Liverpool Hope University, BA (Hons), Disability Studies and Education Studies

Disability studies Modules will focus upon current practice and contemporary issues as well as the historical context from which these emanate; this wide-ranging course is designed to stimulate the student’s awareness and increase their understanding on a personal, intellectual, moral, ethical and professional level. Level 1: Core areas of study: The module, conceptualising disability, considers diverse attitudes and approaches to disability from historical, legislative and ethical perspectives; this provides the understanding for current thinking on issues of inclusion. Level 2: the effective practice module (including a placement) is compulsory; optional modules may include: cognitive, behavioural and mental health difficulties; physical and sensory disability; disability and the family. Level 3: optional modules may include: ethical issues; therapeutic approaches; policy, practice and management in special educational needs (SEN); if the student is majoring in disability studies the research project module is compulsory. Education studies Level 1: At this level the student takes a single year-long module: perspectives and practice in education; this module offers a range of interpretations and analytical tools, which are of use to the student’s studies in subsequent years; it also offers tasters of some of the more specialist subjects the student is able to take at levels 2 and 3. Level 2: at this level the student is able to select from a range of subjects, according to their own interests and career preferences; these modules build on the groundwork undertaken at level 1; modules may include: values in education: addresses some of the core values underpinning education, wherever it is located; the educational professional: takes up and builds upon the preparatory vocational strand introduced at level 1; the global citizen: examines the gathering world phenomenon of citizenship; futures in education: explores futurist philosophies and approaches to futurist technology in education. Level 3: at this level the student is further able to tailor their studies to meet their needs by selecting from a range of vocationally focused subjects, according to their own interests and career preferences; modules may include: revolution, change and innovation; the effective practitioner: addresses the theory and practice relating to work-based learning; research project in education; leadership and management in education training and care; information and communication in education; alongside these core areas, a range of options may be available in studying education both in the United Kingdom and overseas; the course also offers a range of placements in schools, post-16 education and industry.

This is a combined Honours programme which allows the student to combine the 2 subjects; the disability studies course represents an opportunity to engage with extremely topical issues relating to disability throughout society and across the lifespan; the course offers the student the opportunity to examine society’s response to its members with disabilities; the role of the educational professional is changing and will be almost beyond recognition within a few years; education studies offers the opportunity to study this vital subject in all its manifestations; the course is suitable for students looking at a career in teaching, looking to take up one of the many new roles developing in education, or for students who simply want to find out more about this area