Undergraduate

Secondary Teaching Studies (Psychology)

Education Student placement in Kelvin School
A schoolchild reads the title cover of a workbook to a teacher
aaron hall, psychology student in front of a brain on a screen
A student reads a book, surrounded by. colourful sofas in a sunny library
Make a positive difference. Education is transformative: it changes people's lives, including your own.
This accelerated route towards a PGCE gives you the chance to gain a first degree while focusing on your future ambition of becoming a teacher.
From cognitive processes to mental health, you'll develop the subject knowledge and analytical skills needed to understand human behaviour in depth.
Opportunities to reflect on professional practice include a work-based module at the end of your first year.
Education Student placement in Kelvin School
A schoolchild reads the title cover of a workbook to a teacher
aaron hall, psychology student in front of a brain on a screen
A student reads a book, surrounded by. colourful sofas in a sunny library

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Duration

Mode

  • Standard course
  • With a foundation year

Typical offer

What does this mean?

This is your chance to inspire the next generation of thinkers and change-makers by teaching psychology at the secondary level.

Our innovative two-year degrees offer a fast-track route into teaching, ideal if you’re passionate about psychology and eager to share your knowledge with young minds. Whether you’re looking to change careers or take your first step towards a PGCE, this course equips you with the skills to engage and educate students.

You’ll explore curriculum design, learning theories, and what drives students to grow and succeed - while developing subject expertise in psychology to bring the classroom to life.

  • 96.2 % of students

    in work or further study 15 months after graduating 1

  • Kick-start your career

    on an accelerated two-year degree

  • Learn hands on

    with a work-based placement

  • Forest School

    certification opportunity

  • Focus on Psychology

    as a subject specialism

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Course overview
Module options

About this course

Be part of the lasting impact that education has on people's lives on this accelerated route towards a PGCE or taking on a teaching role in schools.

You’ll learn about children’s and young people’s development and needs. And explore education theory, research, policy and practice.

Opportunities to reflect on professional practice include a work-based module at the end of your first year. As well as visits to diverse learning environments such as mainstream and special schools, alternative provision, galleries and museums. You can also study towards an accredited Forest School certification, so you can lead children’s learning outdoors.

Our extensive network of 600+ charities, education-related organisations and schools gives you invaluable learning experiences such as guest lectures and professional practice observations. As well as opportunities to take your placement in the UK or overseas.

You'll collaborate with psychology experts to explore key theories, research, and real-world applications. From cognitive processes to mental health, you'll develop the subject knowledge and analytical skills needed to understand human behaviour in depth.

Scheduled study hours and how you’re assessed

Throughout your degree, you’re expected to study for 1,800 hours per year. It includes scheduled hours, time spent on placement and independent study. How this time’s divided among each of these varies each year and depends on the course and modules you study.

Choose your modules

The course consists of 180 credits per year. Most modules are 20 credits, meaning you'll study nine modules each year. Some longer modules, such as a dissertation, are worth more (e.g. 40 credits). In these cases, you’ll study fewer modules - but the number of credits will always add up to 180 credits.

Introduction to Education

This module sets the scene for the programme, starting with your own background and experience and exploring what education means, how it differs from schooling and key concepts and approaches. It will also help you to develop the academic skills necessary for your degree programme.

Core•20 credits

Brain and Behaviour 1

Explore the relationship between the brain and human behaviour, including how we sense the world, how we act in the world and how we think and feel about the world.

Core•20 credits

The Developing Child

Delve into the fascinating world of the infant mind. You will cover a range of psychological processes, from the early building blocks of our cognitive skills, to how we form attachments and begin to create relationships. We will explore these processes from their very beginnings in the womb, through infancy, childhood, and adolescence.

Core•10 credits

Introducing Cognitive Psychology

How does your mind work? How do you see, hear, feel, and think? How do you make sense of the world and yourself? In this module, you'll discover the secrets of cognitive psychology - the science of the mind and behaviour. Learn how researchers use experiments and theories to understand the mental processes that shape our lives, explore topics like perception, attention, memory, language, and reasoning and see how they relate to your everyday experiences. This module will help you develop the skills and knowledge you need to become a critical thinker in the modern world. 

Core•10 credits

Education Theory

This module explores the “Big Questions” in Education, drawing on key thinkers and theorists from across many periods of history and diverse locations across the globe. It will prepare you for undertaking your own research later in the degree, and provide broad horizons to challenge some of your preconceptions and expectations about education.

Core•20 credits

Research Skills 2

Develop your research skills further with a focus on how we infer things about the world using data. This module gives you practical experience of research methods.

Core•20 credits

Assessing Individual Differences

You may have encountered personality and intelligence tests in educational or occupational settings, but have you ever wondered how these tests were developed? This module explores the complexities of intelligence and personality conceptualisation and testing and gives an insight into why people are unique. By engaging with a range of theories and psychometrics, you will be able to assess the controversies and ethical dilemmas of personality and intelligence testing.

Core•10 credits

Exploring Social Psychology

Would you inflict pain on another person if instructed to do so by an authority figure? How likely are people to conform to group pressure? What makes a friend act aggressively or donate money to charity? This module considers what effect the environment has on human behaviour and explores how psychological theories can be applied to your everyday life. If you’ve ever wondered why your friend is acting in a certain way, this module will provide some clues to the answer.

Core•10 credits

Education Specialism

Following focused input from your lecturers, this module provides the opportunity to explore a particular topic of interest to you, supported by a tutor. Whether you want to learn more about child development, pedagogy, approaches to behavior management or an aspect of the school curriculum, you will be supported to develop critical insights into real life practice.

Core•20 credits

Reflective Practice 1

This module provides opportunity to engage in an extended period of work experience (paid or voluntary) and reflect on the learning environment in which you are based. Whether in a location local to home, or visiting a more distant place, there is flexibility to explore your interests as well as deepening your understanding of learning and children’s development to prepare you for applying for a teacher-training course.

Core•40 credits

The first year of this accelerated degree has a strong focus on thinking critically about what education is, how it differs in different places at different times, the values that underpin and inform it, and developing the skills to reflect on it in thoughtful, insightful and well-informed ways.

It provides opportunity to gain practical experience as well as exploring Psychology as your subject of interest, allowing you to develop your knowledge alongside your understanding of how to teach it.
10 Modules

Reflective Practice 2

In this module you will hone your skills in reflective practice, reflecting on contributions from a variety of speakers and experts in addition to visits to a range of learning settings for children of different ages. This will include both formal and informal learning settings.

Core•20 credits

Brain and Behaviour 2

Study more advanced topics including cognitive neuroscience and clinical neuropsychology. This module also introduces issues in comparative psychology and animal intelligence.

Core•20 credits

Applied Cognitive Psychology

How can teachers use memory research to make education more accessible for those with special educational needs? How can we use decision-making theory to improve healthcare across the world? How does forgetting help our mental health? What has cognitive psychology taught us about the use of eyewitnesses within the legal system? In this module, cognitive psychology steps outside of the laboratory and into the real world as we explore how the theories and research developed within the laboratory have applications in a range of real-life settings.    

Core•10 credits

Developmental Psychology

Explore the ideas, research methods and findings in contemporary developmental psychology. In this module, you'll explore a range of topics highlighting how children’s thinking and learning develops and how they become mature members of society. Topics will include: How do young children learn words? How do we learn to socially interact with others? Are there differences in aggression between boys and girls and does exposure to violent media affect their behaviour? How does cognitive and social development occur?

Core•10 credits

Contemporary Issues in Education

Education systems and processes are continually changing: nothing ever seems to stand still! This module will support you to explore current issues and to develop your viewpoint and deepen your understanding drawing on the practical and theoretical learning you have gained in earlier modules.

Core•20 credits

Research Methods

Prepare and complete a small action research project to develop skills that will help you across your studies. It's hands-on learning about research methodology, ethical approval, data analysis and formulating research questions.

Core•40 credits

Extended Project/Dissertation (Education)

Project-based learning is a process in which you choose, plan, and complete a project independently, with expert support from your tutor. You will produce a unique piece of work that you can discuss with a degree of expertise. There will be opportunity to demonstrate and nurture skills such as creativity, independent thinking, resilience, and problem solving. An extended project is a particularly good preparation to undertake further study towards a professional qualification at masters level.

Core•60 credits

The second year of the programme continue the focus on reflective practice, providing opportunity to visit a range of settings and to meet expert practitioners.

It focusses on key contemporary issues and provides opportunity to develop the skills necessary to research an aspect of education about which you care passionately.
7 Modules

Academic Writing Skills

Developing confidence in expression, oral as well as written, is a key feature of this module, which also aims to familiarise you with submission and assessment procedures in the context of Higher Education. This is a clear building block onto your degree programme and places you at a distinct advantage when you move into the following year.

Compulsory•20 credits

Foundation in Data Analysis

Develop a strong foundation in data collection and analysis. This module will introduce you to qualitative and quantitative data and how to analyse it; the collection of primary and secondary data; the production of high quality graphics; and report writing.

Compulsory•20 credits

Introduction to Education

This module sets the scene for the programme, starting with your own background and experience and exploring what education means, how it differs from schooling and key concepts and approaches. It will also help you to develop the academic skills necessary for your degree programme.

Compulsory•20 credits

Preparing for Learning in Higher Education

This module is designed to give you the best possible start to your university studies, making sure you have all the essential skills you need to succeed. Through lectures and workshops we will teach you how to write in an academic style, how to find quality sources, how to reference work, culminating in writing up a mini-research project.

Compulsory•20 credits

Group Challenge (Humanities)

Formulate and execute a group led enquiry into texts, cultural artifacts, film, music or dance. You'll explore their topics in groups at supervised workshops and develop questions on the cultural object relates to the living world of human experience, as well as developing your own methods to answer these questions.

Compulsory•20 credits

Research in the Humanities, Social Sciences and Education

This module will equip you with the necessary skills to conduct and analyse research in a specific interest, supported by academics within your subject. You'll navigate through the research process, from identifying an area of interest to presenting their findings to your peers.

Compulsory•20 credits

Students who require Foundation Year study will register on the Education Studies with Foundation Year programme.

Upon successful completion with a score of 50% or above you will progress directly onto BA Secondary Teaching Studies (English). The foundation year has been designed to prepare you for entry on the degree.
6 Modules

Playlist

Michelle Wormald

Course Overview 2 mins

Choosing Psychology

Student story 2 mins

Teaching facilities

University Life 1 min

Life on campus

University Life 2 mins

Entry requirements

What do I need?

When it comes to applying to university, you'll need a certain number of UCAS points. Different qualifications and grades are worth a different amount of points. For this course, you'll need…

Use UCAS's calculator to work out your estimated points

We consider experience and qualifications from the UK and worldwide which may not exactly match the combinations above.

But it's not just about the grades - we'll look at your whole application. We want to know what makes you tick, and about your previous experience, so make sure that you complete your personal statement.

Have questions? Our admissions team will be happy to help.

What do I need?

If you require a student visa to study or if your first language is not English you will be required to provide acceptable evidence of your English language proficiency level.

See other English language proficiency qualifications accepted by the University of Hull.

If your English currently does not reach the University’s required standard for this programme, you may be interested in one of our English language courses.

Visit your country page to find out more about our entry requirements.

Fees & funding

How much is it?

Additional costs you may have to pay

Additional Information - Secondary Teaching Studies

The tuition fee charged by the University for an accelerated degree is £11,100 per year. As accelerated degree students study throughout the year, the maximum amount of Maintenance Loan you can apply for is higher than that available to students studying a standard three-year degree. You can find out more about the Long Courses Loan here.

The amount of Maintenance Loan you can take out will depend on your household income and where you’ll live while studying. The Maintenance Loan is paid directly into your bank account to help you with your living costs, like accommodation or rent, travel, and food. You can use the table below to give you an idea of how much you’ll receive:

Household income Living away from home Living at home (with parents)
<£25,000 £12,647 £10,216
£30,000 £11,917 £9,493
£35,000 £11,186 £8,769
£40,000 £10,432 £8,023
£45,000 £9,128 £6,726
£50,000 £7,788 £5,430
£55,000 £6,520 £4,269
£60,000 £5,217 £3,790
£62,347+ £4,767 £3,790


When your application for student finance has been assessed Student Finance England will tell you exactly how much you’ll receive. You can apply for your student finance now on the gov.uk site.

The deadline for applications is 17 May. If you apply late your first Maintenance Loan payment may be late too.

If you want to progress to a PGCE with another specialist teacher training provider after you have finished your University of Hull degree, there’s funding available for that too: currently there are Government ‘Train to Teach’ bursaries for individuals looking to have a career in secondary teaching; and you can take out another Tuition Fee Loan to cover your tuition fees, and a Maintenance Loan to help with your living costs.

Your tuition fees will cover most costs associated with your programme (including registration, tuition, supervision, assessment and examination).

There are some extra costs that you might have to pay, or choose to pay, depending on your programme of study and the decisions you make. The list below has some examples, and any extra costs will vary.

  • Books (you’ll have access to books from your module reading lists in the library, but you may want to buy your own copies)
  • Optional field trips
  • Study abroad (including travel costs, accommodation, visas, immunisation)
  • Placement costs (including travel costs and accommodation)
  • Student visas (international students)
  • Laptop (you’ll have access to laptops and PC’s on campus, but you may want to buy your own)
  • Printing and photocopying
  • Professional-body membership
  • Graduation (gown hire and photography)

Remember, you’ll still need to take into account your living costs. This could include accommodation, travel and food – to name just a few.

How do I pay for it?

How much is it?

Additional costs you may have to pay

Additional Information - Secondary Teaching Studies

The tuition fee charged by the University for an accelerated degree is £11,100 per year. As accelerated degree students study throughout the year, the maximum amount of Maintenance Loan you can apply for is higher than that available to students studying a standard three-year degree. You can find out more about the Long Courses Loan here.

The amount of Maintenance Loan you can take out will depend on your household income and where you’ll live while studying. The Maintenance Loan is paid directly into your bank account to help you with your living costs, like accommodation or rent, travel, and food. You can use the table below to give you an idea of how much you’ll receive:

Household income Living away from home Living at home (with parents)
<£25,000 £12,647 £10,216
£30,000 £11,917 £9,493
£35,000 £11,186 £8,769
£40,000 £10,432 £8,023
£45,000 £9,128 £6,726
£50,000 £7,788 £5,430
£55,000 £6,520 £4,269
£60,000 £5,217 £3,790
£62,347+ £4,767 £3,790


When your application for student finance has been assessed Student Finance England will tell you exactly how much you’ll receive. You can apply for your student finance now on the gov.uk site.

The deadline for applications is 17 May. If you apply late your first Maintenance Loan payment may be late too.

If you want to progress to a PGCE with another specialist teacher training provider after you have finished your University of Hull degree, there’s funding available for that too: currently there are Government ‘Train to Teach’ bursaries for individuals looking to have a career in secondary teaching; and you can take out another Tuition Fee Loan to cover your tuition fees, and a Maintenance Loan to help with your living costs.

Your tuition fees will cover most costs associated with your programme (including registration, tuition, supervision, assessment and examination).

There are some extra costs that you might have to pay, or choose to pay, depending on your programme of study and the decisions you make. The list below has some examples, and any extra costs will vary.

  • Books (you’ll have access to books from your module reading lists in the library, but you may want to buy your own copies)
  • Optional field trips
  • Study abroad (including travel costs, accommodation, visas, immunisation)
  • Placement costs (including travel costs and accommodation)
  • Student visas (international students)
  • Laptop (you’ll have access to laptops and PC’s on campus, but you may want to buy your own)
  • Printing and photocopying
  • Professional-body membership
  • Graduation (gown hire and photography)

Remember, you’ll still need to take into account your living costs. This could include accommodation, travel and food – to name just a few.

How do I pay for it?

Our academics

You'll benefit from the outstanding support of academic staff who are experienced education practitioners.

Our research is driven by the belief that education can challenge inequalities and injustices in society, and seeks social and educational change to enhance fairness, equity and social justice.

See more academics for this subject
Shelley Hindley
Featured academic

Shelley Hindley

Shelley has 10 years experience in secondary schools including as Head of French and Head of German. She was an assessor for the General Teaching Council’s Teaching and Learning Academy and co-led Teacher Effectiveness Enhancement Programme courses.
Holly Smith
Featured academic

Holly Smith

Holly has over 10 years’ experience teaching in secondary schools. Her research interests include reading for pleasure and drama as an engagement tool for learning.

Take a look at our facilities

Education Lecture Room

Study the theory in our lecture rooms – before you put your learning into practice in the classroom.

Forest School Training Centre

You could study for a Forest School certification within our outdoor classroom, gardens, wooded area and wildflower meadows.

Brynmor Jones Library

Our seven-storey library is a superb learning space. As well as more than a million books, there’s a variety of study areas, over 400 open-access PCs and one amazing view.

Group Lecture Room

Collaborate in group lecture rooms working as part of our vibrant community of students and staff who all share an interest in developing excellent learning opportunities for others.

See more in our virtual tour

Look around

Forest-School-

Look around

Look around

Education Lecture Room
Forest-School-
Brynmor Jones Library Observation Deck
Small Lecture Room
student on placement as trainee teacher at tollbar academy

Future prospects

After you graduate, you can go on to work in schools as an unqualified teacher, or start initial teacher training leading to Qualified Teacher Status (e.g. PGCE).

Graduates also pursue other postgraduate studies, work as home education tutors, education consultants, teach abroad, or take up educational roles in the arts, heritage or local government sectors.

University of Hull Open Day

Your next steps

Like what you’ve seen? Then it’s time to apply.

The standard way to apply for this course is through UCAS. This will give you the chance to showcase your skill, qualities and passion for the subject, as well as providing your academic qualifications.

How to apply

Not ready to apply?

Visit our next Open Day, and see all that Hull has to offer for yourself. Talk to our lecturers about your subject, find out what university is really like from our current students, and take a tour of our beautiful campus and amazing facilities.

Book your place now

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1. 96.2% employability (Teacher Education) UK domicile full-time first degree leavers; Higher Education Graduate Outcomes statistics, for the academic year 2021/22, published by the Higher Education Statistics Agency June 2024.

All modules presented on this course page are subject to availability and this list may change at any time.

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