Education Secondary and History
BA (Hons) + PGCE
Undergraduate degree - combined honours
- UCAS codes: Institution B20, Course 39H1
Key facts
- Award
- BA (Hons) Education Secondary and History; 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: 39H1
- 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)".
Challenge yourself. Push boundaries. Our hands-on History degree looks to the past to answer the burning questions of today.
- Study History in a World Heritage City that’s surrounded by fascinating sites – both ancient and modern.
- Develop compelling communication skills and the ability to diversify across a number of cultural and social sectors.
- Work with a small, dedicated team of tutors who are experts in a rich variety of historical topics.
History at Bath Spa is anything but typical. First, there’s our amazing location – you’ll be based at our idyllic Newton Park campus, which boasts grand Georgian buildings and a fortified manor house dating back to the fourteenth century. With our modern, purpose-built study spaces, and Bristol just on the doorstep, you’re perfectly situated to enjoy the best of old and new. Plus, there’s a wealth of other sites to discover nearby, including Stonehenge and Avebury.
“I loved the fact that the course was really challenging, and gave me the opportunity to learn about a wide and varied period of history. The tutors were always friendly, encouraging and approachable. It was a life changing experience, and the best thing I have ever done.”
Nicola Tallis, History graduate
The employability of our graduates (95.6%*) also sets us apart. We want you to become a confident communicator, able to sift through the raw materials of history and re-present your findings to any audience – on any platform. Yes, you’ll write essays. But we also want you to be able to podcast, tweet, blog, create scripts for film and radio, and adapt your style to suit a range of consumers, including young audiences.
To a large extent, you’ll curate your own syllabus from a broad range of modules and topics, including democracy and dictatorship, the British Empire, British and American pop culture, riots, revolutions, and slavery. In your second and third years, you’ll have the freedom to specialise and focus on what inspires you.
You’ll benefit from close contact with experts in diverse historical perspectives throughout the course. We’re a small team of committed, eminently approachable, inspiring tutors, engaged in fascinating research in topics that range from migration to the Secret Service.
*95.6% of our History graduates were in work or further study six months after graduating (DLHE 16/17).
What you'll learn
Overview
We combine the academic study of history with skill-based modules to create our ‘hands-on’ History degree. You could find yourself learning to write a funding application for one of your modules, and sifting through primary sources at the Wiltshire and Swindon History Centre or Bath City Archives on another.
You’ll gain broad historical skills and expertise – how to read historical texts; how to use a wide range of historical sources; how to discuss and debate historical subjects. You’ll also learn to analyse, process information, make decisions, manage projects, network, collaborate, and work with experts inside and outside of the University.
You’ll graduate with a wide range of transferable personal and intellectual skills, relevant both to further academic study and to your career ambitions.
Course structure
Year one
Develop a foundation of historical skills and expertise. At the heart of your first year are two core modules – the rest is up to you. For example, you might choose to study topics such as world heritage, archaeology, society, politics, war, gender, and popular culture in the modern world.
Year two
Start to specialise. You’ll extend your knowledge and build your confidence as you deal with new subjects and approaches. Underpinning this is the philosophy of History – how ideas about the past have changed over time, and how the study of history has influenced, and been influenced by, wider changes in society.
Year three
Focus on what inspires you. Your dissertation or final project is an important element of your third year. You’ll identify and develop your own historical question, conduct research, and prepare an extended piece of writing. New topics are offered through optional modules, such as political, social and cultural history, public history, and the impact of the past on the modern world.
How will I be assessed?
We’ll assess your progress in a variety of ways including essays, research papers, group presentations, projects, portfolios, and reports. There are timed assessments and some modules will have end-of-year examinations.
Our assessment methods allow you to develop and demonstrate different skills. Many of these will help you in the workplace, for example: planning ahead, working to deadlines, and managing priorities.
How will I be taught?
You’ll get to grips with your subject through lectures, seminars, workshops, and individual tutorials.
You can take advantage of the learning support provided across the University, whether to develop your writing skills or to learn how to use new techniques and technologies.
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
- Europe and the World I
- Europe and the World II
- Atlantic Histories
- Politics, Democracy and Dictatorship in the Modern World
- Disunited Kingdoms: society, politics and culture in Britain and Ireland
- Gender, identity and power: themes and approaches
- War and Popular Culture in the Modern World
- Heritage and Public History
- Material Evidence: History, Heritage and Archaeology
- Fragments of the World: an introduction to World Heritage
- The World in Ten Objects
Year two (Level 5) modules
- Making History 1: Sources: the building blocks of History
- Making History 2: Discourses and approaches
- The British Empire: from Opium Wars to Decolonisation
- Censorship, morality and freedom in British and American Popular Culture in the 20th Century
- Culture, society and politics in 18th and 19th century Britain and Ireland
- The Great War: Conflict and Society
- An ungovernable people? Rights and riot in a historical perspective
- Revolutionary and Napoleonic Europe
- Ships, slaves and sugar: Britain and France in the Atlantic Trade
- Immigration and Race in 20th Century Europe
- Heritage Matters? People, place and politics
- Presenting the Past: audience, story, media
- Professional Placement Year
Year three (Level 6) modules
- Researching the Past: Planning and preparation
- Dissertation
- Extended Research Project
- Animating the Past: Public History in Practice
- Epoch of Chaos: A global history of the 1970s
- Islam: Faith, politics and history
- Conflict and community: Public History, Cultural Heritage and Global Politics
- Muslim Migration and Islam in Europe in a Historical Perspective
- More than a Game: Sport and the Modern World
- Society, Culture and Consumption 1700-1900
- Secret Service: Intelligence and Espionage
- History Works: Placement Module
- Memory, slavery and social cohesion in Britain and France
Opportunities
Study abroad
You’ll be able to make good use of opportunities to study abroad through our Erasmus+ and other international programmes within our network of partner universities, usually taken in your second year.
Field trips
Depending on your module choices, you’ll visit Stonehenge, Avebury, Bristol Harbour, M-Shed, major national museums and galleries such as Oxford’s Ashmolean or the V&A, and hidden gems such as the Wiltshire Museum in Devizes or Dyrham Park, just outside Bath.
Linked to our teaching, trips change from year to year. But our location in the heart of the Bath and Bristol cultural area means you you can learn outside the seminar room. We have The Holburne Museum, Roman Baths and Brunel’s SS Great Britain right on our doorstep.
Work placements, industry links and internships
Placement modules prepare you for the world of work. 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.
You'll be able to work on projects with our partners in the city and region. This might involve research in a historic house, oral history projects, or devising public events and exhibitions. Through these projects, you’ll work collaboratively, manage your time, develop project management skills, and prepare for a future career.
Careers
If you’ve ever wondered what you can do with a History degree, the answer may surprise you. Yes, you could become a historian or a teacher, but we prepare you for so much more.
The transferable skills you’ll gain on this course will prepare you for a career that demands confident communication at all levels. This could include curation for museums and heritage organisations, or work in the public and social services, the charitable sector, or the NHS. You’ll be well-equipped for project management, education, and events management. You may also choose to continue your studies at postgraduate level.
Our graduates have gone into such areas as financial services, the police force, and management training schemes with major retailers, as well as worked for the National Trust, Bristol Old Vic and the Southbank Centre.
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
Our campus is a historic resource in its own right. You’ll be based mainly at Newton Park’s outstanding Commons building. Our campus buildings – which include a period manor house, gatehouse, keep, and state-of-the-art learning and performance facilities – are set in an eighteenth-century landscape complete with lake and pavilions.
With excellent links to nearby Bristol, you benefit from all the advantages of a buzzing, modern city, while being based in a beautiful, rural location just outside Bath city centre.
You'll have access to excellent facilties including:
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 |
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
You’ll have a passion for the subject, a curiosity for the sources of things, and how they inform our present, a commitment to finding out more, and a willingness to try new things. You may already have some great ideas about what you like to do and where you’d like to focus. Or you might want to look at historical topics in new ways, and explore aspects of the past you haven’t encountered before.
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 accepted with Grade C in History or related subject preferred
- BTEC - Extended Diploma grades Merit, Merit, Merit (MMM) preferred in a related subject
- International Baccalaureate - a minimum score of 26 points required with grade 5 or above 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, including 30 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? Click the 'apply now' button in the centre of this page.
Need more guidance? Head to our how to apply pages.
Get ahead
We encounter the past every day, in news stories and current events; in political speeches and parliamentary debates; in the places around us. You can get ahead simply by listening, looking, and thinking about all of these. If you’d like to do some reading as well, here are some suggestions:
- Jared Diamond, Guns, Germs and Steel, 1997
- Peter Frankopan, The Silk Roads: A New History of the World, 2015
- Yuval Noah Harari, Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind, 2014
Admissions service: +44 (0)1225 876 180
Email: admissions@bathspa.ac.uk
Course leader: Dr Alison Hems
Email: a.hems@bathspa.ac.uk