Course description

Psychology and Education Studies

This course has research at its heart, designed to help you become an effective, skilled and forward-thinking psychologist whilst developing your understanding of education.

You'll be taught by expert staff who are conducting influential studies into areas of psychology such as mental health and wellbeing, compassion and mindfulness, autism and maths anxiety.

And you’ll have guest lectures by world-class researchers. You’ll also conduct your own research and be able to contribute to cutting-edge psychological research projects at the University.  

Studying Education at Derby provides you with an intellectually stimulating course that will make you an authority on current education policy and practice. You will be provided with a solid understanding of education and educational equality, bringing together perspectives from history, psychology, sociology and philosophy.  

Your Education Studies modules will explore the role of education in society and examines how moral and social issues shape learning. You’ll then be able to apply this practically on work placement opportunities throughout your studies.

Specialist facilities

Our Psychology facilities are used for both teaching and research. They include computing labs with specialist software for designing experiments and research. You'll use a range of psychological recording equipment such as the latest eye-tracker equipment for analysing eye movement and our Babylab for ethical research with babies and young children.

Accredited course*

British Psychological Society accreditation means we're delivering a high standard of psychology education. It shows we've met BPS standards for course content and design, and student development. It also means you can apply for BPS student membership. This provides:

• Access to networking opportunities
• The BPS student online community
• Discounts on books
• Events and e-learning
• Academic journals
• The chance to transfer to graduate membership free of charge after completing your degree

And you will have the opportunity to progress to accredited postgraduate qualifications and training to gain chartered membership of the BPS.

For students to receive the Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (GBC) of the British Psychological Society (BPS), students need to do the following:

• Choose a Psychology major pathway with all prescribed modules
• Obtain at least a 40% overall for the Independent Study in Psychology
• Obtain at least a lower second-class degree

How you will learn

For Psychology modules, you will learn from lecturers and tutors who have a wealth of knowledge and experience, and are carrying out research designed to offer fresh perspectives on issues that are significant at every stage of life, from birth to old age, including:  

• Maternal health and the development of new-borns, to help improve health care during childhood  
• Mental health and wellbeing such as maths-induced anxiety, eating disorders, addiction and irrational thinking  
• Compassion and mindfulness, tackling self-esteem issues and fostering sensitive support for others  
• The psychological aspects of pain  
• Emotional processing  
• The positive benefits of engaging with the natural environment  

Your lecturers bring their latest thinking to your studies. And, in some cases, you’ll have opportunities to get involved in research projects yourself. Quality inspectors have commended us for being “at the forefront of technology-enhanced learning” in Psychology.

For Education Studies modules, you will be taught using a variety of methods from directed study, lectures, seminars and tutorials. You will be taught by influential researchers and published authors whose work is shaping the debate about the future of education. Their research in education includes topics such as:  

• inclusion  
• diversity  
• social equality  
• online learning  
• pastoral care in primary, secondary and higher education

How you are assessed

For Psychology modules, you’ll be assessed mainly through assignments, via essays, posters, presentations, and reports. You may also have to take some exams. These can include essay questions, multiple choice and short answer questions.  

For Education Studies modules, you won’t have to take any exams. You will be assessed through course work, including essays, presentations, portfolios, reports and case study analysis.

Who will teach you

You will be taught by our team of engaging, passionate and inspiring subject experts.