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:
- curriculum design
- behavioural neuroscience
- developmental psychology
- special educational needs
As part of your degree you can:
- study UK and international systems, from primary to post-compulsory education
- explore key topics like social justice, inclusion and AI literacy
- use our custom observation rooms, eye-movement recording facilities and virtual reality labs
- access our Institute for Equity and Effectiveness in Education (IE3), one of the country’s leading institutes for education research
- study abroad at one of our exchange partner universities
This programme is accredited by the British Psychological Society. It can lead onto Chartered Membership.
League table rankings
- Education at the University of Southampton is ranked 5th in the UK (Complete University Guide, 2026).
- Psychology at the University of Southampton is ranked 9th in the UK (The Guardian University Guide, 2026).
We regularly review our courses to ensure and improve quality. This course may be revised as a result of this. Any revision will be balanced against the requirement that the student should receive the educational service expected. Find out why, when, and how we might make changes.
Our courses are regulated in England by the Office for Students (OfS).
Accreditations
What it's like to study Education and Psychology at Southampton
Learn more about these subject areas
-
Education
Explore the latest theories underpinning the study of education. Apply what you learn to bring about positive changes in teaching, education leadership or policy and research. Whether it’s early years, further and higher education or lifelong learning. -
Psychology
Discover the thought processes, emotions and behaviour of the human brain. Use specialist labs that include virtual reality, MRI and eye-tracking facilities as you work towards a career in psychology.
Course location
This course is based at Highfield.
Awarding body
This qualification is awarded by the University of Southampton.
Download the Course Description Document
The Course Description Document details your course overview, your course structure and how your course is taught and assessed.
Entry requirements
For Academic year 202627
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: BBB
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
RQF BTEC
D in the BTEC National Extended Certificate plus AA from two A levels
DD in the BTEC National Diploma plus A from one A-level
DDD in the BTEC National Extended Diploma
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.
Additional information
The University aims to recruit students from a wide range of backgrounds who we believe have the potential and motivation to succeed on our challenging programmes. We are committed to fair admissions and strive to ensure we give equal consideration to all applicants who possess the necessary knowledge and skills.
QCF 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 contextual
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.
Access to HE Diploma
60 credits with a minimum of 45 credits at Level 3, of which 39 must be at Distinction and 6 credits at Merit
Access Offer Contextual
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.
Irish Leaving Certificate
Irish Leaving Certificate (first awarded 2017)
H1 H2 H2 H2 H2 H2
Irish Offer Contextual
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.
Scottish Qualification
Offers will be based on exams being taken at the end of S6. Subjects taken and qualifications achieved in S5 will be reviewed. Careful consideration will be given to an individual’s academic achievement, taking in to account the context and circumstances of their pre-university education.
Please see the University of Southampton’s Curriculum for Excellence Scotland Statement (PDF) for further information. Applicants are advised to contact their Faculty Admissions Office for more information.
Cambridge Pre-U
D3 D3 M2 in three Principal subjects
Cambridge Pre-U additional information
Cambridge Pre-U's can be used in combination with other qualifications such as A Levels to achieve the equivalent of the typical offer
Cambridge Pre-U Offer Contextual
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.
Welsh Baccalaureate
AAB from 3 A levels or AA from two A levels and B from the Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales
Welsh 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.
T-Level
There are no T levels accepted for this programme.
Other requirements
GCSE requirements
Applicants must hold GCSE English language (or GCSE English) and GCSE Mathematics at a minimum of grades 4/C.
Find the equivalent international qualifications for our entry requirements.
English language requirements
If English is not your first language, you must show that you can use English to the level we require. Visit our English language pages to find out which qualifications we accept and how you can meet our requirements.
If you are taking the International English Language Testing System (IELTS), you must get at least the following scores:
IELTS score requirements
- overall score
- 6.5
- reading
- 6.0
- writing
- 6.0
- speaking
- 6.0
- listening
- 6.0
If you do not meet the English language requirements through a test or qualification, you may be able to meet them by completing one of our pre-sessional English programmes before your course starts.
You might meet our criteria in other ways if you do not have the qualifications we need. Find out more about:
- skills you might have gained through work or other life experiences (otherwise known as recognition of prior learning)
Find out more about our Admissions Policy.
Mature applicants
We welcome applications from learners of all ages. Students who are aged 21 and over at the start of their undergraduate course are defined as mature by the University of Southampton. We take a holistic assessment of the application looking for academic ability and commitment to study. Typical entry requirements, which may vary from discipline to discipline, includes for example, evidence of recent formal academic qualifications or professional qualifications, relevant work experience or volunteering. You may also be invited to attend an interview with an Admissions Tutor. For some degree programmes, there may also be a Professional, Statutory and Regulatory Body (PSRB) requirement. We accept many different academic qualifications. For more information, please contact the Admissions Team.
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
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:
- Behavioural Neuroscience
- Education in Other Countries
- Individual Differences: Personality and Intelligence
- Introduction to Teachers and Teaching
- 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:
- Adult Learners and Learning
- Curriculum Design
- Developmental Psychology
- Employability
- 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:
- Advanced Research Methods
- Autism Spectrum Disorders
- The Development of Anxiety in Children and Adolescents
- Post-16 Learning: Critical Observations
- Social Justice and Inclusive Education
- 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
The modules outlined provide examples of what you can expect to learn on this degree course based on recent academic teaching. As a research-led University, we undertake a continuous review of our course to ensure quality enhancement and to manage our resources. The precise modules available to you in future years may vary depending on staff availability and research interests, new topics of study, timetabling and student demand. Find out why, when and how we might make changes.
For entry in academic year 2026 to 2027
Year 1 modules
You must study the following modules in year 1:
Behavioural Neuroscience
Contemporary Education Issues, Problems and Policies
Individual Differences
Introduction to Statistical Analysis
Researching Learning and Education
Special Educational Needs and Disability
Teachers and Teaching
Year 2 modules
You must study the following modules in year 2:
Cognitive Psychology in Education
Current issues in Clinical Psychology
Developmental Psychology
Research Methods in Education and Psychology
Social Psychology
You must also choose from the following modules in year 2:
Cognitive Neuroscience
Curriculum Design
Early Years Education: Critical Observations
Education in England: Past, present and future
Employability
Internationalisation and Education
Introduction to Health Psychology
Language, Literacy and Literature in Education
Leading and Managing in Education
Perception
Primary and Secondary Education: Critical Observations
Race and Ethnicity in Society
Secondary Education: Critical Observations
Year 3 modules
You must study the following module in year 3:
You must also choose from the following modules in year 3:
Advanced Quantitative Research Skills
Attachment & Personal Relationships
Childhood Maltreatment and Mental Health
Current & Emerging Issues in Psycho-Oncology & Pain Research
Developmental Psychopathology
Dissertation
Empirical Project
Exploring the Hidden Assumptions in Education
Human Sexual Diversity
Introduction to Educational Psychology
Knowledge Exchange in Education
Learning and Teaching Mathematics
Moral Psychology
Nostalgia
Perspectives in Human Animal Interactions
Psychology of Advertising
Rethinking Autism
Social Justice & Inclusive Education
Social and Affective Neuroscience
Social and Psychological Approaches to Understanding Sexual Health
Sociology of Education
Supporting Additional Learning Needs: Critical Observations
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
- dissertations
- essays
- individual and group projects
- oral presentations
- written exams
Your assessment breakdown
Year 1:
Year 2
Study time
Your scheduled learning, teaching and independent study for year 2:
How we'll assess you
- dissertations
- essays
- individual and group projects
- oral presentations
- written exams
Your assessment breakdown
Year 2:
Year 3
Study time
Your scheduled learning, teaching and independent study for year 3:
How we'll assess you
- dissertations
- essays
- individual and group projects
- oral presentations
- written exams
Your assessment breakdown
Year 3:
Academic support
You’ll be supported by a personal academic tutor and have access to a senior tutor.
Course leader
Benjamin Davies is the course leader.
Careers and employability
Employability skills
This degree will allow you to develop and evidence subject-specific and targeted employability skills. This includes the required skill set for a range of future careers, further study, or starting your own business.
The skills you can expect to focus on and gain from this course include:
- Research
- Critical thinking
- Self-management
- Communication
- Teamwork
- Networking
- EDI leadership
The employability and enterprise skills you'll gain from this course are reflected in the Southampton skills model. When you join us you'll be able to use our skills model to track, plan, and benefit your career development and progress.
Download skills overview
Career pathways
Graduates commonly work in a range of organisations or sectors including:
Administration,
Business,
Child care,
Education,
Government,
Health and social work,
Hospitality,
Marketing,
Public Administration and Defence,
Research,
Retail,
Real estate,
Scientific and Technical,
Youth and Community.
- Assistant psychologist
- Community education officer
- Counselling psychologist
- Educational psychologist
- Occupational psychologist
- Primary school teacher
- Progression coach
- Psychological wellbeing practitioner
- Secondary school teacher
- Special educational needs coordinator
- Careers adviser
- Community education officer
- Child psychotherapist
- Counsellor
- Family support worker
- Play therapist
- Social researcher
- Therapist
- Subject lead teacher
- Youth worker
- Primary school teacher
- Assistant psychologist
- Secondary school teacher
- Learning support assistant
- Safeguarding officer
- Special needs assistant
- Work coach
- Teaching assistant
- Support worker
Job prospects for BSc Education and Psychology graduates
*Example graduate job titles and job prospect statistics taken from The Graduate Outcomes Survey, which gathers information about the activities and perspectives of graduates 15 months after finishing their course.
Year in employment
You can apply for a year in employment placement on this course. This is a great way to improve your employability and confidence in your career prospects. Recommended by 100% of students who've taken part, you can apply for a UK or global placement in any sector.
Careers services and support
We are a top 20 UK university for employability (QS Graduate Employability Rankings 2022). Our Careers, Employability and Student Enterprise team will support you. 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.
Your career ideas and graduate job opportunities may change while you're at university. So it is important to take time to regularly reflect on your goals, speak to people in industry and seek advice and up-to-date information from Careers, Employability and Student Enterprise professionals at the University.
Fees, costs and funding
Tuition fees
Fees for a year's study:
- UK students pay £9,535.
- EU and international students pay £24,800.
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:
- Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) certification costs
- study abroad and exchange fees
- personal computer or laptop and data storage devices
- books that are not available in the library
- equipment and materials used in projects
- costs related to modules from different courses
Accommodation and living costs, such as travel and food, are not included in your tuition fees. There may also be extra costs for retake and professional exams.
Explore:
Bursaries, scholarships and other funding
If you're a UK or EU student and your household income is under £36,200 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 to help fund your studies.
We award scholarships and grants for travel, academic excellence, or to students from under-represented backgrounds.
Support during your course
The Student Hub 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
What happens after you apply?
We will assess your application on the strength of your:
- predicted grades
- academic achievements
- personal statement
- academic reference
We'll aim to process your application within 2 to 6 weeks, but this will depend on when it is submitted. Applications submitted in January, particularly near to the UCAS equal consideration deadline, might take substantially longer to be processed due to the high volume received at that time.
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
Related courses
Education and Psychology (BSc) is a course in the Education and Psychology subject areas. Here are some other courses within these subject areas:
