BA Education and Psychology

Gain a deep understanding of educational theory and practice, along with a solid grounding in modern psychology, with our BA Education and Psychology course.

This joint course brings together two complementary disciplines. You’ll benefit from the expertise of academics in our Institute of Education and in the School of Psychology and Clinical Language Sciences.

You’ll gain a comprehensive understanding of how the mind functions, and how that combines with sociological factors to influence the educational experience.

The course offers excellent training for a career or further study in psychology, and also prepares you for postgraduate teacher training and routes to Qualified Teacher Status (QTS).

Choose BA Education and Psychology at the University of Reading

• 100% of our education graduates are in work and/or study 15 months after graduation. (Based on our analysis of HESA data (c) HESA 2024, Graduate Outcomes Survey 2021/22; first degree responders from the Institute of Education).
• Our Institute of Education is a top 5 institution for graduate prospects in the UK (Complete University Guide 2025 – Education).
• 98% of our education research is of international standing (Research Excellence Framework 2021, combining 4*,3* and 2* submissions).
• 99% of our psychology research is of international standing (REF 2021, combining 4*, 3* and 2* submissions – Psychology, Psychiatry and Neuroscience).
• 100% of our research impact has been classed ‘outstanding’ or ‘very considerable’ (REF 2021, combining 4* and 3* submissions – Psychology, Psychiatry and Neuroscience).

Accreditation

Our BA Education and Psychology course is accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS), meaning that the education and training we provide meet the BPS’s rigorous standards.

Upon graduation, you’ll be eligible for Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (GBC) of the British Psychological society.

What you’ll learn

By studying a joint degree in education and psychology, you will:

• gain in-depth knowledge of current and historical approaches in psychology
• explore the latest developments in education theory and practice
• apply your learning in psychology to critical debates in education.

Your psychology studies will explore the social, cognitive and biological factors that help us explain human behaviour. In your education studies you will explore theories of learning and pedagogy, with a focus on social justice and inclusion.

Together, these disciplines will help you become a flexible thinker who can approach problems from different perspectives. You’ll also gain a strong understanding of the ethical issues in professional practice and research.

Year one

In your first year of study, you’ll explore the core principles of education and psychology. Topics will include:

• inclusion
• mental health
• social justice
• debates in contemporary education
• psychological research methods.

You’ll gain insight into how psychology and education interrelate, while also meeting the requirements for BPS accreditation.

Year two

Examine the links between theory and practice in education and psychology, through an education placement and practical training in psychology. Your training will cover essential practical skills, such as:

• conducting experiments
• collecting and analysing data
• observation techniques
• interviewing and psychometric testing.

Throughout your second year, you’ll also enhance your knowledge and understanding of core BPS topics, including social, cognitive, biological, and developmental psychology.

Year three

You’ll have the opportunity to explore your interests in greater depth, through a range of optional modules taught by experts in their fields.

In psychology, you will have the opportunity to design and implement your own research project. You’ll explore historical and cutting-edge research – its methods, applications and unresolved issues – and learn how to evaluate and carry out research.

In education, you will develop your expertise across a wide range of educational concepts. You’ll study educational processes from multiple viewpoints, including political, sociological, historical, philosophical and psychological perspectives.

In both disciplines, the emphasis is on developing independent learning skills, personal effectiveness and self-awareness.

We’ll also support your career choices by providing professional and personal development opportunities, enabling you to link your theoretical studies with practical experience.

Skills you’ll develop

You’ll develop a range of transferable skills on our BA Education and Psychology course, including:

• written and verbal communication
• self-management and personal effectiveness
• critical thinking and problem-solving
• project management and reporting
• research methods.

These vital skills will serve you well throughout your career, and are highly sought in both the psychological and educational sectors.

Gain experience in the education sector

Our BA Education and Psychology degree blends theory with practice, offering a wide range of placement and volunteering opportunities. This will enable you to make a positive impact and develop as an active, thoughtful citizen.

You’ll gain valuable, real-life practice through a placement in your second year. Placements are offered in a variety of settings, including schools, museums and galleries.

You’ll have a dedicated academic tutor, as well as the programme team, to support you and help tailor your placement in line with your interests.

A Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check may be required, depending on the type of placement setting you choose.

Partnerships with schools

Our Institute of Education has a long-established reputation with employers. We have strong partnerships with over 400 schools in the local and surrounding area.

If you’re interested in a teaching career, the Institute of Education is well-placed to provide the practical support and networking opportunities for you to succeed.

Specialist facilities

At the University of Reading, you’ll benefit from studying in an active clinical environment.

Your psychology studies will be enhanced by our on-site clinics, which are run in partnership with the NHS. Our clinics offer valuable insight into anxiety and depression, autism, and speech and language disorders.

Learn more about our psychology facilities

Impactful research

At the University of Reading, our research in education and psychology has real-world impact.

Researchers in the Institute of Education and the School of Psychology and Clinical Language Sciences collaborate across a number of research groups, including:

• The Centre for Literacy and Multilingualism, whose work focuses on language and literacy, education, neuroscience and cognition, health and migration.
• The Centre for Autism, which produces and delivers neurodiversity-affirming activities that support and empower young autistic people and their families.