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Education Secondary and History

BA (Hons)

Undergraduate degree - combined honours

Award
BA (Hons) Education Secondary and History
School/s
School of Education, School of Writing, Publishing and the Humanities
Campus or location
Newton Park
Course length
Three years full-time.
UCAS codes
Institution Code: B20
Course Code: 39H1 or 39H2
Campus Code: A,BSU

Entry requirements

We accept a wide range of qualifications for entry to our undergraduate programmes. The main ones are listed under 'Typical offers' in the main column below. For combined courses, please check both subjects. If your qualification is not listed, please email admissions@bathspa.ac.uk with your specific details.

Pursue your passion for History while developing the knowledge, skills and attitudes you’ll need for a successful career in Education - and beyond.

  • Gain the classroom experience that employers are looking for through placements in schools during each year of your studies.
  • Develop professional skills and apply them to contemporary challenges, issues and debates.
  • Become a creative communicator who can confidently speak to different audiences through a variety of media.

University of the Year for Social Inclusion

Sunday Times Good University Guide, 2024

#7 in the UK

for Student-Staff Ratio in Education (Guardian University Guide, 2024)

Our Secondary Education and History degree has been designed to enable you to acquire specialised historical knowledge alongside practical and professional skills in Education. 

Become a confident communicator who is able to sift through the raw materials of history and present your findings in a classroom setting. You’ll learn to adapt your style to suit a range of audiences, from young people in schools to the wider community. 

While many of our graduates choose to become teachers and the course offers a guaranteed interview for our Secondary PGCE, we'll support you in achieving all your aspirations as a professional educator – however they develop during the degree.  

Why choose this combination?

Our History and Education degree brings your passion for history to the education environment to make a difference in the present. It also develops your practical and professional skills to help you thrive in the world of work.


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What you'll learn

Overview

You’ll explore education from many theoretical and ideological perspectives in your core modules. This in-depth knowledge of the education industry, combined with your specialist knowledge of History, gives you that all-important edge when you embark on your professional education career.

Course structure

Year one

The first year introduces key concepts and skills that underpin your Education studies and develops your historical skills. You’ll be given a sound introduction to secondary schools via a school placement. The curriculum will allow you to ask questions, challenge your own assumptions, and interrogate evidence, data and opinions.

Year two

In your second year, you'll continue to gain practical and academic History skills. You'll consider current issues in Education, such as pupil voice, special educational needs, assessment and classroom organisation, and apply your knowledge and understanding to a defined problem or area.

Year three

You’ll identify questions about education you'd like to explore, develop your proposal and conduct an independent piece of research around your area of interest. You'll also have opportunities to engage with PGCE staff and students to ease your transition to initial teacher training - if this is your desired next step.

How will I be assessed?

Coursework includes essays, group presentations, research-based reports and portfolio-based work. We’ll provide you with prompt feedback and give you regular guidance on how to improve your skills, knowledge and understanding.

How will I be taught?

All modules are led by experienced University staff.  You’ll get to grips with your subject through lectures, seminars, workshops and individual tutorials.

You’ll also benefit from regular visiting speakers. These include PGCE and History staff, educational advisers, specialist researchers and international practitioners.

Throughout my three years on this course, I've developed a wide and in-depth understanding of the many ways that children learn. I feel confident in applying this understanding to my PGCE year and to my own teaching.

Robert Collard, graduate

Opportunities

Schools and placements

Placement modules prepare you for the world of work and teaching. We have an extensive network of partners across local, regional and national organisations, and can help you make the most of the opportunity to work with them.

Through these placements, you’ll develop problem solving skills, leadership qualities and strong communication methods to better prepare you for a related career. 

Study abroad

As part of your degree, you could study abroad on a placement at one of Bath Spa’s partner universities.

Careers

This course is designed to inform a range of careers - from classroom teaching where you can share your passion for History, to advisory roles that inform educational policy and practice.

The transferable skills you’ll gain on this course will prepare you for a career that demands confident communication at all levels. You’ll be well-equipped for project management, education and events management. You may also choose to continue your studies at postgraduate level.

Successful completion of the Secondary Education degree qualifies you for a guaranteed interview for our PGCE Secondary courses.

Global Citizenship

If you’re a full-time undergraduate student starting your first year at Bath Spa University, you can apply for the Certificate in Global Citizenship, which you’ll study alongside your degree. 

You’ll gain global awareness and add an international dimension to your student experience, and funding is available. On successful completion of the programme, you’ll be awarded a Certificate in Global Citizenship. This is in addition to your degree; it doesn’t change your degree title or results.

Adobe Creative Campus

Develop a wealth of indispensable digital skills that you can take into your future career. One of only three Adobe Creative Campuses in the UK, we provide all Bath Spa students with access to the full Adobe Creative Suite, giving you the tools to communicate creatively, whatever your course or chosen professional field.   

Professional placement year

Overview

This optional placement year provides you with the opportunity to identify, apply for and secure professional experience, normally comprising one to three placements over a minimum of nine months. Successful completion of this module will demonstrate your ability to secure and sustain graduate-level employment.

By completing the module, you'll be entitled to the addition of 'with Professional Placement Year' to your degree title.

Preparation

Before your Professional Placement Year, you'll work to secure your placement, constructing a development plan with your module leader and your placement coordinator from our Careers and Employability team.

How will I be assessed?

On your return to University for your final year, you'll submit your Placement Portfolio, detailing your development on your placement.

Facilities and resources

Where the subject is taught

Your Secondary Education and History modules are based at our historic Newton Park campus. 

You'll have access to a wide range of excellent facilities, including:

Access to our research centres will give you the opportunity to stay up-to-date with the latest in teaching research and excellence.

Fees

2024 entry
Student Annual tuition fee
UK full time £9,250
International full time £16,675

Professional Placement Year

During the placement year, the fee is reduced to 20% of the full time fee. This applies to UK and EU/International students.

  • UK: £1,850
  • International: £3,335

Interested in applying?

What we look for in potential students

We’re looking for individuals who are curious, reflective and interested in their subject areas. You’ll be motivated, committed and keen to push the boundaries of your knowledge and get the best possible preparation for your future career.

Typical offers

We accept a wide range of qualifications for entry to our undergraduate programmes. The main ones are listed below. All applicants will also be required to hold a grade 4 or equivalent in GCSE English, Maths and Science.

  • A Level – grades BBB-BCC preferred in History or a related subject
  • BTEC – Extended Diploma grades from Distinction Distinction Merit (DDM) to Distinction Merit Merit (DMM) accepted in a related subject.
  • T Levels – grade Merit preferred.
  • International Baccalaureate – a minimum of 32 points are required with a minimum of grade 5 in History at Higher Level.
  • Access to HE courses – typical offers for applicants with Access to HE will be the Access to HE Diploma or Access to HE Certificate (60 credits, 45 of which must be Level 3, at Merit or higher).

English Language Requirements for International and EU Applicants

IELTS 6.0 - for visa nationals, with a minimum score of IELTS 5.5 in each element.

Entry requirements for PGCE courses

The entry requirements for subsequent interview to the PGCE programme may alter (for example if the DfE changes entry requirements for PGCE courses). You’ll be advised of any changes during the degree.

Course enquiries

For further information about the programme or entry requirements, please email us at admissions@bathspa.ac.uk.

How do I apply?

Ready to apply? Click the 'apply now' button in the centre of this page.

Need more guidance? Head to our how to apply pages.

Award leader (Education Secondary): Eleanor West
Email: e.west@bathspa.ac.uk
Course leader (History) Dr David Coast
Email: d.coast@bathspa.ac.uk

Three year course
With placement year

Website feedback to web@bathspa.ac.uk