood studies, and psychology)
    International Baccalaureate
    32
    BTEC Extended Diploma
    DDM in a relevant subject
    BTEC Diploma
    DD in a relevant subject + B at A Level
    T Level
    Distinction in the CACHE Education and Childcare T Level, including Distinction in the occupational specialism and grade A in the core component
    Scottish Highers
    AABBB
    Welsh Baccalaureate + 2 A Levels
    B + BB
    Access to HE Diploma
    Award of Access to HE Diploma in a relevant subject, with 45 credits at Level 3, including 24 at Distinction and 21 at Merit
    Other requirements
    • CACHE Extended Diploma in a relevant subject is accepted at grade A

    English language requirements

    You must demonstrate that your English is good enough for you to successfully complete your course. For this course we require: GCSE English Language at grade 4/C; IELTS grade of 6.5 with a minimum of 6.0 in each component; or an alternative acceptable English language qualification

    Pathway programme for international students

    If you're an international student who does not meet the entry requirements for this course, you have the opportunity to apply for an International Foundation Year in Business, Social Sciences and Humanities at the University of Sheffield International College. This course is designed to develop your English language and academic skills. Upon successful completion, you can progress to degree level study at the University of Sheffield.

    If you have any questions about entry requirements, please contact the department.

    Graduate careers

    School of Education

    Our graduates go into educational leadership and management, educational journalism and publishing, educational research, community education and development, early years services, youth, charity and educational welfare work.

    The degree is a sound basis for further training in social work and educational psychology. If you're interested in teaching, you could progress onto a primary PGCE. Or you may decide to stay on for a masters or PhD so you can specialise in an area that interests you.

    Explore your career options on the School of Education website

    Photograph of Chloe Jameson

    I hope that BA ECC will continue to be a springboard for others as it was for me

    Chloe Jameson BA Education, Culture and Childhood

    Speech and Language therapist, Chloe, was certain that she wanted to work with children, but wasn’t ready to commit to a specific pathway like teaching, the flexibility of this course let her focus on areas relevant to the postgraduate pathways she was considering.

    Profile photo of Sarah Winstanley

    I was able to tailor the degree to my own interests

    Sarah Winstanley BA Education, Childhood and Culture

    Sarah's expectations of the BA Education, Culture and Childhood were thoroughly exceeded. The knowledge she gained has supported her in several ways as she embarks on a teaching career.

    Profile photo of Anna Woof

    Studying at Sheffield helped me get my dream job

    Anna Woof BA Education, Childhood and Culture

    For Anna, the BA Education, Childhood and Culture was a personal degree experience that developed her skills, confidence and helped open the doors to her dream career.

    School of Education

    We're proud to welcome a vibrant and diverse community, with students based locally, nationally and internationally. Our research has a direct impact on educational theory, policy and practice; we're supporting the development of children, families, schools and learning communities.

    The BA Education, Culture and Childhood combines two academic subject areas: Education Studies and Childhood Studies. This allows you to gain a detailed understanding of the themes underpinning current educational policy and practice as well as critically engage with issues surrounding child development and the meaning of childhood. You'll make links with psychology, sociology, history, cultural studies, politics and philosophy, too - to gain a truly 360-degree perspective on your subject.

    Our seminars are interactive and everyone is encouraged to take part. The course director knows every student personally, and you will get a lot of individual support across all of your modules.

    Our team of tutors at the School of Education comprises of experts in early childhood education, policy and practice, psychological theory of education, and languages and education. Many of our academic staff are internationally recognised in their specialist areas.

    Our placement module is an excellent way to gain valuable work experience, enhancing your skills and influencing your career path. We offer quality work placements that also provide you with the opportunity to develop your knowledge and skills in a professional environment. We will support you in selecting an appropriate placement setting, whether you want to focus on teaching or alternatives to teaching.

    We timetable teaching across the whole of our campus. Many of the University buildings are close together so it’s easy to walk between them and it’s a good way to get to know the city.

    School of Education

    Why choose Sheffield?

    The University of Sheffield

      Number one in the Russell Group
    National Student Survey 2023 (based on aggregate responses)

      92 per cent of our research is rated as world-leading or internationally excellent
    Research Excellence Framework 2021

      Top 50 in the most international universities rankings
    Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2023

      Number one Students' Union in the UK
    Whatuni Student Choice Awards 2023, 2022, 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017

      Number one for teaching quality, Students' Union and clubs/societies
    StudentCrowd 2023 University Awards

      A top 20 university targeted by employers
    The Graduate Market in 2023, High Fliers report


    School of Education

    12th for education in the UK

    Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2022

    Joint 1st in the UK for education research impact

    Research Excellence Framework 2021

    Fees and funding

    Fees

    Additional costs

    The annual fee for your course includes a number of items in addition to your tuition. If an item or activity is classed as a compulsory element for your course, it will normally be included in your tuition fee. There are also other costs which you may need to consider.

    Examples of what’s included and excluded

    Funding your study

    Depending on your circumstances, you may qualify for a bursary, scholarship or loan to help fund your study and enhance your learning experience.

    Use our Student Funding Calculator to work out what you’re eligible for.

    Placements and study abroad

    Placement

    You may have the opportunity to add an optional placement year as part of your course, converting the three year course to a four-year Degree with Placement Year. 

    A placement year will help you to:

    • gain an insight into possible careers
    • develop a range of transferable skills
    • build a professional network
    • get a feel for what you do and don’t like doing
    • add valuable work experience to your CV
    • gain experience of applying for jobs and interview practice
    • apply elements of academic learning in the workplace

    Study abroad

    Spending time abroad during your degree is a great way to explore different cultures, gain a new perspective and experience a life-changing opportunity that you will never forget. 

    You can apply to extend this course with a year abroad, usually between the second and third year. We have over 250 University partners worldwide. Popular destinations include Europe, the USA, Canada, Australia, Singapore and Hong Kong. 

    Find out more on the Global Opportunities website.

    Visit

    University open days

    We host five open days each year, usually in June, July, September, October and November. You can talk to staff and students, tour the campus and see inside the accommodation.

    Open days: book your place

    Subject tasters

    If you’re considering your post-16 options, our interactive subject tasters are for you. There are a wide range of subjects to choose from and you can attend sessions online or on campus.

    Upcoming taster sessions

    Offer holder days

    If you've received an offer to study with us, we'll invite you to one of our offer holder days, which take place between February and April. These open days have a strong department focus and give you the chance to really explore student life here, even if you've visited us before.

    Campus tours

    Our weekly guided tours show you what Sheffield has to offer - both on campus and beyond. You can extend your visit with tours of our city, accommodation or sport facilities.

    Campus tour: book your place

    Apply

    Make sure you've done everything you need to do before you apply.

    How to apply When you're ready to apply, see the UCAS website:
    www.ucas.com

    Not ready to apply yet? You can also register your interest in this course.

    The awarding body for this course is the University of Sheffield.

    Recognition of professional qualifications: from 1 January 2021, in order to have any UK professional qualifications recognised for work in an EU country across a number of regulated and other professions you need to apply to the host country for recognition. Read information from the UK government and the EU Regulated Professions Database.

    Any supervisors and research areas listed are indicative and may change before the start of the course.

    Our student protection plan

    Terms and Conditions upon Acceptance of an Offer

    2024-2025

    Make sure you've done everything you need to do before you apply.

    How to apply When you're ready to apply, see the UCAS website:
    www.ucas.com

    Not ready to apply yet? You can also register your interest in this course.

    This degree is one of only a few in the country to combine the fields of education and childhood studies, designed to prepare you for a career in almost any area of education or children's services.