Master of Education
MEd Psychology of Education
Year of entry: 2027
Duration: 1 year
Due to high demand for this course, we operate a staged admissions process with multiple selection deadlines throughout the year, to maintain a fair and transparent approach.
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Overview
Course overview
Develop specialist expertise in the application of psychology to education, learning and development.
- Prepare for careers in educational psychology, research, education, specialist support services and related professional fields.
- Study at a top ten UK university for Education (QS University Rankings, 2026) and on a British Psychological Society (BPS) accredited psychology conversion course.
- Explore core areas of psychology through an educational lens, developing critical skills in the evaluation of research, theory and practice.
- Gain a strong foundation for further professional training, doctoral study and academic and research-focused careers.
Our students. Real experiences. Visit the Students Stories page to hear from our students as they share what it's really like to study here.
A study experience that makes a difference
We place social responsibility at the heart of your learning which means you can take advantage of unique ways to make a difference while studying with us, through your course or through extra-curricular activities.
- Complete our Ethical Grand Challenges to learn how you can create a better world and become more socially responsible.
- Work with an external organisation to tackle real-world sustainability problems through our University Living Lab.
- Discover subjects that broaden your horizon with our interdisciplinary learning opportunities.
Explore how you'll make your mark
Every course at Manchester contributes towards the UN's Sustainable Development Goals, so no matter what you're studying you'll be playing an active role in the protection of people and planet.
You will explore the following goals in your course:
- Goal 4: Quality education
Open days
The University holds regular events throughout the year, including webinars and the annual on-campus Master's Expo, all of which offer the opportunity to find out more about our facilities and courses from our academic and admissions staff.
We also attend a number of education fairs both in the UK and overseas throughout the year.
For more details on how you can meet us, visit out events page: https://www.manchester.ac.uk/study/masters/meet-us/
Contact details
- School/Faculty
- School of Environment, Education and Development
- Contact name
- School of Environment, Education and Development +44 (0) 161 275 2814
- Telephone
- +44 (0)161 275 2814
- MIE.admissions@manchester.ac.uk
- Website
- http://www.seed.manchester.ac.uk/subjects/education/postgraduatetaught/
- School/Faculty overview
-
See: The School .
Courses in related subject areas
Use the links below to view lists of courses in related subject areas.
Entry requirements
Academic entry qualification overview
We require a UK Honours degree with a First or Upper Second (2.1) classification or the overseas equivalent.
When assessing your academic record we take into account the grades you have achieved and the standing of the institution where you studied your qualification.
English language
For the latest information on demonstrating your English proficiency for those whose first language is not English, please see our language requirements.
You are required to provide a valid English language qualification which meets our entry requirements at the time of application. Applications withoutan English language qualification are placed on a waiting list and are assessed only when an acceptable English language qualification is provided.
Please note, this course does not accept pre-sessional English language course completion.
English language test validity
Some English Language test results are only valid for two years. Your English Language test report must be valid on the start date of the Master's course.
Other international entry requirements
Professional entry qualification
Fees and funding
Fees
Fees for entry in 2027 have not yet been set. For reference, the fees for the academic year beginning September 2026 were as follows:
-
MEd (full-time)
UK students (per annum): £13,700
International, including EU, students (per annum): £31,500 -
MEd (part-time)
UK students (per annum): £7,350
International, including EU, students (per annum): £15,750
The fees quoted above are fully inclusive of tuition, administration and computational costs.
Fees for entry are subject to yearly review. The University reserves the right to increase your tuition fee by up to 7% each year for courses lasting more than one year, including to reflect rising costs associated with delivering our educational and wider student experience. Postgraduate fees information .
Always contact the admissions team if you are unsure which fee applies to your qualification award and method of attendance.
International student CAS deposit
Self-funded international applicants are required to pay a deposit of £2500 towards their tuition fees before a confirmation of acceptance for studies (CAS) is issued. Some applicants will be required to pay a higher deposit. More information on tuition fee deposits .
Policy on additional costs
All students should normally be able to complete their programme of study without incurring additional study costs over and above the tuition fee for that programme. Any unavoidable additional compulsory costs totalling more than 1% of the annual home undergraduate fee per annum, regardless of whether the programme in question is undergraduate or postgraduate taught, will be made clear to you at the point of application. Further information can be found in the University's Policy on additional costs incurred by students on undergraduate and postgraduate taught programmes (PDF document, 91KB).
Scholarships/sponsorships
We know that student finance can be complicated. The links below provide further information to help guide you.
Learn more about - student finance options for UK students.
Learn more about - fees and finance for international students.
Graduates of The University of Manchester and Manchester Metropolitan University can receive a 10% discount on their master's degree tuition fees as part of our Manchester Alumni Loyalty Discount scheme.
Application and selection
How to apply
Staged admissions
As there is a high demand for our courses, we operate a staged admissions process with selection deadlines throughout the year.
Due to the competition for places and high quality of applications that we receive, we give preference to students from high-ranking institutions and with grades above our minimum entry requirements.
Please ensure you submit all supporting documentation with your application before the application deadline to avoid a delay in processing.
- Stage 1: Application received by 06 December 2026 - Application update by 19 February 2027
- Stage 2: Application received by 01 March 2027 - Application update by 02 May 2027
- Stage 3: Application received by 04 May 2027 - Application update by 18 June 2027
- Stage 4: Application received by 04 July 2027 - Application update by 30 July 2027
While we aim to give you a decision on your application by the deadline date, in some instances due to the competition for places and the volume of applications received, it may be necessary to roll your application forward to the next deadline date.
Applications received after our final selection deadline will be considered at our discretion if places are still available.
Please note, all places are subject to availability and if you apply at one of the later stages, some courses may already be reaching capacity or be closed to further applications.
We, therefore, recommend that you apply early in the cycle to avoid disappointment.
Advice to applicants
Please submit the following documents with your completed application form:
- valid and acceptable English Language Certification,e.g.IELTS, TOEFL or Pearson test score report. Applications without an English language qualification are placed on a waiting list and are assessed only when an acceptable English language qualification is provided;
- copies of official degree certificates and transcripts of your previous study, showing the subjects taken and grades obtained. If these documents are in languages other thanEnglishplease provide official translations;
- your CV.
Ensure that you enclose all the necessary documents to avoid any delays.
How your application is considered
Applications for MEd Psychology of Education are very competitive. Due to the high demand for the programme we may not be able to offer places to all applicants who have the entry qualifications that we require. If we are unable to consider you for an offer you may be placed on a waiting list. Candidates on a waiting list will only be considered for an offer if places become available.
Once your application has been received, our admissions team will contact you. We may ask you to submit additional information, if necessary.
Please note, the course may reach capacity before the official closing date of 31st of August, so all students are advised to apply as soon as possible.
Disclosure and Barring Service check
Students are advised that to conduct research with vulnerable groups - including children and young people - or in schools or similar educational settings (eg nurseries, playgroups), they will require to apply for a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.
The University will facilitate DBS applications for students who propose work that will require certification.
Deferrals
Re-applications
If you applied in the previous year and your application was not successful you may apply again. Your application will be considered against the standard course entry criteria for that year of entry.
In your new application, you should demonstrate how your application has improved. We may draw upon all information from your previous applications or any previous registrations at the University as a student when assessing your suitability for your chosen course.
Course details
Course description
Through my master’s, I was able to focus on the 'how' of learning and the beauty of neuro-diversity.
This has really helped me in my day-to-day teaching as I am able to deploy various methods of teaching to meet the varied needs present within my classroom.
Farhana Choudhury / MEd Psychology of Education
Develop a deeper understanding of how psychology can support learning, development and educational practice.
The MEd Psychology of Education explores the relationship between psychology and education, helping you understand how psychological theory, research and evidence can be applied to educational settings.
The course combines academic study with a focus on real-world application, encouraging you to think critically, evaluate research, theory and practice in relation to educational contexts. Through this process, you will develop analytical, research and critical-thinking skills that are highly valued across education and psychology-related professions.
You will explore how psychological perspectives can help address challenges relating to learning, development, inclusion, wellbeing and educational outcomes. This will enable you to understand the complex factors that influence educational experiences and consider how evidence-informed approaches can support positive change.
As a British Psychological Society (BPS) accredited psychology conversion course, the programme provides an opportunity for graduates from a wide range of academic backgrounds to develop a strong grounding in psychology. You will also benefit from learning on a course with a long-standing reputation for excellence, that has been accredited by the BPS since 2005.
The programme is suitable for those wishing to pursue careers in education, research and psychology-related fields, as well as graduates interested in progressing towards further professional training or doctoral study.
The course can be completed in one year full-time or across two years part-time.
Currently, during term time teaching takes place on Mondays and Thursdays at 1.30-4pm and 5.30-8pm. Part-time students can choose to attend either both afternoons, both evenings, or, all in one day.
If you choose to opt for the part-time study route it is recommended that you contact the programme director to discuss study options at alexandra.hennessey@manchester.ac.uk.
Aims
The course has been designed to prepare students for careers involving psychology by providing a strong grounding in psychology as applied to educational contexts. You will:
- experience an ethos of independent and co-operative learning and research;
- develop critical skills in the evaluation and analysis of current research, theory and practice in psychology and education;
- gain eligibility for Graduate Basis for Chartered Status from the British Psychological Society.
Special features
- The Manchester Institute of Education (MIE) has a world-leading reputation for excellence in educational research and is the leading provider of doctoral programmes in the North West.
- The course provides a high-quality and rewarding learning experience that focuses on up-to-date research within group discussions and lectures.
- Students with all levels of psychological knowledge are welcome. Join a conversion programme designed for students from non-psychology backgrounds, as well as students with psychological backgrounds who wish to study psychology specifically in relation to education.
Coursework and assessment
Our team work to support your individual needs. You will be allocated a personal Academic Advisor who will guide your academic and professional development.
We employ a range of teaching methods and formats to ensure a varied and engaging learning experience. Each course unit has a written assessment that will be followed by formative and summative feedback.
The dissertation features the opportunity for an empirical research study of your choosing involving psychology and education, and can involve qualitative, quantitative or mixed research methods.
The course is led by Dr Alexandra Hennessey .
Find out more about postgraduate teaching and learning methods at Manchester .
Course unit details
A master’s degree is formed of 180 credits.
120 of these credits are made up by a mix of mandatory and optional course units, with 60 credits taken in each semester.
The availability of individual course units may be subject to change. Information that is sent to you in August about registration onto the course will clearly state the course units that are available in the academic year ahead.
The remaining 60 credits are awarded through a compulsory research component in the form of a dissertation. Your dissertation must be within the area of one of the course units you have chosen and you will be assigned an academic dissertation-advisor who is experienced in your chosen field.
Course unit list
The course unit details given below are subject to change, and are the latest example of the curriculum available on this course of study.
| Title | Code | Credit rating | Mandatory/optional |
|---|---|---|---|
| EDUC60721 | 15 | Mandatory | |
| EDUC60732 | 15 | Mandatory | |
| EDUC60741 | 15 | Mandatory | |
| EDUC60742 | 15 | Mandatory | |
| EDUC60771 | 15 | Mandatory | |
| EDUC60772 | 15 | Mandatory | |
| EDUC70121 | 15 | Mandatory | |
| EDUC70122 | 15 | Mandatory |
What our students say
Read about the experience of recent students in their profiles:
Facilities
The Manchester Institute of Education (MIE) is based in the University's Ellen Wilkinson Building, centrally located on the University's Oxford Road campus, close to the Main Library, Alan Gilbert Learning Commons and the Students' Union. Here you'll find all your teaching staff and support staff as well as a place to relax with fellow students.
Disability support
Practical support and advice for current students and applicants is available from the Disability Advisory and Support Service.
For more information, email dass@manchester.ac.uk
Careers
Career opportunities
Career opportunities
Graduates of this course develop expertise in applying psychology within educational contexts, providing a strong foundation for careers in education, research and psychology-related fields. The programme is particularly relevant for students interested in educational psychology, evidence-informed practice and understanding how psychology can support learning, development and wellbeing.
Potential career paths include:
- Educational psychology (following further professional training)
- Education and learning support
- Research
- Academia and higher education
- Educational consultancy
- Specialist educational support services
- Policy and programme development
- Teacher education and professional development
- Youth and community services
- Charity and third-sector roles focused on children, young people and education
The programme also provides a strong foundation for doctoral study and further professional training.
Careers support
This course supports students interested in careers across educational psychology, research, education and related professional fields. The University has its own dedicated Careers Service that you would have full access to as a student and for two years after you graduate.
At Manchester you will have access to a number of opportunities to help boost your employability
Careers support for international students
The Careers Service provide specialist resources, advice and events for international students to help with career planning and making the most of your time while studying in Manchester.
Professional and alumni networks for international students
Global networks
The University of Manchester is proud to have the largest global alumni community of any campus-based university in the UK.
International alumni groups are a great way to keep in touch with fellow Manchester graduates in your country, and provide an opportunity to build professional and social networks.
Accrediting organisations
MEd Psychology of Education confers eligibility for the Graduate Basis for Chartered Status from the British Psychological Society (BPS).
Regulated by the Office for Students
The University of Manchester is regulated by the Office for Students (OfS). The OfS aims to help students succeed in Higher Education by ensuring they receive excellent information and guidance, get high quality education that prepares them for the future and by protecting their interests. More information can be found at the OfS website.
You can find regulations and policies relating to student life at The University of Manchester, including our Degree Regulations and Complaints Procedure, on our regulations website.