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.
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:
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.