Psychology is such a broad field that, when it came time to choose an undergraduate degree, I found myself feeling overwhelmed by the options. Educational psychology, in particular, wasn’t something I was very familiar with and had not really been discussed by my teachers at school. At first, I assumed that the “educational” part meant that the course would be mainly about teaching, with less emphasis on psychological theory or research. However, the BSc Educational Psychology degree offers a seamless integration of both education and psychology. From the very beginning, the course has shown me how deeply the two fields are connected, and the opportunities and learning experiences throughout reflect that balance.

Academic Experiences

The course has offered a truly varied and insightful academic experience, developing knowledge and skills through diverse approaches. Through a comprehensive curriculum, discussing fields such as Developmental Psychology, Social Psychology, and Data Analysis, a well-rounded knowledge of educational psychology is facilitated. This range of content provides the opportunity to develop an extensive understanding of the different areas that shape educational psychology. Due to the design of the course, the modules are tailored to complement each other to build a comprehensive understanding of the discipline. It’s helped me connect the dots between theory and practice, and deepened my appreciation for how psychology can truly support learning and development.

One thing I’ve really appreciated about the course is the variety of ways that we are assessed, ranging across critical essays, lab reports, academic posters, and group projects. Through these, you have the opportunity to apply your understanding to case studies and create meaningful pieces of work. Each assignment revolves around distinct and new skills so that your academic potential is constantly evolving and progressing. Each assignment brings its own set of challenges and skills, and I’ve found that this constant variety has really helped me grow as a student and thinker.

Practical Experiences

Whilst studying on the BSc Educational Psychology course I have had experiences outside of the classroom that I may not have had access to otherwise. Most notably are the school placements that are integrated in first- and third-year modules. In my first year, I spent one day a week in a primary school, supporting students and carrying out short observations for a written assignment. At the time, I had never worked in a school before, so the experience was quite daunting and unfamiliar. But the school was incredibly welcoming, and the whole experience really helped me grow. It challenged me in the best way and gave me the confidence to take on similar roles beyond the course. Looking back, that placement was a key moment in building both my skills and my self-belief.

One of the most valuable experiences for me during the BSc Educational Psychology course was the placement in my third year. I had the chance to work with a small group of fellow students to design and deliver an original reading intervention. Over the course of seven sessions, we worked with a group of Key Stage 1 pupils, applying what we had learnt in lectures directly to a real-world classroom setting. It was the perfect blend of theory and practice, and it gave me a much clearer picture of the kinds of roles I might want to pursue after graduation. Being hands-on in that environment helped me realise just how rewarding this field can be.

When I began my studies on the BSc Educational Psychology course, I was unaware of just how many opportunities the degree offered and how much these would shape my overall experience. While the course has given me a solid foundation of knowledge, the experiences to apply my understanding in real-world settings have been the most eye-opening. These experiences have provided clarity of my genuine interests and helped me begin to picture a future career I’m truly excited about.

Written by Matilda, a current BSc Educational Psychology student. 

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