Education Secondary and Creative Computing
BA (Hons) + PGCE
Undergraduate degree - combined honours
- UCAS codes: Institution B20, Course 39G9
Key facts
- Award
- BA (Hons) Education Secondary and Creative Computing; PGCE
- School/s
- School of Education
- Campus or location
- Newton Park
- Course length
- Four years full-time (3+1).
- UCAS codes
- Institution Code: B20
- Course Code: 39G9
- Campus Code: A,BSU
Entry requirements
We accept a wide range of qualifications for entry to our undergraduate programmes. Typical offers include A-level grades CCC.
See 'typical offers' for more information.
Combine your specialist subject with a secondary education degree, which leads to a secondary PGCE.
- Gain the classroom experience employers are looking for through placements in schools each year.
- Join our long-standing and highly respected School of Education, and benefit from strong partnerships with schools.
- On successful completion of the undergraduate degree, you'll qualify for a guaranteed interview for our Secondary PGCE.
This secondary education degree is designed to enable you to gain real teaching experience before you embark on your PGCE. You'll study Education - in the broader contexts of professional practice, policy, teaching and learning - alongside the subject you're most passionate about.
In teaching, subject expertise and enthusiasm isn't enough to give you the edge. This award gives you the practical experience of working in schools with young people that employers are looking for.
The course offers a guaranteed interview for our Secondary PGCE, and is flexible; we'll support you in achieving your aspirations as a professional educator - however they develop during the programme. You'll benefit from our tutors' wealth of research and practice-informed expertise when you join this community of learning and practice.
“I believe that completing the Education degree prior to starting the PGCE has provided an invaluable ‘foundation’ to the PGCE course.”
Samantha-Jayne Moore, graduate
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 subject knowledge, 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 the subject of Education Studies. In addition, the placement module provides you with a sound introduction to secondary schools via a school placement.
Year two
You’ll consider more deeply the current issues in education, such as pedagogy, pupil voice, special needs, assessment and classroom organisation. You’ll undertake a second school placement, this time with a focus on developing your professionalism.
Year three
This year, the Teaching and Professionalism module prepares you for the PGCE. For your dissertation, you'll explore an issue of your choice and use your creativity and the skills you've gained so far to develop a classroom resource to address it. You'll also have opportunities to engage with PGCE staff and students; this eases your transition to initial teacher training.
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 and respected university staff. Many staff are active researchers and authors in the field of education studies; from the outset they’ll introduce you to their particular specialisms and research interests. You’ll also benefit from regular visiting speakers – these include headteachers, PGCE staff, practitioners, educational advisers, specialist researchers and international visitors.
Course modules
This course offers or includes the following modules. The modules you take will depend on your pathway or course combination (if applicable) as well as any optional or open modules chosen. Please check the programme document (below the main image on this page) for more information.
Year one (Level 4) modules
- Education for Change
- Introduction to Secondary Schools
- Changing Schooling
Year two (Level 5) modules
- Issues in Education
- Professional Practice in Secondary Schools
- Understanding Classrooms
Year three (Level 6) modules
- Education Secondary Independent Project Part 1
- Teaching and Professionalism in the Secondary School
- Education Secondary Independent Project Part 2
Opportunities
Schools and placements
We have an excellent partnership with schools, where you can develop your understanding of Secondary level teaching.
You’ll attend a placement in each year of the programme of approximately eight to ten days. They usually occur on one day a week during a term, to allow you to continue with other university studies. We’ll arrange each placement for you. We try to ensure you are located within a reasonable distance from where you live; however, you should normally expect to travel using your own or public transport.
You must be in possession of a Bath Spa DBS disclosure. Details are sent once you have accepted your place with us.
Study abroad
You’ll have the opportunity to study in a wide range of locations around the world. Our students have completed Erasmus+ and Exchange programmes in a variety of countries.
Careers
This course is designed to inform a range of education careers - from classroom teaching, to advisory roles that inform policy and practice both nationally and internationally.
Successful completion of the degree leads to a guaranteed interview for our Oftsted 'Outsanding' rated Secondary PGCE course.
Our students often enter the teaching profession in local schools and a range of other settings, and benefit from continued participation in the community of research and practice here at Bath Spa.
Facilities and resources
Where the subject is taught
Your Secondary Education modules are based at Newton Park campus. You'll also undertake placements in schools in each year of your studies.
You'll benefit from access to a wide range of excellent facilities, including:
- Our Commons building
- Newton Park library
- Writing and Learning Centre
- Specialist Education resources and dedicated subject Librarian
- Our Virtual Learning Environment, Minerva.
You'll have access to the PGCE team, particularly in your final year as you transition to intitial teacher training, and you'll also benefit from talks by guest speakers and incoming experts. Access to our research centre, TED-W, will give you the opportunity to stay up-to-date with the latest in teaching research and excellence.
Fees
UK and EU students full time
2020/21 Entry
Course fees
| Year 1 | £9,250 |
| Year 2 | Published Jan 2021 |
| Year 3 | Published Jan 2022 |
2021/22 Entry
Course fees
| Year 1 | Published Jan 2021 |
| Year 2 | Published Jan 2022 |
| Year 3 | Published Jan 2023 |
2022/23 Entry
Course fees
| Year 1 | Published Jan 2022 |
| Year 2 | Published Jan 2023 |
| Year 3 | Published Jan 2024 |
International students full time
2020/21 Entry
Course fees
| Year 1 | £13,700 |
| Year 2 | Published Jan 2021 |
| Year 3 | Published Jan 2022 |
2021/22 Entry
Course fees
| Year 1 | Published Jan 2021 |
| Year 2 | Published Jan 2022 |
| Year 3 | Published Jan 2023 |
2022/23 Entry
Course fees
| Year 1 | Published Jan 2022 |
| Year 2 | Published Jan 2023 |
| Year 3 | Published Jan 2024 |
Interested in applying?
What we look for in potential students
Your personal statement must indicate clearly at least ten days of recent experience of observing or working in a primary school. You need to write about this experience and reflect on what you've learned from it, and also discuss why you're applying for this secondary education degree.
Note: 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.
Typical offers
We accept a wide range of qualifications for entry to our undergraduate programmes. The main ones are listed below:
- A-level - Grades CCC preferred in addition to GCSEs at Grade C/4 or above in English, Maths and Science
- BTEC - Extended Diploma grades Merit, Merit, Merit (MMM) preferred in a related subject, in addition to GCSEs at Grade C/4 or above in English, Maths and Science
- International Baccalaureate - a minimum score of 26 points with evidence of an interest in Education accepted, in addition to GCSE Grade C/4 or equivalent in English, Maths and Science
- 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, including 30 at merit or higher) accepted in addition to GCSE Grade C/4 or equivalent in English, Maths and Science.
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.
How do I apply?
Find the Education Secondary combination you're interested in. Click the "apply now" button in the centre of the page.
Need more guidance? Head to our how to apply pages.
Admissions service: +44 (0)1225 876 180
Email: admissions@bathspa.ac.uk
Course leader: Catherine Simon
Email: c.simon@bathspa.ac.uk
"Education Secondary" is a name revision to the programme currently running as "Education (Secondary Teaching Pathway)".
Join the next generation of digital creatives with our hands-on, industry-focused Creative Computing degrees.
- Learn by making. Build imaginative games, apps and interactive experiences on one of our three degree pathways.
- Co-create. Work with like-minded students and benefit from practical engagement with industry partners.
- Become adaptable. Graduate as an in-demand fusion of creative thinker and technologist.
Excited by the collision of computing and creativity? Ever wondered how to code beautiful web apps, bring stories to life through animation, or build those intuitive little smartphone games that you just can’t seem to put down? Our Creative Computing course could be for you.
This course celebrates digital creativity. We teach you broad computing and design skills, from smartphone app building to VR game development and beyond. You learn your craft from the ground up, through a mix of workshops, tech demos, creative problem solving challenges and collaborative briefs. We believe that in this field you learn best by making, so you can look forward to creating digital work from day one.
What you'll learn
Overview
You’ll study a series of Creative Computing modules, alongside modules from your combination subject. There are three possible routes: Major, where Creative Computing is the lead subject; Minor, where it is the complimentary subject; and Joint, where study time is divided equally between Creative Computing and a combination subject.
In core Creative Computing modules, we teach you skills essential to creative computing and digital creativity more widely. These include programming (C languages, Java), web app deployment (HTML5, JavaScript, PHP), and asset creation (Adobe, Autodesk). If you decide to take the major route, you’ll be able to access our specialist games design and digital animation modules.
Course structure
Year one
Master the basics. Start your journey through Creative Computing by developing key skills in computing and digital design. We provide an induction to computer science (binary, hardware, operating systems, networking) and probe the social and ethical consequences that are distinct to the digital age. Weekly skills workshops expose you to the basics of web development, physical computing (Arduino, Raspberry Pi) and object-oriented programming. Specific modules on creative problem solving, interface design and coding for the visual arts are available to joint or major route students.
Year two
Enhance your digital skill set. Core module, Codelab II introduces the C family of programming languages. We introduce agile methodologies of production and teach you how to deploy event listeners and Application Programming Interfaces (APIs) to create interactive, data driven programs. Joint and major route students can access a suite of modules that include Games Design, Digital Animation, Web and Mobile Application Development, Emerging Technologies, and Industry-Informed Projects.
Year three
Kickstart your career. You’ll enhance your software development knowledge, while setting yourself up for success in the tech / creative industries. One third of your time is spent developing a significant digital artefact. This work becomes the centrepiece of a compelling, industry-focused creative portfolio. Major route students can extend their knowledge of the gaming or animation pipelines in the modules, Games Studio and Advanced Animation. Joint award students are given the opportunity to undertake an industry placement.
How will I be assessed?
Creative Computing is almost entirely coursework assessed. You’ll deliver a varied and balanced collection of artefacts including prototype software, experiment portfolios, digital interfaces, interactive stories and web apps. Project work is supported by contextual essays, reflective commentaries, sketchbooks, reports, pitches, presentations, debates and b/vlogs.
How will I be taught?
You’ll be taught through creative workshops, technical labs, seminars and project drop-ins. These sessions are supported by individual and team tutorials throughout your degree programme. CodeLab modules are delivered in small groups. This provides the tutor contact time you need to learn computer programming effectively.
A network of visiting speakers and mentors keep you in touch with developments in the tech / creative sectors, while a team of technical demonstrators reinforce the ‘skills training’ aspects of your learning.
Course modules
This course offers or includes the following modules. The modules you take will depend on your pathway or course combination (if applicable) as well as any optional or open modules chosen. Please check the programme document (below the main image on this page) for more information.
Year one (Level 4) modules
- CodeLab I
- Web Development
- Experience Design
- Ideation and Creative Problem Solving
- Introduction to Computing
- Digital Storytelling
- Image, Sound and Code
Year two (Level 5) modules
- CodeLab II
- Emerging Technologies
- Creative Industry Challenge
- Computer 3D Modelling and Visualisation
- Games Development
- Smartphone Apps
- Motion Graphics and Sound
- Games Studio
- The Responsive Web
- Professional Placement Year
Year three (Level 6) modules
- Applied Computing
- Creative Incubator
- Cyber Security
- Web Games
- Physical Computing
- Realtime Animation and Interactivity
- Virtual and Augmented Reality
- Serious Games
- Commercial Games
- Web Apps
- Tomorrow’s Web
Opportunities
Study abroad
Creative Computing students across all pathways can apply for Erasmus+ and Exchange programme opportunities offered by Bath Spa University.
Work placements, industry links and internships
We draw on a diverse network of industry partners. We collaborate with emerging tech companies, prolific creative media practitioners, and a collective of independent animation and game studios in Bath, Bristol and beyond. Our students are invited to work on these exciting projects, and enjoy the industry contacts and funding that they often provide.
Many of our students take on freelance work and placements during their time with us.
Collaboration
You’ll have access to countless collaborative possibilities. Co-create with students studying storytelling, animation, film-making, publishing, dance, music technology – the list goes on – to create unique and compelling digital work.
Facilities and resources
Where the subject is taught
You'll have access to our:
- Commons building
You're taught within the cutting-edge Commons building, situated at the heart of our stunning Newton Park campus. - High-end computing spaces, populated with 24 Windows machines with i9 processors and GTX 1060/1080 graphics cards.
- Virtual Learning Environment
- Newton Park library
- Free access to software, creative, design and business skills courses via LinkedIn Learning
- Writing and Learning Centre
- English Language Unit
You can also hire out equipment using SISO, Bath Spa University’s free equipment loan service.
Fees
UK and EU students full time
2020/21 Entry
Course fees
| Year 1 | £9,250 |
| Year 2 | Published Jan 2021 |
| Year 3 | Published Jan 2022 |
2021/22 Entry
Course fees
| Year 1 | Published Jan 2021 |
| Year 2 | Published Jan 2022 |
| Year 3 | Published Jan 2023 |
2022/23 Entry
Course fees
| Year 1 | Published Jan 2022 |
| Year 2 | Published Jan 2023 |
| Year 3 | Published Jan 2024 |
International students full time
2020/21 Entry
Course fees
| Year 1 | £14,700 |
| Year 2 | Published Jan 2021 |
| Year 3 | Published Jan 2022 |
2021/22 Entry
Course fees
| Year 1 | Published Jan 2021 |
| Year 2 | Published Jan 2022 |
| Year 3 | Published Jan 2023 |
2022/23 Entry
Course fees
| Year 1 | Published Jan 2022 |
| Year 2 | Published Jan 2023 |
| Year 3 | Published Jan 2024 |
All students full time - with professional placement year
During the placement year, the fee is reduced to 20% of the full time fee. Otherwise, fees are the same as for full time study. This applies to UK, EU and International students.
Interested in applying?
What we look for in potential students
We look for students with a drive to pursue big ideas and a clear willingness to try out new things. Successful applicants will be imaginative, organised and have a keen eye for detail. Programming experience is not an essential prerequisite for this course. We teach coding from the ground up.
Typical offers
Applicants are considered on an individual basis also taking into account any skills and experience that may not be reflected in A-level scores. The most important consideration is for applicants to have the qualities and potential to succeed in this exciting new area of study.
We accept a wide range of qualifications for entry to our undergraduate programmes. The main ones are listed below:
- A-Level – overall grades CCC-CDD are accepted.
- BTEC – Extended Diploma – Merit, Merit, Merit (MMM) - Merit, Merit, Pass (MMP) accepted.
- International Baccalaureate – a minimum of 26 points are accepted.
- 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, including 15 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.
How do I apply?
Ready to apply? Using our list of possible combinations, choose which Creative Computing combination you'd like to apply for. Click the 'apply now' button on that course page.
Need more guidance? Head to our how to apply pages.
Portfolio guidance
We recommend that you attach a portfolio of creative work to your application. The portfolio should contain two or three examples of your digital projects. These may be small games, web designs, asset models, interactive stories or any other type of artwork or creative artefact.
Get ahead
Although we teach coding from the ground up, you can get ahead by learning some basic programming techniques before you join the course. Online tools such as Codecademy (HTML and CSS, C++) are excellent starting points for learning to think algorithmically. Good luck!
Admissions service: +44 (0)1225 876 180
Email: admissions@bathspa.ac.uk
Course leader: Lee Scott
Email: l.scott@bathspa.ac.uk