Education Studies with Psychology and Counselling – BA (Honours)

At a glance

Learn how to apply the theories and practices of psychology and counselling in educational settings. You develop your practical knowledge and skills through University-based learning and through placements in both primary and secondary schools and pupil referral units.

Key points• Learn about how psychology and counselling related to education.
• Specialise in, early years, childhood, adolescent or adult provision.
• Have the option to specialise further in any of the subject areas.
• Gain experience in educational environments such as primary and secondary schools.

What is education studies with psychology and counselling?The study of psychology and counselling and how it applies to educational settings.

This course

This course involves studying three different disciplines and completing three work placements to give you the skills and knowledge needed for a large range of careers such as teaching and school counselling .You achieve this through work-based learning and the studying educational themes and policy such as social inclusion.

You are introduced to the main theories of psychology and counselling and look at how these disciplines developed. You also examine current debates in these topics.

In year one you take modules in developmental, social and cognitive psychology and the foundations of counselling. Educational achievement in relation to social class, race and gender are also explored along with learning theories. As you move into year two, you specialise in social, developmental and cognitive psychology. You also examine counselling skills in education and emotional intelligence in education.

During year three, you do a year-long research project linked to your final work placement, this allows you to specialise in psychology, counselling or education. Examples of past projects include social exclusions and positive reinforcement in schools. Other modules allow you to debate current issues in psychology, counselling and education.

As you progress, you can choose to focus on early years, childhood, adolescent or adult provision. This specialism can be developed in your three work placements which enable you to link theory and practice.

Placements are usually based in an educational setting, such as a school, college or pupil referral unit. So that you have a variety of experiences, we aim to give you a placement at a different and contrasting setting each time. You experience working in a suitable educational environment and complete coursework based on this experience.

A range of placements helps you get a deeper appreciation of the challenges facing educational professionals and of the skills required to be an effective professional. They also provide an opportunity for you to start making informed career plans and choices.

You further develop your understanding of professional practice through specialist modules and by learning different approaches to researching practice.

Key areas of study
As you progress on this course, you
• gain a thorough knowledge of education policy, strategy and practice in the UK
• learn to observe and assess educational practices including your own
• learn to look critically at debates and trends and reflect on experiences

You also improve your skills in • communications • project management • critical thinking • information and communication technology • reflective practice • teamworking.