Education Studies and Mathematics | Bishop Grosseteste University

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Why study this course

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This is a highly practical degree, teamed with the theory you will need to succeed. Gain up to 9 weeks of experience within work-based placements.

Study university Mathematics through inspiring sessions and highly interactive workshops. Small group teaching is delivered by enthusiastic academics passionate about teaching.

Outstanding support is provided to develop highly demanded skills in teaching and other careers. We offer exciting Mathematics projects such as outreach work in schools, digital newsletter, and mentoring schemes.

Course summary

Studying Education Studies at BGU will provide you with an excellent understanding of education in its widest sense, nationally and globally, and is a great course if you are interested in a career in teaching or are thinking about working in other education-related areas.

Mathematics is vital in modern society, underpinning our understanding of the sciences, engineering, technology, finance and many other aspects of our everyday lives. Mathematics graduates are in short supply and we aim to provide you with the tools you need to make a real difference in the world and to those around you.

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Key facts

Award	BSc (Hons)
UCAS code	X1G1
Duration	3 years
Mode of study	Full-time
Start date	September
Awarding institution	Bishop Grosseteste University
Institution code	B38

Course details

About this course

Education Studies

How do people learn? What gets in the way of learning? Where might people learn best – and how? Do we need schools? Is it possible to ‘school’ the world? Can education make a difference to human rights? Women's rights? Nationally? Globally? These are just some of the big questions that you will examine through studying Education Studies at BGU in Lincoln. We are proud of our highly contemporary, reactive and issues-based course that has been carefully designed to give you that ‘bigger’ picture of education in a global society. An Education Studies degree from BGU will equip you well for the future, no matter what your career destination, but if you are planning to go on to teach you will find that our modules will open your eyes to some different ways of thinking about education and its purpose and place in society.

Studying Education Studies with us will provide you with an excellent understanding of education in its widest sense, nationally and globally, and is a great choice if you are interested in a career in teaching or are thinking about working in other education-related areas. The undergraduate degree provides you with a deep and reflective knowledge and understanding of contemporary issues in education, directly related to everyday practice. You’ll debate education policy, find out more about the drivers of educational change in England today and critically consider different approaches to schools and schooling, both within the UK and globally.

A key feature of Education Studies is a focus on you as a developing practitioner. You will be encouraged to develop a strong personal ideology of education during the course and will be supported in the development of secure employability skills through our work-based placements. A number of core modules each year incorporate placements in schools or other education-related settings and carefully structured placement tasks will ensure that you gain valuable first-hand practical experience.

Mathematics

We want students who ask questions and discuss ideas so that you develop confidence in solving problems and thinking mathematically. We encourage you to understand and enjoy mathematics rather than memorise rules and procedures. We teach mathematics mainly through group workshops and offer a learning experience that is very different from larger universities.

Mathematics at BGU will not only develop your mathematical and practical skills and your understanding of teaching, learning and education; it will also allow you to share your enthusiasm to inspire others. With the support of dedicated and professional staff, you will study numerous aspects of both pure and applied mathematics and, in doing so, gain a good overall appreciation for the subject. We’ll help you to develop a detailed knowledge and deep conceptual understanding of a range of mathematical topics including complex numbers, matrices, algebraic techniques, algorithmic methods, probability and calculus. You’ll also learn how to apply your work to practical situations, using appropriate mathematical tools and technology to aid with real-life problem-solving.

You can be sure you’ll receive all the support you need. We have experienced and dedicated staff who are passionate about mathematics and will work extremely hard to transmit that enthusiasm to you. This course is ideal if you take satisfaction from solving problems and would love to pass on your enthusiasm to others.

What you will study

Students on this course currently study some or all of the modules listed below. However, these modules are currently under review and may differ for September 2023 entry.

You will be introduced to a range of major educational theorists and philosophers concerned with child development and learning, including Skinner, Piaget, Vygotsky, Bruner, and the significant contributions of each. You will discuss and reflect upon your growing awareness of the developing child within the educational system and of your own learning.

During this module, you will be introduced to the nature and purpose of education and some simple ideological frameworks. You will explore theories, issues and ideas concerning teaching and learning in contemporary classrooms, including the study of key factors affecting learning, such as ethnicity, gender and socio-economic status, as well as how learning can be supported and how attainment gaps can be narrowed.

Complex Numbers and Matrices are introduced in this module and a study of their basic algebraic and geometric properties follows. The existence of complex numbers is first established via the solution of quadratic equations, where no real solution can exist, and this study is extended to apply the Fundamental Theorem of Algebra in the more general solution of polynomial equations.

This module focuses on developing your knowledge and understanding of algebra and graphs through various applications of ICT. Studies of algebraic sequences and inequalities are used to introduce you to abstract notation and to facilitate practice with core algebraic skills, and this is then used to inform a study of infinite series and to establish the notion of “convergence”.

This module will introduce you to theories and ideologies of inclusive practice and will examine interpretations of diversity and inclusion in different contexts. You will undertake an examination of education and social policies in practice, in order to understand how adapted provision can meet a diverse range of needs within society, which may result from socioeconomic status, ethnicity, gender identity and/or sexual orientation, special educational needs and disability.

In this module you will study contrasting ideas and ideologies about education - its purpose, function and how and where education could or should take place. You will find out how the vision of highly influential thinkers, international educational practices and political views about education have driven change in the English Education system and begin to construct your own, personal ideology of education.

This module will provide you with an experience of the world of work in the form of a placement or work experience. It will enable you to apply knowledge and skills in a real-life context offering you a valuable experience to draw on when presenting yourself to employers or selectors upon graduation.

This module seeks to extend your knowledge and understanding of differential calculus into two and three-dimensional space. The basic notions of rate-of-change, derivative and integral are revisited algebraically from first principles, and various key results are then extended to apply in two and three dimensions to provide you with a visual awareness of how these concepts apply to the physical world.

General concepts of mathematical modelling are introduced, which enables you to construct appropriate empirical models and to make predictions about real world phenomena. Fundamental laws of conditional probability are applied to appropriate probabilistic modelling situations, including Bayesian processes and Markov chains.

Core lectures and the seminar/workshop sessions will examine different aspects of quantitative enquiry, including, for example: the meaning of statistical data, raw data extraction and manipulation, correlation and deviation, inference and interpretation and graphic representation. You will consider the design, relevance, application and value of particular quantitative and statistical methods in relation to applied, global issue study contexts.

This highly responsive module provides you with a theoretical and critical understanding of key considerations in the development and implementation of curriculum policy, content and practice in schools today together with an appreciation of innovative practice in this area. It provides you with an opportunity to study this at first hand in placement settings.

During this module, you will explore a number of examples that illustrate issues in development education and global citizenship, examining the cultural and political contexts. You will also be introduced to international dimensions of education, as manifest in different countries, and explore global dimensions to the curriculum.

This independent study module provides an opportunity for you to build upon and apply the key intellectual, transferable and practical skills gained at Levels 1 and 2 of the programme to an appropriate study or research project. You will be directed towards making informed choices concerning topic, sample size, methodology and analytical techniques with a minimal amount of guidance and support in order to reach valid, reliable and sensible conclusions.

This module continues the theme of applying mathematics to real world phenomena, but extends the models to employ more advanced mathematical methods of Differential Equations. You will engage in various individual or group projects, where appropriate models are designed and applied in a number of physical situations.

You will research a number of current issues in mathematics education, including the appropriate application of ICT, common mathematical errors and misconceptions, active engagement strategies, developing programmes for learning, on-line resources and up-to-date curricular influences. Research findings are imparted to the main student group through student-led seminars, and for the purposes of practical work, you will critically analyse your own teaching and that of peers in practical teaching situations, as appropriate.

This module will focus on equipping you to undertake a small–scale research project. The specific topic is chosen in consultation with your supervisor; this is usually an aspect of the historical development of mathematics or some modern application.

Entry requirements

You will normally need 96-112 UCAS tariff points (from a maximum of four Advanced Level qualifications).

You will also need A-Level Mathematics at grade D or above. We welcome a range of qualifications that meet this requirement, such as A/AS Levels, BTEC, Access Courses, International Baccalaureate (IB), Cambridge Pre-U, Extended Project etc.

However this list is not exhaustive – please click here for details of all qualifications in the UCAS tariff.

Further information

Click here for important information about this course including additional costs, resources and key policies.

In accordance with University conditions, students are entitled to apply for Recognition of Prior Learning, RP(C)L, based on relevant credit at another HE institution or credit Awarded for Experiential Learning, (RP(E)L).

How you will be taught

There is no one-size-fits-all method of teaching at BGU – we shape our methods to suit each subject and each group, combining the best aspects of traditional university teaching with innovative techniques to promote student participation and interactivity.

You will be taught in a variety of ways, from lectures, tutorials and seminars, to practical workshops, coursework and work-based placements. Small group seminars and workshops will provide you with an opportunity to review issues raised in lectures, and you will be expected to carry out independent study.

Placements are a key part of degree study within many courses at BGU. They provide an enriching learning experience for you to apply the skills and knowledge you will gain from your course and, in doing so, give valuable real-world experience to boost your career.

Academic staff

Assessment

Education Studies

In Education Studies, assessment is carried out through coursework of different types, including essays, reports, oral presentations, multimedia presentations, reflective logs and portfolios. There are no examinations. You can expect to give one or two oral presentations or poster presentations as one of a small group of students throughout the course. You will gradually build up skills of multimedia presentation and third-year students currently share a short, assessed multimedia film to their peers. You will build up your writing skills steadily throughout the course and in the first year, you will complete a portfolio of shorter written pieces and two longer essays, receiving formative feedback from your tutors to help you build up your academic capabilities.

Mathematics

Assessment in Mathematics comes in a variety of forms depending on the nature of the particular module. This will enable you to build on your experience of assessment at school or college and develop further strengths in analysing and communicating mathematical arguments. Theoretical aspects are usually assessed by coursework or examination, while the more practical modules are assessed by portfolio or presentation. Taught sessions mainly involve interactive-style seminars and workshops, during which you will often work with other students. This style of working offers informal assessment opportunities and will enable you to gauge your own progress and access help if required.

Careers & Further study

Education Studies

Education Studies graduates enjoy very high levels of employability – the course facilitates your personal and professional employability skills through regular work based placements – and our students are in high demand. Currently, around 70% of our students complete a teacher training course and will go on to be highly successful Primary or Secondary teachers. An Education Studies degree from BGU means your career opportunities are diverse. In addition to careers in education, Education Studies graduates are well placed to work in other education related, health, social care, public information or communication sectors. The course provides good training for a role within business, service industries, personnel, museums, galleries or charities. The diverse nature of this course will also enable you to go onto further study such as postgraduate study on a master's degree.

Mathematics

Graduates of this course are highly marketable individuals; mathematicians are in high demand! With this degree you will acquire extremely valuable transferable skills such as analytical and problem-solving skills which will boost your employability. Most of our students apply to join our primary or secondary PGCE courses here at BGU, however, you could go onto further study for a Master's degree or choose another career pathway. Mathematics graduates have a wide range of career options, such as Business and Finance, Science and Engineering, Research and Educational Management. Possible future careers may include Engineering, Statistics, Lecturing or Research and development. Having Mathematics as part of your degree will make you immediately stand out!

What Our Students Say

Discover what life is like at Bishop Grosseteste University from our students.

Support

Studying at BGU is a student-centred experience. Staff and students work together in a friendly and supportive atmosphere as part of an intimate campus community. You will know every member of staff personally and feel confident approaching them for help and advice, and staff members will recognise you, not just by sight, but as an individual with unique talents and interests.

We will be there to support you, personally and academically, from induction to graduation.

Fees & Finance

A lot of student finance information is available from numerous sources, but it is sometimes confusing and contradictory. That’s why at BGU we try to give you all the information and support we can to help to throughout the process. Our Student Advice team are experts in helping you sort out the funding arrangements for your studies, offering a range of services to guide you through all aspects of student finance step by step.

Click here to find information about fees, loans and support which will help to make the whole process a little easier to understand.

Undergraduate course applicants must apply via UCAS using the relevant UCAS code. For 2023 entry, the application fee is £27, and you can make a maximum of 6 choices. For 2024 entry the application fee is £27.50.
For all applicants, there are full instructions at UCAS to make it as easy as possible for you to fill in your online application, plus help text where appropriate.