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BA (Hons) + PGCE
Undergraduate degree - combined honours
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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:
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.
Please note: Students from the EU, EEA and Switzerland are no longer eligible for the UK (Home) fee status. Please refer to the international student rate.
Year 1 | £9,250 |
Year 2 | Published Jan 2022 |
Year 3 | Published Jan 2023 |
Year 1 | Published Jan 2022 |
Year 2 | Published Jan 2023 |
Year 3 | Published Jan 2024 |
Year 1 | Published Jan 2023 |
Year 2 | Published Jan 2024 |
Year 3 | Published Jan 2025 |
Year 1 | £14,720 |
Year 2 | Published Jan 2022 |
Year 3 | Published Jan 2023 |
Year 1 | Published Jan 2022 |
Year 2 | Published Jan 2023 |
Year 3 | Published Jan 2024 |
Year 1 | Published Jan 2023 |
Year 2 | Published Jan 2024 |
Year 3 | Published Jan 2025 |
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.
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.
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 GCSEs at Grade C/4 or above 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.
Course enquiries
For further information about the programme or entry requirements, please email us at admissions@bathspa.ac.uk.
Ready to apply? Click the 'apply now' button in the centre of this page.
Need more guidance? Head to our how to apply pages.
Admissions service: admissions@bathspa.ac.uk
Course leader: Eleanor West
Email: e.west@bathspa.ac.uk
Music at Bath Spa is varied, creative and contemporary. This is a practical, busy Music course, with weekly performances throughout the year (both students and visiting professionals).
You’ll devise, sing and play in a wide variety of styles, and have the opportunity to collaborate with students from other courses across the University. As part of the course, you'll be able to join a wide range of groups and ensembles such as orchestras, choirs, bands and world music groups including our own Javanese Gamelan.
As a Bath Spa Music student, you'll be part of Bath School of Music and Performing Arts. Based at the Michael Tippett Centre, you'll have access to a range of purpose-built facilities, and you'll be part of Bath Spa Productions, which organises events throughout the year including SparkFest – part of Bath International Music Festival. All this gives you valuable experience that you can demonstrate to potential employers and take with you into your future career.
“Every year the music department stages Opera and Music Theatre productions to a very high standard, which is something that really interests me. There are a large number of ensembles to take part in, and also the support and facilities to start your own if you wanted to.”
Joe Gatley, Music graduate
Throughout this music degree you’ll study practical performance in areas such as classical music, jazz and contemporary styles, instrumental and vocal studies, composition and musical contexts from medieval through to the present day.
You can also study areas such as music psychology, community music, world music and issues within the music industry.
We currently have over 20 ensembles open to all students, including numerous choirs, symphony and chamber orchestra, wind band and jazz big band, jazz small groups, our own Javanese Gamelan, brass, wind and string ensembles, folk, and experimental music groups.
Year one
You’ll study performance, including regular one-to-one instrumental/vocal lessons, composition in a wide range of styles and genres, music technology in our industry-standard labs, world music lectures and practical workshops, musicology lectures and seminars, research and study skills.
Year two
You’ll develop skills in teaching and in the area of music management and promotion through the professional module, and have the option to undertake a placement in a musical organisation. You'll continue to develop your musical skills, and increasingly specialise in areas of particular strength and interest.
Year three
You’ll have the freedom for creative output in a wide range of specialisms, depending on your career aspirations and goals. You'll also choose from a wide range of supporting modules designed to prepare you for the professional world of music.
You’ll be assessed through coursework, including creative artefacts, written and spoken presentations, and through practical assessments such as recitals and public ensemble performances.
The Music course is taught through workshops, masterclasses, lectures, seminars, individual tutorials and instrumental/vocal lessons.
You’ll be taught by, and work alongside, a creative community of experts. Full-time staff are all practising performers, composers and researchers.
You’ll also be taught by visiting staff, many with international reputations.
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.
There are opportunities through the Erasmus scheme to study abroad for a term or longer in year two – we have links with university music departments and schools in Europe, particularly Germany and the USA.
We give regular performances throughout the year in Bath as well as beyond. Each year we fully stage opera and musical theatre productions.
In years two and three, you'll have the opportunity to engage with field trips and music projects in the community.
During the course you’ll explore the constantly changing needs of the employment market, and you can choose to take a placement in year two.
Recent placements have included the Bath International Music Festival, the BBC Proms, Welsh National Opera, Glyndebourne, Royal Opera, BBC Music Magazine, Dorling Kindersley and Real World.
You’ll benefit from masterclass sessions from leading international musicians, composers and performers, as well as experts from the music industry.
We offer three cash prizes in performance, composition and ensemble to students in their final year.
Graduates from BA (Hons) Music at Bath Spa go on to successful careers in a range of roles including those in education, special needs and community music, performance, composition, promotion, publishing and other aspects of the music business.
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.
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.
On your return to University for your final year, you'll submit your Placement Portfolio, detailing your development on your placement.
Based at the Michael Tippett Centre, we have excellent facilities including:
Please note: Students from the EU, EEA and Switzerland are no longer eligible for the UK (Home) fee status. Please refer to the international student rate.
Year 1 | £9,250 |
Year 2 | Published Jan 2022 |
Year 3 | Published Jan 2023 |
Year 1 | Published Jan 2022 |
Year 2 | Published Jan 2023 |
Year 3 | Published Jan 2024 |
Year 1 | Published Jan 2023 |
Year 2 | Published Jan 2024 |
Year 3 | Published Jan 2025 |
Year 1 | £14,720 |
Year 2 | Published Jan 2022 |
Year 3 | Published Jan 2023 |
Year 1 | Published Jan 2022 |
Year 2 | Published Jan 2023 |
Year 3 | Published Jan 2024 |
Year 1 | Published Jan 2023 |
Year 2 | Published Jan 2024 |
Year 3 | Published Jan 2025 |
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.
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.
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 GCSEs at Grade C/4 or above 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.
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.
Ready to apply? Click the 'apply now' button in the centre of this page.
Need more guidance? Head to our how to apply pages.
Admissions service: admissions@bathspa.ac.uk
Course leader: Tom Worley
Email: t.worley@bathspa.ac.uk
Website feedback to web@bathspa.ac.uk