Education Studies and Sociology explores both the multi-disciplinary field of education and the discipline of sociology. The course structure offers a broad and balanced curriculum of research-informed modules which critically examine key topics and themes relevant to education, and the patterns of social life and social change more broadly. From concepts and issues to policy and practice, students will examine the fascinating landscape of these two subjects through local and global lenses. Students will develop advanced skills in making use of theoretical and methodological tools to ask questions that matter.
Designed by leading experts at Queen’s, the course structure is firmly rooted in the disciplines of education and sociology and provides an insightful student experience and a qualification that will help graduates to shape a better tomorrow and open doors to influential career roles and destinations in the education sector and beyond – in governments, international agencies, charities, public sector organisations, schools, and the private sector.
The degree places a strong emphasis on developing students to become critical thinkers who can engage with theoretical knowledge and research evidence from education and sociology, with relevance to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. This includes the development of discipline-specific skills such as the ability to draw on a range of primary and secondary sources, and to analyse data.
Education at Queen’s is ranked top 175 in the world
(THE Subject Rankings 2024)
Education Studies and Sociology highlights
Internationally Renowned Experts
As a research-intensive Russell Group University, Queen’s provides high-quality learning and teaching linked to the latest insights and innovations. Education Studies and Sociology is taught by internationally recognised researchers with expertise related to the modules they develop and teach. Staff regularly deliver talks at prestigious universities around the world and have been awarded prestigious prizes and recognitions such as the Best of UNICEF Research Award, while several colleagues have been appointed as Fellows of the Academy of Social Sciences.
The Education discipline at Queen’s has a world-leading reputation in Research and Teaching and is home to leading experts including the UNESCO Chair on Globalising a Shared Education Model for Improving Intergroup Relations in Divided Societies. Our experts contribute across a range of education and education-related areas within and beyond academia.
Student Experience
The Education Studies and Sociology programme provides opportunities to develop substantive knowledge and research skills through collaborations with external partners in education and education-related organisations. Student activities include practice-based observations, field trips, summer work placements, guest lectures and workshops.
To support students throughout their studies, each student is assigned a personal tutor for one-to-one staff support and mentoring. The School of SSESW also offers a peer-mentoring scheme for Education Studies and Sociology students, with the support of staff and the Centre for Educational Development.
Global Opportunities
Immerse yourself in a new culture and boost your CV as you explore the world through Queen’s life-changing travel opportunities to go abroad for a summer, a semester or a year, with various funding options to help support travel costs.
The School of Social Sciences, Education and Social Work (SSESW) has exchange agreements with many universities across Europe. Whether you fancy Finland, Germany, France, Italy, Sweden or Spain we want to support your ambitions to study abroad.
World Class Facilities
Queen’s is an historic campus university in the heart of Belfast, which is ranked one of the most affordable universities in the UK. The McClay Library is a world-leading purpose-built facility which blends the traditional and the modern. Students of Education Studies benefit from a dedicated subject librarian who curates and manages an extensive collection of up-to-date physical and digital materials.
Further Study Opportunities
There is a broad range of further study options available to our graduates. Within the School, we offer a great programme of study at Masters level. These courses include MEd, MSc and MRes programmes with specialisms in Education or Sociology, as well as several interdisciplinary courses such as the MSc in Children’s Rights and the MRes Social Science. These programmes offer opportunities to develop advanced skills in research methods, as well as knowledge of substantive topics and theoretical debates. Graduates may also wish to pursue a career as a Sociology teacher by completing the PGCE (Social Sciences) here at Queen's.
Courses often draw on international comparisons with a strong Ireland (North and South) emphasis.
Stage 1 Modules
• Rethinking Society
• Origins, Underpinnings and Future Directions in Education
• Developing Skills in Critical Thinking, Analysis and Expression
• The Sociological Imagination
• Understanding Learning, Curriculum and Assessment
• Digital Society
Stage 2 Modules
Core modules
• Formal and Informal Education in the 21st Century
• The Power of Social Theory
• Quantitative Research Skills
• Qualitative Research Skills
Optional modules
• Schools and Society
• Inclusive Learning and Teaching
• Race, Racism and Colonialism
• Social Inequalities and Diversity
• Sociology of Conflict and Peace Processes
Stage 3 modules
Core Modules
• Education Studies in Theory and Practice
• Applied Research in Education
Optional modules
• A Global Perspective on Education
• Norms and Social Change
• Modern Families: Intimate and Personal Relationships
• Religion: Death or Revival?
• The Sociology of Protest and Revolution
• Transformative Education in Conflict Affected Societies
• The Policy and Politics of Education
• Human Rights and Education
• Emotion, Power, and Politics: The Political Sociology of Emotions, Trump, Brexit, and Populism
• Issues in Contemporary Irish Society
• The Cultural Politics of Memory in a Global Perspective
Education Laura's research interests lie in three main areas: child health and wellbeing; early child development and social cohesion; and programme evaluation with a particular interest in Low and Middle Income Countries (LMICs) through the NIHR funded LINKS Study.
Education Leanne's research interests are in the areas of educational trajectories and transitions, language and education policy, educational assessment and young people's perspectives on education.
Education Joanne is the Director of the Centre for Shared Education at Queen’s. Her main research interests are in the role of education in divided societies, and inequalities in education. She has led more than 20 research projects on these themes with research grants from the EU, ESRC, British Council, British Academy, Nuffield, UNICEF, Atlantic Philanthropies, and a range of other awarding bodies.
Sociology Lisa specialises in the norms, emotions and social conflicts, focusing specifically on conflicts over various aspects of human reproduction, including abortion and breastfeeding, as well as over social roles such as motherhood.
Education Sarah's research focusses on early childhood education and methods in the field of ‘what works’ in education, specifically social emotional development, academic attainment and programme evaluation.
Contact Teaching Hours
Medium Group Teaching
3 (hours maximum) Hours of practical classes, workshops or seminars
Personal Study
24 (hours maximum) Hours studying and revising in your own time each week including some guided study using online activities or resources from classes
Large Group Teaching
6 (hours maximum) Hours in Lectures
Teaching Times
Teaching is scheduled across the working week, normally not before 10am to facilitate work/life balance. Specific timings vary yearly due to timetabling.
Learning and Teaching
We aim to deliver a high quality learning environment that embeds intellectual curiosity, innovation and best practice in learning, teaching and student support to enable students to achieve their full academic potential.
On the Education Studies and Sociology programme we do this by providing a range of learning experiences which enable our students to engage with subject experts, develop attributes and perspectives that will equip them for life and work in a global society, and make use of innovative technologies and a world class library that enhances their development as independent, lifelong learners.
Education Studies and Sociology students at Queen's are taught in a dynamic academic environment by an award-winning teaching staff, in a School which was rated as one of the leading departments in the United Kingdom.
Examples of the opportunities provided for learning on this course are:
Computer based practicals
Practicals provide students with the opportunity to develop technical skills and apply theoretical principles to real-life contexts. For example, using recent survey data to address topical research issues, from attitudes to ageing to immigration. Specialist computer software includes SPSS (statistical package)
E Learning technologies
Information associated with lectures and assignments is often communicated via our Canvas Virtual Learning Environment. A range of e-learning experiences are also embedded in the degree programme including the use of interactive support materials.
Lectures
Lectures are normally delivered in large groups and provide important introductions to significant concepts, debates and theories. They also provide opportunities to ask questions and seek clarification on key issues as well as gain feedback and advice on assessments. We often invite guest speakers from key organisations and civil society groups.
Personal tutor
Undergraduates are allocated a Personal Tutor from their first day at the University. The Personal Tutor is available to give advice and support throughout their time at QUB. The Personal Tutor will meet with them on several occasions during the year to support their academic development.
Practice based observations
Some modules incorporate practice-based observations, which will include: fieldwork; off campus visits to informal education settings; and engagement with community stakeholders. Practice-based observations will enable students to gain first hand knowledge of a range of settings and develop skills in examining education purposes and values, and in critical reflection on education practice and practice-based research.
Self directed study
This is an essential part of life as a Queen’s student and includes private reading, engagement with e-learning resources, and reflection on feedback and assignment preparation.
Seminars and tutorials
A significant amount of teaching is carried out in small groups. These sessions are designed to explore, in more depth, the information that has been presented in the lectures. This provides students with the opportunity to engage closely with academic staff who have specialist knowledge of the topic, to ask questions and to assess their own progress and understanding with the support of their peers. During these classes, students will sometimes be expected to present their work to academic staff and their peers.
Work experience
You will have the opportunity to gain valuable work experience with one of the many employers who are keen to benefit from the important skills you develop through your degree pathway. These opportunities can range from extra-curricular summer work placements, accredited by the Future Ready Award, through to working closely with the Careers, Employability & Skills team to obtain approved professional experience with an employer relevant to their studies and future career plans. This includes a wide variety of organisations (public, private, community, voluntary).
Assessment
Modules are typically assessed by a combination of continuous assessment, assignments and/or final written examination. Examples of continuous assessment include:
Small Group Projects/Presentations – usually on a topic of students’ own choosing.
Written assignments – including essays, book reviews, critical commentaries and blogs.
Research-based assignments – for example, research proposals, questionnaire design, face-to-face interviews, reflective research diaries, analysis of statistical data and independent research projects.
Details of how each module is assessed are shown in the Student Handbook which is provided to all students during their first year induction. Following each element of assessed coursework, students are provided with detailed feedback on the quality of their written work and how they can improve future assignments.
Feedback
Students receive general and specific feedback about their work from a variety of sources including lecturers, module co-ordinators, placement employers, personal tutors, advisers of study and peers. As a university student, you will be expected to take a greater role in reflecting on this and taking the initiative in continuously improving the quality of your work. Feedback may be provided in a variety of forms including:
Feedback provided via formal written comments and marks relating to work that you, as an individual or as part of a group, have submitted.
Face-to-face comments. This may include occasions when you make use of the lecturers’ advertised “office hours” to help you to address a specific query.
Online or emailed comments.
General comments or question and answer opportunities at the end of a lecture, seminar or tutorial.
Pre-submission advice regarding the standards you should aim for and common pitfalls to avoid. In some instances, this may be provided in the form of model answers or exemplars which you can review in your own time.
Feedback and outcomes from practical classes.
Placement employer comments or references.
Comment and guidance provided by staff from specialist support services such as Careers, Employability and Skills or the Learning Development Service.
Once you have reviewed your feedback, you will be encouraged to identify and implement further improvements to the quality of your work.
Facilities
The School is located within a recently renovated building, with state of the art teaching and learning facilities, together with dedicated student space including a large student common room. The teaching facilities enable an interactive learning environment.
What our academics say
"Current global problems of climate change, war, inter-group conflicts and population migration present significant challenges for education. This course draws on world leading research and practice, and our networks of international scholars and practitioners to consider how to address these challenges in order to make a difference in how education is designed and delivered across a range of local and global contexts."
Professor Joanne Hughes
UNESCO Chair in Shared Education for Peacebuilding and Social Justice in Education
BA Education Studies Module Convenor
“This exciting new programme provides an excellent foundation for students to think critically about education on local and global scales. Our teaching is informed by our world-leading research and there will be many opportunities to progress to post-graduate study with us”.
Dr Laura Dunne
Reader in Education
BA(Hons) Education Studies Module Convenor
MEd Educational Studies Programme Director
"Current global problems of climate change, war, inter-group conflicts and population migration present significant challenges for education. This course draws on world leading research and practice, and our networks of international scholars and practitioners to consider how to address these challenges in order to make a difference in how education is designed and delivered across a range of local and global contexts."
Professor Joanne Hughes
UNESCO Chair in Shared Education for Peacebuilding and Social Justice in Education
BA Education Studies Module Convenor
“This exciting new programme provides an excellent foundation for students to think critically about education on local and global scales. Our teaching is informed by our world-leading research and there will be many opportunities to progress to post-graduate study with us”.
Dr Laura Dunne
Reader in Education
BA(Hons) Education Studies Module Convenor
MEd Educational Studies Programme Director
The information below is intended as an example only, featuring module details for the current year of study (2024/25). Modules are reviewed on an annual basis and may be subject to future changes – revised details will be published through Programme Specifications ahead of each academic year.
A maximum of one BTEC/OCR Single Award or AQA Extended Certificate will be accepted as part of an applicant's portfolio of qualifications with a Distinction* being equated to grade A at A-Level and a Distinction being equated to a grade B at A-level.
Irish Leaving Certificate
H3H3H3H3H4H4/H3H3H3H3H3
Access Course
Successful completion of Access Course with an average of 65%.
International Baccalaureate Diploma
32 points overall, including 6,5,5 at Higher Level.
BTEC Level 3 Extended/National Extended Diploma
QCF BTEC Extended Diploma (180 credits at Level 3) with overall grades of DDD
RQF BTEC National Extended Diploma (1080 GLH at Level 3) with overall grades of DDD
Graduate
A minimum of a 2:2 Honours Degree
Note
There are no specific subject requirements to study BA Education Studies.
All applicants must have GCSE English Language grade C/4 or an equivalent qualification acceptable to the University.
How we choose our students
In addition, to the entrance requirements above, it is essential that you read our guidance below on 'How we choose our students' prior to submitting your application.
Applications are dealt with centrally by the Admissions and Access Service rather than by individual University Schools. Once your on-line form has been processed by UCAS and forwarded to Queen's, an acknowledgement is normally sent within two weeks of its receipt at the University.
Selection is on the basis of the information provided on your UCAS form. Decisions are made on an ongoing basis and will be notified to you via UCAS.
Applicants for this degree offering A-Level/ BTEC Level 3 qualifications or equivalent must have had, or been able to achieve, a minimum of 5 GCSE passes at grade C/4 or better (to include English Language). The Selector will check that any specific entry requirements in terms of GCSE and/or A-level subjects can be fulfilled.
Offers are normally made on the basis of 3 A-levels. Two subjects at A-level plus two at AS would also be considered. The offer for repeat applicants is set in terms of 3 A-levels and may be one grade higher than that asked from first time applicants. Grades may be held from the previous year.
Applicants offering two A-levels and one BTEC Subsidiary Diploma/National Extended Certificate (or equivalent qualification), or one A-level and a BTEC Diploma/National Diploma (or equivalent qualification) will also be considered. Offers will be made in terms of the overall BTEC grade(s) awarded. Please note that a maximum of one BTEC Subsidiary Diploma/National Extended Certificate (or equivalent) will be counted as part of an applicant’s portfolio of qualifications. The normal GCSE profile will be expected.
For applicants offering Irish Leaving Certificate, please note that performance at Irish Junior Certificate is taken into account. Applicants must have a minimum of 5 IJC grades C/ Merit. The Selector also checks that any specific entry requirements in terms of Leaving Certificate subjects can be satisfied.
For applicants offering a HNC, the current requirements are successful completion of the HNC with all credits at Merit grade. For those offering a Higher National Diploma, to be eligible for an offer, at least half of the units completed in the first year of the HND must be at Merit level and remainder Passes. Applicants must successfully complete the HND with all credits assessed in final year to be at Merit grade. Any consideration would be for stage 1 entry only. Some flexibility may be allowed in terms of GCSE profile.
The information provided in the personal statement section and the academic reference together with predicted grades are noted but, in the case of BA degrees, these are not the final deciding factors in whether or not a conditional offer can be made. However, they may be reconsidered in a tie break situation in August.
A-level General Studies and A-level Critical Thinking would not normally be considered as part of a three A-level offer and, although they may be excluded where an applicant is taking 4 A-level subjects, the grade achieved could be taken into account if necessary in August/September.
Applicants are not normally asked to attend for interview, though there are some exceptions and specific information is provided with the relevant subject areas.
If you are made an offer then you may be invited to a Faculty/School Open Day, which is usually held in the second semester. This will allow you the opportunity to visit the University and to find out more about the degree programme of your choice and the facilities on offer. It also gives you a flavour of the academic and social life at Queen's.
If you cannot find the information you need here, please contact the University Admissions Service (admissions@qub.ac.uk), giving full details of your qualifications and educational background.
International Students
Our country/region pages include information on entry requirements, tuition fees, scholarships, student profiles, upcoming events and contacts for your country/region. Use the dropdown list below for specific information for your country/region.
English Language Requirements
An IELTS score of 6.5 with a minimum of 5.5 in each test component or an equivalent acceptable qualification, details of which are available at: http://go.qub.ac.uk/EnglishLanguageReqs
If you need to improve your English language skills before you enter this degree programme, Queen's University Belfast International Study Centre offers a range of English language courses. These intensive and flexible courses are designed to improve your English ability for admission to this degree.
Academic English: an intensive English language and study skills course for successful university study at degree level
Pre-sessional English: a short intensive academic English course for students starting a degree programme at Queen's University Belfast and who need to improve their English.
International Students - Foundation and International Year One Programmes
Queen's University Belfast International Study Centre offers a range of academic and English language programmes to help prepare international students for undergraduate study at Queen's University. You will learn from experienced teachers in a dedicated international study centre on campus, and will have full access to the University's world-class facilities.
These programmes are designed for international students who do not meet the required academic and English language requirements for direct entry.
Education Studies provides a solid foundation for students to support the educational ambitions of a wide range of organisations and provide a diverse choice of career destinations such as in governments, international agencies, charities, public sector organisations, schools, and the private sector. Students will develop critical thinking skills to contribute to the learning process and to improving the experiences of individuals, communities and societies.
Graduates will have a unique combination of analytic and abstract thinking skills, accomplished in analysing and evaluating complex issues within and across educational systems and competent to undertake social research from sociological and educational perspectives.
Examples of local and international employment roles:
• Education Consultant
• Policy Officer and Policy Analyst
• Sociology Teacher
• Social Researcher
• Civil Servant
• Youth Worker
• Community, charity sector and international development roles
• Training, policy and advocacy roles.
Further study and professional training are also options open to Education Studies and Sociology graduates. You can choose from a wide range of Master’s programmes in specialised areas, as well as undertake doctoral training across a comprehensive offering of research topics. Graduates may also wish to pursue a career as a Sociology teacher by completing the PGCE (Social Sciences) at Queen's. https://www.prospects.ac.uk/careers-advice
Prizes and Awards
Top performing students are regularly awarded prizes and scholarships, including the Athena SWAN prize for the best work on gender in equalities, and the Foundation Scholarship.
Degree Plus/Future Ready Award for extra-curricular skills
In addition to your degree programme, at Queen's you can have the opportunity to gain wider life, academic and employability skills. For example, placements, voluntary work, clubs, societies, sports and lots more. So not only do you graduate with a degree recognised from a world leading university, you'll have practical national and international experience plus a wider exposure to life overall. We call this Degree Plus/Future Ready Award. It's what makes studying at Queen's University Belfast special.
1EU citizens in the EU Settlement Scheme, with settled status, will be charged the NI or GB tuition fee based on where they are ordinarily resident. Students who are ROI nationals resident in GB will be charged the GB fee.
2 EU students who are ROI nationals resident in ROI are eligible for NI tuition fees.
3 EU Other students (excludes Republic of Ireland nationals living in GB, NI or ROI) are charged tuition fees in line with international fees.
All tuition fees will be subject to an annual inflationary increase in each year of the course. Fees quoted relate to a single year of study unless explicitly stated otherwise.
Tuition fee rates are calculated based on a student’s tuition fee status and generally increase annually by inflation. How tuition fees are determined is set out in the Student Finance Framework.
Additional course costs
There are no specific additional course costs associated with this programme.
All Students
Depending on the programme of study, there may be extra costs which are not covered by tuition fees, which students will need to consider when planning their studies.
Students can borrow books and access online learning resources from any Queen's library. If students wish to purchase recommended texts, rather than borrow them from the University Library, prices per text can range from £30 to £100. Students should also budget between £30 to £75 per year for photocopying, memory sticks and printing charges.
Students undertaking a period of work placement or study abroad, as either a compulsory or optional part of their programme, should be aware that they will have to fund additional travel and living costs.
If a programme includes a major project or dissertation, there may be costs associated with transport, accommodation and/or materials. The amount will depend on the project chosen. There may also be additional costs for printing and binding.
Students may wish to consider purchasing an electronic device; costs will vary depending on the specification of the model chosen.
There are also additional charges for graduation ceremonies, examination resits and library fines.
How do I fund my study?
There are different tuition fee and student financial support arrangements for students from Northern Ireland, those from England, Scotland and Wales (Great Britain), and those from the rest of the European Union.
Application for admission to full-time undergraduate and sandwich courses at the University should normally be made through the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS). Full information can be obtained from the UCAS website at:www.ucas.com/applying.
When to Apply
UCAS will start processing applications for entry in autumn 2026 from early September 2025.
The advisory closing date for the receipt of applications for entry in 2026 is Wednesday 14 January 2026 (18:00). This is the 'equal consideration' deadline for this course.
Applications fromUK and EU (Republic of Ireland)students after this date are, in practice, considered by Queen’s for entry to this course throughout the remainder of the application cycle (30 June 2026) subject to the availability of places. If you apply for 2026 entry after this deadline, you will automatically be entered into Clearing.
Applications fromInternational and EU (Other) studentsare normally considered by Queen's for entry to this course until 30 June 2026. If you apply for 2026 entry after this deadline, you will automatically be entered into Clearing.
Applicants are encouraged to apply as early as is consistent with having made a careful and considered choice of institutions and courses.
The Institution code name for Queen's is QBELF and the institution code is Q75.
Additional Information for International (non-EU) Students
Applying through UCAS Most students make their applications throughUCAS(Universities and Colleges Admissions Service) for full-time undergraduate degree programmes at Queen's. The UCAS application deadline for international students is 30 June 2026.
Applying direct The Direct Entry Application form is to be used by international applicants who wish to apply directly, and only, to Queen's or who have been asked to provide information in advance of submitting a formal UCAS application.Find out more.
Applying through agents and partners The University’s in-country representatives can assist you to submit a UCAS application or a direct application. Please consult theAgent Listto find an agent in your country who will help you with your application to Queen’s University.
