Education with Psychology BA (Hons)

3 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of Sussex

Program Overview

The Education with Psychology BA (Hons) at the University of Sussex offers a dynamic, interdisciplinary approach to understanding how psychological principles influence educational practices and outcomes. Ideal for those passionate about shaping educational experiences through psychological insights, this program equips students to address real-world challenges in both formal and informal learning environments.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1: Foundations in Education and Psychology

In the first year, students are introduced to the fundamental concepts of education and psychology, establishing a strong theoretical and practical foundation. Modules such as Introduction to Education Studies and Introduction to Psychology provide insights into educational systems and human behavior, while Theories of Learning explores various learning processes and their applications.

Year 2: Exploring Educational Contexts and Psychological Development

The second year delves deeper into the complexities of educational settings and psychological development. Modules like Inclusive Education and Child Development examine the diverse needs of learners and the psychological factors influencing their growth, while Educational Psychology applies psychological theories to educational practices.

Year 3: Research and Professional Practice

In the final year, students engage in independent research through the Education Dissertation, allowing them to investigate a topic of personal interest in depth. Modules such as Education Policy and Practice and Psychology in Education bridge the gap between theory and practice, preparing students for professional roles in education and psychology.

Focus Areas

Inclusive education, child development, educational psychology, learning theories, educational policy, and research methodology.

Learning Outcomes

Graduates will possess a critical understanding of educational theories, the ability to apply psychological principles to educational settings, skills to promote inclusive practices, and the capacity to conduct independent research.

Professional Alignment

The program is designed to align with professional standards in education and psychology, preparing graduates for roles in teaching, educational psychology, policy analysis, and educational research.

Reputation

The University of Sussex is renowned for its research impact in Education, ranking 1st in the UK for research impact in Education according to REF 2021. Additionally, it is ranked 2nd in the UK for graduate prospects in Education by The Complete University Guide 2026.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

The University of Sussex BA (Hons) in Education with Psychology — it’s a programme that combines two highly vibrant fields and gives you both deep theoretical understanding and practical skills. Here’s how you’ll gain real-world experience, and then some of the specific hands-on opportunities and tools you’ll get in the programme:

You’ll be actively engaging in how people learn and develop, not just in classrooms but across life-stages, while also getting a firm grasp of psychological processes behind learning, behaviour and wellbeing. That means working in seminars, collaborating in groups, being guided to do your own research, and applying your learning in educational settings. You’ll also benefit from Sussex’s strong research infrastructure in psychology (including labs, technical support, and research centres) which means you’ll learn using real-world tools and methods.

Here are some of the specific experiential learning elements you’ll access:

You’ll encounter seminars, group work, interactive discussions in the Education side of the programme (for example modules like “Inclusive Practices: Integrating Pedagogy into Real-World Education”).
On the Psychology side you’ll work with lectures + lab/experiment-style teaching, exploring child development, individual differences and cognitive/social psychology.
The curriculum includes a “Research Minded Project” module where you’ll perform your own research inquiry—developing skills in data collection, analysis and interpretation.
You’ll have the opportunity for an optional placement (educational/psychological) to gain work-experience in a real setting.
The Psychology department provides technical support, lab-booking systems and specialised research environments (for example around the behavioural, developmental or cognitive labs).
You’ll have access to the research-rich environment of Sussex: centres like the Sussex Centre for Consciousness Science, Sussex Neuroscience and other psychology-led research groups — meaning you’ll be connecting your study with cutting-edge work.
The programme emphasises digital education and AI in the context of learning, so you’ll be working with contemporary education-technology ideas and tools.
You’ll benefit from Sussex’s library and learning infrastructure (implicitly via the research-led environment and psychology labs) to support coursework, independent study and research-projects.

Progression & Future Opportunities

The BA (Hons) in Education with Psychology at University of Sussex, you’ll be uniquely positioned to influence learning and development through both educational and psychological lenses—opening doors into roles that shape how individuals learn and flourish across life stages. Typical roles might include education policy adviser, learning and development specialist in organisations or NGOs, child development researcher, and inclusion or wellbeing coordinator in schools or community settings.

Here’s how the Sussex Education with Psychology BA sets you up for success:

The university’s Careers & Entrepreneurship team provides tailored support including one-to-one consultations, internships, community consultancy projects and employer networking through organisations such as Brighton & Hove Albion F.C., Gatwick Airport, and Knepp Rewilding Project.
A strong track record of work-experience: 86 % of undergraduates have completed some form of work experience by graduation.
High research and graduate-prospect standings: Sussex ranks 1st in the UK for research impact in Education (REF 2021) and 2nd in the UK for graduate prospects (The Complete University Guide 2026) for Education.
Curriculum that combines education in formal/informal contexts (schools, community, refugee education, arts etc) with psychology modules covering child development, social, biological, cognitive psychology and mental health needs of learners.
Flexibility for optional placement year and study abroad opportunities which enrich your practical experience and global outlook.

Graduation outcomes: On finishing this BA you’ll be equipped with a blend of educational theory and applied psychology knowledge—ready to take on roles in educational research, policy development, community and adult education, mental-wellbeing support in educational settings, or inclusion and learning innovation in charities/NGOs. Many graduates also continue with teacher training (PGCE) or move into postgraduate whole-person learning and psychology-related specialist study.

Further Academic Progression:
After this BA you could progress to an MA in Education, an MA in International Education & Development, or an MSc in Psychology if you wish to deepen your specialist psychology knowledge. Alternatively you could train as a teacher via a PGCE and then move into leadership, specialist research or policy roles in the education or wellbeing sector.