Psychology in Education BA (Hons)

3 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

Leeds Beckett University

Program Overview

This three-year degree explores how psychology influences learning, behaviour, and development within educational settings. It’s perfect for students who want to understand how people learn and think, and who are interested in helping young people reach their full potential through research-informed and inclusive approaches.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1
Your first year introduces you to the key principles of psychology and education. You’ll explore how people learn, what motivates behaviour, and how educational systems shape student experiences. This foundation helps you understand the core psychological and social factors that affect learning in schools and communities.

Year 2
In the second year, you’ll apply psychological theory to real-world education contexts. Modules such as Psychology and Inclusion, Children and Society, and Teaching and Education will help you explore topics like diversity, inclusion, mental health, and barriers to learning. You’ll also gain professional experience through placements in schools or community organisations, where you can see first-hand how psychology supports education.

Year 3
Your final year focuses on research and professional development. You’ll complete an independent research project on a topic that interests you — such as child development, learning differences, or educational wellbeing. Alongside this, you’ll study advanced modules that examine the role of psychology in shaping teaching practice, policy, and support for diverse learners.

Focus Areas

Psychology of learning and behaviour, inclusive education, mental health and wellbeing, special educational needs, developmental psychology, and applied research in educational settings.

Learning Outcomes

Graduates will be able to apply psychological theory to real educational situations, analyse learning behaviour, design inclusive strategies for supporting children, and carry out research that informs practice. You’ll leave with the skills to understand human development, learning processes, and the social context of education.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

While this degree is not accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS), it provides a strong foundation for postgraduate study in education, psychology, or related fields. It also prepares you for roles in teaching support, youth work, special educational needs, and educational research.

Reputation (Employability Rankings)

Leeds Beckett University’s Carnegie School of Education is well regarded for its practical and inclusive approach to learning. The program blends psychology and education in a way that gives graduates flexibility in their career paths — from schools and early years settings to community and wellbeing roles — making it a strong choice for those passionate about supporting others through education.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At Leeds Beckett University, the BA (Hons) Psychology in Education combines academic theory with real-world experience to help you understand how people learn and what shapes their educational journey. You’ll explore how psychology can improve teaching, learning, and wellbeing — while gaining practical experience that prepares you for careers in education, child development, and mental health support.

Here’s how you’ll gain hands-on, career-focused experience throughout your degree:

Extensive work placements – You’ll complete around 270 hours of professional experience in schools, youth organisations, and specialist educational settings, giving you direct exposure to working with children, young people, and educators.
Specialist psychology and education labs – You’ll learn using modern observation rooms and analysis equipment to study learning behaviour, classroom interaction, and emotional development.
Collaborative projects – You’ll work in groups on projects that apply psychological principles to real educational challenges, such as improving motivation, inclusion, or classroom engagement.
Digital learning and virtual tools – You’ll have access to interactive and virtual learning spaces that replicate real classrooms, helping you explore how digital tools influence teaching and learning.
Inclusive education focus – The course places a strong emphasis on supporting learners with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), helping you develop strategies for inclusive, equitable learning environments.
Research and data analysis skills – You’ll gain hands-on experience conducting small-scale research projects, learning to use psychology-based data tools and methods to understand learner outcomes.
Professional portfolio development – Throughout your course, you’ll build a portfolio that showcases your placements, research, and reflective work — valuable evidence of your growth and employability.
Supportive teaching team – You’ll be guided by experienced lecturers who have backgrounds in educational psychology, child development, and inclusion, helping you connect theory with practice.

By the time you graduate, you’ll not only understand how psychology shapes learning but also have the practical experience, research skills, and confidence to apply that knowledge in schools, community settings, and beyond.

Progression & Future Opportunities

If you choose the BA (Hons) Psychology in Education at Leeds Beckett University, you’ll gain a strong foundation in understanding how people learn, think, and behave in educational settings. The course blends psychology with education, preparing you for roles that focus on supporting learning, development, and wellbeing among children and young people.

Progression & Future Opportunities:
Graduates from this degree often move into careers such as:

Learning Support Specialist or Inclusion Coordinator
Education or Behaviour Support Practitioner
Youth and Community Engagement Officer
Research Assistant in Education or Child Development

How Leeds Beckett University helps you get there:

Career & Employability Support: Leeds Beckett’s Graduate Promise and Careers Service provide personal career guidance, CV workshops, interview training, and direct links with schools, community projects, and research organisations.
Professional Experience: You’ll gain practical experience through work placements in schools, youth centres, or SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities) environments, developing hands-on skills for your future career.
Industry Partnerships: The course works closely with local education providers, community organisations, and mental health support teams, ensuring you gain exposure to real-world educational practice.
Accreditation & Long-Term Value: Although this course is not accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS), it equips you with key transferable skills in psychological analysis, research, and education — ideal preparation for postgraduate training in related fields.
Graduate Outcomes: Upon graduation, you’ll be ready to take on roles supporting learners’ development and wellbeing or continue toward professional training to become a qualified psychologist or educational specialist.

Further Academic Progression:
After completing your BA (Hons) Psychology in Education, you can advance to postgraduate study such as a Master’s in Educational Psychology, MA in Special Educational Needs and Inclusion, or MSc in Child and Adolescent Mental Health. These pathways can lead to careers in educational psychology, counselling, research, or teaching in specialised education environments.