Professional Development in Education
Education offers the exciting prospect of making a difference. It’s important both for individual success and society’s continuing development. With the changes now taking place to widen participation and strengthen teaching and learning at all levels, education is more than ever a dynamic, challenging and rewarding sector to be involved in.
Whether you’re an experienced practitioner or perhaps looking to move into an education-related role, our undergraduate and postgraduate courses and qualifications offer a flexible way of gaining career credentials that help to establish you as a leader in your field. You can choose a stand-alone course for continuing professional development purposes, or combine courses to study for a certificate, diploma or masters degree.
Where to start in Professional Development in Education
If you're fairly confident about studying, then start with Level 1 courses. You'll learn how to study at university level, get a thorough grounding in your chosen area of study and, in addition, you'll become a confident distance learner.
- Introduction to working with young people (E131)
- Supporting learning in primary schools (E111)
- The early years: developing practice (E100)
Worried about your ability? Or the time it will take? If you're a UK resident you can start with one of our Openings courses: short courses with lots of support and no exams, giving you a gradual introduction to your subject and the world of studying.
Don't forget that if you need help considering options you can talk to an adviser. And if you have some previous study experience you may qualify for credit transfer.
Degrees
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Childhood and Youth Studies
This degree is for those who work or intend to work with children and young people, or for those with more general interests in the interdisciplinary field of childhood and youth studies. -
Mathematics and its Learning
This degree combines the study of mathematics with the theory of the learning and teaching of mathematics. You will get a grounding in pure and applied mathematics, in statistics, and in the teaching and learning of mathematics. -
Secondary Education in Physics
Equips you to become a teacher of science in secondary schools, with a breadth of scientific knowledge, and specialising in teaching physics. -
Working with Young People
This degree is suitable for experienced practitioners working directly with young people (aged 13–19 years) in informal settings or with informal educational roles in a formal environment. -
Open degree
The BA/BSc Open Degree provides a flexible way to combine a range of courses from different subjects either to suit your particular career or personal interests, or to complete studies you have started elsewhere.
Foundation Degrees
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Early Years
If you’re an experienced practitioner working with children from birth to seven years old in an early years setting, this degree will further your knowledge and skills. -
Primary Teaching and Learning
This foundation degree develops the professional knowledge and skills required by teaching and classroom assistants supporting children’s learning in primary schools. -
Working with Young People
This degree (JNC-validated for those starting the award prior to 2010) develops the skills/knowledge of those working with young people in informal education.
Diplomas
Certificates
Courses in Professional Development in Education
See the list of all our individual courses in Professional Development in Education.
Postgraduate options
If you already have a degree, you may want to see postgraduate courses and qualifications in Education.
Spotlight on Professional Development in Education
Get to grips with inclusion - E243
The issues of equality and participation are complex. How do we ensure that children living in poverty and children with ‘special educational needs’ get the education they need? What does it mean for how we organise education? Students who’ve explored inclusion while studying Inclusive education, learning from each other (E243), say it makes for one of the best educational experiences of their lives.
'E111 - a great course'
`My daughter has a hearing impairment and I wanted to support her in school. I volunteered part time and did Supporting learning in primary schools (E111). Tutor support was fantastic; the units are manageable; the assessment is set out clearly. A great course with a great course team constantly looking for feedback. I’d recommend it to any volunteers. I had little experience, but passed with a great score. If I can do it anyone can.’ (Julia Brunskill, 2007)
Got a question?
Contact an adviser in our Student Registration & Enquiry Service
Email or call +44(0) 845 300 60 90
