University College London (UCL)
Psychology of Education MSc
London, United Kingdom
MSc
DURATION
5 years
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Full time, Part time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
EARLIEST START DATE
Sep 2026
TUITION FEES
STUDY FORMAT
On-Campus
The MSc in Psychology of Education is designed to help students explore how psychological theories and research apply to educational settings. It covers key areas like cognitive development, motivation, learning processes, and assessment. Students will examine how different psychological approaches influence teaching methods and how understanding learners can improve educational outcomes.
The program offers a mix of theoretical understanding and practical application. It includes coursework and research projects that encourage students to critically analyze educational practices, policies, and interventions. This makes the degree suitable for those looking to work in education, policy, or research fields. Throughout, students gain skills in data analysis, research methods, and communication, preparing them to contribute effectively to educational improvements.
UCL Scholarships
There are a number of scholarships available to postgraduate students, including our UCL Master's Bursary for UK students and our UCL Global Master's Scholarship for international students. You can click the link below to search via the scholarships finder for awards that you might be eligible for. Your academic department will also be able to provide you with more information about funding.
External Scholarships
Online aggregators like Postgraduate Studentships, Scholarship Search, Postgraduate Funding and International Financial Aid and College Scholarship Search contain information on a variety of external schemes.
If you have specific circumstances or an ethnic or religious background, it is worth searching for scholarships/bursaries/grants that relate to those things. Some schemes are very specific.
Funding for disabled students
Master's students who have a disability may be able to get extra funding for additional costs they incur to study.
Teaching and learning
The programme is delivered through a combination of lectures, group work, student preparation of tasks and presentations, discussion, and computer workshops, giving hands-on practice.
Assessment is through varied coursework, for example, critiquing research, presentations, essays, and reports. Students will also engage in a dissertation supported by a member of staff.
In terms 1 and 2, full-time students can typically expect between 5 and 8 contact hours per teaching week through a mixture of lectures, seminars, workshops, and meetings with their dissertation supervisor. In term 3 and the summer period, students will be completing their own dissertation research, keeping regular contact with their dissertation supervisors.
Modules
Full-time
The programme comprises four taught modules and a dissertation. It is delivered through a combination of lectures given both by IOE academic staff and guest speakers, group work, and computer workshops, giving hands-on practice.
The taught modules on the course are lecture-based modules, designed to provide you with a firm foundation in the different topics relevant to the psychology of education. You will take four compulsory modules and a dissertation. The dissertation is a research project carried out under the supervision of a member of academic staff from UCL.
If studied on a full-time basis, the course will take place over a full calendar year. Alternatively, it can be studied part-time over two years or modular and flexible over five years.
Part-time
The programme comprises four taught modules and a dissertation. It is delivered through a combination of lectures given both by IOE academic staff and guest speakers, group work, and computer workshops, giving hands-on practice.
The taught modules on the course are lecture-based modules, designed to provide you with a firm foundation in the different topics relevant to the psychology of education. You will take four compulsory modules and a dissertation. The dissertation is a research project carried out under the supervision of a member of academic staff from UCL.
If studied on a part-time basis, the course will take place over two calendar years. Part-time students typically complete three modules in their first year (90 credits) and one module plus the dissertation in their second year (90 credits).
Flexible
The programme comprises four taught modules and a dissertation. It is delivered through a combination of lectures given both by IOE academic staff and guest speakers, group work, and computer workshops, giving hands-on practice.
The taught modules on the course are lecture-based modules, designed to provide you with a firm foundation in the different topics relevant to the psychology of education. You will take four compulsory modules and a dissertation. The dissertation is a research project carried out under the supervision of a member of academic staff from UCL.
Although students have the flexibility to select which modules to complete in any given year, we recommend that Core Topics in the Psychology of Education and Research and Analytical Methods in Psychology be taken early in the degree to facilitate understanding and skill development for the rest of the course. We also recommend that the dissertation module be taken in the final year.
Compulsory modules
- Individual Differences and Social Psychology in Education
- Cognitive Development and Learning
- Core Topics in the Psychology of Education
- Research and Analytical Methods in Psychology
- Dissertation on the Psychology of Education
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 are subject to change.
Students undertake modules to the value of 180 credits. Upon successful completion of 180 credits, you will be awarded an MSc in Psychology of Education.
What this course will give you
Learning about the psychology of education provides many opportunities to understand how psychological theory and research contribute to educational issues and practices. While examining teaching and learning from a psychological perspective, students can explore key topics such as cognitive development, motivation, and the social-emotional aspects of education. Supported by experts in the field, the programme enables students to critically evaluate theory and evidence, while also developing the skills needed to communicate informed arguments clearly, both in writing and speaking.
The foundation of your career
This course offers a comprehensive research training in the psychology of education. It provides a good grounding for doctoral study and valuable preparation for a research career in the academic community, the public sector or in industry.
Employability
Graduates of this Master's degree are currently:
- researchers in the public and private sectors
- PhD students
- assistant psychologists
- clinical and educational doctorate students
- clinical and educational psychologists (following professional doctoral training)
Networking
Students will have opportunities to attend research seminars, journal clubs and research talks.
Accreditation
This programme is accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS). Students who successfully complete the course can apply for Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership.