MEd Psychology of Education

Year of entry: 2025

Overview

Degree awarded
Master of Education (MEd)
Duration
1 year
Entry requirements

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.

Full entry requirements

How to apply

Apply online

Sustainable Development Goals

Find out how this course aligns to the UN Sustainable Development Goals, including learning which relates to:

  • Goal 4: Quality education

Course options

Full-time Part-time Full-time distance learning Part-time distance learning
MEd Y Y N N

Course overview

  • We're ranked in the top ten universities in the UK for Education (QS World University Rankings by Subject 2021).
  • Explore core areas of psychology specifically in relation to education, developing critical skills in the evaluation and analysis of current research, theory and practice.
  • Ignite or progress your career in educational psychology, research, academia or another education-based pathway.
  • Develop your research skills and knowledge of psychology of education
  • Students with some, none or a little psychological knowledge are welcome.
Loading
Educational Psychology at The University of Manchester

Open days

Attending an open day is a great way to find out what studying at Manchester is like.

Find out about our upcoming open days .

Fees

For entry in the academic year beginning September 2025, the tuition fees are as follows:

  • MEd (full-time)
    UK students (per annum): £13,000
    International, including EU, students (per annum): £30,000
  • MEd (part-time)
    UK students (per annum): £6,500
    International, including EU, students (per annum): £15,000

Further information for EU students can be found on our dedicated EU page.

The fees quoted above will be fully inclusive for the course tuition, administration and computational costs during your studies.

All fees for entry will be subject to yearly review and incremental rises per annum are also likely over the duration of courses lasting more than a year for UK/EU students (fees are typically fixed for international students, for the course duration at the year of entry). For general fees information please visit postgraduate fees

Self-funded international applicants for this course will be required to pay a deposit of £1,000 towards their tuition fees before a confirmation of acceptance for studies (CAS) is issued. This deposit will only be refunded if immigration permission is refused. We will notify you about how and when to make this payment.

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 offer a number of postgraduate taught scholarships and merit awards to outstanding applicants and international students, including.

Manchester Alumni Loyalty Discount : partial discount on tuition fees for the University of Manchester graduates progressing to a postgraduate taught Master's course.

Manchester Humanities Postgraduate scholarships .

For further information on available scholarships and bursaries as well as their full eligibility criteria, please visit our funding page or search the University's postgraduate funding database .

UN Sustainable Development Goals

The 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are the world's call to action on the most pressing challenges facing humanity. At The University of Manchester, we address the SDGs through our research and particularly in partnership with our students.

Led by our innovative research, our teaching ensures that all our graduates are empowered, inspired and equipped to address the key socio-political and environmental challenges facing the world.

To illustrate how our teaching will empower you as a change maker, we've highlighted the key SDGs that our courses address.

  • Goal 4: Quality education

    Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all

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
Email
Website
http://www.seed.manchester.ac.uk/subjects/education/postgraduatetaught/
School/Faculty
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 acceptpre-sessional Englishlanguage 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

We accept a range of qualifications from across the globe. To help international students the university provides specific information for many individual countries. Please see our  country-specific information page   for guidance on the academic and English language qualifications which may be accepted from your country.

Professional entry qualification

If you do not meet our academic entry qualification criterion, your admission may still be approved if satisfactory evidence of postgraduate study, research or substantial relevant professional experience can be provided.

Application and selection

How to apply

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.

Staged admissions process

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 07 December 2024 ; Application update by 21 February 2025

•Stage 2: Application received by 02 March 2025 ; Application update by 01 May 2025

•Stage 3: Application received by 04 May 2025 ; Application update by 05 June 2025

•Stage 4: Application received by 01 July 2025 ; Application update by 25 July 2025

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.

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

Applications for deferred entry are not accepted for this course. If you receive an offer and wish to be considered for the following year of entry, you will need to place a new application. Please, be aware, there is no guarantee of receiving another offer, and offer conditions are subject to change in line with entry requirements.   

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

TheMEdPsychology of Education has a long-standing reputation for excellence as amaster'scourse that can be completed in one year full-time or across two years part-time.

The MEd is designed to comply with the accreditation requirements set out by the British Psychological Society.

The course covers core areas of psychology specifically in relation to education.

Youwill develop critical skills in the evaluation and analysis of current research, theory and practice across education and psychology.

TheMEdcan ignite or progress your career pathway within educational psychology helping you to target goals such as the Professional doctorate in Educational Psychology, a research career (for example through a research PhD) as well as supporting careers targeting education andschool-basedoptions.

During term time teaching takes place on Mondays and Thursdays at 1.30-4pm and 5.30-8pm and part-time students can choose to attend either both afternoons, both evenings or, all in one day. If opting for the part-time route we do advise to get in touch with the Programme Director to discuss study options.

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. 
  • The MEd is accredited by the British Psychological Society.

Teaching and learning

Important notice: factors affecting fieldwork and placements

The School of Environment, Education and Development (SEED) recognises the value of fieldwork and placements. However, the safety and wellbeing of our students and staff remains our priority.

The School will assess on a regular basis the viability of any travel and fieldwork and communicate any significant changes to our students at the earliest possible opportunity.

The role of SEED

  • changes to the rules and guidance on travel and activities implemented and published by the UK and overseas governments;
  • a risk assessment conducted by or on behalf of the University identifying unmanageable risk;
  • changes that enhance the educational value and student experience of the activity;
  • changes to the situation of a placement provider (for example, which cause them to be unable to accept students);
  • the unavailability of appropriate insurance cover;
  • the unavailability of appropriate travel and accommodation and any significant changes to their financial costs;
  • where fieldwork and placements are a compulsory element of the Programme, they will be replaced with something academically similar;
  • where a trip or placement is not a compulsory element of the Programme, it may not be replaced.

We will consult with affected students at the earliest possible opportunity and explore the options available to them.

The duty of students

Preparation, attendance and conduct

Attendance at preparatory classes is a compulsory pre-requisite of the fieldwork and placements to ensure safety and learning outcomes are met.

Students who do not attend the compulsory preparatory classes may be prevented from participating in the fieldwork or placement. It is the duty of students to discuss any attendance issues with the field course or placement convenor.

Students are representatives of the university during their fieldwork or placement. Behaviour deemed by the convenor to be unacceptable may result in students being sent home.

Where a student is unable to attend or complete the fieldwork or placement (e.g. due to mitigating circumstances), is prevented from attending due to absence from compulsory preparatory classes, or returned home due to poor conduct:

  • a suitable alternative assessment will be offered (as appropriate) to ensure that the programme ILOs are met, and that the student is not academically disadvantaged;
  • the University accepts no responsibility for any costs incurred by the student in relation to the fieldwork or placement.

Immigration, passport and visa requirements

It is the responsibility of the individual student to ensure they have:

  • a valid passport to enter the destination country (including sufficient months prior to expiry);
  • a valid visa (where required) and comply with its requirements.

The School cannot guarantee that visas required for fieldwork or a placement will be granted by the relevant authority. Please note that countries may change their immigration and visa regulations at short notice.

Where a student is unable to attend fieldwork or a placement because they do not have the required visa or passport:

  • a suitable alternative assessment will be offered to ensure that the programme ILOs are met and that the student is not academically disadvantaged;
  • the University accepts no responsibility for any costs incurred by the student in relation to the fieldwork or placement.

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 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.

TitleCodeCredit ratingMandatory/optional
Learning and Individual Differences EDUC60721 15 Mandatory
Social Psychology, the Classroom and Communities EDUC60732 15 Mandatory
Introduction to Neuroscience and Education EDUC60741 15 Mandatory
Cognition and Education EDUC60742 15 Mandatory
Research Principles and Practice EDUC60771 15 Mandatory
Research Analysis and Evaluation EDUC60772 15 Mandatory
Psychological Perspectives in Child Development EDUC70121 15 Mandatory
Applied Prevention in Education 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

Manchester Institute of Education (MIE) graduates go on to shape education policy and practice through positions in NGOs and in the public and private sector.

Potential careers include:

  • professional roles in education (this includes teaching within primary, secondary and specialist settings);
  • lecturing (FE and HE);
  • research;
  • teacher education;
  • educational administration;
  • leadership;
  • consultancy;
  • publishing;
  • testing;
  • assessment.

A common career pathway for MEd Psychology in Education graduates is professional training as a psychologist. We have a good conversion rate with recent MEd graduates accepted onto doctorate-level training in educational, clinical and counselling psychology.

Careers support

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.

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).