BSc Educational Psychology

We are committed to attracting and supporting the very best students from all backgrounds to study this course.  

You could be eligible for cash bursaries of up to £2,500 to support your studies. 

Find out about our funding opportunities

AAB

There are not strict choice requirements in previously studied subjects in applying for this degree.  However, as Educational Psychology is a popular choice,  we may consider the subjects you have taken in addition to your individual grades when prioritising applications.  We may also take into consideration the combination of subjects taken. Please use the list below to check our preferred subjects for BSc Education Psychology:

Biology, Chemistry, Computing, Child Development, Computing, English, Economics, Health & Social Care, History, Geography, Maths, Philosophy, Physics, Politics, Psychology, Sociology, Statistics.

Grades BBB including subject specific requirements for applicants who meet our contextual offer criteria.  For further information and to check eligibility visit our Contextual Offers page

AS level results are not considered as part of the standard admissions process at The University of Manchester.

The University of Manchester welcomes the provision of unit information where available.  Like all other information provided by applicants this may be taken into consideration when assessing your application.  Unit grades will not normally form part of an offer conditions.

Applicants must demonstrate a broad general education including acceptable levels of Literacy and Numeracy, equivalent to at least Grade C or 4 in GCSE/iGCSE English Language and Mathematics. GCSE/iGCSE English Literature will not be accepted in lieu of GCSE/iGCSE English Language.

Please note that if you hold English as a second language iGCSE qualification, we may also require you to offer one of our acceptable equivalent English Language qualifications or achieve a higher grade in your iGCSE than the one stated above. Please contact the academic School for clarification.

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

Changes to International Baccalaureate Diploma Mathematics Courses from September 2019, first examination 2021.

We are aware of the planned changes to the IB Mathematics curriculum. IB students will be able to choose from Mathematics: analysis and approaches and Mathematics: applications and interpretation from September 2019.

Applicants studying the International Baccalaureate Career Related Programme (IBCP) should contact the academic School prior to applying so that their academic profile can be considered.

We accept a range of qualifications from different countries. For these and general requirements including English language see Accepted entry qualifications from your country

We normally require grades  AAABC or AABBB  in Scottish Highers.  In addition, Scottish Advanced Highers are normally required in one of the following combinations:

Three Advanced Highers  AAB

or

Two Advanced Highers AB , plus two additional Highers AB

English Language and Mathematics not taken at Higher/Advanced Higher must have been achieved at SCQF level 5 (minimum National 5 grade C / Intermediate 2 grade C / Standard Grade Credit level grade 3).

If you require further clarification about the acceptability of this qualification please contact the Academic School(s) you plan to apply to.

The University welcomes and recognises the value of the Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced Diploma/Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate and usually requires two A Levels or equivalent to be included within this.

The minimum grade required will normally be the same as the lowest grade listed in the A Level entry requirements.

If you require further clarification about the acceptability of this qualification please contact the academic School(s) you plan to apply to.

The University of Manchester welcomes applicants with the European Baccalaureate. Acceptable on its own or in combination with other qualifications, applications from students studying for this qualification are welcome and all applicants will be considered on an individual basis.

We normally require: 85% overall.

The University recognises the benefits of the AQA Baccalaureate and the opportunities it provides for applicants to develop independent study and research skills.

In making offers, the University will focus on the three A Levels taken within the AQA Baccalaureate. Students need to check the standard A Level requirements for their chosen course.

The units of broader study, enrichment activities and the Extended Project are considered to be valuable elements of the AQA Baccalaureate and we would therefore strongly encourage students to draw upon these experiences within their personal statement.

The University recognises a number of foundation programmes as suitable for entry to this undergraduate programme:

Applicants completing the INTO Manchester in partnership with The University of Manchester international foundation programme are required to achieve  AAB and an EAP score of B. 

Applicants completing the NCUK International Foundation year are required to achieve AAB  and an EAP requirements score of B.

Applicants studying other Foundation programmes should contact the academic School to check if their qualification is recognised for entry to this programme and for specific entry requirements.

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma

We consider the National Extended Diploma for entry provided it is in a subject relevant to the chosen course. 

Entry requirements are based on achievement of the full National Extended Diploma with grades DDD.

Please note that the National Diploma and the National Extended Certificate must be studied alongside A-levels. We are unable to accept combinations of the BTEC qualification.

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Diploma

We consider the National Diploma for entry provided it is in a subject relevant to the chosen course. 

Entry requirements are based on achievement of the full National Diploma with grades DD, plus an A-level at grade B.

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate

We consider the National Extended Certificate for entry provided it is in a subject relevant to the chosen course. 

Entry requirements are based on achievement of the full National Extended Certificate with grade D, plus two A-levels at grades AB.

Cambridge Level 3 Technical Extended Diploma (CTEC)

We consider the Technical Extended Diploma for entry provided it is in a subject relevant to the chosen course.

Entry requirements are based on achievement of the full Technical Extended Diploma with grades DDD. 

Cambridge Level 3 Technical Diploma (CTEC)

We consider the Technical Diploma for entry provided it is in a subject relevant to the chosen course. 

Entry requirements are based on achievement of the full Technical Diploma with grades DD, plus an additional level 3 qualification such as an A-level at grade B.

Cambridge Level 3 Technical Foundation Diploma (CTEC)

We consider the Technical Foundation Diploma for entry provided it is in a subject relevant to the chosen course. 

Entry requirements are based on achievement of the full Technical Foundation Diploma with grades DD, plus additional level 3 qualifications such as A-level at grades AB.

Cambridge Level 3 Technical Extended Certificate (CTEC)

We consider the Technical Extended Certificate for entry provided it is in a subject relevant to the chosen course. 

Entry requirements are based on achievement of the full Technical Extended Certificate with grade D, plus additional Level 3 qualifications such as A-levels at grades AB.

The University of Manchester welcomes applications from students who have achieved legacy CTEC qualifications (pre-2016) such as the CTEC Extended Diploma, CTEC Diploma, CTEC Subsidiary Diploma, and CTEC Certificate. The grades required are likely to be the same or vary similar to the new CTEC qualifications (first teaching 2016, awarded 2018). Please contact the Academic School for clarification.

If you require further clarification about the acceptability of this qualification please contact the Academic School(s) you plan to apply to.

We require a QAA-recognised Access to HE Diploma (a minimum of 60 credits overall with at least 45 at Level 3), with 39 credits at distinction and the remaining credits at merit in a subject area relevant to the chosen course.

The specific course requirements are GCSE English and GCSE Mathematics at grade C or 4 .

We consider applicants offering Pre-U Principal Subjects, or a mix of Pre-U and A Level subjects, provided a minimum of three distinct subjects overall is taken.

Candidates taking Pre-U in conjunction with A-levels are expected to achieve D3, D3, M2 in the Pre-U certificates and Grades AAB at A-level.

If you require further clarification about the acceptability of this qualification please contact the Academic School(s) you plan to apply to.

We do not accept T Levels as entry onto this programme. The University does accept T Level qualifications on a number of courses. Please review our T Level information page for a full list.

The University recognises the benefit of the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) and the opportunities it provides for applicants to develop independent study and research skills. We strongly encourage you to provide information about the EPQ in your personal statement and at interview. For this programme, as well as the regular conditions of offer, we may make students who are currently taking or completed the EPQ an alternative offer.  For this course it would be ABB plus the Extended Project at Grade A.

The University welcomes and recognises the value of Level 3 core mathematics qualifications (e.g. AQA Certificate in Mathematical Studies). 

Core Mathematics is not a compulsory element of post-16 study and as a result we will not normally include it in the conditions of any offer made to the student. However, if a student chooses to undertake a core mathematics qualification this may be taken into account when we consider their application, particularly for certain non-science courses with a distinct mathematical or statistical element.

We advise students to contact the academic School, who will clarify whether their specific portfolio of qualifications is acceptable for entry on to their chosen course.

If you are a student who has followed a non-standard educational route, e.g. you have been educated at home; your application will be considered against the standard entry criteria of the course for which you are applying. You will be required to demonstrate that you meet the specified academic entry requirements of the course. We will also require a reference from somebody who knows you well enough, in an official capacity, to write about you and your suitability for higher education. If you are a home schooled student and would like further information or advice please contact the academic School for your chosen course who will be able to help you. 

Mature students are some of our most well-equipped learners, bringing skills and attributes gained from work, family and other life experiences.  Students come from a whole array of backgrounds, study every kind of course, undertake full-time and part-time learning and are motivated by career intentions as well as personal interest.  There is no such thing as a typical mature student at Manchester.

The application process is the same as for other prospective undergraduates.  If you require further clarification about the acceptability of the qualifications you hold please contact the academic School(s) you plan to apply to.  Further information for mature students can be found here ( http://www.manchester.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/mature-students/ )

All applicants to the University (from the UK and Overseas) are required to show evidence of English Language proficiency. The minimum English Language requirement for this course is either:

• GCSE/iGCSE English Language grade C/4 , or;
• IELTS 6.5 overall, with 6.5 in writing and no other sub-section below 6.0, or;
• An acceptable equivalent qualification .

We do not offer Pre-sessional English Language courses for entry onto our undergraduate programmes within the School of Environment, Education and Development.

The UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) requires that every student from outside the UK and the EU must show evidence of a minimum level of English Language in order to be granted a UK visa (Tier 4 visa) to study at undergraduate or postgraduate level. This level is often referred to as the 'B2 level'. Additionally, our individual Schools may ask for specific English Language proficiency levels that are necessary for their academic programmes. In most cases these requirements are likely to be higher than the B2 level. Further information about our English Language policy, including a list of some of the English Language qualifications we accept, can be found  here .

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 course.

Interviews are not conducted as part of the recruitment process for this course. However, tutors reserve the right to request an interview.

As work placements are a mandatory element of the course, you will be required to complete a DBS check upon entry.

Applications for deferred entry are considered equally to other applications up to the point of confirmation. Deferred entry is granted on the discretion of admissions staff, and is normally granted for one year only.

We will consider applicants who have re-sat individual modules.

If you have re-sat your final examinations, we will consider your application but may require further information in order to make an informed academic judgement on your application.

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.

If you are applying for a place for the same year of entry through UCAS Extra, you should provide additional evidence of your suitability for the course.

If you are applying through clearing, you are required to meet the clearing requirements. In both UCAS Extra and clearing the places will be subject to availability.

Students wishing to transfer from other universities will be considered on merit, providing we have enough places to accommodate them. 

However, transfers from courses not accredited by the BPS are unlikely to be granted, given the requirements for external accreditation.

During Year 1, you will build foundational knowledge of the core areas of psychology in relation to education.

• Development and Childhood critically examines key theory and research in developmental psychology, and critically evaluates applications and extension of developmental psychological theory in relation to education and child development.
• Exploring Psychology in the Classroom is the first fieldwork opportunity designed to familiarise you with the school environment and systems. You will spend time in a local school, observing classes and having the opportunity to meet and interact with key staffing roles (e.g., special educational needs coordinators).
• Foundations of Psychology will introduce you to the study of psychology as a science by examining the social and cultural construction of psychology and its application to `real-world questions' with particular regard to education.
• Social Psychology of Education will take an exploratory case approach by `walking through' the many experiences of an individual in relation to social-psychological processes that impact on teaching and learning.
• Research Issues in Psychology and Education provides a comprehensive grounding in core issues surrounding research in psychology and education, helping you to develop your own understanding and ideas.
• The Brain Goes to School will begin with the fundamentals of basic neurology (e.g., cells, neurotransmitters) and an introduction into experience and learning. It then moves to examining how brain structures and specialisation are currently understood and applied to learning. Each area will be considered from a neurobiological perspective and then applied to learners in classrooms.

Please note that the above course unit details may change.

In Year 2, there will be a greater emphasis on the application of knowledge and psychological theory in specific relation to education.

You will continue to build and deepen your foundational knowledge of the core areas of psychology in relation to education and develop your ability to evaluate and apply your understanding.

Cognition and Learning: Implications for School revisits the areas covered in Year 1's `The Brain Goes to School'. It develops the ideas further by building on the concepts from neuropsychology using information processing theory. This leads to cognitive models explaining Attention; Perception; Learning; Memory; Thinking and meta-cognition; Problem solving and decision-making; and Language. The focus is on understanding how these cognitive processes are used by typical and atypical learners in educational settings.

Counselling and Educational Psychology in the Professional Context offers grounding in the `real world' applications of education and counselling psychology in the professional context, with specific reference to the intersection of research and practice.

Data Analysis in Psychology & Education will build upon foundation skills developed in Year 1, specifically in relation to the analysis and interpretation of different data strands in research. It will develop your critical thinking skills and prepare you for your dissertation project in Year 3.

Risk and Resilience Processes in Human Development will provide you with an introduction to theory and research relating the concepts of risk and resilience, and their application in the study of human development.

Students are free to select optional units to customise their bespoke course of study.  Popular choices have included the Psychology of Learning, Sociology of Education, Teaching and Learning Literacy and Understanding Mental Health.

Please note that the above course unit details may change.

In Year 3, you will gain further independence in your learning and will be encouraged to draw links between the different components of the course in your application of learning, especially in relation to your major project and final year placement.

In the third fieldwork unit Intervention in Schools, you will draw upon your prior learning and fieldwork experiences in order to develop and conduct a bespoke intervention in a partner school.

Drawing upon the some of the key work within the department, the Prevention Science and Education unit aims to develop your knowledge and understanding of how theory and research in prevention science can be applied in educational contexts to improve children's social, emotional and behavioural outcomes.

Current Issues in Special Educational Needs (SEN) will explore the relevance of psychological theory for individual learning and assessment (drawing on developmental psychology, cognitive psychology, neuropsychology and social psychology). It will also consider historical and social influences on how SEN is defined as well as critically explore the value and use of diagnostic labels within educational settings (e.g., dyslexia, ASD, ADHD).

With support from a dedicated supervisor, you will conduct your Major Project - a piece of independent research, focusing on your areas of interest, with a focus on what useful knowledge might be gained and applied.

Please note that the above course unit details may change.

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 .

This course is accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS).

Graduates are eligible for Graduate Membership, providing they meet BPS criteria (completion and passing of the major project and graduation with a degree classification of at least 2:2).