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 with discovery modules in Years 1 and 2, and optional modules from both psychology and education in Year 3. These 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 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. This will enable you to understand the relationship between theory and practice, and apply insights from psychology. You will also have the option to take an additional year to study abroad or do a full placement year. 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.

Year 1 compulsory modules

Psychological Approaches to Childhood and Education (20 credits) - This module is about the application of psychological knowledge to education. You will learn about a broad range of theories and perspectives with a focus on developmental psychology running throughout the module. You will look at some of the big issues and debates in the field of education, such as the nature of effective teaching and the role of evidence from empirical research to inform practice. You will also be introduced to the use of psychological techniques in educational research.

Cognitive Psychology (20 credits) - This module will provide you with an overview of fundamental cognitive psychology. It explores the history and development of cognitive psychology, research findings and theories developed from these findings, along with associated research methodologies.

Social Psychology (20 credits) - This module will introduce you to social psychology theory, research, and practice. This will include coverage of key theoretical approaches to social psychology, as well as critical evaluation and real-world application of these theories.

Biological Psychology (20 credits) - This module will outline the biological basis of behaviour. This will be applied to different psychology topics, such as intelligence, reproductive behaviour, and perception. Complementary research perspectives – such as neuroscience, neuropsychology, evolutionary and comparative approaches – will be discussed. In particular, this module will pay close attention to the ethical and historical aspects of Biological Psychology.

Research Skills and Statistics (20 credits) - This module will introduce you to research methods and statistics in psychology. Lectures will provide details of theory and practice and will introduce you to research methodologies, approaches, epistemologies and ontologies. Alongside this you will have computer-based learning sessions and small-group supportive seminars to practice research skills.

Applied Research in Psychology (10 credits) - In this module you will engage in lectures and interactive workshops to develop your research literacies in an applied context. For example, you might design your own research studies on topics relevant to your experiences as university students. This module builds directly on the semester 1 20-credit module Introduction to Research Skills and Statistics.

Year 1 discovery modules

You will be able to take 10 credits of discovery modules.

Year 2 compulsory modules

Psychological Approaches to Understanding and Supporting Learning and Development (20 credits) - This module brings together theory and practice by exploring children's learning and development from a psychological perspective. You will learn about influential psychological theories that have informed current understandings of children's learning and development. You will also critically analyse theory and cutting-edge research before exploring practical applications and implications for education. Lectures are interactive to encourage discussion and debate.

The Brain and Learning (20 credits) - In this module you’ll learn about the biological and cognitive underpinnings of learning. You'll focus on topics such as memory, attention and perception, while drawing on contemporary research from fields such as educational neuroscience and applied cognitive psychology.

Social Psychology in the Classroom (20 credits) - In this module you will consider the intricate interplay between social dynamics and educational environments. You will explore how social factors influence behavior, learning, and academic outcomes within educational settings. Drawing upon principles from both psychology and education, this module offers insights into the complexities of interpersonal relationships, group dynamics, and the socio-cultural context of learning.

Inclusive Education (20 credits) - This module explores what we mean by inclusive education, and how an inclusive learning environment can be achieved. You will consider how particular groups of learners can become marginalised, categorised and stereotyped and the implications of this for schools and society as a whole. You will be given the opportunity to evaluate current strategies that aim to promote more inclusive practices. Delivery of the module will be in the form of lectures and supplementary sessions including seminars.

Research Skills and Statistics 2 (20 credits) - This module builds on Research Skills and Statistics 1. You will continue to develop your research skills, deepening your understanding and broadening the range of statistical analyses that you will use to interrogate data.

Qualitative Research Methods in Psychology (10 credits) - This module will introduce you to key theory, practice, and application of qualitative research methods in psychology. You will be introduced to different data collection methods such as interviews, focus groups, participant observation and document analysis, as well as different analytical approaches such as content analysis and reflexive thematic analysis. There will also be consideration of research design, ethics, generalisability, and bias.

Year 2 discovery modules

You will be able to take 10 credits of discovery modules.

Year 3 compulsory modules

Major Project (40 credits) - In this module you will conduct a major piece of research in psychology and education, bringing together your subject knowledge and understanding of research design and analyses to produce a novel piece of research. You will be allocated an expert academic supervisor who will support you in developing and conducting your project.

Students into Education (20 credits) - In this module, you will deepen your knowledge, develop your skills and gain experience from real-life education settings. You will work alongside teachers or other education professionals under the guidance of tutors from the School of Education. You will explore how education policy is implemented in practice. You will also examine how the management and leadership structures of educational institutions function and how management decisions are made and applied.

You will consider social, political and ethical aspects or working in education, and deepen your understanding of the relationship between pedagogic theory and practice. You will also extend your experience of workplace observation, and of preparing/gathering resources and activities for education.

Supporting Children with Additional Needs (20 credits) - In this module, you will learn about individual differences in learning and development, with a focus on specific developmental disabilities such as ADHD, Autism and Down’s Syndrome. You will explore key issues in this area such as labelling, the nature of diagnosis and assessment, co-occurrence and diversity of needs. Lectures will be interactive and will include group work and discussions.

Year 3 optional modules

You will choose 40 credits of optional modules from across the Schools of Psychology and Education. These could include topics such as:

The Spatial World (20 credits) - The key elements of this module will examine the nature of the sensory information supporting our activities, how we process sensory information (with reference to the underlying neuronal brain structures), and how our understanding of brain structures impacts upon our view of how we achieve real-world interactions.

Reasoning and Decision Making (20 credits) - Develop in-depth knowledge of key issues in the reasoning and decision-making literature. Understand the relationship between normative systems and performance, and the theoretical explanations that have been offered to explain this performance.

Occupational Health Psychology (20 credits) - Occupational Health Psychology has been defined as 'the application of the principles and practices of applied psychology to occupational health issues: the study of psychological, social and organisational aspects of the dynamic relationship between work and health' (European Academy of Occupational Health). Based on this definition, the module aims to introduce students to the relevant psychological theories and evidence which form the evidence base for occupational health. This includes theories relating to work stress, work scheduling, work-life balance and health promotion at work. We will encourage practical application of theoretical issues via group work, based on worksite experience and/or case studies.

Techniques in Human Neuropsychology (20 credits) - This module offers a comprehensive picture of brain imaging and stimulation techniques that are commonly used in both research and clinical environments. The module will give you an understanding of how the techniques measure and record brain activity, while also providing clear applications of these techniques to a variety of research and clinical problems.

One Brain, Two Hemispheres (20 credits) - In this module, you’ll learn how the separation of the brain into two hemispheres affects human cognition.

Cognition and Emotion (20 credits) - This module examines the contemporary scientific study of cognition and emotion. You will consider the contribution from experimental psychology, neuropsychology and clinical psychology to this field of study. Current research papers will also be considered alongside seminal work, allowing you to understand both state of the art and the development of the discipline.

Feminist Social Psychology (20 credits) - Feminist psychologists provide an alternative perspective on mainstream social psychology, critically advocating for issues such as gender roles, intersectionality, activism and creative approaches to research. In this module we will cover a broad range of feminist social psychology topics, engage in critical and interactive discussions and debates, and consider how psychology content can inform activism and policy.

Politics on the Brain (20 credits) - Understanding the neuroscience behind how we process social information is critical in understanding what psychological mechanisms underpin political attitudes, behaviours and – importantly – intolerance. This module introduces the structures and functions in the brain related to socio-political information processing, tapping into interesting questions such as: who on the political spectrum is intolerant? Do humans have neural circuitry dedicated solely to processing social information? In addition, this module offers the opportunity to consider how and if neuroscientific evidence can or should inform policy.

Historical and Philosophical Foundations of Psychology (20 credits) - This module focuses on two main areas. Firstly, it will consider the historical development of psychology and the conceptual issues that underlie it. In particular, the module will deal with the philosophical conceptions that underlie our view of the mind and the human subject, and how these have changed over time. Secondly, the module will focus on questions of method, particularly with reference to scientific method. It will consider how science develops over time, the extent to which one can define scientific method and the extent to which psychology exemplifies the characteristics of scientific method.

Children's Literature in Education (20 credits) - In this module you’ll read a variety of literature written for children, including picture books, novels for younger children and fiction for teen and young adult audiences. There will be a focus throughout the module on the ways that children and childhood are represented in the texts being studied, and on the ways that the texts develop and foster literacy skills in young learners. The module will include discussion and debate about the ways that children's literature has been used in formal and informal education settings, as well as critical analysis of the relationships between literature, literacy and learning.

Children, Families and Cultural Diversity: Philosophical Perspectives (20 credits) - This module will explore the relationship between children, families, culture and diversity from a philosophical perspective. It will use philosophical theory as a resource to better understand, articulate, and recognise tensions inherent in a plural society, as they relate to children and families.

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: To be confirmed

International: To be confirmed

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 UK undergraduate students starting in 2025/26
Tuition fees for UK full-time undergraduate students starting in 2025/26 have not yet been confirmed by the UK government. When the fee is available we will update individual course pages.

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

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 Taught Admissions Policy 2024

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.

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