Education Studies - Psychology
BA
3 years full-time
Durham City
X1C8
Typical offers
A Level | AAB |
---|---|
BTEC | DDD |
International Baccalaureate | 36 |
Course details
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.
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.
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 structure
Year 1
Core modules:
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.
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.
Foundations of Psychology in Education serves as a basis for a scientific understanding of psychological principles, processes and theories in education.
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.
In recent years, optional modules have included:
- Disability and Educational Needs: What’s so ‘Special’ about SEND?
- Historical and Philosophical Ideas of Education
- International and Comparative Education
Year 2
Core modules:
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.
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.
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.
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.
In recent years, optional modules have included:
- Cultural Identity, Interculturality and Education
- Learning and Development in Childhood
- Higher Education: Issues of Exclusion and Inclusion
- Constructions of Childhood
- Assessing Education
- Learning Lives
- Disability and Education Needs: Impairment, Empowerment and Education
Year 3 (Year 4 if undertaking a placement or year abroad)
Core modules:
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.
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.
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.
In recent years, optional modules have included:
- Education in a Global Age
- Digital Society Theory and Practice
- Science of Learning
- Education, Mental Health and Wellbeing
- Understanding the Arts in Education
- The Social Life of Education
- Digital Society Theory and Practice
- Evidence and Educational Policy
Additional pathways
Students on the BA Education Studies – Psychology can apply to be transferred onto either the ‘with Year Abroad’ or ‘with Placement’ pathway during the second year. Places on these pathways are in high demand and if you are chosen your studies will extend from three years to four.
Placement
You may be able to take a work placement. Find out more.Accreditation
British Psychological SocietyLearning
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
A level offer – AAB.
Contextual offer – BBC.
BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma/OCR Cambridge Technical Extended Diploma – DDD.
IB Diploma score – 36 with 665 in higher level subjects.
Grade 5 (or grade B) or above in Mathematics at GCSE (or equivalent) is required.
In addition to satisfying the University’s general entry requirements, please note:
- We also consider other level 3 qualifications, including T-levels.
- We welcome applications from those with other qualifications equivalent to our standard entry requirements and from mature students with non-standard qualifications or who may have had a break in their study. For more information or contact our Admissions Selectors.
- We are pleased to consider applications for deferred entry.
Alternative qualifications
International students who do not meet direct entry requirements for this degree might have the option to complete an International Foundation Year.
Fees and funding
Full Time Fees
Home students | £9,250 per year |
---|---|
EU students | £26,500 per year |
Island students | £9,250 per year |
International students | £26,500 per year |
The tuition fees shown for home students are for one complete academic year of full time study and are set according to the academic year of entry. Fees for subsequent years of your course may rise in line with an inflationary uplift as determined by the government.
The tuition fees shown for overseas and EU students are for one complete academic year of full time study, are set according to the academic year of entry, and will be subject to an annual inflationary increase and are expected to rise throughout the programme of study. The fee listed above is for the first year of the course only; fees for subsequent years will be confirmed not less than 3 months before the start of the academic year to which the increase is intended to apply and will be published on the Finance webpages here [link].
In deciding the annual level of increase the University will take into account inflationary pressures on the costs of delivery. Tuition fees will rise annually by up to the higher of;
- 6%, or,
- the latest annual percentage increase in the Consumer Prices Index.
Please also check costs for colleges and accommodation.
Scholarships and Bursaries
We are committed to supporting the best students irrespective of financial circumstances and are delighted to offer a range of funding opportunities.
Find out more about Scholarships and BursariesCareer opportunities
Education, School of
Our students graduate with a broad range of transferable skills which open the door to careers across a wide range of sectors in the education sector and beyond.
Our BA in Primary Education offers the opportunity to gain Qualified Teacher Status with most graduates progressing directly into teaching. Graduates of the BA in Education Studies degrees move into a diverse range of roles including educational research, publishing, education administration, policy making and management as well as roles in the commercial or public sector. Some students choose further study, progressing to doctoral programmes, while others choose a Masters degree or a PGCE in primary or secondary education.
Of those students who graduated in 2020-21:
- 92% are in paid employment or further study 15 months after graduation across all our programmes
Of those in employment:
- 91% are in high skilled employment
- With an average salary of £26,100.
(Source: 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)
Department information
Education, School of
Develop your expertise and deepen your knowledge at one of the UK’s leading Schools of Education. Gain all the knowledge, skills and experience you’ll need to become a first-rate primary teacher or choose a multidisciplinary course that takes a broader look at the role of education in society.
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 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.
Rankings
- World Top 100 in the QS World University Subject Rankings 2023
- 5th in The Complete University Guide 2024
- Top 10 in The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2024
Staff
For a current list of staff, please see the School of Education pages
Research Excellence Framework
- 2nd for Outstanding Research in Education (REF 2021).
Facilities
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.
Apply
Find out more:
Use the UCAS code below when applying:
Apply
X1C8
The Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS) handles applications for all undergraduate courses.
Visit Us
The best way to find out what Durham is really like is to come and see for yourself!
Similar courses
-
Education Studies - BA
UCAS Code: X305Start: September 2025 -
Education Studies - Geography - BA
UCAS Code: X1F8Start: September 2025 -
Education Studies - Sociology - BA
UCAS Code: XL33Start: September 2025 -
Education Studies with Foundation - BA
UCAS Code: X301Start: September 2025 -
Primary Education - BA
UCAS Code: X101Start: September 2025 -
Primary Education with Foundation - BA
UCAS Code: X120Start: September 2025 -
Psychological and Behavioural Science - BSc
UCAS Code: C807Start: September 2025 -
Psychological and Behavioural Science with Foundation - BSc
UCAS Code: C811Start: September 2025 -
Psychology - BSc
UCAS Code: C800Start: September 2025 -
Psychology and Anthropology - BSc
UCAS Code: CL86Start: September 2025 -
Psychology with Foundation - BSc
UCAS Code: C819Start: September 2025 - See more courses