Name: 36989 Psychology in Education MSc
Price: 9800 GBP

Entry year:: 2025/26
Start date:: September, January
Study mode:: Full-time
Course duration:: 1 year
Campus:: Mount Pleasant

About this course

Explore the transformative field of educational psychology with the MSc Psychology in Education conversion degree at Liverpool John Moores University.

Are you ready to embark on a transformative journey into the field of psychology with a focus on education?

Commencing in January 2025, the MSc Psychology in Education (conversion) programme at Liverpool John Moores University is designed for individuals who aspire to pursue a career as a practising psychologist or psychological researcher but did not study psychology at the undergraduate level or studied on a non-accredited programme. This programme offers a unique opportunity to gain foundational knowledge and skills, enabling you to make a significant impact in educational or therapeutic settings through the application of psychological principles.

On the programme you will:

Gain a comprehensive understanding of core areas in psychology, including social, cognitive, biological, and developmental psychology, as well as individual differences, and historical and conceptual issues in psychology
Learn to apply psychological methods and approaches to educational policy and practice, enhancing your ability to make a significant impact in educational settings
Develop advanced research skills essential for psychological inquiry and evidence-based practice, with training in both quantitative and qualitative data analysis

You will cover the essential competencies required by the British Psychological Society for Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (GBC), with an educational perspective:

Social Psychology: Explore how social interactions influence behaviour and learning
Cognitive Psychology: Study mental processes such as memory, perception, and problem-solving
Biological Psychology: Understand the nervous system, brain functions, and biological underpinnings of behaviours
Developmental Psychology: Learn about developmental stages and how they affect learning and behaviour
Individual Differences: Examine the variations in behaviour and personality among individuals.
Research Methods and Data Analysis: Gain proficiency in both quantitative and qualitative research methodologies and data analysis techniques

I am excited about the MSc Psychology in Education (conversion) programme's focus on social educational psychology and neuroscience. These areas provide essential insights into how children learn and the impact of social dynamics on their education. The programme's blended learning approach, combining online flexibility with structured in-person sessions, is a fantastic feature that I believe will greatly benefit students. This programme is ideal for anyone looking to deepen their understanding and make a meaningful impact in the field of educational psychology.

Course modules

Discover the building blocks of your programme

Further guidance on modules

Modules are designated core or optional in accordance with professional body requirements, as applicable, and LJMU’s Academic Framework Regulations. Whilst you are required to study core modules, optional modules provide you with an element of choice. Their availability may vary and will be subject to meeting minimum student numbers.

Where changes to modules are necessary these will be communicated as appropriate.

Core modules

Cognition, Biological Psychology and Neuroscience in Education
30 credits

This module addresses the core curricular areas of neuropsychology, biological psychology and cognitive psychology. In this module we consider the connection between brain, biological mechanisms, cognitive structures and behaviour including how our experiences and the environment we are in, such as schools influence how we think, interpret information and our perspectives. The module will introduce the broad topic areas and then cover specific themes with links and examples made to the educational context and academic functioning.

Social and Developmental Psychology in Education and the Classroom
30 credits

This module addresses the core curricular areas of social psychology, and developmental psychology. In this module we consider the role of groups, social processes, relationships and human development in relation to our environment and our experiences including education and school. The module will introduce the broad topic areas and then cover specific themes with links and examples made to the educational context and academic functioning.

Learning and Individual Differences
30 credits

This module addresses the core curricular areas of learning and individual differences. In this module we consider how humans learn and individual differences between us as individuals and how both of these concepts relate to the educational context and academic functioning. The module will introduce the broad topic areas and then cover specific themes with links and examples made to the educational context and academic functioning.

Research Methods and Data Analysis in Educational Psychology
30 credits

This module addresses the core curricular areas of research design and ethics and both quantitative and qualitative methods and data analysis in psychology. In this module we consider techniques and approaches to conducting original, empirical research. The module will introduce the broad topic areas and give students a chance to apply specific theories within psychology to original research with an educational focus.

Dissertation
60 credits

This module addresses the core curricular areas of research design and ethics and both quantitative and qualitative methods and data analysis in psychology. In this module we consider techniques and approaches to conducting original, empirical research through a dissertation. The module will introduce the broad topic areas and give students a chance to apply specific theories within psychology to original research with an educational focus.

Professional accreditation/links

The MSc Psychology in Education is working towards accreditation by the UK British Psychological Society (BPS) and aims to provide you with the Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (GBC). GBC is an essential requirement for many BPS-recognised postgraduate and doctoral programmes that lead to Chartered Psychologist status.

Your Learning Experience

Teaching Assessment

An insight into teaching on your course

The programme is taught by academics with extensive backgrounds in psychology and internationally recognised research in the field. This expert-led instruction ensures that students benefit from cutting-edge insights and methodologies that shape contemporary psychological practice.

By engaging with this programme, you can expect to delve into topics such as attachment, consciousness, the nervous system, vision, the brain, memory, and self-perception. You will be equipped to conduct impactful research and apply psychological principles to real-world educational challenges.

Whether you aim to become a practising psychologist, a psychological researcher, or wish to integrate psychological principles into your therapeutic work, this MSc programme will provide you with the foundational knowledge and practical skills needed to succeed.

How learning is monitored on your programme

Assessments will take the form of essays, reviews, reports and case studies.

Where you will study

What you can expect from your School

Housed within the School of Education, the programme is situated in a research-informed teaching environment. The School of Education is committed to providing a high-quality learning experience where students are encouraged to critically engage with the political, economic, social, cultural, environmental, and technological dimensions of educational theory and practice.

As well as close links with Student Advice and Wellbeing (SAW), students have access to a cutting-edge sensory resource room designed to support diverse learning needs and enhance sensory experiences. This state-of-the-art facility is a valuable tool for exploring innovative approaches to sensory integration and its impact on educational outcomes.

As part of this vibrant academic community, you'll have the opportunity to collaborate with a diverse group of peers and professionals who share a deep commitment to advancing educational experiences. The programme fosters connections with a wide range of partners, including schools, early, further, and higher education institutions, as well as voluntary, public, and private sector organisations. This collaborative approach enriches your learning and provides practical insights into the multifaceted world of psychology and education.

Course tutors

Angela Garden

- Programme Leader

Our team of specialist academics, practitioners and support staff are dedicated to ensure you receive a first-class education.

Ange has a firm background in Educational and Child Psychology. She has worked in a range of schools as a teacher, in various settings as a person-centred counsellor, worked with children in play and art therapy and as a researcher and lecturer firstly at Edge Hill University and for the past 10 years at LJMU. Ange researched and published in the field of non-directive play therapy for a number of years. A joint project with Barnardos saw the development of support groups for siblings of disabled children, with peer-reviewed publications emerging from it. Her more recent research concerns the psychological impact of a diagnosis of dyslexia upon the individual higher education student with a focus on their self-esteem and self-concept in relation to their diagnosis. This research has implications for practice at university level.

Angela Garden

Programme Leader

Career paths

Further your career prospects

LJMU has an excellent employability record with 96% (HESA 2018) of our postgraduates in work or further study six months after graduation. Our applied learning techniques and strong industry connections ensure our students are fully prepared for the workplace on graduation and understand how to apply their knowledge in a real world context.

Completion of this course enables you to gain Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership of the BPS, allowing you to work as a psychologist in a variety of different fields, including education, therapeutics, mental health, clinical, forensic and organisational.

The course offers general training in psychology, making it of value to people with a broad range of aspirations, but also provides the option of specialising in educational, health or clinical psychology.

Fees and funding

Tuition Fees:

Home full-time per year:: £9,800

International full-time per year:: £17,750

Entry requirements

You will need:

Qualification requirements

Undergraduate degree

2:2 award or higher.

Further information

Extra Requirements
Non-UK students will be required to possess certification of English at IELTS 6.5 level (minimum 6.0 in each component) or equivalent qualification. Applicants who have studied and successfully passed a UK-based degree within the previous 24 months are exempt from such requirements.

How to apply

Securing your place at LJMU

To apply for this programme, you are required to complete an LJMU online application form. You will need to provide details of previous qualifications and a personal statement outlining why you wish to study this programme.

Your university life

From accommodation and academic support to clubs and societies. Find out what LJMU has to offer.

Postgraduate life at LJMU

See the amazing support you will get from the university, the academic expertise of the staff here, the first-class learning environment, fabulous libraries, excellent career guidance and their ongoing love affair with the city of Liverpool.

Accommodation

As a new student at LJMU, we guarantee accommodation right in the heart of the dynamic city centre, with easy access to the main University campuses.

You can view our approved accommodation to see the halls that we offer to new students.

Your campus

We’re very proud of our campuses. Not only because they provide a modern and inspiring learning space for all our students but also because they’re a place people really want to be.

Find out more about your campus

Living in Liverpool

Liverpool is one of Europe's most dynamic and cultured cities. Come find out why it's a great city to study in.

Go abroad

LJMU aims to make international opportunities available to every student. You may be able to study abroad as part of your degree at one of our 100+ partner universities across the world. You could also complete a work placement or apply for one of our prestigious worldwide internship programmes.

Sports, societies and lifestyle

Getting involved in sports, clubs and societies at Liverpool John Moores University is a great way to challenge yourself, meet people who share your interests, and feel more connected to the University community.