Psychology with Education BSc

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

This course offers you the opportunity to discover how approaches to education impact upon learning and development, and gives you the knowledge and skills to understand how psychology can inform education. It will provide you with a sound basis for pursuing a wide range of future careers including teaching, youth work, educational or clinical psychology, counselling and social work.

You’ll be taught by experts in education and psychology who will use their research to inform their teaching, and you’ll have the opportunity to 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.

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.

Studying in the School of Education

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In each year of study, you’ll undertake a series of core modules that build your knowledge base, complemented by optional modules from both psychology and education that allow you to explore related topics that suit your interests and career plans.

From the start of the degree you’ll study the key theories, values and concepts relevant to 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 a service allied to education that will enable you to understand the relationship between theory and practice and to use insights from psychology in an educational setting. You will also undertake a piece of independent research, allowing 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

Modules

Year 1

Year 2

Year 3

Learning and teaching

We use a variety of teaching methods. The course combines lectures, one-to-one and group tutorials, practical classes, seminars, workshops, presentations and online learning methods. The University has well-resourced libraries and online access to publications to support your learning.

Both schools offer many opportunities for you to engage with contemporary debates and issues, including attending seminars or lectures by guest speakers.

Leeds for Life is an online platform available to all taught undergraduate students at the University of Leeds to support personal and academic development to ensure you have all the skills and attributes to impress potential employers and succeed on any path you choose. Personal tutorials offered by academic staff in the School of Education are an integral part of the pastoral and academic support for all students.

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 in order for you to build a core set of transferable skills in critical and analytical thinking, problem-solving, independent and team-working, synthesising information, oral presentation and in social and psychological or educational research. You’ll be assessed using a range of methods that allow you to demonstrate your knowledge and understanding.

The type of assessment will vary depending on the modules you choose. Current methods of assessment include completion of practical work, such as designing, conducting and analysing research, literature reviews, poster presentations, reflective logs, to traditional methods, such as writing essays and examinations.

Entry requirements

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

A-levels in critical thinking, citizenship studies and general studies do not typically form part of our offer but we welcome them as a fourth A-level.

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 vocational qualifications.

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 GCSEDA 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 31 August 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.

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

• Access to HE Diploma

  60 credits, including 45 credits at level 3, 30 of which must be at distinction and 15 credits at merit level plus GCSE Maths and Science at grade B/6 and English Language at grade C/4.

• BTEC

  We accept science-based BTEC qualifications (with Distinctions), alongside non-performance/arts based A-levels.

• Cambridge Pre-U

  D3D3 M1 to include at least one of the following at D3 psychology, geography, mathematics, chemistry, biology, physics, geology, economics, statistics, environmental science or computing.

• International Baccalaureate

  35 points overall (16 at Higher Level). You must study a science at Higher Level and achieve grade 6 or above.

• Irish Highers (Leaving Certificate)

  AAAAAB to include maths and science

• Scottish Highers / Advanced Highers

  AAAAB, including maths and science, in Advanced Highers. In some circumstances we would consider a mixture of Highers and Advanced Highers.

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 an alternative 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 alternative 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 GCSEDA 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

If you have the ability to study for a degree but don’t have the qualifications to enter directly to level one, you might consider studying a foundation year. We have formal links with the following foundation year programmes:

- University of Leeds International Foundation Year (IFY)

- Northern Consortium of UK Universities (NCUK)

- Study Group Leeds International Study Centre (LISC)

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.

How to apply

Apply to this course through UCAS. The institution code for the University of Leeds is L23. Check the deadline for applications on the UCAS website.

International students

International students apply through UCAS in the same way as UK/EU 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 2022

Fees

UK: See fees section below

International: £25,250 (per year)

UK undergraduate tuition fees for 2021 entry 
For UK full-time students starting in 2021, the fee for 2021/22 will be £9,250.

The fee may increase in future years of your course in line with inflation, and as permitted by law. Fees for UK undergraduate students are decided by the UK government and may vary if policy changes.

EU students starting in 2021/22 
EU students starting their course in the 2021/22 academic year or later will now be classed as international students and so will need to pay the international student tuition fee.

UK undergraduate tuition fees for 2022 entry
Tuition fees for UK full-time undergraduate students starting in 2022/23 have not yet been confirmed by the UK government. In other years, the government has confirmed fee levels in the summer. When the fee is confirmed we will publish an update on all course pages.

Tuition fees for new international students for 2022 entry
Tuition fees for international students are published on each individual course page. These are usually published a year in advance, so 2022 course fees should be available from September 2021.

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.

Brexit 
Visit our Brexit page for the latest information on the effect of the UK's exit from the EU on current students and applicants to the University.

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 about additional costs

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.

The BSc Psychology with Education degree enables you to develop your knowledge and broaden your skillset to support you in pursuing a wide range of future careers. Throughout your studies, you will have various opportunities to strengthen your CV through academic enrichment and co-curricular activities, such as volunteering in local communities or attending regular specialised workshops.

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

Many of our students also choose to pursue further study at postgraduate level. Graduates with this degree have pursued 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 at the Careers website.

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 final year, the compulsory Psychology Students into Education module allows you to gain practical experience by working in a school or other educational setting alongside established teacher and education professionals. You’ll be supported to create and develop your own materials to use, and focus on the theoretical and pedagogical underpinnings of your experience. Regular seminars will allow you to discuss the issues that arise.

It’s a great opportunity to develop your knowledge, broaden your skill set and gain valuable experience to pursue a career in the education sector.