This module identifies and explores a range of empirical sites and critical theoretical perspectives in the study of education. It examines contemporary issues in education, in a cross disciplinary way, through different sociological, social policy and criminological lenses. In particular, the module considers the relationships between education, society, the state and the individual, and considers how forces like globalisation and marketization are impacting education. It pays close attention to educational (in)equalities relating to ‘race’ and ethnicity, social class, gender, sex and sexuality, dis/ability, and migration. Over the course of the module there is a focus on key debates and bodies of research in critical studies of education that can help us to better understand and respond to pressing educational issues.