Numbers and theories. Logic and opinions. Our education and mathematics degree unites your love for problem-solving while satisfying your thirst for knowledge. Uncover how we teach across all age groups. Unpick a range of mathematical disciplines and master reasoning skills.
By studying education and mathematics, you’ll combine your love for numbers with your curiosity about how schools teach. Cover the history, philosophy, psychology and sociology of education. At the same time, get to grips with mathematical disciplines and reasoning skills.
Differential and integral calculus. Linear algebra. Inferential statistics. Sound like interesting challenges to get stuck in to? Then you’ll love the mathematics modules on this course. We’ll put your skills to the test with problem-solving tasks and group work while introducing you to a range of software.
In your education modules, explore education as an engine for social justice, tackling inequality and championing diversity. Look at how our school and university systems have evolved. Examine how the past governments’ decisions have influenced the way we teach children and train adults. You’ll also examine the UK education system then compare it to education in Europe and beyond.
Take a look at the policies and procedures that underpin the UK education system. Investigate the core disciplines of the history, philosophy, psychology and sociology of education. For your mathematics studies, we’ll introduce you to a mix of numerical and analytical techniques. Think discrete mathematics, differential calculus and algebraic structure. You’ll also build an understanding of key concepts and the mathematics behind modern-day solutions like Google Maps.
Algebraic Structure focuses on aspects of pure mathematics. The module will equip you with a deep understanding of numbers and examine the links between algebra and geometry. You will be introduced to the concepts which underpin mathematics at degree level. This includes mathematical principles such as algebraic structure, proof, matrix algebra and the extension of the number system to include complex numbers. You will also be introduced to computer algebra and mathematical word processing.
Module code: MAT1002
Credits: 20
Conceptions of Education: The UK Education System in Context
Conceptions of Education: The UK Education System in Context enables you to learn about the ways in which the formal education system is structured, governed and funded in the four countries of the UK. You will explore the similarities and differences that exist between the different systems, examine the conceptualisations of education that each system appears to reflect, and develop opinions as to the ways in which they function. You will also explore the evolution of those different systems over time, noting the ways in which the different policy approaches taken by the separate legislatures within the UK have affected education in practice.
Module code: BED1002
Credits: 20
Differential Calculus
Differential Calculus provides a foundation in calculus, introducing the fundamental mathematical concepts which underpin mathematics at degree level. Calculus is one of the foremost branches of mathematics and its mathematical discipline has a unique legacy over the history of mathematics. This module enables you to use a mixture of numerical and analytical techniques to help achieve a deeper understanding of key concepts. It also embraces topics such as functions, limits, the fundamental theorem of calculus, differentiation from first principles, differentiating hyperbolic functions and inverse hyperbolic functions, improper integrals, numerical solutions, numerical differentiation, numerical integration and approximations to functions.
Module code: MAT1001
Credits: 20
Discrete Mathematics and Combinatorics
Discrete Mathematics and Combinatorics explores a variety of topics within discrete mathematics. This is the branch of mathematics that deals with countable sets. The module introduces the concepts of using discrete mathematics to model and solve problems. It provides you with the opportunity to study modern topics within mathematics, gaining an appreciation and understanding of the algorithms involved in the graphs and networks used in computers and route planners such as Google Maps. You will additionally focus on combinatorics, which involves the selecting or counting of objects to satisfy certain criteria and deciding when the criteria can be met. Graph theory, flow, matchings, allocation and transportation will also be introduced, all of which have numerous applications in solving real life problems.
Module code: MAT1000
Credits: 20
Introduction to Education Studies
Introduction to Education Studies outlines the core disciplines of the history, philosophy, psychology and sociology of education. The module will also introduce you to the newer and emerging discipline of the economics of education as well as the key topic of technology in education. It will enable you to conceptualise the breadth of areas, the range of age phases and the contexts which you will explore within education studies. You will begin to gain the conceptual knowledge and the skills required to further your studies in education.
Learning in a Diverse Society enables you to explore the various ways in which access to education can be helped or hindered by issues such as family origins, religion, class, ethnicity, learning difficulties, or physical disability. The module encourages you to explore and reflect upon the specific factors that can affect access and consider how obstacles to access can be mitigated against or overcome.
Module code: BED1003
Credits: 20
Technology and its Place in Education
Technology and its Place in Education considers the underlying theoretical perspectives used in conjunction with technology to enhance learning. The term educational technology encompasses technology enhanced and e-learning. It includes the adoption and integration of hardware and software, various electronic devices, pedagogical tools, approaches and delivery methods. Technology has the capacity to significantly re-shape teaching and learning and this module will provide you with the opportunity to critically examine, explore and evaluate the potential benefits of a range of educational technology, as well as consider the underpinning pedagogical rationale for their use, with the specific intention of enhancing teaching and learning.
Module code: BED1005
Credits: 20
Language 1
Language 1 is ideal if you want to learn a new language, or further develop your current language skills, as an integrated part of this degree. You can study French, German, Arabic, Italian, Mandarin, Japanese or Spanish (subject to minimum numbers for your preferred language). Delivered at the Edge Hill Language Centre, the module will be taught in an interactive, communicative manner, using authentic materials in the target language. Emphasis will be placed on all four areas of reading, writing, speaking and listening. You will play an active role in the weekly two-hour classes, engaging in role-plays, short conversations, videos, authentic texts and listening materials. You will also be encouraged to reflect on your own learning needs. On enrolment to the module, you will complete a language induction form and be placed into a language level group appropriate for your prior knowledge of your chosen language. Please note, while we will endeavour to accommodate varying language levels per module, this is not always possible. While you can join the module with some prior experience of your target language, you will not be able to study a language you are already fluent or proficient in.
Module code: TLC1010
Credits: 20
Focus on developing your research skills in Year 2. Decide whether to go on placement or complete an extended study of an aspect of education. You’ll shape your study with optional modules. Maybe you’re interested in UK education over time or how it compares to other systems globally. Perhaps you’d prefer to explore education from a psychological perspective. In mathematics, uncover the applications of calculus and boost your understanding of statistical techniques and test-structures.
Applications of Calculus recognises that calculus is a form of mathematics which has applications deeply integrated in every branch of the physical sciences, computer science, statistics, engineering, economics, business and medicine. Applications of calculus are part of modern mathematics education, combining logic and precision with intuition and imagination. This module enhances your knowledge of calculus and introduces greater rigour into your studies. You will explore new topics such as polar coordinates, applications of higher order partial derivatives, double integrals and centres of mass in two dimensions, as well as the application of first order ordinary differential equations in real life. Although computers and graphic calculators will be used, the emphasis is on enhancing, not replacing, your mathematical skill and reasoning.
Module code: MAT2001
Credits: 20
Designing and Managing a Research Project
Designing and Managing a Research Project gives you the knowledge and skills required to conceptualise, design and communicate a research proposal, understanding the fundamental principles of quality research. You will learn how to plan and manage a project over an extended period, sustain focus, conduct and organise extensive data collection and research materials, and mitigate typical problems that can derail or delay a project.
Module code: BED2000
Credits: 20
Inferential Statistics
Inferential Statistics develops your understanding of statistical techniques and test-structures. The module embraces essential topics such as probability distributions, sampling techniques, hypothesis testing, application of the central limit theorem, confidence intervals, chi-squared tests, goodness of fit, contingency tables, Type 1 and Type 2 errors, and the power of a hypothesis test. The module will reveal how hypothesis testing, estimation and prediction are used in a growing number of real-world fields and are central to much academic research work.
Module code: MAT2000
Credits: 20
Linear Algebra
Linear Algebra is central to both pure and applied mathematics and is vital to practically every area of modern science. It is the branch of mathematics concerning vector spaces and linear mappings between such spaces. It includes the study of lines, planes and subspaces but is also concerned with properties common to all vector spaces. The module explores the links between numbers, algebra and geometry, embracing topics such as linear algebra, solving linear equations, Eigenvectors, numerical techniques and Guassian elimination. You will learn how to apply algebraic results geometrically, recognise applications of linear algebra and interpret results, explain and manipulate the concepts of a vector space, and use and interpret the output of computer algebra and graphing packages to solve and present solutions to problems in algebra and geometry.
Agency, Power and Change in Education enables you to explore some of the momentous changes in the history of education in the UK, to analyse how and why those changes occurred and investigate their social, political, economic and ideological causes. You will consider the historical ripples from those changes and reflect upon how they have continued to inform educational debates and policies to the present day. The module introduces you to some of the most influential educational thinkers drawn from the field of sociology, whose ideas have influenced and shaped the discourses on education in our society. It enables you to make connections between the ideas of key sociologists and changes in policy and thinking.
Module code: BED2002
Credits: 20
Education, Meaning and Understanding: Debates in the Philosophy of Education
Education, Meaning and Understanding: Debates in the Philosophy of Education enables you to develop your knowledge and understanding of the philosophy strand of education and to enhance your academic skills in critical analysis. You will learn how to synthesise ideas and analyse competing philosophical positions. A key focus will be on understanding how arguments are philosophically underpinned and value-driven.
Module code: BED2003
Credits: 20
How and Why We Learn: Explorations in the Psychology of Education
How and Why We Learn: Explorations in the Psychology of Education provides you with an introduction to key theories and perspectives in the psychology of education. You will develop an understanding of the basic principles within the fields of cognitive, developmental and social psychology, with the opportunity to explore issues relating to identity, self and motivation. Investigations of high-quality research within these fields will be underpinned by the fundamental questions of how and why we learn.
Module code: BED2001
Credits: 20
UK Education in its Global Contexts
UK Education in its Global Contexts will enable you to compare and contextualise the UK education systems with respect to those in other parts of the world. International contexts are becoming increasingly important in the field of education, with educationalists, researchers, politicians, and the media frequently comparing the performance of UK education with the performance of countries such as Taiwan, Finland, and South Korea. This module will consider the UK education system in the context of international performance indicators and tables, with a focus on key education systems from Asia and Scandinavia as aspirational comparators. You will examine the field of international education, understand the international performance measures, and critique where it is that UK education aspires to be and why it holds those aspirations.
Module code: BED2004
Credits: 20
Work Based Learning in Education
Work-based learning in Education provides you with the opportunity to gain work experience within the education sector. The module enables you to apply your skills and knowledge in real-life situations. You will gain knowledge and understanding of the processes, policies and organisational structure of your placement host, build in-depth knowledge of the business and the marketplace in which it operates, and successfully integrate yourself into a workplace environment.
Module code: BED2005
Credits: 20
Work Related Learning in Education
Work Related Learning in Education enables you to undertake an extended, work-related project focusing upon a strand of the education sector. You will choose the focus of the project, in conjunction with your assigned tutor, with the intention being that it is an area of education into which you might wish to progress after graduation. The module enables you to apply your skills and knowledge in real-world scenarios and experience how the multi-faceted nature of real businesses is often more complex than it may appear. You will also gain experience in investigating the systemic and marketplace contexts in which businesses within your chosen sector exist and function.
Module code: BED2006
Credits: 20
Language 2
Language 2 is ideal if you want to learn a new language, or further develop your current language skills, as an integrated part of this degree. You can study French, German, Arabic, Italian, Mandarin or Spanish (subject to minimum numbers for your preferred language). Delivered at the Edge Hill Language Centre, the module will be taught in an interactive, communicative manner, using authentic materials in the target language. Emphasis will be placed on all four areas of reading, writing, speaking and listening. You will play an active role in the weekly two-hour classes, engaging in role-plays, short conversations, videos, authentic texts and listening materials. You will also be encouraged to reflect on your own learning needs. On enrolment to the module, you will complete a language induction form and be placed into a language level group appropriate for your prior knowledge of your chosen language. Please note, while we will endeavour to accommodate varying language levels per module, this is not always possible. While you can join the module with some prior experience of your target language, you will not be able to study a language you are already fluent or proficient in.
Module code: TLC2000
Credits: 20
Critique and apply the concepts of leaders in the field while continuing your studies of the core areas of education. Look at education through a psychological and sociological lens. Then, you can decide to complete a dissertation to dig deeper. We’ll help you gain experience applying statistics to complex problem solving and research designs. You’ll also understand techniques of differential and integral calculus in multivariate settings.
Integral Calculus develops your understanding of the techniques of differential and integral calculus in multivariate settings. The module considers applications of triple integrals in finding the volumes of three-dimensional solids and centres of mass using spherical and cylindrical coordinates. It also considers second order differential equations and their applications to real-life situations. You will learn how to find general solutions for special types of differential equations and appreciate the existence and uniqueness of solutions. You will also discover how to deploy various tests for convergent and divergent series and use 3×3 Jacobian matrices.
Module code: MAT3001
Credits: 20
Number Theory
Number Theory is the study of the fascinating properties of the natural number system. The module is about the theory of whole numbers, deepening your knowledge of numbers and giving you the opportunity to put the study of numbers into a wider cultural and historical context. You will explore some of the fundamental properties of prime numbers and the fundamental theorem of arithmetic, as well as the properties of congruences and elementary number theories, such as Fermat’s theorem, Wilson’s theorem and Euler’s theorem. You will also discover how to manipulate continued fractions and develop your knowledge and understanding of some of the many number theoretic functions such as ‘number of divisors’ and ‘sum of divisors’.
Module code: MAT3002
Credits: 20
Statistical Modelling
Statistical Modelling develops and extends the use of statistics in more complex problem solving and research design. The focus on mathematical structure in the module serves a dual purpose. First, you will gain understanding of, and confidence in, the procedures that you are using. Second, the module will prepare you for the demands of statistics as an ever-growing subject area. Embracing important statistical topics such as multiple regression analysis, Markov Chains and Estimators, you will select and execute tests for averages based upon parametric and non-parametric data, analyse and calculate estimators, use probability models to solve problems, and access and make appropriate use of computer software in data analysis.
Current Debates in the Psychology of Education immerses you in the advanced study of psychological theories to develop in-depth knowledge of what constitutes effective teaching and learning. Psychology makes a vital contribution to the field of education, offering theories which can explain learning, behaviour and the mind. It allows examination of the motivations and perceptions of individuals, enabling educators to better understand the most effective ways to promote learning and how potential barriers to progress might be overcome. The module will support you in developing the skills required to examine and critique psychological enquiry and then applying this knowledge to consider key educational issues from a psychological angle.
Module code: BED3003
Credits: 20
Dissertation
Dissertation provides you with the opportunity to design and execute a research project, with support from your tutors, which focuses on an area of interest in education (ideally relating to a sector in which you may wish to pursue a career). You will be responsible for the design of data gathering tools, for the choice of data analysis methods, as well as the production of a final dissertation that reports your findings.
Module code: BED3000
Credits: 40
Exploring Issues and Affecting Change in Education
Exploring Issues and Affecting Change in Education enables you to explore shifts in educational policy and consider the most pressing contemporary issues in the sociology of education. You will reflect on how education across the age spectrum, and in its formal and informal paradigms, is affected by the design and implementation of government policy, as well as by factors such as class, gender, family origins, religion and wealth. Additionally, you will explore the origins of the history of the sociology of education and how researchers apply the core concepts, collect and analyse data, and report on the results of their research.
Module code: BED3004
Credits: 20
Knowledge, Learning and Understanding
Knowledge, Learning and Understanding enables you to study the thinkers and ideas currently existing at the forefront of the philosophy of education, exploring how philosophy contributes to education policy-making, curriculum design, teaching and learning. The module encourages independent thinking through philosophical approaches and building upon your skills in critical analysis to develop an awareness of your own values and beliefs. You will need to communicate and defend your personal position in relation to challenging issues, exploration of which will structure many sessions.
Module code: BED3002
Credits: 20
Understanding Education through Sociological Perspectives
Understanding Education through Sociological Perspectives enables you to engage in the in-depth study of one of the key disciplines of education studies. You will examine the genealogy of key aspects of the current education sector, such as the National Curriculum, Early Years Provision, Lifelong Learning, the Exam System, or higher education. You will explore what current researchers are investigating, where the discipline appears to be heading, and how it can continue to contribute to the future of education and education studies.
Module code: BED3001
Credits: 20
Optional modules provide an element of choice within the course curriculum. The availability of optional modules may vary from year to year and will be subject to minimum student numbers being achieved. This means that the availability of specific optional modules cannot be guaranteed. Optional module selection may also be affected by timetabling requirements. Some restrictions on optional module choice or combinations of optional modules may apply.
How you'll study
The course is delivered through a combination of whole-group lecturers alongside small-group seminars and tutorials.
In Year 2 you will have the opportunity to undertake a work placement and engage in work-based learning. Placements will be in a variety of different settings in which education takes place, either formally in schools or informally in areas such as art galleries and museum, for example. Placements will be closely matched to your career aspirations.
Timetables for your first week are normally available at the end of August prior to enrolment in September. You can expect to receive your timetable for the rest of the academic year during your first week. Please note that while we make every effort to ensure that timetables are as student-friendly as possible, scheduled teaching can take place on any day of the week. Wednesday afternoons are normally reserved for sports and cultural activities.
How you'll be assessed
Assessment methods incorporate a variety of both traditional and innovative formats. There will be a blend of essays, website development work and class tests. You will be asked to produce and present work through a combination of wikis and blogs, or through video or live presentations. You will also create research posters reporting on the results of your investigations and be taught how to present your work in the format of professional magazine-style reports.
There are no formal written examinations as part of the current assessment methods on this programme.
Who will be teaching you
You will be taught by a team of lecturers who have a vast amount of both professional and academic experience. Members of the team include academics who research both the theoretical and practical aspects of teaching and learning in a host of contexts. Other members of the programme team offer a wealth of experience in teaching across all age-phases and a wide range of academic disciplines including mathematics.
Entry criteria
Entry requirements
Typical offer 104-112 UCAS Tariff points including A Level Mathematics at Grade C or above or equivalent.
Example offers
Qualification
Requirement
A Level
BCC-BBC.
BTEC Extended Diploma (or combination of BTEC QCF qualifications)
Distinction, Merit, Merit (DMM).
International Baccalaureate (IB)
We are happy to accept IB qualifications which achieve the required number of UCAS Tariff points. Subject-specific requirements at Higher Level (HL) Grade 5 may apply.
Access to Higher Education Diploma
45 credits at Level 3, for example 9 credits at Distinction and 36 credits at Merit or 15 credits at Distinction and 30 credits at Merit. The required total can be attained from various credit combinations.
Please note, the above examples may differ from actual offers made. A combination of A Level and BTEC awards may also be accepted.
If you have a minimum of two A Levels (or equivalent), there is no maximum number of qualifications that we will accept UCAS points from. This includes additional qualifications such as Extended Project Qualification (EPQ), AS Levels that haven't been continued to A Level, and General Studies AS or A Level awards.
English language requirements
International students require IELTS 6.0, with a score no lower than 5.5 in each individual component, or an equivalent English language qualification.
If your current level of English is half a band, one band, or one-and-a-half bands lower, either overall or in one or two elements, you may want to consider our Pre-Sessional English course.
Please see our international student pages for further information about how to apply as a prospective international student.
Should you accept an offer of a place to study with us and formally enrol as a student, you will be subject to the provisions of the regulations, rules, codes, conditions and policies which apply to our students. These are available at www.edgehill.ac.uk/studentterms.
Did you know?
If you join a full time undergraduate degree at Edge Hill University, we will guarantee you the
offer of a room in our halls of residence for the first year of your course.
Housed in a state-of-the-art £9million building, the Faculty of Education enjoys a stunning setting from both its lakeside and piazza buildings.
Facilities in the lakeside building include a 300-seat lecture theatre, five well-equipped ICT suites, and 18 teaching rooms complete with the latest technology. The lakeside building is also home to a popular vegan and vegetarian cafe where students can meet to socialise and discuss their studies.
The nearby piazza building offers modern facilities including a lecture theatre and a number of seminar rooms.
The UK tuition fee rate is subject to final Government approval for academic year 2023/24 entry. The University may administer a small inflationary rise in tuition fees, in line with Government policy, in subsequent academic years as you progress through the course.
EU/EEA and Swiss students who have settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme, as well as Irish nationals, may be eligible for the UK tuition fee rate.
Financial support
Subject to eligibility, UK students joining this course can apply for a Tuition Fee Loan from the Government to cover the full cost of tuition fees. UK students enrolling on the course may also be eligible to apply for additional funding to help with living costs.
Please view the relevant Money Matters guide for comprehensive information about the financial support available to eligible UK students.
EU/EEA and Swiss students who have settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme may be eligible to apply for financial support. Irish nationals can ordinarily apply to Student Universal Support Ireland (SUSI).
If you are an EU student who does not have settled or pre-settled status, or are an international student from a non-EU country, please see our international student finance pages.
Your future career
After finishing this course, many of our graduates train to become maths teachers with a PGCE. You might decide to be a mathematics teacher in a secondary school or teach in primary schools and specialise in this area.
But you’ll have options outside the classroom. Galleries, zoos and museums are just few examples of where engaging educators are needed. Designing training for the corporate world is an option too. Or, if you’re keen to develop your expertise further, you could complete a taught or research Master’s.
Typical roles our graduates secure include:
teaching at early years foundation stage, primary, secondary or further education through PGCE/PGDE
Learning Mentor
Education Administrator
Educational Psychologist
Education Counsellor
Mental Health Practitioner
Social/Community Worker
Prison Educator
International Development Worker
Training Organiser
Where will your education and mathematics degree take you?
Course changes
Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of this information, however our courses are subject to ongoing review and development. Changing circumstances may necessitate alteration to, or the cancellation of, courses.
Changes may be necessary to comply with the requirements of professional bodies, revisions to subject benchmarks statements, to keep courses updated and contemporary, or as a result of student feedback. We reserve the right to make variations if we consider such action to be necessary or in the best interests of students.
Track changes to this course
Optional study abroad and sandwich year opportunities added - 24 June 2022
Optional study abroad and sandwich year opportunities have been added to the course with effect from September 2022 entry.
Housed in a state-of-the-art £9million building, the Faculty of Education enjoys a stunning setting from both its lakeside and piazza buildings.
