Education and Psychology

Education and psychology is a pairing that makes profound sense: understanding how people learn requires both a systematic study of educational systems and policies and a deep engagement with the psychological processes of development, motivation, cognition, and social influence. Education as an academic discipline examines schools, curricula, pedagogy, and the social and political forces that shape how learning is organised across different societies. Psychology provides the theoretical and empirical tools to understand how individual children and adults actually learn, develop, and respond to the environments around them.

At the University of Strathclyde, this four-year full-time programme is designed particularly for those interested in initial teacher education as a future step, and the degree gives you essential grounding in Scottish and international education systems, policy, social justice, equity, and inclusion. You will also study developmental psychology, cognitive psychology, educational psychology, and research methods, developing the analytical and reflective capabilities that both education and psychology require. A year abroad is included in the programme, broadening your perspective on education and psychology in international and comparative contexts.

You will engage with questions about how children learn to read and write, how social and economic factors affect educational outcomes, how schools respond to the needs of diverse learners, and what psychological research tells us about effective teaching and learning. The degree develops critical and evaluative skills alongside the theoretical knowledge that underpins both disciplines.

Graduates are well prepared for further teacher training, as well as for roles in educational psychology, support for learning, early years practice, social work, youth work, and research. Postgraduate study in education, psychology, or educational psychology is a common next step for those wishing to specialise or work in clinical or applied settings.