About this course
Education has the power to improve lives. With this BA (Hons) Education Studies and Psychology degree, you will recognise the importance of education, as well as explore the psychological factors that inhibit and motivate learning. Studying at NTU, you will engage in the most relevant contemporary issues of our time - including well-being, mental health, social media and relationships – gaining skills and confidence along the way.
Combining education and psychology into one innovative interdisciplinary degree, you will study how psychological theory can be related to a variety of educational environments. You will consider education processes and strategies to educate learners, in line with government priorities. The course provides an interdisciplinary perspective on important issues regarding a diverse range of learners, such as special educational needs, looked after children and refugees.
Whether you are new to the world of work, planning a career change or looking to work abroad, we will help you stand out for a future associated with education. You will be ready to make a difference in society in a diverse range of careers - whether that’s in the public sector, welfare, mainstream education or alternative educational provision such as hospitals, prisons, and therapeutic settings. There’s also the option of postgraduate progression to study for careers in teaching, educational psychology or counselling.
This course does not give you British Psychological Society (BPS) accreditation but if you wish to pursue a career in psychology you could go on to postgraduate study on our conversion courses.
Alternatively, if you want to pursue a career in teaching you can achieve Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) through completion of the one-year PGCE.
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Professional placement opportunities are available throughout the course to support your ongoing development of employability skills. In Year Two, you will engage in a 30-day placement either locally or overseas. -
Optional modules in line with your specific interests and career aims. The degree will support you to develop your skills and research an area of interest as part of your chosen dissertation topic. -
93% of our Education Studies and Psychology students are positive about the teaching on their course (National Student Survey, 2024). -
Guaranteed interview for a PGCE Primary teacher training course at NTU on completing your undergraduate degree (terms and conditions apply).
What you’ll study
The BA (Hons) Education Studies and Psychology degree is designed for students interested in psychology, and lifelong education and development. It offers the opportunity to develop theoretical knowledge and understanding of two disciplines in modern society, and understand theory, research, policy, and practice from a local, national, and international perspective.
You will also review education from a psychosocial perspective, rather than from a strictly policy driven. You will examine behaviours of individuals from childhood through to adulthood to look at the importance of education.
The course covers learning behaviours, how people develop and learn throughout their lives the nature of knowledge and critical engagement with ways of knowing and understanding drawing from the multi-disciplinary base and the explorations of the ways education contributes to society.
You will gain the underpinning knowledge for a route into education, along with research techniques for further study. You will be given opportunities to research in areas of your interest, as well as the freedom and scope to select research methods appropriate to your studies.
Wellbeing and Mental Health in Education (20 credit points)
- This module explores theories that have contributed to an understanding of emotional development, as well as how emotional wellbeing impacts on teaching and learning.
- A critical review of the educational provision will be developed along with therapeutic education.
Cognitive Psychology and the Classroom (20 credit points)
- This module explores and considers processes such as pattern recognition, attention, memory storage and retrieval, and problem solving, and how such processes relate to education.
Education Foundation (20 credit points)
- This module introduces you to the relatively new field of educational neuroscience.
- You’ll consider the impact of a future in which educational practice can be transformed by science.
Learning and Education in Practice (20 credit points)
- This module explores and interprets the concepts of learning and development in practice.
- You’ll cover the main theoretical approaches to learning and development in order to develop lines of arguments and make judgements in accordance with these theories and concepts.
Introduction to Lifespan Developmental Psychology (20 credit points)
- This module provides an overview of core psychology theories relevant to a range of topics that will be explored in more depth later in the course.
Academic Writing and Study Skills (20 credit points)
- This module supports you in your transition into Higher Education and in understanding what is expected at this level of study and beyond.
- You’ll develop skills in presenting, evaluating and interpreting literature sources and reading in preparation for academic writing.
Social Development in Children and Adolescence (20 credit points)
- This module introduces several fundamental concepts in social psychology and links these to the experiences of children and adolescence in educational contexts.
- You’ll study a range of social influences on children's social learning and development, including families, peers and outside influences.
Work based learning and Professional Practice (20 credit points)
- You’ll develop professional skills through work-based learning in a placement setting relevant to your career goals.
- Whilst on your placement, you will be expected to reflect critically upon your own individual placement experiences.
Inclusive Education and Practice (20 credit points)
- This module examines historical developments, theories and concepts in the fields of inclusion, disability and special/additional needs.
- You’ll explore new and emerging ideas in the application of psychology to education such as using the concept of neurodiversity.
Research Methods in Education (20 credit points)
- This module introduces researching within and about education and develops the skills to design and justify a piece of research.
Lifelong Learning in Education (20 credit points)
- This module delves into the complexities of the lifelong nature of education.
Creating and Analysing Survey Data (20 credit points)
- This module introduces the nature of experimental and correlational research.
- You’ll learn how to create surveys, collect and analyse data.
Core modules
The Psychology of Educational Support and Therapy (20 credit points)
- This module explores a range of psychological interventions and support for children’s learning and development in educational contexts.
- You’ll learn about the effectiveness of different approaches, using case studies.
Improving Language and Literacy in Schools (20 credit points)
- This module will explore the development of language and literacy and examine interventions that have been used to improve language and literacy in educational settings.
Research Project (40 credit points)
- You’ll research and write a dissertation in an area of your own academic interest, in relation to education studies and psychology.
Optional modules
Social Emotional Learning in Education (20 credit points)
- This module identifies how educational therapeutic interventions support throughout formal education from reception to Key Stage 4.
- You’ll learn the skills needed for children and young people to engage in their education, when traditional methods are not successful.
Learning Behaviours and Motivation (20 credit points)
- This module focuses on theory, policy and practices regarding motivation and learning.
- You’ll draw on examples mainly found in the 5–16-year-old pupils studying in formal education.
Working with Diverse communities in the Context of Education (20 credit points)
- This module allows you to develop a range of personal and professional skills relevant to working with diverse communities in education.
- The focus will be on working in partnerships with parents and carers.
- You’ll study the importance of the relationship between practitioners and parents/carers and other professionals to improve a child's/ pupil's well-being and progress.
Global and Comparative Education (20 credit points)
- This module introduces international processes that underpin education, international education projects and other initiatives that allow for the globalisation of education.
- You’ll cover the imbalance of world powers in the post-colonial world.
We regularly review and update our course content based on student and employer feedback, ensuring that all of our courses remain current and relevant. This may result in changes to module content or module availability in future years.
Don’t just take our word for it, hear from our students themselves
Hear our student stories
How you're taught
How will I study?
The BA (Hons) Education Studies and Psychology course is taught by experienced staff used to working with students from a range of backgrounds and with varying levels of skill and experience.
To provide you with a first-class learning experience and to guarantee you have an opportunity to make the most of your time at university, we’ve introduced flexible and innovative ways of learning and teaching to develop your study skills and understanding of the integration of theory and practice.
Learning and teaching methods include:
- active collaborative learning
- lectures
- seminar discussions
- practical and project work
- workshops
- placements, experiential learning and work-like experiences.
The smaller group sessions provide opportunities to develop skills in problem-solving, group work, analysing, debating, presenting and research and data analysis.
How will I be assessed?
There are no formal exams during these courses; we use more innovative ways such as research reports, oral and poster presentations, written essays, creative projects and by a final year research project. Our diverse approach to assessment allows students to demonstrate the breadth of their abilities and provides opportunity for everyone to excel.
Excellent placement opportunities
Throughout this course there are several opportunities to explore different career ambitions and gain workplace experience. To help you acquire real-work experience, you will be provided different work placements each year, in and beyond formal educational settings, such as schools, voluntary groups, prisons, hospitals and alternative education settings.
Putting your studies into practice helps you to understand your subject and its application in real-life. Placement opportunities support you both professionally and personally by ensuring you develop the key skills that will make you more employable at the end of your studies.
Tutorials with staff
Students are supported throughout the course via a tutorial system. These small group meetings allow the students contact with an individual member of staff, who will help them with study skills and advice about the course and curriculum. At these sessions you will have the opportunity to:
- discuss and gain feedback about your work
- ask questions about the assignments you're working on
- raise any difficulties you are experiencing relating to your work, personal circumstances, or your university experience.
Independent study
Independent study is an important part of this course. Throughout the three years of your course, you will develop the skills required to undertake an independent research study in the form of a final year research project.
Virtual learning environment
You'll also use our virtual learning environment NOW, which is a flexible web-based system that allows you to have 24-hour access to module learning materials and reading lists. It allows you to discuss work with tutors and other students and submit coursework electronically from anywhere in the world.
How you're assessed
- Year 1 coursework
- Year 2 coursework
- Year 3 coursework
Contact hours
You will have around 10 – 12 hours per week of contact time (lectures, seminars or workshops) with our teaching staff which is around 30% of a full-time week. Approximately 90% of our teaching is in-person. The remaining 70% of your time will be devoted to independent study.
Careers and employability
Your career development
What skills will I develop?
You will develop specific skills relating to educational issues, theories of learning, equality and diversity, education policy and practice, creativity and education, and a general understanding of education in social, political and economic contexts.
You also gain skills that are useful in a variety of job sectors:
- communication skills - presenting effective oral and written arguments
- IT skills
- research and analytical skills
- interpersonal skills with the ability to work collaboratively as part of a team
- problem-solving skills
- organisation and time management skills - prioritising your academic/part-time workloads and reflecting on and improving personal practice.
How can I boost my career prospects?
Achieving Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) through completion of the PGCE or equivalent postgraduate qualification is a popular route for Education graduates.
Alternatively, you may wish to take a Masters course in education or a related social science in order to develop your understanding of the theory, research and policy of education, and to enhance your professional knowledge, skills and practice. Some Education graduates go on to study for a PhD in education.
Your future career
This Education and Psychology degree will provide a framework for a wide variety of possible careers. The course provides students a strong basis to gain employment educational, psychology or associated professions. Our graduates* are following a variety of career paths including the following:
- Teaching*
- Education Researcher
- Education Administrator
- Community Education Officer
- Charity Education Officer
- Charities and Government Organisation Worker
- Social Worker and Social Care Worker*
- Community Outreach Coordinator
- Clinical Psychologist.
* with further study.
Links with industry
We involve industry experts in our courses in a number of ways.
- We consult with employers when we design and update our courses.
- We ensure you are prepared to meet the demands of the workplace by continually checking the currency and validity of our courses with employers.
- You will have the opportunity to have a work placement (if not already in paid or voluntary employment).
- Employers may input directly into your course through guest lectures, projects, and other work-related activities.
Learn a new language
Alongside your study you also have the opportunity to learn a new language. The University Language Programme (ULP) is available to all students and gives you the option of learning a totally new language or improving the skills you already have.
Learning a new language can:
- enhance your communication skills
- enrich your experience when travelling abroad
- boost your career prospects.
Find out more about the University Language Programme.
If you’d like to know more about NTU’s groundbreaking Employability Promise, and the support you’ll receive both during and after your course, visit our Careers and Employability page.
Guaranteed interview scheme: teacher-training
One of the benefits of the course is the broad knowledge and experience you will gain. This experience may lead you to consider teaching, even if you have not considered this as a career before.
If you complete your degree, you are guaranteed an interview for a PGCE Primary teacher-training course at NTU during your final undergraduate year (subject to places being available).
Terms and conditions apply:
- Applications will be withdrawn and not be progressed to interview stage once all places are filled on relevant courses.
- Interviews are subject to you meeting the essential entry criteria for the PGCE course at the time of application, such as GCSE requirements, degree grade.
- An interview does not guarantee an offer to study on the course.
Alumni Discount
Students continuing with postgraduate study at NTU may be eligible for 20% off postgraduate course fees as part of our Alumni Discount.
Campus and facilities
You’ll mainly be studying in the Ada Byron King building, home to Nottingham Institute of Education.
Our self-contained, community-focused Clifton Campus has been designed to keep our students busy between lectures. Catch-up with your coursemates in the Pavilion’s barista café and Refectory; brainstorm group presentations in chic and stylish study spaces; enjoy some proper R&R in The Point, home of our Students’ Union. The campus also hosts the multimillion-pound Clifton Sports Hub, offering great options for everyone — whatever your interests, and however competitive you’d like to get!
You’re also right next to the bright lights of Nottingham — one of Britain’s top 10 student cities, and one of Europe’s top 25. All through termtime, a dedicated on-campus bus service will get you to the heart of the action (and back) in under 25 minutes. You’ll find a city stuffed with history, culture, and well-kept secrets to discover at your leisure: enjoy lush green spaces, galleries, hidden cinemas and vintage shopping by day, and an acclaimed food, drink and social scene by night.
Take our virtual tour to get a real feel for the campus.
Entry requirements
UK students
Standard offer: 112 UCAS Tariff points from up to four qualifications.
Contextual offer: 104 UCAS Tariff points from up to four qualifications.
To find out what qualifications have tariff points, please use our tariff calculator.
Additional requirements for UK students
You will also need to complete an Enhanced with Barred List(s) DBS check; and a satisfactory placement suitability check.
Contextual offers
If you don’t quite meet our entry requirements, we might be able to make you a lower offer based on a range of factors, including your background (such as where you live and the school or college you attended), your experiences and your individual circumstances (you may have been in care, for example). This is called a contextual offer, and we get data from UCAS to help make these decisions. We do this because we believe everyone with the potential to succeed at NTU should have the opportunity to do so, no matter what barriers you may face.
Meeting our entry requirements
Hundreds of qualifications in the UK have UCAS Tariff points attached to specific grades, including A-levels, BTECs, T Levels and many more. You can use your grades and points from up to four different qualifications to meet our criteria. Enter your predicted or achieved grades into our Tariff calculator to find out how many points your qualifications are worth.
Other qualifications and experience
NTU welcomes applications from students with non-standard qualifications and learning backgrounds, either for year one entry or for advanced standing beyond the start of a course into year 2 or beyond.
We consider study and/or credit achieved from a similar course at another institution (otherwise known as credit transfer), vocational and professional qualifications, and broader work or life experience.
Our Recognition of Prior Learning and Credit Transfer Policy outlines the process and options available for this route. If you wish to apply via Recognition of Prior Learning, please contact the central Admissions and Enquiries Team who will be able to support you through the process.
Getting in touch
If you need more help or information, get in touch through our enquiry form.
International students
Academic entry requirements: 112 UCAS Tariff points from up to four A levels. We accept equivalent qualifications from all over the world. Please check your international entry requirements by country.
English language requirements: See our English language requirements page for requirements for your subject and information on alternative tests and Pre-sessional English.
Additional requirements for international students
You will also need to complete an Enhanced with Barred List(s) DBS check; and a satisfactory placement suitability check.
If you need help achieving the academic entry requirements, we offer a Foundation preparation course for this degree. The course is offered through our partner Nottingham Trent International College (NTIC) based on our City Campus.
English language requirements
View our English language requirements for all courses, including alternative English language tests and country qualifications accepted by the University.
If you need help achieving the language requirements, we offer a Pre-Sessional English for Academic Purposes course on our City campus which is an intensive preparation course for academic study at NTU.
Other qualifications and experience
If you have the right level of qualifications, you may be able to start your Bachelors degree at NTU in year 2 or year 3. This is called ‘advanced standing’ entry and is decided on a case-by case basis after our assessment of your qualifications and experience.
You can view our Recognition of Prior Learning and Credit Transfer Policy which outlines the process and options available, such as recognising experiential learning and credit transfer.
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Getting in touch
If you need advice about studying at NTU as an international student or how to apply, our international webpages are a great place to start. If you have any questions about your study options, your international qualifications, experience, grades or other results, please get in touch through our enquiry form. Our international teams are highly experienced in answering queries from students all over the world.
Policies
We strive to make our admissions procedures as fair and clear as possible. To find out more about how we make offers, visit our admissions policies page.
