Abstract

With the decrease in PGCE Primary Education (QTS) places available in universities, this paper will explore data collected from 140 undergraduates undertaking a BA Primary Education Studies programme. Through the use of questionnaires, this research focuses on student expectations and aspirations and on whether they merely saw the course as a pre-entry programme for a PGCE in Primary Education or as a more diverse degree allowing access to a variety of employment opportunities. A range of viewpoint questions regarding course content and expected employment opportunities were included, as well as student suggestions for future course development. This research asks the question, 'For what are these students being educated?' Thus, it is set within a framework of diversity and risk, reflecting the increasingly global and disordered phase of contemporary life. From the data collected, many students have chosen this programme to access PGCE Primary courses, although by the end of their degree some students had decided that alternative careers beyond being a qualified teacher might be more suitable. This initial research indicates an anomaly with students in their third year, wishing to see a multidisciplinary approach to their course, stating that psychology and sociology would enhance the programme and employability, whilst rst year students were more likely to consider such a cross-disciplinary approach confusing and inappropriate to their studies. The data suggests that both the idea and experience of work is becoming increasingly insecure and disordered in the contemporary world. In a globalised world students need to engage with both the changes in career opportunities and the associated uncertainty of becoming a teacher. The paper concludes that Education Studies and the desire to be a teacher, even with the lack of employment opportunities, is evidence of reflexive activity symptomatic of the Risk Society.

How to Cite:

Lohmann-Hancock, C. & Booth, J., (2014) “Uncertain Futures within a Risk Society – Expectations, Aspirations and Future Employment: Student Perceptions of Education Studies Degrees”, Wales Journal of Education 17(1), 53-72.