Department of Education
School of Psychology, Sport and Education
Welcome to our Department of Education
Thank you for taking the time to check out what we offer at University College Birmingham, the highest-ranking university in the region as voted by students at the 2024 Whatuni Student Choice Awards. Our student support is the best in the region too, according to students, as is our provision for international students and postgraduates.
If you are looking at joining us to carve out a career in teaching including early years, here is a glimpse into our student and staff community - along with an insight into the placements and enrichment we offer - to see if we are the right choice for you.
Rebecca Taylor
Head of Department of Education
Welcome from Rebecca Taylor
Congratulations on deciding that our university could be your future, you will not be disappointed. Being voted best university in the West Midlands, and best in the region for student support, international and postgraduate by our students shows just how much they get out of their student experience.
Our courses lead to a variety of careers and future study pathways. And our staff are subject experts within their fields, be that within early years, childhood education, special education needs and disabilities or primary teaching.
What really sets us apart from other providers is our personalised and supportive approach from the moment you join us. And there will be dedicated time within the teaching week where we focus on supporting you to be the best you can be. We look forward to meeting you in September.
*Rebecca has previously taught across the primary age range in schools and also has an MA in Coaching and Mentoring
What’s happening
Trainee teachers take closer look at ethics in the classroom with the experts
Primary education students at University College Birmingham have been learning about the importance of ethics and…
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Primary teaching graduate Hayley holds Makaton training for fellow students
A newly-qualified teacher who trained at University College Birmingham as a mature student had the opportunity to b…
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International winner and Uni of the Year runner-up in student choice awards
University College Birmingham has won the International award and was crowned University of the Year runner-up in t…
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Acclaimed business leader brings expertise to University to benefit students
A young leadership winner dedicated to creating opportunities for the region is now bringing her expertise to Univ…
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University awarded four-star QS rating as facilities and inclusiveness bag top scores
University College Birmingham has been awarded four stars by a leading ratings provider evaluating hundre…
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Professor Gill Brown
Executive Dean, School of Psychology, Sport and Education
Welcome from Professor Gill Brown
When I was growing up, I was hugely interested in why people behaved the way they did and had a particular interest in offending. I was glued to the latest crime-related film or documentary, trying to make sense of the factors at play in an individual’s behaviour, so studying psychology was one of the best decisions I ever made.
With a psychology degree under my belt, I got to work with youth offending teams, community forensic services, the prison service, mental health inpatient community services and more before moving into education.
As a team, we are passionate about helping you put theory into practice in the real world through practical opportunities, work-based learning and hands-on experience. We look forward to guiding you through your journey and challenging you as you progress, igniting your passion for learning as you go.
- Working with Forest Schools (amazing outdoor cooking experiences)
- Forging collaborations with local theatre companies
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- Enhanced student training in Makaton and First Aid
- Developed digital innovation into our placement preparation
- Launched #hottopics on Twitter to engage on key topics
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- Hosting notable speakers including advisors to the UK Department for Education
- Launched research projects with local charities
Beyond the classroom
At University College Birmingham, we offer education and training that goes far beyond everyday classes and lectures. We are committed to providing additional enrichment opportunities for our students, from industry trips and expert visits to linkups with local charities, entry into competitions and much more.
Scroll through the slides to find out more about what's been going on recently in our department:
Stephen Garvey
Deputy Dean (Teaching, Learning and Digital)
School of Health and Food
Meet Stephen Garvey
My role is to ensure we stay at very forefront of progress across the education sector and across industry, building innovative technology and skills such as immersive virtual reality into your educational experience.
We are committed to providing face-to-face teaching as we know students value this quality time with their lecturers and fellow students. But to support your academic studies, we also have a sophisticated lecture capture system that provides accessible recorded lectures, where possible.
We are very proud of the exceptional and sustained record of teaching excellence we have in the provision of our vocational educational experiences, and the future-focused curriculum we have to offer you.
*Stephen is a registered dietitian with a background in research
Our teaching and learning
Whatever education course you have chosen to study, our aim is simple - to turn you into a stand-out professional. Since we launched our degrees in this field, we have a earned a reputation for the highest quality courses and a learning experience that sets us apart from bigger universities.
Our degrees are designed to develop you personally and professionally, with graduate advantage, employability and enrichment sessions threaded throughout the curriculum, sitting alongside really interesting theory modules. Our partnership with the University of Warwick, a top-ranking Russell Group university, also brings extra opportunities including access to guest speakers and additional resources.
Theory
Our courses are developed and taught by experienced lecturing staff, who have worked across education themselves. This means they can draw on their expertise and years of experience to make scenario-based discussions, debates and concepts come to life, supporting the linking of theory to practice.
You will learn so much from our lecturing teams, who are passionate about their profession and eager to inspire and nurture the next generation of teaching professionals.
We also have many invited guest lecturers who participate in our courses, sharing their knowledge and experiences to enhance your learning.
Students also have a lot to bring and as a team, we will also learn a lot from you! We encourage you to share your perspectives and viewpoints, especially when reflecting on your own life and placement experiences.
Practical
Placements are key to success as employers want you to have real experience. We have excellent links with our education placement provider organisations across the region, from nurseries to SEND schools, so we can allocate you to placements in diverse settings.
This exposure to different learning environments opens up opportunities for you when you qualify.
Support
Our support is exceptional, so much so, our students voted to make us the winner of the Student Support award at the Whatuni Student Choice Awards 2022 and we came a close second in 2023. In 2024, we were voted the best for student support in the West Midlands.
Throughout your studies, you will not only have a personal tutor, but a link tutor during placements and module leaders to support you through academic modules. And we have a whole range of additional support services available, providing you with as much or as little support as you need to succeed in your degree. Our smaller teaching groups enable all students to grow and flourish, with strong peer support and friendship.
Our Learning and Teaching Strategy 2021-24 is key to how we approach the educational journey, focusing on three main pillars that set out our commitment to your learning and teaching experience while you are studying with us.
- Pillar 1 – Provide accessible and inclusive teaching and learning across a wide range of vocationally-led courses
- Pillar 2 – Develop next generation opportunities and skills through innovative, future-focused curriculum and pedagogy
- Pillar 3 – Shape local and global sectors, promoting sustainable futures and global citizenship
Our students
Zameena Khimji
The valuable experience Zameena gained during her gap year confirmed her choice of career – working with children with special needs.
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David Ruffles
Failing his GCSE maths at school, David presumed he would never be able to follow his dream of becoming a teacher and didn’t think any more of it – until 13 years later.
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Viki Martin
Viki’s decision to study online with University College Birmingham boosted her career while enabling her to spend quality time with her young family.
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John Daniel
John has made a huge difference to people’s lives since graduating, including working with vulnerable children as a support worker.
Read moreEducation facilities
We have invested £200 million into our university facilities so you can learn in outstanding training environments approved by industry. Our department includes an Early Years Simulation Suite, providing an outstanding learning environment for those going into early years education.
Five distinct learning zones:
- Digital zone
- Creative zone
- Discovery zone
- Imagination zone
- Sensory zone
If you would like a refresher of our facilities, you can book on a campus tour.
Our courses
Childhood and Education Studies BA (Hons) (Online)
Do you want a childhood education degree that offers the flexibility of distance learning? This online degree course will enable you to buil…
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Early Childhood Studies BA (Hons)
Working in the early childhood sector allows you to help shape the most formative period of a child’s life. Featuring key industry-recognised standards for g…
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Primary Education Studies BA (Hons) (Accelerated)
Dream of becoming a teacher? This accelerated education course enables you to earn a full undergraduate degree in just two years, offering a…
Read moreMeet your lecturers
Rebecca Taylor
My background was in sports coaching, then I progressed to educational studies and completed a PGCE.
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Alison Williams
I began my career working with children as the role of teaching assistant. During my time in this role, I supported children with learning across nursery, infant and junior sc…
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Caroline A Prior
I studied the National Nursery Nursing qualification and upon successful completion in 1984 I gained employment as a private nanny. Following this my nursery nursing career l…
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Emma Davis
I currently hold the position of Lecturer in Early Years, teaching on the Early Childhood Studies and Primary Education Studies programmes.
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Gemma Kirby
I currently hold the position of Associate Lecturer in Education, teaching on the Early Childhood Studies, Childhood and Education Studies and Primary Education Studies programmes…
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Jayne Hackett
I began my career in the children’s workforce as an early years practitioner in a day nursery. This is where my passion for working with the 0-8 age group was ignited.
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Kirsten Smith
As an ardent advocate for all things early years, I have crafted and honed this passion through eighteen dedicated years in a range of early years settings.
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Laura Holloway
I specialised in early years on a three-year ITE course in Bristol. After qualifying as a primary school teacher, I worked in a number of schools and academies across the West…
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Michelle Windridge
I currently hold the position of Lecturer in Education at University College Birmingham. Prior to this, I was employed as an Assistant Headteacher and EYFS Aspiration Leade…
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Laura Main
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We look forward to seeing you on campus
As you prepare to join us, here's a refresher on some of the essentials: