BA Hons Education and Psychology

3 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of Central Lancashire

Program Overview

Program Overview:
This three-year degree offers an integrated approach to understanding how psychological principles apply within educational settings. It prepares students for careers in educational support, youth work, and further postgraduate training in psychology or education.

Curriculum Structure

Year One
Students begin with foundational modules in psychobiology, cognition, developmental psychology, and social psychology. Emphasis is placed on research methods and practical sessions to develop analytical skills.

Year Two
Building upon the first year, students explore modules such as Sociology and Education, Models of Teaching and Learning, and Learners with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). The curriculum delves deeper into social and developmental psychology, alongside cognitive and physiological psychology.

Year Three
The final year focuses on the application of psychological theories in educational contexts. Students engage in experiential learning through placements in educational environments, enhancing their practical experience. Optional international work experience opportunities are also available.

Placement or Study Abroad Option:
Students have the opportunity to undertake placements in educational settings during each year of the program. Additionally, there are options to gain international work experience through the University's Centre for Volunteering and Community Leadership.

Focus Areas:
The program emphasizes understanding learning processes, memory, language development, and the challenges faced by learners in educational settings, including those with SEND.

Learning Outcomes:
Graduates will be equipped to apply psychological principles to educational practices, assess and support learners' needs, and contribute to the development of inclusive educational environments.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation):
While the program provides a strong foundation in psychology within educational contexts, it is not accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS). Students interested in pursuing a career as a chartered psychologist may need to consider additional postgraduate qualifications.

Reputation & Facilities:
UCLan is recognized for its commitment to student satisfaction and offers state-of-the-art facilities, including specialist laboratories for psychological research. The university's emphasis on practical experience ensures that students are well-prepared for careers in education and related fields.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At UCLan, the BA (Hons) Education and Psychology course combines two powerful disciplines — exploring how people learn and why they behave the way they do. What makes it truly stand out is how much you’ll learn through real experience. You won’t just study theories of learning and behaviour; you’ll apply them in educational and community settings, conduct psychological research, and work on projects that help you understand how people think, feel, and learn.

Here’s how you’ll gain hands-on, practical experience throughout your studies:

Education and community placements – You’ll have opportunities to work directly with children, young people, and adults in schools, colleges, and community organisations, applying psychology in real educational contexts.
Collaborative learning projects – Working in groups, you’ll design and deliver learning activities or behaviour-support strategies grounded in psychological principles such as motivation, memory, and development.
Research and psychology laboratories – You’ll gain experience in psychological research methods using modern lab facilities and data analysis tools to collect and interpret behavioural data.
Use of digital and educational technologies – From interactive teaching software to psychological testing tools, you’ll use digital systems that mirror what’s used in modern education and psychology practice.
Focus on inclusion and learning support – You’ll work on real-world issues like special educational needs, emotional wellbeing, and social development, learning how to adapt teaching and support to different learner needs.
Professional portfolio development – Throughout your degree, you’ll compile a portfolio that includes placement reflections, research findings, and evidence of your growing expertise in both education and psychology.
Independent research project – In your final year, you’ll complete a supervised research project that allows you to explore a topic of personal interest and demonstrate your ability to apply psychological and educational theories in practice.
Access to academic and research support – You’ll benefit from UCLan’s learning zones, psychology labs, and education study spaces designed to help you thrive both academically and professionally.

This blend of hands-on practice, research experience, and real educational engagement means you’ll graduate with the insight and confidence to make a real impact — whether that’s supporting learners, guiding policy, or continuing into teacher training or psychology-related careers.

Progression & Future Opportunities

If you study the BA (Hons) Education and Psychology at the University of Central Lancashire (UCLan), you’ll gain a strong understanding of how people learn, think, and behave — and how this knowledge can improve educational experiences. This degree blends two dynamic disciplines, preparing you for a meaningful career helping individuals and communities reach their full potential.

Progression & Future Opportunities:
With this degree, you could move into roles such as:

Learning Support Coordinator or Educational Support Specialist
Assistant Educational Psychologist
Youth and Community Development Officer
Education or Psychology Research Assistant

How UCLan helps you get there:

Career Services: UCLan’s Careers & Enterprise team offers tailored support to help you prepare for professional roles. You’ll receive guidance with job applications, placements, and networking with employers in both education and psychology-related sectors.
Practical Experience: Students have opportunities to undertake placements in schools, youth organisations, and community programmes, gaining valuable hands-on experience while applying classroom knowledge.
Employment & Salary Insights: Graduates from UCLan’s psychology and education programmes enjoy strong employment outcomes within 15 months of graduation. Typical starting salaries for graduates in related fields range from £22,000 to £28,000, depending on the role and level of responsibility.
University–Industry Partnerships: UCLan collaborates with schools, mental health services, and community education providers to ensure the curriculum reflects real-world challenges and professional practice standards.
Accreditation & Long-Term Value: The degree develops analytical, research, and interpersonal skills that are recognised across the education, health, and social sectors — giving you flexibility to pursue various professional pathways after graduation.
Graduate Outcomes: By the end of the course, you’ll have explored subjects like developmental psychology, cognitive processes, educational theory, and learning environments. This diverse foundation ensures you’re prepared for both immediate employment and postgraduate study.

Further Academic Progression:
After completing your BA (Hons) Education and Psychology, you could progress to postgraduate qualifications such as a Master’s in Educational Psychology, MSc in Applied Psychology (Education), MA in Education, or a PGCE (Postgraduate Certificate in Education) if you wish to become a qualified teacher. You may also choose to specialise in areas such as Special Educational Needs, Child and Adolescent Mental Health, or Educational Research — opening doors to advanced professional and research-based careers.