Module manager: Samantha Shaw
Email: s.j.shaw1@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) View Timetable
Year running 2026/27
LLLC2260: Education Perspectives and Policy
This module is not approved as a discovery module
In this module, you will develop an understanding of systemic inequalities in education and how factors such as class, race, gender, culture and political ideology influence educational experiences and outcomes. You will explore how key sociological perspectives and their theoretical underpinnings can be applied to education. This will enable you to appreciate the different ways in which the purpose of education and the ways in which it is organised and delivered can be conceived and understood. You will gain insights into the principles the current system is built upon and will have the opportunity to imagine and propose alternatives.
This module aims to facilitate critical discussion of the fundamental debates in the sociology of education, to enable you to weigh up the relative strengths and weaknesses of each approach and make your own sociologically informed arguments to unpick contemporary issues within the educational landscape. It also provides a forum where you can actively apply these perspectives to develop your knowledge of both mainstream and alternative provision and develop more inclusive pedagogical and institutional practices.
You will engage in interactive learning activities, such as discussions and debates, which will enable you to examine the diversity of perspectives on education, to identify and evaluate education delivery models and to analyse the impact of different approaches on educational achievement.
On successful completion of the module, students will have demonstrated the ability to:
1- Evaluate a range of relevant perspectives on education
2- Evaluate education delivery models through a sociological lens and range of perspectives
3- Apply sociological understanding to educational practice, provision and outcomes
Skills Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated the ability to:
1- Evaluate different arguments and perspectives, using supporting evidence, including numerical data, to form opinions, arguments, theories and ideas (Academic).
2- Deliver effective and engaging oral and visual presentations to a variety of audiences (Academic).
3- Use technology appropriately and ethically to enhance efficiency, identifying appropriate technologies for tasks. Know how to access, learn and adapt to new technologies (Work ready).
4- Generate ideas, demonstrate originality and imaginative thinking (Work ready).
5- Find, evaluate, organise and share information across a variety of formats and media, ensuring the reliability and integrity both of the sources and of the ideas that they help to generate (Digital).
6- Use digital technology and techniques to create digital items (such as images, documents and mind maps), and engage with new practices and perspectives to solve problems, make decisions and answer questions (Digital).
Details of the syllabus will be provided on the Minerva organisation (or equivalent) for the module.
| Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Practical | 1 | 2 | 2 |
| Seminar | 9 | 2 | 18 |
| Private study hours | 180 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 20 | ||
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 200 | ||
There will be ongoing monitoring of student progress throughout the module via student engagement in seminars and tutorial support, including formative feedback on practice debates and digital content.
| Assessment type | Notes | % of formal assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Coursework | Debate - Different perspectives on education and education delivery models - 1,500 word equivalent | 40 |
| Coursework | Digital content e.g. website or blog - 2, 500 word equivalent - Evaluate education delivery models and apply sociological understanding to educational practice, provision and outcomes | 60 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) | 100 | |
Students will be required to engage in a debate relating to sociological approaches to education. Student will produce a digital item such as a website to present and evaluate an alternative educational provision. The nature of the resit is the same as the original
Check the module area in Minerva for your reading list
Last updated: 30/04/2026
Errors, omissions, failed links etc should be notified to the Catalogue Team