MSc Psychology in Education

The MSc Psychology in Education (Conversion) at University of York offers a one-year route for non-psychology graduates to gain a full grounding in psychological theory, research, and educational applications. It suits those aiming to work in education, school psychology, research, or move on to further psychology-based training. 

Curriculum Structure

In the taught year, you study Development and Cognition, which explores how cognitive and developmental psychology inform learning, development, and educational practice. You also take Individuality and its Roots, delving into individual differences, personality, and how diverse backgrounds influence learning and development. As part of the core training, Research Methods for Psychology in Education I & II equip you with rigorous qualitative and quantitative methods to design and evaluate psychological and educational research. Semesters also include Psychology in Society, which examines social and cultural influences on behaviour and learning. In the second half of the programme, you choose an option module (e.g. Child & Adolescent Mental Health or Embodied Cognition in Learning & Development) to specialise according to your interests. The programme culminates in a Dissertation, where you design and carry out an empirical research project applying psychological principles to education or development. 

Focus areas (string):
“Developmental & cognitive psychology, individual differences, social psychology in education, mixed-method research, educational interventions, child & adolescent mental health.”

Learning outcomes (in a string):
“Ability to apply core psychology concepts to educational contexts; design and conduct empirical research; understand developmental, social and individual factors in learning; evaluate interventions; communicate findings professionally.”

Professional alignment (accreditation):
The course is BPS-accredited as a conversion programme, providing eligibility for the British Psychological Society Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (GBC). 

Reputation (employability):
The University of York’s strong ranking in Education (QS World Subject Rankings: top-10 in UK) supports the programme’s credibility, and graduates are well-positioned for roles in schools, educational policy, research, or further clinical/educational psychology training.