BA Education & Psychology

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of Strathclyde

Program Overview

The BA (Hons) Education & Psychology at the University of Strathclyde combines insights from psychology with educational theory, ideal for students who want to understand how people learn and develop across the lifespan. It is designed for individuals interested in supporting learning, behaviour, and wellbeing in educational and social settings.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1

In the first year, students gain foundational knowledge in psychology, including introduction to cognitive, social, and developmental psychology, alongside core Education modules that examine childhood development and learning in social and cultural contexts. Early practical experience allows students to observe and engage with educational settings, linking theory to real-world practice.

Year 2

Year two deepens understanding of psychological principles with modules such as Research Methods in Psychology, Learning and Cognition, and Social Psychology. Education modules focus on learning across the lifespan and explore themes such as inclusion, diversity, and social influences on education. Students may also select optional modules to tailor their learning towards specific interests.

Year 3

In the third year, students develop advanced psychology knowledge through modules such as Developmental Disorders, Educational Psychology, or Applied Cognitive Psychology. They also have opportunities for placements or research projects to apply psychological theory to real-life educational contexts. Education modules explore teaching methods, curriculum development, and educational policy.

Year 4

In the final year, students complete a research dissertation in psychology or an applied education-psychology project, integrating research, analysis, and practical insights. Advanced modules allow exploration of specialized topics such as Child and Adolescent Psychology, Wellbeing in Education, and Intervention Strategies, preparing students for professional or postgraduate pathways.

Focus Areas:

Developmental and educational psychology, learning theory, cognitive and social psychology, inclusion and diversity in education, research and analytical skills, practical application of psychology in learning contexts.

Learning Outcomes:

Graduates can analyse psychological theories and research, apply them to educational contexts, understand developmental and social influences on learning, conduct independent research, and communicate effectively in both written and verbal forms.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation):

This degree prepares students for postgraduate professional education programs such as the PGDE, as well as for careers in educational psychology, teaching, counselling, and other roles supporting learning and wellbeing.

Reputation (Employability Rankings):

Graduates benefit from Strathclyde’s strong reputation in both psychology and education, and are well-prepared for careers in teaching, mental health, social services, and research, with employers valuing their analytical, communication, and problem-solving skills.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

Students in the BA (Hons) Education & Psychology programme combine the study of human behaviour with educational theory, gaining both psychological insight and practical teaching experience. From the first year, students are immersed in real-world learning environments and supported by dedicated laboratory and resource-centre facilities.

Experiential learning includes:

School placements with children (age 0–14) — students undertake classroom placements, gaining early exposure to educational practice.
Specialised psychology laboratories — access to purpose-built labs for memory, perception, psychophysiology, and psycholinguistics allows hands-on experience with experiments and research methods.
Small-group tutorials and interactive learning — students engage in lectures, seminars, practical labs, and problem-based learning, reflecting how psychology is applied professionally and academically.
Research projects and dissertation in the final year — students can conduct supervised research, exploring topics of their choice in psychology or education.
Optional work placements or internships — summer projects or placements allow students to gain relevant practical experience.
Resource support — the Education Resources Centre and psychology department facilities provide comprehensive support for research, practical learning, and academic assignments.

Program Structure and Focus

Psychology component

Year 1 covers foundational topics: biological bases of behaviour, cognition, memory, personality, social influence, lifespan development, and research methods.
Years 2 and 3 deepen the curriculum, including human development, cognitive processes, individual differences, social and health psychology, neuropsychology, and advanced study options.
Final-year students undertake advanced topics and a supervised research project, developing analytical, experimental, and academic skills.
Teaching methods include lectures, tutorials, practical labs, online tutorials, group work, and one-to-one supervision.

Education component

Year 1 introduces core educational themes such as how social, cultural, and economic factors influence learning, alongside the placement with children.
Year 2 explores learning across the lifespan, inclusive education, and classroom strategies, with optional education-focused modules.
Year 3 focuses on adult education, community-based placements, and training in educational research methods.
The final year allows study of educational policy, social justice, and societal issues, while students also design research-based projects through group work and independent studies.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of the BA (Hons) Education & Psychology gain a strong foundation in teaching, child development, and psychological principles, preparing them for roles in schools, educational support services, or youth and community organisations. Many also pursue postgraduate training in teaching, counselling, or applied psychology:

University services that support employment: Strathclyde’s Careers Service offers placements, internships, and school experience coordination through the Faculty’s Student Placement System. Students can access employability workshops, mentoring, and study-abroad opportunities to enhance practical experience.
Employment stats & salary figures: Graduate Outcomes reporting shows strong employability in education and psychology-related roles, with early-career median salaries around £22,500–£27,000, depending on role and sector.
University–industry connections: The School collaborates with local schools, mental health services, and youth organisations, providing students with hands-on experience and professional networking. Partnerships with organisations such as Skills Development Scotland and educational charities enhance practical exposure.
Long-term accreditation value: Graduates wishing to teach can progress to the PGDE, leading to qualified teacher status. The programme’s psychological training also supports long-term career opportunities in educational psychology and child development fields.
Graduation outcomes (typical roles): Common roles include Secondary or Primary Teacher (after PGDE/induction), Educational Support Worker, Youth or Community Worker, and Assistant Educational Psychologist.

Further Academic Progression:
After completing the BA (Hons) Education & Psychology, students may pursue the PGDE for professional teacher qualification, taught Masters in Education, Applied Psychology, or Child Development, or research degrees (MRes/PhD) in Education, Developmental Psychology, or Educational Studies — all designed to deepen professional knowledge and practical expertise.