In Education Studies, carefully structured work placement forms an integral component of this course and we make sure that you have plenty of time in schools or, if you prefer, other educational settings. Currently you can choose from placements in primary or secondary schools as well as colleges and a wide variety of other educational settings, such as outdoor pursuit centres, centres to re-engage disaffected young people, heritage sites and art galleries. This means that means that you have a superb opportunity to experience work in a range of educational settings and to build up a sound portfolio of professional and transferable skills, all of which will help you to make fully informed choices about your potential career path and have the potential to make you more attractive to an employer. The Education Studies element of the course aims to provide you with an excellent understanding of education - in its widest sense - and is designed for those who are interested in a career in primary or secondary teaching, for those who are interested in other education-related opportunities, or for those who simply want to keep their options open. All topics within Education Studies are studied in the immediate context of today's educational systems, both in the UK and beyond, and you will critically debate education policy and practice to get beneath the skin of the ever-changing face of modern education. Visual Arts This course will allow you to develop a variety of skills and techniques, encouraging you to explore the creative potential of a variety of media and processes within different areas of art and design. Studio workshops include drawing, painting, digital media, mixed media, glass, fibre arts, print, ceramics and sculpture. The emphasis is on visual practice with personal study becoming increasingly prominent in years 2 and 3 as you progress to graduation. This student-centered course will allow you to create art using a variety of approaches, irrespective of your art and design background. Specialist staff will ensure you receive a holistic approach to learning, integrating practical, theoretical and professional modules whilst encouraging a dynamic and independent approach. You will have opportunities to develop vocational skills and gain practical experience within the creative industries and the educational sector by engaging with 'live' projects. Work placements in schools, galleries and the wider community will enable you to gain valuable experiences working alongside artists, designers and other practitioners. By the end of the course, you will be fully equipped to progress onto your chosen career path having developed a wide subject knowledge, enabling you to apply it in the creative and educational workplace.

On the successful completion of your degree you will be qualified to work in a wide range of careers within the creative arts, in the education sector, or alternatively, continue your studies for higher degrees. Within the creative arts there are opportunities to work as a freelance artist, designer or art educator, gaining employment in galleries and museums, media and marketing, with openings in public relations. This qualification also makes you well placed for further study in education. Students often seek a route into teaching through the PGCE qualifications here at BG (see our Postgraduate Courses for more information). Education Studies is an excellent choice of course if you are thinking about a career in primary or secondary teaching, or would like to pursue other education-related, health or voluntary careers. This course does not limit you to any one career option and will allow you to develop and be able to apply a range of transferable intellectual, research, practical and professional skills applicable to a wide range of career choices. This is ideal if you want to study your subject within a strong vocational context, if you are considering studying additional qualifications or pursuing a career in educational research, or if you simply want to understand your own academic and professional development as lifelong learners and the lifelong learning of others. Undergraduate courses in Education at BG are rated extremely highly for graduate prospects, ranked third in England for the second year in a row according to both by the Times Good University Guide 2011 and the Complete University Guide 2011.