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Professional Practice Education

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  • Study Mode: Full Time
  • Location: High Wycombe
  • Duration: One Year
  • Start Date: September 2026

This top-up degree is designed to enable practitioners in Primary Education, wider Education and Training environments to meet Continuing Professional Development (CPD) needs and to develop expertise in the practice setting.

The programme enables you to extend your prior qualifications to gain an honours degree related to your specific area of practice in Primary Education or Education and Training.

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Top 10 for Teaching Quality*
*The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2026
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University of the Year for South East England*
*WhatUni Student Choice Awards 2025
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Top 5 Students' Union in the UK*
*Based on responses from taught BNU students (NSS 2025)

Pathways

Our Professional Practice programme gives you the opportunity to choose your specialism for your future career after your experience of the core curriculum in year one. Rather than having to make your big career decision before you join us, we introduce you to various specialisms and offer you the flexibility to choose the pathway which leads to your chosen career.

Six pre-school children sat on the floor of a classroom looking at their teacher.
BA (Hons) Professional Practice in Primary Education

What will I study on this pathway?

This pathway is designed to increase your skills and specialisms within primary education. You’ll study contemporary issues in primary education, leadership and management in primary education and you can choose to explore literature in practice, supporting emotional wellbeing, and learning and teaching with technology. In addition, you’ll study core modules on research, professional frameworks and practice.

woman standing up talking to two others who are sat down on chairs
BA (Hons) Professional Practice in Education and Training

What will I study on this pathway?

This pathway is designed to increase your skills and specialisms within education and training, including for adults. You’ll study contemporary issues in education, leadership and management in education institutions and you can choose to explore literature in practice, emotional wellbeing, and learning and teaching with technology. In addition, you’ll study core modules on research, professional frameworks and practice.

Why study this subject?

This work-based programme is open to students who have successfully completed a Foundation Degree or a Diploma in Higher Education. It is designed to help you develop your theoretical knowledge and expertise and enable enhanced practice and career progression. 

The course enables you to gain skills that helps you enhance your practice with children, young people, adults and their families. As a successful graduate you will have a desirable qualification for career progression with opportunity to pursue sought-after jobs within education.

It’s difficult to single out just one aspect of my time at BNU, as so many elements made my experience truly memorable. The campus is an inspiring environment in which to learn. I also feel incredibly fortunate to have worked alongside my tutors, each of whom brought exceptional expertise, positivity, and a genuine commitment to our success. The camaraderie of my peers was a constant source of encouragement; their support throughout the course was invaluable.
John Ratcliffe Teacher at Key Stage 2
John Ratcliffe

Why study at Buckinghamshire New University?

At BNU, our teaching is centred around you. We make sure you get the professional support you need, backed up with insight from experienced lecturers. We don’t just provide you with great learning opportunities, but we also provide you the opportunity to combine theory with practice and apply your learning so it comes to life.

This course is designed to give you flexibility, and BNU can provide you with a campus only 35 minutes from London. With our apps anywhere service you can use software and apps from the comfort of home.

Our course offers you a course that helps you reach your professional and personal goals within the world of education, with the support of professional lecturers and insight from people who have been there. We believe this course prepares you for whatever you might face in the future and more.

What facilities can I use?

Everything that is required for the study of this course is located across our 3 campuses. In addition, we have a 24 hour library for your use, with IT software, computers and the information you need. We also have apps anywhere that allows you to study from the comfort of your own home.

Studying at BNU has been one of the most transformative experiences of my life. It has been so profoundly impactful, so rewarding and positive. Not only from the perspective of my academic attainment, but also from my improved confidence, sense of worth and knowledge. I would wholeheartedly recommend BNU If you’re considering giving the ‘future you’ the best start in life. Run, don’t walk, get in touch now.
John Ratcliffe Teacher at Key Stage 2
John Ratcliffe

How will I be taught and assessed?

Our programme is designed to extend your knowledge and skills relating to practice, increase your confidence and develop critical decision-making skills. The teaching sessions encourage peer learning and debate around contemporary social issues that surround primary education and educational policy and practice.

This is a top-up degree which means it is intended for you if you have completed a foundation degree and want to get a full BA honors. Attendance is one day a week, and all assignments are work related, which enables you to enhance your prior qualifications to gain an honors degree related to your specific area of practice.

Our course enables you to see the theory and debates you are having in class come to life before your eyes. Practice is evolving within a rapidly changing world and this is reflected in the strong thread of inclusion and social justice that is embedded throughout the program learning. 

This programme has a shared first year, after which you will be able to continue down your chosen pathway. You can also switch between pathways later in the course, as you would switching between courses any other way.

BA (Hons) Professional Practice in Education Programme Specification

What are the course entry requirements?

All students applying to the programme will have previously achieved 120 credits at level 4 and 120 credits at level 5, either through a foundation degree, diploma or APEL route, through the University’s Credit Accumulation and Transfer Scheme (CATS) To gain a specific bracketed award the 240 credits already held must be in the same field of study as the chosen pathway.

All students will be employed or will have access to work experience for at least 6 hours a week throughout the duration of the course.

Modules

This provides a guide of the modules that make up your course. You can find more information about how your course is structured on our Academic Advice section.

Professional Practice in Primary Education Pathway
Core Modules
Credits
This module will encourage debate on current and critical issues surrounding the primary education policy and practice. We’ll reflect, share and debate what constitutes good practice when leading pedagogy and supporting and managing change to improve outcomes for children and their families from the reception year to the end of the primary phase.
This module develops knowledge of contemporary leadership and management. You’ll examine the environment in which organisations function and the culture and professional standards that operate within the organisation. It’ll offer the chance for self-development as a leader and help you to challenge assumptions and think in new and innovative ways.
This module is designed to build on current knowledge of research, allowing you to explore a topic of interest. Presentations and discussions will enhance your knowledge of research, including action research and evidence-based practice, whilst exploring different theoretical perspectives that can be adopted when researching an area of practice.
This module is designed to deepen knowledge and understanding of the concept of sustainability and the interdependence of natural, social, economic and political systems at local, national and global levels. You’ll gain an increased awareness of how sustainability is situated in the context of educational environments.
Optional Modules
Credits
This module explores children’s literature from a range of genres. Consideration of a range of diverse and challenging topics will be examined to encourage theoretical analysis of individual authors. The important role of the professional as a reader and role model that engages children in reading for pleasure and purpose will be reflected upon.
This module extends your knowledge of the psychosocial needs of children and families in current society. We’ll cover emotional wellbeing in a child’s holistic development and inter-agency approaches in early childhood. We’ll introduce issues such as the importance of developing resilience to aid development of healthy lifestyles at a young age.
Changes to the way teaching happens often feels driven by technology as opposed to led by pedagogical choice. You’ll considers technology in your practice area as a means to enhance learning and teaching. We’ll explore the processes underpinning successful teaching and learning using technology and investigate resources to support these processes.
Professional Practice in Education and Training Pathway
Core Modules
Credits
This module will encourage debate on current and critical issues surrounding education and training policy and practice. We’ll reflect, share and debate what constitutes good practice when leading pedagogy and supporting and managing change to improve outcomes for learners across differing learning environments.
This module develops knowledge of contemporary leadership and management. You’ll examine the environment in which organisations function and the culture and professional standards that operate within the organisation. It’ll offer the chance for self-development as a leader and help you to challenge assumptions and think in new and innovative ways.
This module is designed to build on current knowledge of research, allowing you to explore a topic of interest. Presentations and discussions will enhance your knowledge of research, including action research and evidence-based practice, whilst exploring different theoretical perspectives that can be adopted when researching an area of practice.
This module is designed to deepen knowledge and understanding of the concept of sustainability and the interdependence of natural, social, economic and political systems at local, national and global levels. You’ll gain an increased awareness of how sustainability is situated in the context of educational environments.
Optional Modules
Credits
This module explores children’s literature from a range of genres. Consideration of a range of diverse and challenging topics will be examined to encourage theoretical analysis of individual authors. The important role of the professional as a reader and role model that engages children in reading for pleasure and purpose will be reflected upon.
This module extends your knowledge of the psychosocial needs of children and families in current society. We’ll cover emotional wellbeing in a child’s holistic development and inter-agency approaches in early childhood. We’ll introduce issues such as the importance of developing resilience to aid development of healthy lifestyles at a young age.
Changes to the way teaching happens often feels driven by technology as opposed to led by pedagogical choice. You’ll considers technology in your practice area as a means to enhance learning and teaching. We’ll explore the processes underpinning successful teaching and learning using technology and investigate resources to support these processes.

What are the tuition fees

Home
  • Home, Academic Year 2025 - 2026: £9,535 *
International
  • Overseas/International, Academic Year 2025 - 2026: £15,150 *

Please note all of the 2026/27 academic year fees stated are subject to parliamentary procedure. Tuition fees are expected to increase each academic year in line with the maximum permitted value set by the Government for that academic year. The expected rise for Home undergraduate students (including those on a foundation year course), may impact both new and continuing students.

Additional costs

Your tuition fees cover most course costs, but you may need to budget for additional expenses. These can include specialist equipment, project materials, professional memberships, field trips or placements, as well as everyday student costs like printing, books and stationery.

Contact us

If you have any questions about the fees above, contact our enquiries team by completing this form.

What are my career prospects?

An MA in Education allows you to engage with a particular aspect of educational practice in depth, giving you knowledge and expertise that enables you to build confidence and inspire.

Further opportunities for successful students include progression onto teaching, training or wider teacher training programmes including studying at master’s level. Career opportunities specifically within the primary education sector include: nursery/pre-school management, school management, local authority advisors, inclusion officer, SEN roles, hospital play specialist, and family support worker.

Course leader

Borbala Kenez-Burns
Mrs Borbala Kenez-Burns
  • Course leader
  • Lecturer
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Headshot of Carly Maguire, a BNU lecturer
Carly Maguire
  • Lecturer
  • Course Leader
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Headshot photo of Antoninna Anderson, a Lecturer in Education at BNU
Antoninna Anderson
  • Lecturer
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