The faculty offers the degree of Bachelor of Educational Studies for people interested in studying various aspects of education. Although the Graduate Diploma in Education is accepted as a minimum qualification for certification as a teacher, many teachers recognise that one year of professional preparation does not allow the study of educational issues in depth, and they therefore look for opportunities for further study.
The BEdSt degree provides this opportunity for qualified teachers and other professionals to undertake advanced studies in the theory and practice of education. Many of the subjects in the course are related to the development of professional expertise (eg in curriculum innovation, evaluation, and administration). These and other subjects can also provide an introduction to educational research. Students may select from a wide range of subjects chosen from several groups, or specialise in one area of study.
It is possible to complete the six subjects of the BEdSt course in one year's full-time study, but most students complete the subjects over two or three years of part-time study.
As the results gained in subjects for the BEdSt degree will be taken into account in any subsequent application for entry to candidature for the MEd or MEdSt degrees, students should examine the regulations for these degrees before commencing their BEdSt program and should also consult the graduate studies adviser if they contemplate such progress in future years.
Selection and enrolment
A graduate who has gained the Graduate Diploma in Education, or has successfully completed a course of teacher education approved by the faculty, may apply for admission to candidature for the degree of Bachelor of Educational Studies. (There is provision for limited entry of non-graduates; see regulation 2.2.) In any year the faculty may recommend that a quota be imposed on the admission of BEdSt candidates or on enrolments in individual subjects in the course.
Applicants for admission to the Bachelor of Educational Studies course should obtain the appropriate application form from the inquiry office, School of Graduate Studies. The results of applications will be notified to all applicants as soon as possible after the closing date.
There is provision for admission of new students in the second half-year, but the availability of such places will depend on the faculty's total enrolment at the time. Candidates interested in admission in mid-year should inquire through the inquiry office prior to the first Friday in June.
Course outline
The course for the degree of Bachelor of Educational Studies consists of six subjects; except where prerequisites are defined in relation to any particular subject these may be taken in any order. It is possible to complete the six subjects for the degree in one academic year of full-time study, but the majority of students undertake the course by part-time study and normally attempt two subjects in each of three years of study. Up to six years are allowed to complete the six subjects for the degree, but the faculty encourages part-time students to complete the course in three or four years.
Most subjects are complete in themselves and are taught and examined in either the first or second semesters. However, in some cases, pairs of subjects must be taken together, and it is not possible to study one subject of the pair without the other. A statement to this effect will appear in the outline of the subjects where appropriate.
By resolution of the faculty board, each subject for the degree is offered conditionally upon there being a sufficient demand for it from enrolling students in any given year and conditionally on appropriate staff being available. In addition, a quota may be imposed in some courses.
In order to widen subject choices, students who have completed three BEdSt subjects at credit level or above may choose up to two subjects from designated masters level subjects.