BA
Education Studies - Psychology BA (Hon)
Education Studies is a broad multidisciplinary degree, designed for the intellectually and practically curious. If you are particularly fascinated by the psychological aspects of education, this is the course for you.
How to apply Apply via UCAS
Course details
Start date
Degree Type
BA
UCAS Code
x1C8
Course length
3 years full-time
Typical offer
AAB
Tuition Fees
- Home (Full-time): 9,535 per year
- Overseas (Full-time): 26,500 per year
Overview
Are you interested in why people think and learn in different ways? Would you like to know more about the workings of the mind and how that may impact a person’s potential to learn? The BA Education Studies – Psychology is an ideal qualification if you are fascinated by the psychological aspects of the learning process and want to keep your career options open. You will also be eligible to receive professional accreditation from the British Psychological Society. From the philosophical foundations of schooling to the political implications of policy, education is a vast field that has multiple avenues to approach a seemingly straightforward subject. Our degree goes far beyond any classroom and considers education, people and their relationship to the ever-changing world. This BA will prepare you for a career in many different areas, both in the education sector and further afield. It can provide the first step towards a career as a teacher or researcher, and supports roles in publishing, policy making, the voluntary and public sectors, as well as many more.
Course details
Start date
Degree Type
BA
UCAS Code
x1C8
Course length
3 years full-time
Typical offer
AAB
Tuition Fees
- Home (Full-time): 9,535 per year
- Overseas (Full-time): 26,500 per year
What you'll study
The curriculum draws on research carried out in the Department to keep the course content relevant and up to date. The breadth of modules allows you to create your own pathway through the course. As well as the psychology pathway, we offer pathways in sociology and geography, or you can choose to focus purely on education studies.
Core modules
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Contemporary Issues and Evidence in Education
introduces you to a range of contemporary issues in education and the nature and scope of the supporting evidence. With a range of guest speakers from across the Department you will gain a grounding in a variety of issues at stake.
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Foundations of Psychology in Education
serves as a basis for a scientific understanding of psychological principles, processes and theories in education.
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Introduction to Psychological Research
You will also study an Introduction to Psychological Research focusing on a particular area of psychology. You can choose between two areas, either Cognitive and Biological or Developmental and Social.
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Introduction to Psychological Research
begins to look at the key research methods and statistical techniques used in psychology, from the design of psychological study to data collection and analysis.
Optional modules
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In recent years, optional modules have included: Disability and Educational Needs: What’s so ‘Special’ about SEND?Historical and Philosophical Ideas of EducationInternational and Comparative Education
Core modules
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Advanced Psychological Research
develops your experimental design and statistics knowledge to fulfil the requirements for a BPS-recognised degree in Psychology. In this module you will discuss psychological research in a tutorial context and develop skills in studying classic papers in psychology.
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Cognitive and Biological Psychology
explores different approaches to cognitive and biological psychology, with particular emphasis on visual neuroscience and visual cognition. It covers areas such as memory, decision-making and attention as well as perception of colour, form, motion and depth.
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Educational Research Methods
will help you understand the purposes and implications of educational research. You will develop a critical appreciation of the different ways in which research can be carried out in education, and how to assess the quality of educational research.
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Social and Developmental Psychology
develops a broad knowledge and understanding of research and theory in some of the key areas of developmental psychology such as language, play and friendships. It also covers key areas of social psychology, such as studies of groups, group processes and intergroup relations.
Optional modules
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In recent years, optional modules have included: Cultural Identity, Interculturality and EducationLearning and Development in ChildhoodHigher Education: Issues of Exclusion and InclusionConstructions of ChildhoodAssessing EducationLearning LivesDisability and Education Needs: Impairment, Empowerment and Education
Core modules
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Differential and Clinical Psychology
develops your knowledge and understanding of theory and research in differential psychology, the study of psychological differences and similarities between people and understanding of theory and research in atypical and clinical psychology.
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Dissertation: Disciplinary Contexts of Education
You will undertake an extended, independent piece of research with an appropriate educational focus. The dissertation is an opportunity to bring together the skills, knowledge and understanding gained on the course into one in-depth piece of work.
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Psychology Project
draws on the skills and knowledge developed through the course. You will work as a pair or a small group to carry out an investigation in psychology. You will formulate a research question, investigate and analyse the issue and interpret the results before writing up an individual 4,500-word project report.
Optional modules
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In recent years, optional modules have included: Education in a Global AgeDigital Society Theory and PracticeScience of LearningEducation, Mental Health and WellbeingUnderstanding the Arts in EducationThe Social Life of EducationDigital Society Theory and PracticeEvidence and Educational Policy
Learning
The course is mainly delivered through lectures and seminars. Lectures often present, explain and critically analyse theories and relevant issues, whereas smaller group seminars normally focus upon peer-assisted interaction for debate and discussion. There may be some opportunity for study visits and/or fieldwork within specific modules. A large amount of time is spent on independent study and reading around topics, developing your capacity for critical analysis, reflection and evaluation. Independent study is supported by supervision, monitoring your development against learning outcomes.Assessment
We promote diverse and creative forms of assessment so whilst many modules are assessed by essays, other modules may include portfolios, blogs, presentations or posters. The 12,000-word dissertation is worth one-third of your final-year marks. As part of the process you will also submit a research proposal and sample chapter for feedback.Entry requirements
Fees & Funding
Choose which fees you want to see:
Home / Island students
9,535 per year
International / EU Students
26,500 per year
Home / Island students
Part Time - per year
International / EU Students
Part Time - per year
The tuition fees shown are for one complete academic year of study, are set according to the academic year of entry, and remain the same throughout the duration of the programme for that cohort (unless otherwise stated).
Find out moreDepartment Information
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Embark on an Education degree at Durham and join us in a first-class experience which combines innovative teaching and exceptional support with a learning experience informed by the highest quality research. We offer courses for people who want to teach and for those who want to develop a broader background in education. Working together we can shape the education of the future. Our BA in Primary Education is rated outstanding by Ofsted. The programme provides the tools and support you need to become an inspiring and outstanding teacher who will make a difference to the lives of pupils, both now and in the future. We also offer a BA in Education Studies, which includes specialist pathway options in Geography, Psychology or Sociology. These broad, multidisciplinary degrees consider education, people and their function in the world. In addition to education-specific learning you have the option to choose modules from across the wider university to extend the breadth and depth of your experience. For more information see our department pages.
Read moreFacilities
The School of Education is a diverse, inclusive and vibrant community of almost 100 staff and more than 900 students. Located on the main campus at Lower Mountjoy, we are conveniently located near the main library and lots of other departments and university services. Central to our teaching qualifications is the partnership between the University and schools in the area. We work with a diverse network of schools covering a wide geographical area, and if you choose a teaching qualification you will spend some of your time based in a school developing your professional skills to inspire the next generation.
Find out more -
Career Opportunities
Of those students who graduated in 2021-22
95%
HESA Graduate Outcomes Survey. The survey asks leavers from higher education what they are doing 15 months after graduation. Further information about the Graduate Outcomes survey can be found here www.graduateoutcomes.ac.uk
Employability
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