Why study Education in the UK?
UK Education programmes split broadly into two types: those leading to QTS (typically BA Primary Education with QTS, or Bachelor's followed by a one-year PGCE), and those that don't (BA Education Studies, BA Early Childhood Studies). Both build a strong foundation in child development, learning theory, educational psychology, curriculum design and educational policy. UK universities such as the UCL Institute of Education, Cambridge, Oxford, Edinburgh, Manchester and Bristol are internationally renowned for education research. International fees range from £14,000 to £21,000 per year at universities and £12,500 to £17,500 at pathway colleges. Foundation Year, Bachelor's, Top-up and Master's routes are widely available.
Career outcomes
QTS graduates qualify to teach in UK state schools (starting salary £31,650 in 2026 outside London, rising to £43,607 in inner London) with progression to leadership and headship over a 10-15 year period. Education Studies graduates work in educational charities, museum education teams, edtech companies, local authorities, the civil service and international schools. According to LEO data, Education graduates have a median salary of £25,000-£29,000 fifteen months after graduation. Teaching is on the UK Shortage Occupation List in several subjects (Maths, Physics, MFL, Computing), making Skilled Worker visa sponsorship realistic for qualified subject teachers.
Courses available through AEN
We work with UK partners offering Foundation Year Education (£5,760-£9,790), BA Education Studies, BA Primary Education with QTS, BA Early Childhood Studies, Top-up Bachelor's, PGCE (one-year postgraduate teaching qualification) and MA Education programmes (Educational Leadership, TESOL, SEND, International Education). Intakes typically run in September only, especially for QTS routes.
Entry requirements
Direct undergraduate entry typically requires 96-120 UCAS points (CCC-BBB). For QTS-bearing degrees, GCSE Maths and English at grade 4/C or equivalent are mandatory (no exceptions — these are Department for Education requirements). IELTS 6.5-7.0. Foundation Year accepts lower qualifications. PGCE applicants must have a 2:2 or 2:1 undergraduate degree in a relevant subject for secondary teaching, or in any subject for primary teaching.