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The Education (Psychology) MA will introduce students to key theoretical issues in the psychology of education, critical analysis of psychological theory and research, and its contribution to educational issues and practice. It will develop students' understanding of research processes and give them the opportunity to undertake research in the psychology of education.
Key information
Programme starts
September 2021
Modes and duration
Application dates
Tuition fees (2021/22)
Note on fees:
The tuition fees shown are for the year indicated above. Fees for subsequent years may increase or otherwise vary. Further information on fee status, fee increases and the fee schedule can be viewed on the UCL Students website: ucl.ac.uk/students/fees. Fees for flexible, modular study are charged pro-rata to the appropriate full-time Master's fee taken in an academic session.
Entry requirements
A minimum of a second-class Bachelor's degree from a UK university (or an overseas qualification of an equivalent standard) in psychology or a related discipline (for example, education, social science, cognitive science, speech/communication science or neuroscience). The ability to critically evaluate theory and evidence in psychology is an important element of the programme.
English language requirements
If your education has not been conducted in the English language, you will be expected to demonstrate evidence of an adequate level of English proficiency.
The English language level for this programme is: Good
UCL Pre-Master's and Pre-sessional English courses are for international students who are aiming to study for a postgraduate degree at UCL. The courses will develop your academic English and academic skills required to succeed at postgraduate level. International Preparation Courses
Further information can be found on our English language requirements page.
International students
Country-specific information, including details of when UCL representatives are visiting your part of the world, can be obtained from the International Students website.
Visa information
This programme is suitable for international students on a Student visa – study must be full-time, face-to-face, starting October.
International applicants can find out the equivalent qualification for their country by selecting from the list below.
Select your country:
About this degree
Students develop understanding of current issues in the psychology of education and have the opportunity to engage in research. On successful completion of the programme students should be able to produce and communicate reasoned and informed argument, both in writing and orally. Students should also be able to critically evaluate theory and evidence in psychology.
Students undertake modules to the value of 180 credits.
The programme consists of two core modules (60 credits), two optional modules (60 credits) and a dissertation (60 credits).
Upon successful completion of 180 credits, you will be awarded a MA in Education (Psychology).
Please note that the list of modules given here is indicative. This information is published a long time in advance of enrolment and module content and availability is subject to change.
Compulsory modules
- Contemporary Issues in Educational Psychology
- Research and Analytical Methods in Psychology
Optional modules
Students choose two optional modules either from the list below and/or from the wide range of Master's-level modules across the IOE offering, subject to availability.
- Cognitive Development in typical and atypical populations
- Cognitive Development and Learning
- Development of Brain and Behaviour
- Language Development
- Literacy Development
- Individual Differences and Social Psychology in Education
- Psychological Aspects of Counselling
- Reading and Spelling Difficulties
- Social and Individual Development
Visit the UCL Institute of Education website for more information, including module descriptions, which can be seen by clicking on the module title.
Dissertation
All students undertake an independent project which culminates in a dissertation of 6000 words (60 credits).
Teaching and learning
The programme is delivered through a combination of lectures given by both IOE academic staff and guest speakers, student preparation of tasks and longer presentations, group work, discussion, and computer workshops giving hands-on practice. Assessment is through coursework. Coursework can involve critiques of set research articles and extended essays on set topics, and the dissertation/report.
We advise 300 hours of study per module including about 30 hours of contact time (lectures/seminars).
Additional costs
For more information on additional costs for prospective students please go to our estimated cost of essential expenditure at Accommodation and living costs.
Accessibility
Details of the accessibility of UCL buildings can be obtained from AccessAble accessable.co.uk. Further information can also be obtained from the UCL Student Support & Wellbeing team.
Funding
Scholarships relevant to this department are displayed below.
IOE Centenary Masters Scholarships
- Value:
- Full tuition fees and accommodation (1 year)
- Eligibility:
- Overseas
- Criteria:
- Based on both academic merit and financial need
IOE-Clarke Scholarships
- Value:
- Tuition fees, stipend, flights (1 year)
- Eligibility:
- Overseas
- Criteria:
- Based on both academic merit and financial need
IOE Windle Trust Scholarship
- Note:
- Deadline: 31 December 2020
- Value:
- Full tuition fees and some allowances (Up to 3yrs)
- Eligibility:
- Overseas
- Criteria:
- Based on both academic merit and financial need
For a comprehensive list of the funding opportunities available at UCL, including funding relevant to your nationality, please visit the Scholarships and Funding website.
Careers
Graduates of this Master's degree are currently working as professionals in educational settings, teachers and PhD students.
Employability
This programme offers a good grounding for doctoral study and valuable preparation for a research career in the academic community, the public sector or in industry.
Why study this degree at UCL?
UCL Institute of Education (IOE) is one of the world's leading centres for education and related areas of social science - students will learn from cutting-edge researchers in the field. For the eighth year in succession the IOE has been ranked as the world's leading university for Education (QS World University Rankings by Subject 2021).
Our alumni include government ministers; heads of schools; other educational institutions and NGOs; and Olympians and prize-winning authors.
Department: Psychology & Human Development
Application and next steps
Applications
Students are advised to apply as early as possible due to competition for places. Those applying for scholarship funding (particularly overseas applicants) should take note of application deadlines.
This programme requires two references. Further information regarding references can be found in our How to apply section.
There is an application processing fee for this programme of £90 for online applications and £115 for paper applications. Further information can be found at: ucl.ac.uk/prospective-students/graduate/taught/application.
Who can apply?
This programme is suitable for those who wish to pursue a research career either in academia or the public or private sectors, or progress to further professional training, teachers and professionals working in related fields and people interested in applications of psychology to education.
The MA in Education (Psychology) does not confer eligibility for the Graduate Basis of Certified Status with the British Psychological Society.
Application deadlines
- All applicants
- 30 July 2021
For more information see our Applications page.
Apply nowWhat are we looking for?
When we assess your application we would like to learn:
- why you want to study Education (Psychology) at graduate level
- why you want to study Education (Psychology) at UCL
- what particularly attracts you to the chosen programme
- how your academic and professional background meets the demands of this challenging programme
- where you would like to go professionally with your degree
Together with essential academic requirements, the personal statement is your opportunity to illustrate whether your reasons for applying to this programme match what the programme will deliver.
UCL is regulated by the Office for Students.
Page last modified on 28 August 2021
