Education and Digital Learning | BSc (Hons)

Dr Elizabeth Bailey - Programme Leader

Dr Bailey's subject specialisms include applied linguistics, digital learning and inclusive practice.

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Welcome to BSc (Hons) Education and Digital Learning

This degree has been designed to help prepare students to develop as digitally-trained educational professionals who are able to innovate, solve problems, and adapt to the changing demands of education.

Students can gain practical experience that can be applied in the real world. They will have the chance to undertake work experience in every year of study where they will be able to work closely with peers and academic staff during personal tutorial sessions, as well as undertaking put-it-into-practice (PiiP) weeks. We encourage students to challenge themselves through problem-based throughout their studies.

The course aims to provide an innovative environment and students will be able to explore new approaches to digital education and digital learning tools. Subject to annual approval, students will be given their own electronic device to use alongside School equipment including VR headsets, digital tablets, and content-recording tools (e.g. green screens and cameras) to ensure they are equipped for a variety of both digital and workplace contexts.

Students will have the opportunity to learn about a wide range of topics, structured by the four pillars of education: history, sociology, psychology, and philosophy. They can select modules tailored to their interests, including special educational needs and disability (SEND) or studies of childhood, for example. As well as this grounding in education, they will receive dedicated core modules focused on digital learning and surrounding issues such as globalisation, social justice in education, and ethical practice.

How You Study

Teaching will take place in the form of lectures, seminars, workshops, and small groups. An online virtual learning environment is also used to support and enhance face-to-face teaching.

The first year of study will focus on introductory core modules to explore fundamental theories of learning, digital learning, research skills and digital curriculum design and delivery. Students will discover how learning takes place and how we can deliver effective content to a range of students, both digitally and using more traditional methods.

A tutorial system operates throughout the three-year course. The first year provides opportunities for students to develop their own personal and academic skills and can provide a sound basis for transition to the second year. The course also includes a series of scheduled meetings with a personal tutor.

In the second and third years of study, teaching will focus on special educational needs and diversity, research methods in education, and advancing knowledge of digital teaching and learning methods and wider issues associated with these. Students are able to choose an optional module to support their own specific interests and work more closely with peers from other courses in the School.

The final year of study involves the completion of an extended research-based project. This, along with further elective modules, and an advanced digital learning module, aims to provide opportunities for students to build on their own interests and may be determined by their career aspirations.

What You Need to Know

We want you to have all the information you need to make an informed decision on where and what you want to study. To help you choose the course that’s right for you, we aim to bring to your attention all the important information you may need. Our What You Need to Know page offers detailed information on key areas including contact hours, assessment, optional modules, and additional costs.

Find out More

An Introduction to Your Modules

† Some courses may offer optional modules. 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 staff availability.

Digital learning work experience study one 2023-24EDM1010MLevel 42023-24This is the first of three work experience modules. The work experience and supporting piece of assessed work can be undertaken in either Semester A or B. It is designed to allow students to gain familiarity with an educational environment and its digital needs. Students will reflect on what they have observed in regards to how the institution runs, as well as assessing its digital needs.CoreDigital learning: Curriculum design and delivery 2023-24EDM1009MLevel 42023-24This module specifically focuses on the design and delivery of digital curricula. It provides practical, hands-on experience when it comes to developing curricula and learning materials. Students will be introduced to a range of different software and get hands-on experience with the design process.CoreDigital Learning: Introduction 2023-24EDM1008MLevel 42023-24This module introduces students to the world of digital learning. We look at what this means in practice within a variety of contexts and students will develop the skills to assess the use of different digital tools. Students will also be introduced to up-to-date key concepts, terms and schools of thought and start to gain confidence reading and analysing academic work on a variety of topics within the world of digital education. This module provides students with foundational knowledge and skills to take forwards into the next stages of their learning.CoreIntroduction to Educational Research 2023-24EDM1006MLevel 42023-24This module is designed to introduce students to research methods including quantitative and qualitative research methods used in education research, and aims to help students to develop the understanding of what qualitative and quantitative research projects are like. It will provide an overview of the purpose and different approaches that can be used within research in education.CoreIntroduction to Learning 2023-24EDM1003MLevel 42023-24This module is designed to provide students with an insight into what learning is, how this takes place and what strategies or approaches can be used to support learning. It is anticipated that the module will draw on learning across the lifetime, e.g. in early childhood through to adulthood. However, it will also provide focused examples of learning in early years, primary and secondary learning environments in order to support students who are aiming for careers in teaching, other educational roles, psychology or educational research. Students can gain a broad overview of learning theory and considerations.CoreDigital learning work experience study two 2024-25EDM2015MLevel 52024-25This second work experience period enables students to look in more detail at how we implement change in institutions. The work experience and supporting piece of assessed work can be undertaken in either Semester A or B. The assessed reflection will ask students to critically reflect on what they have observed within an institution. They will reflect on the potential for change within this institution, as well as the potential for barriers to such change, as well as combining theoretical knowledge from the literature with the practical experience they have gained.CoreDigital Learning: Further 2024-25EDM2016MLevel 52024-25CoreDiversity, Inclusion and Alternative Education 2024-25EDM2004MLevel 52024-25This module is designed to provide students with insight into the diversity that can be observed between learning, concepts of inclusion and approaches to alternative education. The module focuses on teaching and learning in a range of educational environments and through educational research. The module provides the opportunity for students to engage with contemporary research and ideas linked to these key concepts and to explore how policy impacts on provision for different groups of learners.CoreResearch Methods in Education 2024-25EDM2003MLevel 52024-25The aim of this module is to support students in preparing for their dissertation in year three. Students have the opportunity to develop their knowledge, understanding and skills in relation to the complex nature, and processes of research in education. Students can plan and develop a realistic project proposal which should enable them to address a research question of their choice within a specific educational context.CoreCurriculum: Principles and purposes 2024-25EDM2007MLevel 52024-25This module focuses on curricula for learning in education. It considers the purpose, breadth and design of curriculum structures and models and how these can differ in relation to context and culture. Students can gain an understanding of how the curriculum in England has changed and developed, and can describe the subject specific elements within current education provision. This module aims to help students to know, understand and contextualise the core components that make up curricula.OptionalIntermediate Education 2024-25EDM2005MLevel 52024-25This optional module is designed to provide students with a deepening understanding of education studies. The module will focus on how education impacts on and is viewed by society. It will consider how social justice, educational policy and representations of education in society can impact on knowledge, understanding and attitudes.OptionalPsychology of Education 2024-25EDM2006MLevel 52024-25This module is designed to provide students with an insight into the psychology of education and how psychology can be used to support practice in a range of learning environments. The module provides students with an opportunity to engage with cutting edge research and how this impacts on practice. Students can gain an insight into some of the key ideas in psychology and how these influence educational practice.OptionalStudies of Childhood 2024-25EDM2008MLevel 52024-25This optional module focuses on childhood by comparing the theories and perceptions of children. It reflects on developmental aspects including social, cognitive, emotional, environmental, physical and language. It considers the ways in which children are portrayed in the media and the impact this may have on cultural representations of children. The module draws on classical and contemporary texts, academic studies and media such as television programmes and films.OptionalDigital learning work experience study three 2025-26EDM3015MLevel 62025-26The final work placement students undertake has a civic focus, that is, students will join an organisation that contributes to the local area. Students will offer their help on a digital learning project and work towards the institutions goals with them. Students will be assessed on a short video they have created reflecting on this work experience. They will think about the potential long-term impact of the work they have done and how this could be expanded within the organisation they have worked in and beyond. The work experience and supporting piece of assessed work can be undertaken in either Semester A or B.CoreDigital Learning: Advanced 2025-26EDM3014MLevel 62025-26Aiming to prepare students for the workplace, design teams will be formed and students will apply their subject knowledge to the development of their learning artefact over the course of the module. They will be expected to work collaboratively, within teams and with their clients, responding to feedback and engaging with evidence throughout. The presentation of final learning artefacts will demonstrate students awareness of the role of digital education within the modern world, and, importantly, the ethical implications of the use of digital tools in education and beyond.CoreDissertation 2025-26EDM3009MLevel 62025-26The dissertation module builds on previous education research modules and facilitates independent research into an area of interest that is central to a student's programme of study. Typically the module will involve a small-scale investigation into a topic agreed between the student and personal tutor, and with the agreement of the personal tutor, students may undertake more theoretical studies as long as they offer an original framing or interpretation of the research problem. It is designed to develop students understanding of, and skills in applying research methods while building and synthesising knowledge gained in previous modules. Students will be asked to complete a research proposal, and if collecting empirical data, an ethical approval form in the first term.CoreAdvanced Psychology of Education 2025-26EDM3003MLevel 62025-26This module is designed to provide students with an advanced insight into the psychology of education and how psychology can be used to support practice in a range of learning environments. The module is particularly aimed at those considering a career in teaching and provides students with an opportunity to engage with cutting-edge research and how this impacts on practice. Students will be able to gain an insight into the specifics of psychology and how these influence educational practice.OptionalAdvanced SEND 2025-26EDM3008MLevel 62025-26This optional module is designed to provide students with an insight into the different categories of needs that learners may have in the learning environment. The module focuses on learning, teaching, education related work and educational research, and provides students with an opportunity to engage with cutting-edge research and how this impacts on practice. Students will be able to gain an insight into some of the key ideas in the pedagogy associated with supporting children with Special Educational Needs and Disability.OptionalHistory of Education 2025-26EDM3004MLevel 62025-26This module focuses on the development of state-funded education, primarily in the UK, but with reference to systems of education in other countries. It provides a social history of education and situates it within a broader social history of the public sector. The module draws on archival documents, the media, public policy, academic theory and applied research, and pays particular attention to the role of educators, students and parents in shaping debates around public education.OptionalLearning Through Reflection 2025-26EDM3007MLevel 62025-26This module is designed to introduce students to the concept of learning through reflection, where reflection is deliberate, purposeful, and structured. Reflective skills will be linked to theory and practice and will encompass learning, change and development. The module is designed to build on students' critical thinking and critical reflection skills through the close study of educational theory, practice and through the exploration of the educational philosophers, their relevance to modern educational thought and through the development of critical writing skills.OptionalPhilosophy of Education 2025-26EDM3005MLevel 62025-26This optional module is designed to provide students with an insight into education from a philosophical perspective. It considers how curricula, teaching and learning are influenced and shaped by the broader views, values and beliefs of what education is and what it is for. Students can engage critically with the fundamental, and enduring questions about education.OptionalSociology of Education 2025-26EDM3006MLevel 62025-26This module is designed to help students see education sociologically by exploring the relationship between education, individuals and social life, and between learning and power. How do schools and other educational institutions influence peoples life chances? How do the state, religion, family and economic systems shape educational values and practices? Who decides how people should be educated, about what, and why? How are social inequalities of class, race, dis/ability, gender and sexuality produced and challenged through educational theory, policy and practice? What is the relationship between educational and social change? Drawing on historical and contemporary examples in national and international perspective, this module aims to help students map theoretical perspectives and research methods in the sociology of education and apply these in their own thinking and practice.Optional

How you are assessed

The nature of assessment varies across the three levels of the course. Assessments at levels one and two focus on the acquisition and understanding of knowledge and skills. In contrast, the level three assessments place far greater emphasis on the ability to apply, analyse, and evaluate knowledge.

Students assessment methods may include written essays, posters, discussion groups, poster presentations, case studies, and multimedia portfolios. We aim to assess students using a diverse range of methods as part of our School's commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion.

Placements

As part of our career-focused approach to learning, students will undertake work experience in each year of their studies. This may be in a school, a university, a local charity or business. Students will always receive support from our team to organise and undertake these. They will complete assignments based on their experiences but are not assessed on the work experience itself.

We also encourage students to consider the possibilities of taking part in the Lincoln Award: http://lincolnsu.com/lincolnaward while studying with us.

Study Abroad

Students may have the opportunity to undertake self-funded study trips abroad in order to consider the way education systems are delivered overseas. Please note, students who decide to undertake optional trips are responsible for the associated costs, including accommodation, travel, and general living expenses.

Research

This course aims to incorporate research-based opportunities for students, which will provide a chance to gain knowledge and skills required to study aspects of education of specific interest. Students are encouraged throughout the degree to undertake small-scale research projects in an area of education such as learning or teaching approaches, comparisons of global education systems, studies of curricula, or special educational needs (SEN). The course has been designed to provide students with a strong base for postgraduate study and beyond.

Fees and Scholarships

Going to university is a life-changing step and it's important to understand the costs involved and the funding options available before you start. A full breakdown of the fees associated with this programme can be found on our course fees pages.

Course Fees

For eligible undergraduate students going to university for the first time, scholarships and bursaries are available to help cover costs. The University of Lincoln offers a variety of merit-based and subject-specific bursaries and scholarships. For full details and information about eligibility, visit our scholarships and bursaries pages.

Entry Requirements 2023-24

United Kingdom

A Level: BBC (112 UCAS Tariff points from a minimum of 3 A levels or equivalent qualifications).

International Baccalaureate: 29 points overall

BTEC Extended Diploma: Distinction, Merit, Merit or equivalent qualifications

T Level: Merit

Access to Higher Education Diploma: 45 Level 3 credits with a minimum of 112 UCAS Tariff points

A combination of qualifications which may include A Levels, BTEC, EPQ etc

Applicants will also need at least three GCSEs at grade 4 (C) or above, which must include English and Maths. Equivalent Level 2 qualifications may also be considered.

The University accepts a wide range of qualifications as the basis for entry. We will also consider applicants with extensive and relevant work experience and will give special individual consideration to those who do not meet the standard entry qualifications.

International

Non UK Qualifications:

If you have studied outside of the UK, and are unsure whether your qualification meets the above requirements, please visit:

https://www.lincoln.ac.uk/home/studywithus/internationalstudents/entryrequirementsandyourcountry/ for information on equivalent qualifications.

EU and Overseas students will be required to demonstrate English language proficiency equivalent to IELTS 6.0 overall, with a minimum of 5.5 in each element. For information regarding other English language qualifications we accept, please visit:

https://www.lincoln.ac.uk/home/studywithus/internationalstudents/englishlanguagerequirementsandsupport/englishlanguagerequirements/

If you do not meet the above IELTS requirements, you may be able to take part in one of our Pre-sessional English and Academic Study Skills courses.

https://www.lincoln.ac.uk/home/studywithus/internationalstudents/englishlanguagerequirementsandsupport/pre-sessionalenglishandacademicstudyskills/

If you would like further information about entry requirements, or would like to discuss whether the qualifications you are currently studying are acceptable, please contact the Admissions team on 01522 886097, or email admissions@lincoln.ac.uk

Your Future Career

Graduates would be well-placed to pursue careers in education including roles in schools, colleges, and universities, as well as roles such as digital learning consultants, project officers, and digital learning co-ordinators and specialists. They may consider working in digital content design roles, or for private educational institutions, libraries or museums.

Graduates may also wish to move to further study in the form of a PGCE primary teacher training course.

Visit Us in Person

The best way to find out what it is really like to live and learn at Lincoln is to join us for one of our Open Days. Visiting us in person is important and will help you to get a real feel for what it might be like to study here.

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