Education Studies - Psychology - Durham Universi

Tuition Fee

Start Date

2026-09-01

Medium of studying

On campus

Duration

36 months

Program Facts

About Program

About University

Admission Requirements

Gallery

Easy Apply

Program Facts

Program Details

Degree

Bachelors

Major

Child Development | Educational Psychology | Counseling Psychology

Area of study

Education

Education type

On campus

Timing

Full time

Course Language

English

Intakes

Program start date	Application deadline
2026-09-01	-
2025-09-01	-

About Program

Program Overview

Education Studies - Psychology

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.

Start Dates

September 2026
September 2025

Degree Type

Course Length

3 years full-time

Location

Durham City

UCAS Code

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.

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.

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.

Course Structure

Year 1 Modules

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.
Introduction to Psychological Research: focuses on a particular area of psychology. You can choose between two areas, either Cognitive and Biological or Developmental and Social.

Optional Modules:

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 Modules

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.

Optional Modules:

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 Modules

Core Modules:

Dissertation: Disciplinary Contexts of Education: is 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.

Optional Modules:

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 can apply to be transferred onto either the with Year Abroad or with Placement pathway. Places on these pathways are in high demand and if you are chosen your studies will extend from three years to four or four to five depending on course.

Accreditation

Students who graduate with a 2.1 or higher are accredited by the BPS as conferring eligibility for the Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership – the first step towards a career as a psychologist.

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

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
GCSE requirement: Grade 5 (or grade B) or above in Mathematics at GCSE (or equivalent) is required

Fees and Funding

The fees for this academic year have not been confirmed yet.

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 expected to rise throughout the programme of study.

Career Opportunities

Education and Teaching

Our BA in Primary Education offers the opportunity to gain Qualified Teacher Status with most graduates progressing directly into teaching.

Graduates of the BA Education Studies suite of degrees move into a diverse range of roles including the wider children's workforce in welfare and social care related roles, education administration and business. The commercial and digital education sectors are growing internationally and our graduates are also attracted into these areas of activity. Some of our graduates undertake postgraduate teacher training courses (e.g. PGCE). Our Education Studies-Psychology graduates often move into teaching and psychology allied professions with the longer term intention of becoming educational psychologists. Some of our students choose further study, progressing to Masters or doctoral programmes and research.

Of those students who graduated in:

95% in work or further study
97% in highly or medium skilled employment
£28,000 is the average salary

Department Information

Education and Teaching

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 experience our innovative research-informed teaching and exceptional support. We offer courses for people who want to teach and for those with an interest in education in its broadest sense through academic studies in education.

The School of Education, Durham University offers a suite of undergraduate degrees linked to academic studies in Education. These include a single honours Bachelors degree in Education Studies and joint honours options. These allow students to develop specialism in Education studies with a partner subject. Current joint honours degree specialisms on offer are Education Studies - Geography; Education Studies - Sociology and Education Studies - Psychology (with the option of BPS accreditation). Students in our Education Studies suite of programmes can also tailor their degree by selecting optional modules from across the wider university.

Our undergraduate Bachelors degree in Primary Education (with QTS) combines an academic programme of study with practical preparation to become a teacher. 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.

Rankings

4th in The Complete University Guide 2025
7th in The Guardian University Guide 2025
1st in The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2025

Staff

For a current list of staff, please see our department web pages.

Facilities

Located on the main campus at Lower Mountjoy, we are conveniently located near the main Bill Bryson library, the Teaching and Learning Centre and lots of other departments and University services.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

Program Title: BA Education Studies – Psychology
University: Durham University
Degree Awarded: Bachelor of Arts (BA)
Duration: 3 years (full-time)
Start Dates: September 2025, September 2024
Location: Durham City
UCAS Code: X1C8
Overview: This interdisciplinary degree is designed for students with an interest in psychology and its application within the education sector.

Outline:

Year 1:
Core Modules:
Introduction to Psychological Research:
Contemporary Issues and Evidence in Education: Explores key contemporary issues in education, evidence-based practices, and current debates.
Foundations of Psychology in Education: Provides a scientific foundation of psychological principles and processes in educational contexts.
Introduction to Psychological Research (Specific area of focus):
Cognitive and Biological:
Developmental and Social: Explores developmental stages, social psychology studies of group dynamics, and intergroup relations.
Optional Modules (Examples):
Historical and Philosophical Ideas of Education: Exploring historical perspectives on education.
International and Comparative Education: Analyzing diverse educational systems across the globe.
Year 2:
Core Modules:
Educational Research Methods:
Social and Developmental Psychology: Explores key areas in developmental and social psychology (language development, play, friendship, group processes).
Cognitive and Biological Psychology: Explores cognitive and biological psychology topics, including memory, attention, visual neuroscience, and perception of depth and motion.
Advanced Psychological Research: Furthers research design and statistical knowledge, fulfilling requirements for a psychology-recognized degree.
Optional Modules (Examples):
Cultural Identity, Interculturality, and Education: Understanding cultural identities and intercultural perspectives.
Learning and Development in Childhood: Examining child development and pedagogical practices.
Higher Education: Issues of Exclusion and Inclusion: Analyzing access and diversity issues in higher education.
Constructions of Childhood: Critically examining historical and societal perspectives on childhood.
Assessing Education: Exploring different assessment approaches and their impact.
Learning Lives: Investigating individual learning experiences and journeys.
Disability and Education Needs: Exploring disability, empowerment, and education.

Year 3 (or Year 4 with Placement/Year Abroad):

Core Modules:
Dissertation: Disciplinary Contexts of Education:
Differential and Clinical Psychology: Examining differential psychology (individual differences) and clinical psychology (atypical and clinical aspects).
Psychology Project: Collaboratively pursuing a research investigation in psychology, culminating in a project report.
Optional Modules (Examples):
Education in a Global Age: Examining educational issues in a globalized world.
Digital Society Theory and Practice: Exploring digital society, theory and practical applications.
Science of Learning: Understanding learning science and its implications.
Education, Mental Health, and Wellbeing: Addressing mental health and wellbeing within education.
The Social Life of Education: Exploring the role of social relationships and interactions within education.
Evidence and Educational Policy: Examining evidence-based approaches to educational policymaking.
Additional Pathways (Year 2 application):
Placement: Gaining work experience in a relevant educational setting.

Assessment:

Methods: The program utilizes various assessment methods including essays, portfolios, presentations, posters, research projects, and a dissertation.
Specifics:
Year 3 Dissertation (33% of final grade): Independent research project with proposal and sample chapter submission.
Other modules: Variety of assessment approaches.

Teaching:

Format: Combines lectures and seminar discussions, along with opportunities for study visits, fieldwork (depending on specific modules), and extensive independent study time.
Faculty: Experts in education and psychology fields.
Other Details:
Supervision: Individualized support for development of critical analysis and reflection skills.
Learning environment: Encouraging intellectual curiosity and fostering engagement with the subject.

The tuition fees for 2025/26 academic year have not yet been finalised, they will be displayed here once approved. 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 remain the same throughout the duration of the programme for that cohort (unless otherwise stated).