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Education with Psychology BA (Hons)

3 years, starting in September 2025

Explore and analyse how children and young people learn and develop. Our interdisciplinary approach to the subject draws on a range of social sciences.

Education with Psychology is a social science degree that blends sociological, psychological, political and philosophical perspectives.

This degree encourages you to examine in depth the social and developmental contexts of childhood and youth. You’ll study topics like:

  • how educational and governmental practices and policies impact learning
  • the barriers to education, learning and wellbeing faced by many young people around the world
  • contemporary issues and challenges that affect children, families and young people.

You’ll explore government priorities relating to children’s lives and wellbeing and develop skills in evaluating policy and practice. With the knowledge you’ll gain from research methods, and core and optional units, you will be able to specialise according to your interests. You will also apply your knowledge through a dissertation or project on a topic of your choice.

The course includes an optional professional placement with an approved organisation. During this, you’ll work with or for children and young people.

With the support of our academic staff, you’ll develop the skills needed to positively impact young people’s lives.

Informed teaching to advance your learning

You’ll learn from teaching staff with interdisciplinary expertise. Their passion, knowledge and research inform our teaching, which provides a flexible, high-quality learning experience that is interactive, engaging and student-focussed.

Their teaching aims to help you apply interdisciplinary knowledge to complex real-life situations related to education and child development, as well as children and young people’s lives, mental health, and family life.

Develop your professional skills

All units on this course will support the development of skills that prepare you for graduate positions, or for a professional placement.

In addition, there are specific units in years 1 and 2 that have been designed to support your ongoing development of a wide range of employability skills. These units are built on in the final year of study and through the professional placement, if you choose this option.

Prepare for your future

The breadth and interdisciplinary nature of this degree paves the way for a range of careers. These include:

  • primary, secondary, and international school teaching
  • language teaching
  • mental health related specialisms
  • further training in educational and/or clinical psychology
  • charities and non-government organisations
  • postgraduate research
  • family outreach work

Recent graduates have been accepted to the Teach First scheme, have continued their studies on educational and clinical psychology pathways, and have gained employment in mental health-related charities such as MIND.

Find out what our graduates go on to do

2025/2026 Academic Year


Before you apply for a course, please check the website for the most recently published course detail.

We understand that you will want to know more about the shape of the academic year. We work hard and plan for different scenarios, to be able to welcome you to the University of Bath at the start of each semester.

Course structure

This course lasts 3 years. It starts in September 2025 and ends in 2028. Welcome week starts on 22 September 2025.


Occasionally we make changes to our programmes in response to, for example, feedback from students, developments in research and the field of studies, and the requirements of accrediting bodies. You will be advised of any significant changes to the advertised programme, in accordance with our Terms and Conditions.

Units

At Bath, our courses are made up of units of study. Compulsory units cover core concepts that you'll need to understand as part of your degree programme. Some of our courses also offer the opportunity for you to study optional units. These allow you to specialise in particular areas of knowledge that interest you.

As an undergraduate, you will be expected to take 120 credits (60 ECTS credits) in each academic year. Credits are usually split evenly across your two semesters of study. 120 credits (60 ECTS credits) are the equivalent of 1,200 notional hours of study; this includes contact time with staff and your own independent learning.

All credits displayed on this page are ECTS credits.

Year 1

Compulsory units

  • Education, schooling and social justice

    15 credits

  • Exploring children’s lives: families and deviance

    15 credits

  • Mind, brain and behaviour

    10 credits

  • Psychology of wellbeing

    5 credits

  • Studying and researching Education with Psychology 1

    15 credits

Year 2

Compulsory units

  • Developmental psychology

    5 credits

  • Educational psychology in policy and practice

    5 credits

  • Social psychology and individual differences

    10 credits

  • Studying and researching Education with Psychology 2

    20 credits

Options

  • Year 2 Options

    20 credits

Year 3

Compulsory units

  • Educational futures

    10 credits

  • Final year project

    25 credits

Options

  • Final year options

    25 credits

Placement


We also offer this course with a professional placement in Year 3. This allows you to take advantage of our links with a range of organisations in different sectors.

A professional placement is a great way to get insights into the career path you want; contribute to projects and services; have fun, make friends and build your professional network; and even earn some money or experience a new culture.

Find out more about our professional placements

Learning and assessment

You’ll be taught and assessed by a variety of methods and it will vary between units. These methods are designed to promote in-depth learning and understanding of the subject.


Learning

  • Lectures
  • Seminars

Assessment

  • Coursework
  • Essay
  • Examinations
  • Presentations
  • Report

These lists are to give you an idea of some, but not all, of the learning and assessment methods used on this course. They are not exhaustive lists and methods are subject to change.

Learning and teaching

Contact hours

Timetabled contact hours, which may be made up of lectures and seminars, vary throughout your course and between courses but are typically between 10 and 15 hours a week in your first year.

Our teaching for this course is delivered through in-person learning on campus, supported by high quality online provision. The significant majority of contact hours over the duration of your course will be in person, and this will be enhanced by some online delivery which will constitute a smaller proportion of these contact hours, depending on your programme of study, year of study and chosen optional units. This may be supplemented by additional activities such as a small number of online learning sessions (not live), skills development sessions, and personal tutorials.

The amount of timetabled sessions on campus in later years may vary based on the options you choose, with a greater emphasis on independent learning. Project and dissertation units will generally have fewer scheduled sessions to allow you time for your independent work – this may also mean the number of hours of timetabled sessions each week will vary within a year.

Independent learning

In addition to timetabled contact hours, you are expected to undertake independent learning and assessment activities. Typically, this might be around 20 to 30 hours per week in your first year, and include individual research, reading journal articles and books, working on individual and group projects, preparing coursework assignments, presentations, or revising for exams. After your first year, the emphasis on independent learning becomes greater, for example during your final year project or dissertation. You will be expected to work on your own and as part of a group.

Assessment breakdown

You will be assessed by a range of methods designed to develop and test your skills and knowledge. A broad range of assessment methods will be used throughout the degree including examinations, essays, reports and presentations.

As a guide, approximately 60-80% of your course will be assessed through coursework with the remaining 20-40% through examination. The balance of assessment methods will vary throughout your degree and may depend on the optional units you choose.

You will primarily be assessed as an individual but may also be assessed as part of a group.

In your final year you will be expected to complete a dissertation or final year project.

We can make reasonable adjustments to assessment procedures for students with disabilities, take a look at our Disability Service’s pages for information. 

Recognition of professional qualifications


As well as being recognised as a higher academic qualification, a number of our degrees are also accredited by professional bodies in the United Kingdom. An accredited degree may entitle you to work in a specific profession within the UK, and abroad (where there are reciprocating arrangements with professional bodies in other countries).

The requirements to practise a profession vary from country to country. If you wish to practise your profession outside the United Kingdom, you are advised to confirm that the UK professional qualification you seek is valid in the country in which you are intending to work.

‘Children are the future. I think we need to give them opportunities so they can be individuals in society.’
Charlotte Cowley BA (Hons) Education with Psychology (Graduating year, 2018)

Entry requirements


Your application, especially your personal statement, should demonstrate your enthusiasm for your chosen degree. This might include relevant reading or experience working or volunteering with children. When describing your experiences you should reflect on what you have learnt from them, how they have influenced your development or how they are relevant to your future studies.

We know that the context in which you are studying can have an impact on your ability to perform your best in exams and coursework, or limit which subjects or qualifications you are able to study at your school or college. We consider any application based on its merits, including your background and circumstances, including through:

Origin of qualifications

British qualifications

A level Typical offer

ABB

ABB in three A levels.

Read more about our approach to A levels and AS levels.

Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales

We accept the Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales in place of one A level (unless studied alongside A level Mathematics and Further Mathematics alone). Read more about our approach to this qualification.

A level Contextual offer

BBC

BBC in three A levels.

Our contextual offers were updated in October 2024 for September 2025 entry.

We seek to foster an outstanding and inclusive community at Bath. As part of that, we make reduced contextual offers to applicants from backgrounds who have historically been less likely to join us.

Find out if you may be eligible for a contextual offer.

Contextual offers are automatic - if you receive an offer and meet our eligibility criteria, you will receive the contextual offer instead of our typical or alternative offers.

Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales

We accept the Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales in place of one A level (unless studied alongside A level Mathematics and Further Mathematics alone). Read more about our approach to this qualification.

A level Alternative offer

BBB

We know that you may have study beyond three A levels that will help prepare you for your degree. If you are not eligible for a contextual offer, we recognise these studies through our alternative offers.

BBB in three A levels plus one of:

  • grade A in an EPQ or IEPQ
  • grade B in a Core Mathematics qualification
  • grade B in AS level Mathematics or Statistics (except if you are studying an A level in that subject)
  • grade B in a fourth A level, where your four A levels include A level Mathematics or Statistics
  • an appropriate grade in any other project qualification we recognise

The Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales is not accepted in place of an A level for these offers. If you are studying three A levels and this qualification you are eligible for an alternative offer:

BBBB in three A levels and the Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales

If you receive an offer, you will receive each alternative offer you qualify for alongside the typical offer. You only need to meet one of these sets of conditions to meet your offer overall.

Read more about how our alternative offers work.

International Baccalaureate Typical offer

6, 5, 5 at HL

International Baccalaureate Diploma

35 points overall and 6, 5, 5 in three Higher Level subjects.

Read more about how we consider the IB Diploma.

We consider applicants studying the IBCP on a case-by-case basis based on the individual IB certificates and vocational qualifications you study within the programme. You will need qualifications equal to at least three A levels to be considered.

Read more about how we consider IB Certificates and common vocational qualifications.

International Baccalaureate Certificates

If you are studying IB subjects as part of the IB Diploma, you will usually need to complete the full diploma programme to be considered.

If you do not follow the IB Diploma programme, we can consider stand-alone IB Higher Level Certificates either on their own or combined with other qualifications. You will need qualifications equal to at least three A levels to be considered.

Read more about how we consider IB Certificates.

International Baccalaureate Contextual offer

5, 5, 4 at HL

International Baccalaureate Diploma

35 points overall and 5, 5, 4 in three Higher Level subjects.

Our contextual offers were updated in October 2024 for September 2025 entry.

We seek to foster an outstanding and inclusive community at Bath. As part of that, we make reduced contextual offers to applicants from backgrounds who have historically been less likely to join us.

Find out if you may be eligible for a contextual offer.

Contextual offers are automatic - if you receive an offer and meet our eligibility criteria, you will receive the contextual offer instead of our typical or alternative offers.

Pearson Edexcel BTEC RQF Typical offer

DDM

BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma (RQF)

DDM in the BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (RQF).

We prefer the above qualifications to be in a relevant subject area and are unable to consider qualifications in Public Services, Uniformed Protective Services, Travel and Tourism and other less relevant disciplines.

We prefer you to have studied some of the following units: Psychological Perspectives, Physiological Disorders and their Care, Understanding Mental Wellbeing, Biochemistry for Health, Sociological Perspectives, Supporting Individuals with Additional Needs, Policy in Health and Social Care, Assessing Children’s Development Support Needs.

You must also have at least 5 GCSEs at grade 4 or C including English, Mathematics and a science subject.

Read more about our approach to Extended Diplomas.

BTEC Diplomas and Extended Certificates

We accept Level 3 Diplomas and Extended Certificates alongside A levels or in combination with each other. You will need qualifications equal to at least three A levels to be considered.

Read more about how we consider BTEC Diplomas and Extended Certificates.

T Level Typical offer

Distinction and B

D overall with grade B in the core component in a T Level.

We are able to consider the above T Level technical qualification in Education and Childcare.

Suitable applicants progressing via this route will be invited to interview as part of the admissions process.

Scottish Highers Typical offer

AB in Advanced Highers

AB in two Advanced Highers.

We make offers based on Advanced Highers. You will typically be expected to have completed five Scottish Highers and your grades in these will be considered as part of your application. We prefer applicants who have achieved at least AABBB in their Highers.

Read more about how we consider Scottish Highers and Advanced Highers

Access to HE Diploma Typical offer

30 credits at Distinction

A pass in the Access to HE Diploma with at least 30 credits achieved at Distinction and 9 credits achieved at Merit or above. This must include at least 9 credits achieved at Distinction in an essay-based subject.

Although we do not specify any particular subjects or units, we expect at least one of your subjects to include academic essay writing. Social sciences units, such as Psychology, Sociology, Social Policy, and Education, provide excellent preparation for this course.

Suitable applicants progressing via this route will be invited to interview as part of the admissions process.

Combination of qualifications Typical offer

We accept a range of other qualifications offered in UK, as well as combinations of typically studied qualifications (such as A levels and BTECs). You will need qualifications equal to at least three A levels to be considered.

Read more about how we consider UK qualifications.

You can contact us at admissions@bath.ac.uk for more advice.

GCSE requirements

  • GCSE English Language or Literature grade 4 or C (or equivalent from English language category B)

Read more about how we consider GCSEs.

English language requirements

Category B

If you do not meet our English GCSE requirements, you will need a suitable English language qualification. Examples include:

  • IELTS: 7.0 overall with no less than 6.5 in all components
  • IELTS Indicator: 7.0 with 6.5 in each component
  • TOEFL IBT: 100 overall with a minimum 24 in all 4 components
  • TOEFL iBT and iBT Special Home Edition: 100 overall with 24 in each component
  • The Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic): 69 with no less than 62 in any element
  • The Pearson Test of English Academic Online (PTE Academic Online): we do not accept this qualification
  • Cambridge English: Proficiency (CPE): 185 with no less than 176 in all elements
  • Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE): 185 with no less than 176 in all elements
  • Duolingo (taken up to 1 July 2024): 130 overall with sub scores of Literacy 130, Comprehension 140, Conversation 125, Production 110
  • Duolingo (taken after 1 July 2024): 130 overall with sub scores of Literacy 130, Comprehension 130, Conversation 130, Production 130
  • LanguageCert SELT: C1 Expert Pass in both the Speaking test and the Listening, Reading, and Writing test

See the full list of accepted English qualifications.

Fees and funding

Fees and funding information for Education with Psychology BA (Hons)


Fees

Your tuition fees and how you pay them will depend on whether you are a Home or Overseas student.

Learn how we decide fee status

Tuition fees

Fee information is not yet available for this course. Tuition fees are liable to increase annually for all University of Bath students.

Find out more about student fees

Extra costs

Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check

Depending on the optional units chosen and your final year project focus, you may be required to undertake, and pay for, a DBS check. This will be payable before the start of your final year at an approximate cost of £55.

How to pay

Tuition fee loans

If you are studying an undergraduate course, you may be able to take out a loan for your tuition fees and living costs.

Read more about tuition fee loans

Scholarships and bursaries

You could be considered for a bursary or scholarship to help you study at Bath. This is in addition to your student loan and you do not have to pay it back.

Read more about bursaries and scholarships

Other payment options

You can pay your tuition fees by Direct Debit, debit card, credit card or bank transfer. You may also be eligible for a student loan to help you pay your fees.

Read more about your payment options

Budgeting

You will need to budget at least £100 for the cost of photocopying, printing and binding. You will also need to budget for the cost of textbooks.

Some courses involve visits away from campus and you may be required to pay some or all of the costs of travel, accommodation and food and drink.

If you’re on a placement, you’re responsible for your own travel, accommodation and living costs. You should also consider the financial implications if you go on an unpaid or overseas placement. If you are thinking about studying or working abroad as part of your course, you may have to prove that you have a certain amount of money in your bank account to get a visa.

Please read the information about planning your finances for your placement year which includes potential sources of funding, travel insurance, and visas.

Application information


  • Course title
    Education with Psychology
  • Final award
    BA (Hons)
  • Mode of study
    Full-time
  • Course code
    V100
  • Institution code
    B16
  • Department
  • Location
    University of Bath
    Claverton Down, Bath BA2 7AY
  • Home application deadline
    29 January 2025
  • Overseas application deadline
    29 January 2025
  • Application eligibility
    Home and Overseas students are eligible to apply
  • Regulator

Selection process

We will usually assess you based on your UCAS application. If you are studying certain qualifications, such as an Access to HE Diploma or a T Level, you will be invited to attend an interview as part of our selection process.

Very exceptionally we may invite you to an interview if you have circumstances we cannot assess from an application alone.

Our interview page gives more information on what you should expect from an interview.

Course enquiries


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