BA (Honours) Education with Psychology and Counselling
Previously known as Education Studies with Psychology and CounsellingUCAS code
CX83Attendance
Full-time
Three years full-timeAt a glance
Learn how to apply the theories and practices of psychology and counselling in educational settings. You develop your practical knowledge and skills through University-based learning and through placements in both primary and secondary schools and pupil referral units.
Key points
• Learn about how psychology and counselling related to education.
• Specialise in, early years, childhood, adolescent or adult provision.
• Have the option to specialise further in any of the subject areas.
• Gain experience in educational environments such as primary and secondary schools.
What is education with psychology and counselling?
The study of psychology and counselling and how it applies to educational settings.
About this course
This course involves studying three different disciplines and completing three work placements to give you the skills and knowledge needed for a large range of careers such as teaching and school counselling.You achieve this through work-based learning and studying educational themes and policy such as social inclusion.
You are introduced to the main theories of psychology and counselling and look at how these disciplines developed. You also examine current debates in these topics.
In year one you take modules in developmental, social and cognitive psychology and the foundations of counselling. Educational achievement in relation to social class, race and gender is also explored along with learning theories. As you move into year two, you specialise in social, developmental and cognitive psychology. You also examine counselling skills in education and emotional intelligence in education.
During year three, you do a year-long research project linked to your final work placement which allows you to specialise in psychology, counselling or education. Examples of past projects include social exclusions and positive reinforcement in schools. Other modules allow you to debate current issues in psychology, counselling and education.
As you progress, you can choose to focus on early years, childhood, adolescent or adult provision. This specialism can be developed in your three work placements which enable you to link theory and practice.
Placements are usually based in an educational setting, such as a school, college or pupil referral unit. So that you have a variety of experiences, we aim to give you a placement at a different and contrasting setting each time. You experience working in a suitable educational environment and complete coursework based on this experience.
A range of placements helps you get a deeper appreciation of the challenges facing educational professionals and of the skills required to be an effective professional. They also provide an opportunity for you to start making informed career plans and choices.
You further develop your understanding of professional practice through specialist modules and by learning different approaches to researching practice.
Key areas of study
Key areas include
• gaining a thorough knowledge of education policy, strategy and practice in the UK
• learning to observe and assess educational practices including your own
• learning to look critically at debates and trends and reflect on experiences
You also improve your skills in • communications • project management • critical thinking • information and communication technology • reflective practice • teamworking.
Associated careers
As a graduate of this course, you choose from various career paths including • teacher • social worker • youth worker • probation officer • counselling practitioner.
Graduate entry occupations include a range of support roles in the education workforce, such as learning mentors.
You are also equipped to progress to one of our postgraduate psychology courses if you wish to work towards gaining British Psychological Society status.
Course content
Year one modules
• aims of education • foundations of counselling • psychology of development and social behaviour • cognitive processes and individual differences • observing learners and professionals • policy studies in education 1
Year two core modules
• counselling skills in education • thinking, learning and cognition • psychology of development • applied social psychology • individual differences, personality and intelligence • thinking about educational practices
Year two options
Two from • current approaches to TESOL (teaching English to speakers of other languages) • e-learning, technology and education • inclusion in educational contexts • emotional intelligence in a learning environment • drama in educational contexts • exploring education: theories, perspectives, practices
Year three modules
• planning a research project • research project • counselling children and young people • integrating counselling skills and self • current debates in psychology and counselling
Placements
The main focus of your placement is observation and research into a wide range of issues related to the workplace, including structures, practices and roles.
In year one and two, you have two placements each lasting eight weeks. In year 3 your placement lasts 7 weeks with 5 research days to complete a small-scale enquiry.
Assessment
• reports • essays • papers • timed assessments • book reports • self-evaluations • individual and group presentations • contributions to electronic conferences • work-based portfolios • logs • reflective diaries
Entry requirements
2014 entry requirements
Five GCSEs at grade C or above, including mathematics and English language. We may accept GCSE equivalents. Plus one of the following
• 260 points from at least two GCE/VCE A levels or BTEC National qualifications. We accept AS levels. We do not accept general studies or Key Skills.
• Access – at least 45 credits at level 3 from a relevant Open College Network accredited course
• 300 points from CACHE diploma Level 3 in Child Care and Education.
If English is not your first language you need an IELTS score of 6.5 and a minimum of 6.0 in the writing module and a minimum of 5.5 in all other skill areas.
Demonstrating that you have work experience in educational settings is an advantage. Download our application experience guidelines for more information about experience requirements and interview advice for this course. This document includes important information about your application. Failure to provide sufficient information may result in your application being unsuccessful.
As you will work with children, you must complete a declaration of criminal convictions and health check forms. If successful in applying, a Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as Criminal Records Bureau) check is required.
We consider other qualifications from the UCAS tariff. Applicants with alternative qualifications or a combination of qualifications and work experience are also considered. We welcome applications from people of any age. Please contact us for further advice.
Meeting the qualifications on the entry criteria does not guarantee you a place. You should ensure that you submit a personal statement and reference as these are considered as part of the selection process. Guidelines on personal statements and references can be found on the UCAS website.
2013 entry requirements
Five GCSEs at grade C or above, including mathematics and English language. We may accept GCSE equivalents. Plus one of the following
• 260 points from at least two GCE/VCE A levels or BTEC National qualifications. We accept AS levels. We do not accept general studies or Key Skills.
Fees
International students
2013/14 academic year
Typically £10,680 a year
2014/15 academic year
Typically £11,250 a year
How to apply
You apply for this course through UCAS.
Contact details
For more information or to check the progress of your application phone +44 (0)114 225 5555, fax +44 (0)114 225 2167, e-mail admissions@shu.ac.uk