About this course
Psychology is an important resource for educators and policy makers. This course is for those interested in how education evolves, how people learn and how they behave in educational settings. Like a single-honours psychology degree, this course will prepare you for a wide range of psychology careers, as well as education-related jobs and further study.
Our course focuses on the rigorous, scientific study of education alongside the core topics of a psychology degree. You’ll also examine how psychology research applies to education.
You’ll study topics such as:
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curriculum design
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behavioural neuroscience
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developmental psychology
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special educational needs
As part of your degree you can:
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study UK and international systems, from primary to post-compulsory education
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explore key topics like social justice, inclusion and digital literacy
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use our custom observation rooms, eye-movement recording facilities and virtual reality labs
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access our Institute for Equity and Effectiveness in Education (IE3), one of the country’s leading institutes for education research
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study abroad at one of our exchange partner universities
This programme is accredited by the British Psychological Society. It can lead onto Chartered Membership.
Accreditations

What it's like to study Education and Psychology at Southampton
Course location
This course is based at Highfield.
Awarding body
This qualification is awarded by the University of Southampton.
Download the programme specification
The programme specification sets out the learning outcomes of this course and details how the course is taught and assessed.
Entry requirements
For Academic year 202021
A-levels
AAB
A-levels additional information
Offers typically exclude General Studies and Critical Thinking.
A-levels with Extended Project Qualification
If you are taking an EPQ in addition to 3 A levels, you will receive the following offer in addition to the standard A level offer:
ABB and grade A in the EPQ
A-levels contextual offer
We are committed to ensuring that all applicants with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise an applicant's potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience.
Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme, as follows:
ABB
International Baccalaureate Diploma
Pass, with 34 points overall with 17 points at Higher Level
International Baccalaureate contextual offer
We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.
International Baccalaureate Career Programme (IBCP) statement
Offers will be made on the individual Diploma Course subject(s) and the career-related study qualification. The CP core will not form part of the offer. Where there is a subject pre-requisite(s), applicants will be required to study the subject(s) at Higher Level in the Diploma course subject and/or take a specified unit in the career-related study qualification. Applicants may also be asked to achieve a specific grade in those elements.
Please see the University of Southampton International Baccalaureate Career-Related Programme (IBCP) Statement for further information. Applicants are advised to contact their Faculty Admissions Office for more information.
BTEC
D in the BTEC Subsidiary Diploma plus AA from two A levels
DD in the BTEC Diploma plus A grade from one A-level
DDD in the BTEC Extended Diploma
BTEC additional information
There are no additional requirements
Other requirements
GCSE requirements
Applicants must hold GCSE English language (or GCSE English) (minimum grade 4/C) and mathematics (minimum grade 4/C)
Got a question?
Please contact our enquiries team if you're not sure that you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course.
Email: enquiries@southampton.ac.uk
Tel: +44(0)23 8059 5000
Course structure
COVID-19: we've made some changes to the structure of the course for this academic year. Download the programme specification addendum in 'About this course' to learn more.
You’ll study a balance of modules from education and psychology. Each year you’ll take 7 single modules plus a double module that runs across 2 semesters. We use small-group teaching and a personal tutor system to provide a supportive and friendly environment.
Your studies will include formal class time in lectures, seminars, workshops and practical sessions, as well as independent work, such as directed study, reading, assessment preparation and revision.
With our ‘Critical Observations’ modules, in years 2 and 3, you can visit schools and colleges and gain valuable experience. You’ll organise your own visits and we’ll provide advice and guidance.
You can choose optional modules from other subject areas, and even learn a new language.
We offer a range of interdisciplinary modules, including Business Skills, Life in the Cosmos or Understanding Modern China. These are a great opportunity to expand your knowledge and create an impressive CV.
Year 1 overview
You’ll take compulsory modules that introduce you to a broad range of education and psychology topics, including:
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Behavioural Neuroscience
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Education in Other Countries
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Individual Differences: Personality and Intelligence
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Introduction to Teachers and Teaching
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Special Educational Needs
Year 2 overview
You’ll develop your knowledge and understanding of research methods in both subjects, and you’ll learn about social and developmental psychology.
You'll choose your remaining modules for the year from a range, including:
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Adult Learners and Learning
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Curriculum Design
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Developmental Psychology
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Employability
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Language and Memory
You must take the Cognitive Psychology in Education module to qualify for British Psychological Society (BPS) accreditation.
Year 3 overview
You’ll put your academic skills into practice by taking either a dissertation module or an empirical project, which consists of a literature review and research.
Your dissertation supervisor will help you conduct your independent research, collect data and write up your findings.
You'll also choose from a range of optional modules, including:
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Advanced Research Methods
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Autism Spectrum Disorders
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The Development of Anxiety in Children and Adolescents
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Post-16 Learning: Critical Observations
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Social Justice and Inclusive Education
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Supporting Additional Learning Needs
You must take both the Advanced Research Methods and Current Issues in Clinical Psychology in Education modules to qualify for British Psychological Society (BPS) accreditation.
Want more detail? See all the modules in the course.
Modules
For entry in Academic Year 2021-22
Year 1 modules
You must study the following modules in year 1:
Learning and assessment
The learning activities for this course include the following:
- lectures
- classes and tutorials
- coursework
- individual and group projects
- independent learning (studying on your own)
Course time
How you'll spend your course time:
Year 1
Study time
Your scheduled learning, teaching and independent study for year 1:
How we'll assess you
Your assessment breakdown
Year 1:
Academic support
You’ll be supported by a personal academic tutor and have access to a senior tutor.
Course leader
James Hall is the course leader.
Careers
Graduates of this course will be eligible for membership of the British Psychological Society (BPS). This stands out on a CV and provides access to career and training events at the BPS. It also qualifies you to apply for postgraduate training in the psychology professions.
You’ll graduate with a wide range of transferable skills, including:
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understanding how people learn
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effective communication with different audiences
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empathy
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research methodologies and techniques
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evaluation of results
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team working
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problem solving
These skills are attractive to employers in the education, social science and psychology sectors and beyond.
After completing the course, our highly employable graduates pursue careers in:
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teaching
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the full range of psychology careers
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social/educational research
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educational welfare
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local government
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educational and community development
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human resources
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marketing and business-focused roles
You’ll be in a great position to continue your studies in education or psychology at master's and PhD level. You can also enrol on a PGCE and start teacher training. Because psychology is a school subject, you can apply directly to the PGCE in secondary education.
We offer a number of internships and placement opportunities to help our graduates gain valuable work experience. Our students have recently secured paid, year-long internships with the Office for National Statistics.
Careers services at Southampton
We are a top 20 UK university for employability (QS Graduate Employability Rankings 2019). Our Careers and Employability Service will support you throughout your time as a student and for up to 5 years after graduation. This support includes:
work experience schemes
CV and interview skills and workshops
networking events
careers fairs attended by top employers
a wealth of volunteering opportunities
study abroad and summer school opportunities
We have a vibrant entrepreneurship culture and our dedicated start-up supporter, Futureworlds, is open to every student.
Work in industry
We offer a number of internships and placement opportunities to help our graduates gain valuable work experience. Our students have recently secured paid, year-long internships with the Office for National Statistics.
Fees, costs and funding
Tuition fees
Fees for a year's study:
- UK students pay £9,250.
- EU and international students pay £18,520.
What your fees pay for
Your tuition fees pay for the full cost of tuition and all examinations.
Find out how to:
Extra costs you might have to pay
You’ll be responsible for paying certain costs not covered by the tuition fee. These include:
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Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) certification costs
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personal computer or laptop and data storage devices
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books that are not available in the library
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equipment and materials used in projects
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costs related to modules from different courses
Accommodation and living costs, such as travel and food, are not included in your tuition fees. Explore:
Bursaries, scholarships and other funding
If you're a UK or EU student and your household income is under £25,000 a year, you may be able to get a University of Southampton bursary to help with your living costs. Find out about bursaries and other funding we offer at Southampton.
If you're a care leaver or estranged from your parents, you may be able to get a specific bursary.
Get in touch for advice about student money matters.
Scholarships and grants
You may be able to get a scholarship or grant that's linked to your chosen subject area.
We award scholarships and grants for travel, academic excellence, or to students from underrepresented backgrounds.
Support during your course
The Student Services Centre offers support and advice on money to students. You may be able to access our Student Support fund and other sources of financial support during your course.
Funding for EU and international students
Find out about funding you could get as an international student.
How to apply
When you apply use:
- UCAS course code: CX83
- UCAS institution code: S27
What happens after you apply?
We will assess your application on the strength of your:
- predicted grades
- academic achievements
- personal statement
- academic reference
We aim to respond to you within 2 to 6 weeks with a decision about your application.
Equality and diversity
We treat and select everyone in line with our Equality and Diversity Statement.
Got a question?
Please contact our enquiries team if you're not sure that you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course.
Email: enquiries@southampton.ac.uk
Tel: +44(0)23 8059 5000