Psychology in Education
Psychology in education is a field concerned with understanding how psychological principles can be applied to improve learning, wellbeing, and inclusion within educational settings. It draws on developmental psychology, cognitive science, and research into social and emotional development to ask fundamental questions about how children and young people learn, what barriers they face, and how educational environments can be designed to support all learners, including those with special educational needs and disabilities. The field sits at the junction of psychology and education, translating research findings into practice that makes a real difference to young people's lives.
At Leeds Beckett University, this programme develops your understanding of the psychological dimensions of education through both theory and applied learning. You will explore how psychological research informs teaching practice, curriculum design, assessment, and inclusion policy. You will study child and adolescent development, learning theories, motivation, cognitive processes, and the psychology of individual differences, considering how these concepts apply within schools and other educational contexts.
The programme also engages with the experiences of children with SEND, equipping you to understand and support diverse learners effectively.
The programme is offered on a part-time basis, giving you flexibility to balance your studies with other commitments, whether you are already working in an educational setting or managing other responsibilities. The programme also includes a year abroad, giving you the opportunity to engage with different educational systems and research traditions, broadening your perspective on how psychology and education relate in different cultural and policy contexts.
Graduates from psychology in education programmes pursue a wide range of careers. Common destinations include roles in schools, early years settings, and educational support services, as well as positions in educational psychology services, local authority SEND teams, and research organisations. Some graduates go on to qualify as educational psychologists through further postgraduate training.
Others move into roles in learning and development, social work, youth work, policy development, or teacher training. The combination of psychological knowledge and educational application is increasingly valued across the children's workforce.