Psychology with Education BSc

Course overview

Psychology has never been more important in terms of influence on educational policy and practice. The meeting point between psychology and education represents an exciting, cutting-edge field of study with diverse approaches.

This course shows you how different approaches to education impact upon learning and development. You’ll understand how psychology can inform education, and you’ll receive a sound basis for pursuing a wide range of future careers. These include teaching, youth work, psychology, counselling and social work.

You’ll learn from experts in education and psychology who use their research to inform their teaching, introducing you to the latest debates in educational psychology. You’ll can also conduct your own research while exploring the relationship between the two disciplines.

The course has both theoretical and practical components – you’ll benefit from opportunities to gain practical experience of working in an educational context to apply your theoretical knowledge.

Course highlights

• Study in our world-ranked School of Education and School of Psychology alongside staff and students from across the globe.
• Learn from influential academics who are helping to shape policy in critical areas including curriculum, digital education and childhood.
• Gain valuable experience with a placement in a school or educational setting in Year 3.
• Prepare for your future with careers and employability support.
• Get the opportunity to study abroad and develop an international experience or undertake a work placement to gain practical experience.
• Benefit from graduate membership of the British Psychological Society (GMBPsS) after completing your degree.

Studying in the School of Education

Accreditation

This course is accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS). To read more about the benefits of undertaking an accredited programme please see the BPS website.

Course details

In each year of study, you’ll undertake a series of compulsory modules that build your knowledge base. This foundation is complemented in Years 1 and 3 by a range of optional modules from both psychology and education that allow you to explore related topics that suit your interests and career plans.

You’ll study the key theories, values and concepts relevant to both psychology and education, and learn about what psychology can bring to an overall understanding of learning and development. For example, you’ll consider how together both disciplines can be applied to real life scenarios to inform decision making.

In your final year you’ll undertake a placement in a school or other educational setting, that will enable you to understand the relationship between theory and practice and apply insights from psychology. See Study abroad and work placements for details.

You will also undertake a piece of independent research in your final year. This allows you to put the theories you have studied into practice, to select an area of interest to pursue and to gain experience of doing a real-life research project.

Course structure

The list shown below represents typical modules/components studied and may change from time to time. Read more in our terms and conditions.

For more information and a full list of typical modules available on this course, please read Psychology with Education BSc in the course catalogue

Year 1 compulsory modules

Year 2 compulsory modules

Year 3 compulsory modules

Learning and teaching

Our teaching methods include lectures, one-to-one and group tutorials, practical classes, seminars and workshops. You’ll have multiple opportunities to engage with the latest debates and issues in both psychology and education, including attending lectures and seminars with guest speakers.

You’ll be assigned a personal tutor from the School of Education, who you’ll meet with regularly. They’ll offer guidance and support, helping with your academic and personal development and making sure you get the most out of your time at university.

On this course, you’ll be taught by our expert academics, from lecturers through to professors. You may also be taught by industry professionals with years of experience, as well as trained postgraduate researchers, connecting you to some of the brightest minds on campus.

Assessment

We aim to use a variety of assessment methods, allowing you to develop skills in several key areas. These include critical and analytical thinking, problem-solving, working in a team, synthesising information and giving presentations.

You’ll be assessed using a range of methods that allow you to demonstrate your knowledge and understanding of the subject. Our current assessment methods include conducting and analysing research, giving presentations, writing essays and taking examinations.

Entry requirements

A-level: AAB in one or more of psychology, geography, mathematics, chemistry, biology, physics, geology, economics, statistics, environmental science or computing.

In general we expect applicants to have two ‘traditional’ academic subjects at A-level. See our accepted subjects document to see which subjects we accept.

The Extended Project is welcomed but is not included as part of our offer. We do not accept any applied A Levels.

GCSE: English language at grade 4/C and mathematics at grade 5/B. Plus one of the following at grade 5/B: physics, biology, chemistry, science or additional science. We also accept GCSE DA science (dual award) at grades 5-4/BC.

Other course specific tests:

DBS check

To enrol on this course, you will need to have a satisfactory Enhanced Disclosure from the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) or equivalent by 30 September in the year you start the course, paid for by the School. We’ll send you a form and related guidance over the summer, which you should complete and return with the appropriate documents. It is essential to your successful registration that the DBS requirements are managed promptly.

Find guidance on DBS checks and equivalent checks for international applicants on the DBS website.

Alternative qualification

Read more about UK and Republic of Ireland accepted qualifications or contact the School’s Undergraduate Admissions Team.

Alternative entry

We’re committed to identifying the best possible applicants, regardless of personal circumstances or background.

Access to Leeds is a contextual admissions scheme which accepts applications from individuals who might be from low income households, in the first generation of their immediate family to apply to higher education, or have had their studies disrupted.

Find out more about Access to Leeds and contextual admissions.

Typical Access to Leeds offer:

• BBB at A level including one or more of: psychology, geography, mathematics, chemistry, biology, physics, geology, economics, statistics, environmental science or computing.

• Also, at GCSE: English language at grade 4/C and mathematics at grade 5/B. Plus one of the following at grade 5/B: physics, biology, chemistry, science or additional science. We also accept GCSE DA science (dual award) at grades 5-4/BC.

• Plus a pass on the Access to Leeds module.

• For alternative qualification offers please contact the admissions team.

If you do not have the formal qualifications for immediate entry to one of our degrees, we offer a foundation year for UK students who meet specific widening participation criteria. Learn more about the BA Social Science (foundation year).

International

We accept a range of international equivalent qualifications. For information contact the School of Education Undergraduate Admissions Team.

International foundation year

International students who do not meet the academic requirements for undergraduate study may be able to study a foundation year. Find out more about International Foundation Year programmes.

If you are applying from an alternative foundation year provider, please contact our admissions team to find out if your qualification is suitable for entry to our courses.

English language requirements

IELTS 7.0 overall, with no less than 6.5 in any component. For other English qualifications, read English language equivalent qualifications.

Improve your English
If you're an international student and you don't meet the English language requirements for this programme, you may be able to study our undergraduate pre-sessional English course, to help improve your English language level.

Fees

UK: £9,250 (per year)

International: £30,250 (per year)

Tuition fees for UK undergraduate students starting in 2025/26
In November 2024 the UK Government announced that the tuition fee cap may rise to £9,535 from £9,250.

The tuition fee cap for some foundation years may also reduce to £5,760 from £9,250.

This would start from the academic year 2025/26. However, this is subject to final confirmation from the Government. Once available, we’ll publish the fees for the 2025/26 academic year and individual offer letters shall be updated via email and post.

The foundation year courses affected are:
·         Business Studies with Foundation Year BSc
·         Arts and Humanities with Foundation Year BA
·         Interdisciplinary Studies with Preparation for Higher Education BA
·         Social Science (foundation year) BA

Tuition fees for international undergraduate students starting in 2024/25 and 2025/26
Tuition fees for international students for 2024/25 and 2025/26 are available on individual course pages.

Tuition fees for UK undergraduate students starting in 2024/25
Tuition fees for UK full-time undergraduate students are set by the UK Government and will be £9,250 for students starting in 2024/25.

The fee may increase in future years of your course in line with inflation only, as a consequence of future changes in Government legislation and as permitted by law.
 

Tuition fees for a study abroad or work placement year
If you take a study abroad or work placement year, you’ll pay a reduced tuition fee during this period. For more information, see Study abroad and work placement tuition fees and loans.

Read more about paying fees and charges.

There may be additional costs related to your course or programme of study, or related to being a student at the University of Leeds. Read more on our living costs and budgeting page.

Scholarships and financial support

If you have the talent and drive, we want you to be able to study with us, whatever your financial circumstances. There is help for students in the form of loans and non-repayable grants from the University and from the government. Find out more in our Undergraduate funding overview.

Applying

Apply to this course through UCAS. Check the deadline for applications on the UCAS website.

Read our admissions guidance for common queries, information on how we will process your application, and advice on personal statements.

International students apply through UCAS in the same way as UK students. Our network of international representatives can help you with your application. If you’re unsure about the application process, contact the admissions team for help.

Read about visas, immigration and other information in International students. We recommend that international students apply as early as possible to ensure that they have time to apply for their visa.

Admissions policy

University of Leeds Admissions Policy 2025

This course is taught by

School of Education
School of Psychology

Contact us

School of Education Admission Team

Email: ugeducation@leeds.ac.uk
Telephone:

Career opportunities

The BSc Psychology with Education degree enables you to pursue a wide range of future careers. You’ll have various opportunities to strengthen your CV through academic enrichment and co-curricular activities, such as volunteering or attending workshops.

Through the degree’s placement module, you will gain practical experience of working within an educational context. You will also have reflected upon how psychology can be applied to education.

Graduates with this degree will be able to pursue a wide range of careers related to teaching, youth work, educational or clinical psychology, counselling, social work and beyond.

Careers support

We encourage you to prepare for your career from day one. That’s one of the reasons Leeds graduates are so sought after by employers.

Leeds for Life is our unique approach to helping you make the most of University by supporting your academic and personal development. Find out more at the Leeds for Life website.

The Careers Centre and staff in your faculty provide a range of help and advice to help you plan your career and make well-informed decisions along the way, even after you graduate. Find out more about Careers support.

Study abroad and work placements

Study abroad

On this course you have the opportunity to apply to spend time abroad, usually as an extra academic year. The University has partnerships with more than 300 universities worldwide and popular destinations for our students include Europe, the USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, Hong Kong, South Africa and Latin America.

Read more about Study Year Abroad.

Work placements

Practical work experience can help you decide on your career and improve your employability. On this course you have the option to apply to take a placement year module with organisations across the public, private and voluntary sectors in the UK, or overseas.

Find out more about work experience on the Careers website.

Students into Education

In your third year on this course, you’ll spend 40 hours working in a school or other educational setting alongside established teacher and education professionals. You’ll be supported to apply the knowledge and skills you’ve developed on the course in a practical educational environment.

You’ll attend regular seminars which will enable you to reflect on your experience, allowing you to focus and evaluate the theoretical and pedagogical underpinnings.

Work placements are a great opportunity to apply and develop your knowledge, broaden your skill set and gain valuable experience to pursue a career in the education sector and beyond.