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 digital 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.
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
Course location
This course is based at Highfield.
Awarding body
This qualification is awarded by the University of Southampton.
Entry requirements
For Academic year 202425
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. The contextual offer for this programme is 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 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
RQF BTEC
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
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
Irish Leaving Certificate
Irish Leaving Certificate (first awarded 2017)
H1 H2 H2 H2 H2 H2
Irish Leaving Certificate (first awarded 2016)
A1, A1, A1, A1, A1, A2
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
Welsh Baccalaureate
AAB from 3 A levels or AA from two A levels and B from the Advanced Welsh Baccalaureate Skills Challenge Certificate
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) (minimum grade 4/C) and mathematics (minimum grade 4/C)
Find the equivalent international qualifications for our entry requirements.
English language requirements
If English isn't your first language, you'll need to complete an International English Language Testing System (IELTS) to demonstrate your competence in English. You'll need all of the following scores as a minimum:
IELTS score requirements
- overall score
- 6.5
- reading
- 6.0
- writing
- 6.0
- speaking
- 6.0
- listening
- 6.0
We accept other English language tests. Find out which English language tests we accept.
You might meet our criteria in other ways if you do not have the qualifications we need. Find out more about:
- our Access to Southampton scheme for students living permanently in the UK (including residential summer school, application support and scholarship)
- 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.
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.
Year 1 modules
You must study the following modules in year 1:
Behavioural Neuroscience
The module aims to develop the themes introduced in the Introduction to Psychology Module in semester 1. The module integrates the approaches and findings of biological psychology in an attempt to understand the biological factors that explain why people...
Contemporary Education Issues, Problems and Policies
This module will provide you with a comprehensive overview of key issues and debates in contemporary education. Through studying this module, you will be introduced to some of the main approaches and concepts for understanding key contemporary education i...
Individual Differences
The course covers the topics of personality and intelligence from the perspective of individual differences. Some research psychologists explore the ways in which people are the same and seek to draw general conclusions about human nature. However...
Introduction to Psychology
Introduction to Psychology will touch on a number of core topics in Psychology including The Science of Psychology, Sensation, Perception, Memory, Social Cognition, Attitudes and Emotions, Interpersonal/Group Processes, Development & Health Psychology, an...
Research Methods and Data Analysis I
Psychology is a science that involves experimental work and data analysis. The module will provide the fundamental information required to progress to more complex statistical techniques taught in Semester 2 and Year 2. Learning about research methods and...
Researching Learning
This module aims to prepare you for the rest of the programme and so it is intended that you will develop skills that will support you in subsequent modules. You can expect to develop your knowledge and understanding of the complexity of the interaction b...
Special Educational Needs and Disability
In this module you will learn about a variety of Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SENDs). You will look at the impact of various SENDs on a child's education and progress. The module focusses mainly on the following aspects of Special Education...
Year 2 modules
You must study the following modules in year 2:
Developmental Psychology
This module will develop your understanding and knowledge of development across childhood, adolescence, adulthood, and old age. We will present historical and current research studies and explain how these link to related theoretical frameworks. The mod...
Research Methods in Education and Psychology
The aims of the module are to: •Raise awareness of a variety of research designs for educational research •Further develop your knowledge of qualitative and quantitative methods; data collection and analysis; and, correctly reporting research findings ...
Social Psychology
This module is designed to familiarise students with the principal theories, concepts, and research methods relevant to social psychology. The lectures and readings are designed to acquaint students with both classic and current research trends in social ...
You must also choose from the following modules in year 2:
Adult Learners and Learning
The module is aimed at providing a broad overview of adult learning and adult learners. It touches upon FE, HE and work based learning. It aims to explore the barriers and enablers to adult learning and how such learning is a vital part of the world of ...
Advanced Research Methods
This module is designed to provide you with some of the research skills required to carry out a final year dissertation in psychology. It involves developing your ability to critically evaluate and review research articles in education and psychology, and...
Cognitive Neuroscience
This second-year module will present a broad introduction to the field of cognitive neuroscience. This module will focus on how psychological theories of the mind are informed by neuropsychological and neuroscientific evidence. Topics covered include: hem...
Cognitive Psychology in Education
This module is designed to provide you with an overview of the human cognitive system and its principles of information processing, demonstrating how these have been applied to understanding learning at different educational levels and in different educat...
Current issues in Clinical Psychology
The module will provide an introduction to adult psychopathology, to present the psychological and biological models that have been developed to explain a variety of psychological disorders, and to examine both the empirical foundation of these models and...
Curriculum Design
You will study approaches to curriculum design and development and examine the conceptions and models that support these processes. You will come to appreciate the complexities and issues that surround curriculum design, including the influences of stake...
Early Years Education: Critical Observations
The module will incorporate critical observation and analysis of diverse aspects of Early Years education. You will develop your knowledge and understanding of the values and theories that underpin current practice in Early Years settings. Your time in s...
Employability
This module explores the concept of employability both from a conceptual and practical perspective. It explores the many definitions and approaches to this issue, why it has gained significance in light of educational and employment changes and what this ...
Everything, everywhere, anytime - Learning in informal settings
Society often sees school as the sole site of learning. Yet people learn from a variety of sources, in a variety of places and for various reasons. The reality is that a great deal of learning takes place in the social and cultural contexts that are offer...
Independent Study and Synoptic Reflection
As the title indicates, this module helps you develop your independent study skills. You will reflect across other modules you have studied and your experience to make connections and draw out common themes, choosing one of these as the focus for your ass...
Internationalisation and Education
The forces of globalisation reach into all spheres of social life, including education. In this module you can expect to analyse internationalisation in education as a consequence of globalisation. You will consider how globalisation in its various dimens...
Introduction to Health Psychology
This module will introduce students to the discipline of health psychology.
Introduction to Teachers and Teaching
This module will develop your critical knowledge and understanding of aspects of the work and lives of teachers in schools and relate this to your own experience. You will develop an understanding of key themes relating to teachers, teaching and classroo...
Language, Literacy and Literature in Education
In this module we will explore the critical role played by language in children's learning and how this is developed through the teaching of literacy. Within this we will explore the part played by a range of texts, including high quality children's lite...
Leading and Managing in Education
This module aims to introduce you to the core aspects of leadership and management theories. It will give you the opportunity to consider key themes related to leadership and management approaches and their impact on educational practice. This module aims...
Perception
The module will cover basic topics in perceptual psychology. We will discuss how the visual brain uses information from the two eyes in combination with learnt heuristics and other information sources to construct a perceptual representation of the world....
Primary Education: Critical Observations
This module will incorporate critical observation and analysis of diverse aspects of primary education in England. You will develop your knowledge and understanding of the values and theories of primary education that underpin current practice. Your time ...
Secondary Education: Critical Observations
This module will incorporate critical observation and analysis of diverse aspects of secondary education. You will develop your knowledge and understanding of the values and theories of secondary education that underpin current practice. Your time in scho...
Year 3 modules
You must choose your modules from the following modules in year 3:
Advanced Quantitative Research Skills
The Advanced Quantitative Research Skills module is focused on extending existing skills in analyzing data from quantitative research. The module consists of two parts. In the first part programming skills in R are being learned. In the second, students w...
Advanced Research Methods
This module is designed to provide you with some of the research skills required to carry out a final year dissertation in psychology. It involves developing your ability to critically evaluate and review research articles in education and psychology, and...
Attachment & Personal Relationships
The module will look at theories and research on attachment and personal relationships and to critical evaluate the application of attachment theory to understand personal relationships, for example by critiquing articles in the area.
Childhood Maltreatment and Mental Health
Childhood maltreatment is one of the leading causes of mental health problems in the world. This module is designed as an in-depth introduction to the mechanisms via which early adversity might lead to mental health problems. We will also discuss resilien...
Contemporary Debates and Issues in Education
You will engage in discussing and analysing contemporary debates in education and heighten your awareness of the relationship between empirical evidence and theoretical arguments in advancing public representations of educational issues. You will develop ...
Current & Emerging Issues in Psycho-Oncology & Pain Research
The course will comprise of an introductory session, five sessions on current and emerging issues in psycho-oncology, and five sessions on current and emerging issues in pain. The sessions on psycho-oncology cover genetic counselling, screening and treatm...
Dissertation
This module provides you with a structure and some key milestones in the preparation and development and implementation of a selected research project. Your small-scale project can take different forms and be situated in a range of contexts. For example,...
Exploring the Hidden Assumptions in Education
Education is closely connected to some of the most profound questions of the human experience and social life more broadly. In this module you are invited on an exciting journey to explore the ethical assumptions, truth claims, and purposes that underlie ...
Human Learning
The aim of this unit is to outline the basic learning mechanisms that allow us to organise our behaviour and adapt to our environment. One of the essential ingredients for successful organisation and adaptation is the capacity to anticipate impending even...
Introduction to Educational Psychology
This module aims to provide a descriptive and critical overview of the practice of educational psychology in the UK and to highlight some of the key debates.
Knowledge Exchange in Education
This module focuses on the knowledge exchange activities that take place between universities and educational institutions (school networks, schools, colleges). The module explores the different forms that knowledge exchange activities can take as well ...
Learning and Teaching Mathematics
This module offers an opportunity to learn about mathematics education. We explore different perspectives on the teaching and learning of mathematics drawing on research and theoretical considerations. You will also experience a range of research-informed...
Literature Review
The Year 3 Empirical Project comprises two components, linked to one another. Each component comprises its own module. Thus, the Empirical Project consists of two modules. The first component, run in Semester 1, is the Literature Review (PSYC 3003). ...
Nostalgia
This module is designed to familiarise students with the principal theories, concepts, and research methods relevant to the area of nostalgia. The lectures and readings are designed to acquaint students with both classic and current research trends in the...
Perspectives in Human Animal Interactions
The module will draw on the student’s prior learning with regard to various psychological areas; including but not restricted to, learning theory (operant and classical), attitude, attachment, behaviour change. An introduction to animal behaviour and welf...
Post-16 Education: Critical Observations
This module will incorporate critical observation and analysis of aspects of post-16 education. You will develop your knowledge and understanding of the values and theories of post-16 education that underpin current practice. Your time in a post-16 settin...
Psychology of Advertising
Advertising is an everyday and significant phenomenon. Sponsors hire agencies to inform us about, and persuade us to buy, innumerable branded products and services on the market, though a variety of mass media. Advertisements also urge us to donate to cha...
Race and Ethnicity in Society
This module will explore the issues of race, racism, racial conflict, and race relations in contemporary Britain and worldwide. Although we will mainly refer to Britain, global examples from Europe, the US, the Caribbean, Africa, and South America will b...
Research Paper
The Year 3 Empirical Project comprises two components, linked to one another. Each component comprises its own module. Thus, the Empirical Project consists of two modules. The first component, run in Semester 1, is the Literature Review (PSYC 3003). ...
Rethinking Autism
This module offers you an opportunity to learn about autism through the lens of neurodiversity. Neurodiversity offers a new perspective on our understanding of autism by emphasising the strengths and capabilities of autistic people, as well as challenging...
Social Justice & Inclusive Education
Societies are increasingly diverse nowadays. This module aims to explore the complexity of the concepts of social justice and inclusive education and how everyone can contribute towards the development of a more inclusive world. This will be achieved ...
Social and Affective Neuroscience
Humans are adapted to be highly social. We interact with a number of other people everyday, and successful social interactions depend on the ability to infer other's mental and emotional state from limited cues. Social and affective neuroscience applies t...
Social and Psychological Approaches to Understanding Sexual Health
This module will help you to develop graduate attributes, including: - academic attributes – ability to critically appraise knowledge claims based on qualitative and quantitative methods; and - communication skills – ability to communicate research desi...
Sociology of Education
This module offers a critical perspective on the ways in which education is organised and delivered, the values and power relationships that underpin it, and the outcomes it produces. You will be introduced to a variety of sociology of education theories,...
Supporting Additional Learning Needs: Critical Observations
This module will incorporate critical observation and analysis of educational and training provision for learners with additional needs. You will develop your knowledge and understanding of the underpinning values and theories of educational practices in ...
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:
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
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:
- understanding how people learn
- effective communication with different audiences
- empathy
- research methodologies and techniques
- evaluation of results
- team working
- 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:
- teaching
- the full range of psychology careers
- social/educational research
- educational welfare
- local government
- educational and community development
- human resources
- 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 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.
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 £22,300.
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. 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 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 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'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
