BA Hons Education Studies and Psychology

The BA (Hons) Education Studies and Psychology degree at Nottingham Trent University gives you a strong mix of theory and real-world application. You’ll explore how people learn, what motivates them, and how psychological principles shape educational experiences. From the very beginning, this course connects what you study in lectures to real educational and community settings, helping you understand how psychology can be used to improve teaching, learning, and wellbeing. You’ll work with supportive tutors, engage in practical placements, and gain the analytical and interpersonal skills that employers value.

Here’s how you’ll gain meaningful, hands-on experience throughout the course:

• Work-based learning modules that place you in educational or community environments, allowing you to apply psychology and education theory in real-life contexts.

• Modules like Cognitive Psychology and the Classroom, where you’ll explore how memory, attention, and learning theories are used in educational practice.

• Practice-focused modules such as Inclusive Education and Practice and The Psychology of Educational Support and Therapy, helping you work with case studies and intervention strategies.

• Opportunities to tailor your modules to your interests — whether in child development, motivation, social inclusion, or emotional learning.

• A teaching approach built on seminars, workshops, and collaborative projects, so you develop both practical and research skills alongside peers.

• The chance to complete an independent research project in your final year, combining education and psychology to explore a topic that inspires you.

• Development of transferable professional skills — including observation, analysis, communication, teamwork, and reflective practice.

• A curriculum designed to build real experience and employability, preparing you for diverse roles in education, support services, and applied psychology.

Graduates from this interdisciplinary course develop an in-depth understanding of how people learn, think, and grow — and how psychology can improve education and wellbeing. This degree opens doors to a range of people-focused careers in both educational and community settings. Typical job roles include:

• Learning Mentor or Education Support Practitioner

• Assistant Educational Psychologist

• Youth or Community Education Worker

• Research Assistant in education, psychology, or policy

Here’s how NTU supports you and helps you prepare for your future career:

• Career Support: Nottingham Trent University’s Employability and Careers Service offers personalised guidance, from building your CV to preparing for interviews and connecting you with potential employers. You’ll complete a professional placement of around 30 days during your degree, gaining hands-on experience in schools, community projects, or educational organisations.

• Employment Outcomes and Salary Figures: Graduates of Education Studies and Psychology often progress into roles related to education, counselling support, or human development, with starting salaries typically in the range of £23,000–£28,000 depending on the setting. The combination of education and psychology skills makes graduates highly employable in schools, charities, and mental health services.

• University–Industry Partnerships: NTU works closely with a range of local and regional partners — from schools to social support organisations — to ensure students gain relevant real-world experience. These collaborations give you a deeper understanding of how psychological theory applies in educational and developmental contexts.

• Long-Term Accreditation Value: This degree provides a strong academic foundation in both disciplines, preparing you for professional training routes such as teacher education, counselling, or psychology accreditation pathways. The interdisciplinary approach ensures long-term flexibility and credibility across several professional sectors.

• Graduate Outcomes: You’ll graduate with critical thinking, analytical, and interpersonal skills that are valuable in teaching, educational support, research, and wellbeing roles. Many graduates go on to work in settings that promote inclusion, mental health awareness, and student development.

Further Academic Progression:
After completing this degree, you could progress to a Master’s in Educational Psychology, Child and Adolescent Mental Health, Education Leadership, or Counselling, or undertake a PGCE (Postgraduate Certificate in Education) to qualify as a teacher. Graduates also often continue into research-based degrees such as MRes or PhD in Education or Psychology, leading to roles in academia, policy development, or specialist practitioner work.