What is Education?
Studying education is just what it sounds like, the study of education itself. Education aims to explain educational outcomes – why people learn in the way they do when living in different contexts such as in families, schools, neighbourhoods and society. Thereby, it takes into account the role of learning intentions, epistemological beliefs, cultural contexts, the role of language and signs, the nature of academic and vocational disciplines and how the memory works. As such, it is a very complex and demanding subject. In turn, this study programme aims to improve education, based on the assessment of past and current research.
Three reasons to study Education:
- Be part of someone’s learning process: by studying the learning process, you have the chance to learn about techniques that help to educate a person and make them feel comfortable in their respective social environment. Many people working in educational contexts say the best aspect of their job is seeing a person overcome personal problems and understand something being taught. This process of education is something from which they will benefit the rest of their lives and by studying education, you become an important part of it!
- Understand human behaviour and the development of society: the learning process of a person is a life-long process which is always affected by its overarching social relationships and surroundings. Educational sciences research analyses behavioural shifts and transfers of educational concepts to different societies, which gets you in contact with a wide range of cultures, milieus and age groups.
- Interdisciplinary subject: education is a perfect degree for you to combine with other subjects. Also, there is the option to specialise in different areas such as adult learning.
How to study Education?
Most university level education courses include essential definitions, theories and methods of educational science and their scientific application.
The majority of courses will combine theory and practice and will include at least one internship in an institution or organisation. By discussing different educational concepts, students acquire reflexive orientation, knowledge and action competences. They learn to recognise, name and examine their own stereotypes critically and use this reflection to broaden their perspectives or change their attitudes. Theory draws from a wide range of disciplines like history, sociology and psychology and will look at themes like young people’s development, the history and philosophy of education, understanding young people, the learning environment and child behaviour. Educational training involves looking at your professional and academic development. Educational strategies focus on developing communication skills, looking at future career aspirations, and leadership and teamwork. The later stages of education courses will usually require students to focus on a certain field, target group or concept of education and to gain practical experience in an educational field putting their learning into practice in a real-world environment. After completing an undergraduate degree, some students may wish to pursue a postgraduate degree.
What kind of jobs can I get by studying Education?
There are various job opportunities for you after studying education! You can start working as an education officer at a museum, gallery, sports club or organisation or working with people as part of a charity or government scheme. There is also the option to do a PhD and work in research or to do an internship and work in youth services. Your degree enables you to become a human resources manager in social service institutions. In many countries, you might also branch out to social work or school teaching.
Source: Umultirank
