BA(Hons) Education Studies in Psychology

3 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

Durham University

Program Overview

The BA Education Studies – Psychology at Durham University is designed for students who want to understand how people learn, think, and develop within educational environments. It combines education theory with core psychology, making it ideal for those interested in human development, learning processes, and careers across education, psychology, and related fields.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1

In the first year, you build a strong foundation in both education and psychology. You study introductory modules such as Introduction to Psychological Research, Contemporary Issues and Evidence in Education, Learning and Development in Childhood, and Constructions of Childhood. These modules help you understand how children learn and develop, while also introducing key research skills and debates in education.

Year 2

In the second year, the course becomes more specialised and analytical. You explore how psychological theories apply to real educational settings through modules focusing on learning processes, social and developmental psychology, and education systems and policy. This year also helps you strengthen your research skills and begin developing your own academic interests.

Year 3

In the final year, you focus on advanced psychological concepts and independent study. Core learning includes modules like Differential and Clinical Psychology and a major Dissertation in Education, along with optional specialist topics such as mental health, digital learning, or cognitive science. This year allows you to tailor your degree towards your career goals and interests.

Focus Areas

Education theory, cognitive psychology, child development, learning processes, research methods, educational policy, individual differences in learning, applied psychology in education

Learning Outcomes

You will develop the ability to critically evaluate psychological and educational theories, conduct and interpret research, and understand how education systems influence learning and development. The programme also strengthens your communication, analytical thinking, and independent research skills, preparing you for a wide range of careers or postgraduate study.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

The programme is aligned with the British Psychological Society (BPS), supporting progression into psychology-related careers and further accredited study in psychology.

Reputation (Employability & Rankings)

Durham University is widely recognised as one of the leading UK universities, with strong rankings in education and psychology. Graduates progress into careers in teaching, educational psychology, research, policy development, counselling, and other professional sectors.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At Durham University, learning on the BA Education Studies – Psychology programme goes far beyond lectures. Students develop practical understanding through research-led teaching, real-world education contexts, and hands-on engagement with psychological methods. You’ll work closely with academic staff who are active researchers, giving you insight into how education and psychology are applied in real educational and social settings. The programme also encourages collaborative learning, critical discussion, and independent investigation, helping you build confidence in applying theory to practice:

Access to research-led teaching delivered by experts in education and psychology
Training in psychological and educational research methods, including data analysis and research design
Use of university learning resources such as extensive academic libraries and digital research databases
Opportunities for independent and group-based projects, including dissertation work in your final year
Engagement with real-world educational issues through applied case studies and discussion-based learning
Development of digital academic skills through Durham’s virtual learning environment and online research tools
Strong emphasis on independent study supported by academic supervision and feedback
Opportunities to connect theory with practice through education-focused research exploration and reflective learning

These experiences are supported by Durham’s strong academic environment, including its specialist teaching facilities, research-active departments, and comprehensive student learning support services.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates from the BA Education Studies – Psychology programme at Durham University are well prepared for careers where understanding learning, behaviour, and development is essential. Many students move into roles within education, child development, and support services, while others choose pathways in psychology or further academic training. Typical roles include educational support officer, teaching assistant, youth worker, and roles in psychology-related support and research environments.

This progression is supported through strong university career development and real-world exposure:

Dedicated careers and enterprise support services at Durham University, offering one-to-one guidance, CV building, interview preparation, and career planning
Strong graduate employability outcomes supported by Durham’s reputation as a leading UK university with consistently high levels of graduate destination success
Competitive salary progression depending on pathway, particularly in education, counselling support roles, and postgraduate psychology careers
Opportunities to engage with education-focused organisations, schools, and community settings through research-informed learning and applied study
Long-term value from alignment with professional psychology standards, supporting progression into accredited postgraduate study and professional training routes
Access to employer engagement activities such as careers fairs, networking opportunities, and graduate recruitment events

Further Academic Progression:
After completing this degree, students often continue into postgraduate study in psychology, education, or child development. Common pathways include master’s degrees in educational psychology, psychology conversion courses for those seeking British Psychological Society (BPS) accreditation, or specialist training in teaching and educational leadership. Some graduates also pursue research degrees such as an MPhil or PhD, building careers in academic research or higher education teaching.