Cornerstone’s BA (Bachelor of Arts) in Alternative Education is a specialised undergraduate degree programme designed for individuals who are interested in exploring alternative educational philosophies, methods and practices. In this programme, students explore a range of innovative, non-traditional and transformative approaches to education. 

Bachelor of Arts Majoring in Alternative Education

A BA in Alternative Education offers a unique pathway for individuals passionate about re-imagining education and making a positive difference in the lives of learners through creative and unconventional educational practices.

This BA qualification aims to develop graduates who:

  1. Identify a systematic, well-rounded understanding of important theories and scholarly positions in several disciplines;
  2. Critically analyse scholarly work (including their own) from different perspectives, and formulate a congruent argument on topical issues in contemporary contexts;
  3. Apply competence with the basic modes of inquiry of at least one discipline and the development of a minor research project within the context;
  4. Employ professional capability in a career, possessing a self-directed and entrepreneurial mindset and the capacity to interact effectively with others and to function responsibly in various and unfamiliar contexts;
  5. Apply social consciousness and servant leadership to contribute to society as active citizens.

Transformative Pedagogies: You will engage with transformative and critical pedagogies which form the foundation of many alternative forms of education. 

Alternative Pedagogies: Study alternative educational philosophies and pedagogical approaches such as Montessori, Waldorf, Reggio Emilia, Democratic Education, Home-schooling and Unschooling. 

Educational contexts: Critically analyse social, cultural and political contexts of education, questioning traditional educational norms and examining issues of equity, diversity and inclusion.

Experiential Learning: Explore hands-on and experiential learning methods that prioritise student engagement, autonomy and personal growth. 

Social Change: Investigate the role of education in fostering social change and empowering marginalised individuals and groups.

Interdisciplinary Approach: Integrate perspectives form various disciplines to understand alternative educational paradigms.

Practical Application: Gain practical experience through fieldwork and a capstone research project in which you will explore  alternative education principles in a real-world setting. 

Foundations of Education: Introduction to theories and philosophies of education, including historical and contemporary perspectives. 

Alternative Teaching Methods: Exploration of alternative teaching strategies, curriculum development and assessment techniques aligned with non-traditional educational models. 

Social Justice in Education: Examination of educational equity, inclusivity and social justice issues within alternative education contexts.

Educational Innovation and Reform: Discussion of innovative practices and reforms in education aimed at challenging conventional schooling paradigms. 

Research and Inquiry Skills: Development of critical thinking, research and inquiry skills to analyse and evaluate alternative education theories and practices. 

A Bachelor of Arts degree provides a broad and versatile education, equipping you with essential transferable skills for the workplace. These include problem-solving abilities; adaptability and flexibility in the face of change and new challenges; cultural awareness and an appreciation for equity, inclusion and diversity; the ability to articulate ideas clearly and persuasively in both written and oral formats; information literacy skills; and, foundational research abilities.

For graduates who wish to progress to a PGCE qualification, completing Cornerstone’s BA majoring in Alternative Education means they will have completed most of the prerequisites for teaching subject specialisations within the PGCE programme. 

  • Opportunity to challenge conventional educational practices and explore innovative approaches to teaching and learning. 
  • Preparation for careers that prioritize social impact, community engagement and educational reform. 
  • Development of critical thinking skills and a deep understanding of diverse educational philosophies. 
  • Potential to contribute to educational transformation and empowerment of learners outside traditional schooling systems.
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Cornerstone Institute
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