University of Warwick

What you'll study

This MSc combines core psychological approaches with applied topics in education. You will study contemporary theory and empirical research on cognitive, social and developmental processes that affect learning, and explore how these findings translate into classroom practice, assessment design and policy.

• Core research training — advanced quantitative methods (including multivariate statistics and modelling), qualitative methods, and research design to prepare you for independent empirical work.
• Learning and cognitive processes — memory, attention, problem solving, metacognition and their implications for instruction and curriculum design.
• Development, motivation and behaviour — developmental trajectories, socio-emotional influences on learning, motivation theories and classroom behaviour management.
• Assessment and measurement — principles of educational assessment, psychometrics, test design, and using assessment data to inform practice.
• Applied topics — interventions to support learning, inclusive practice and special educational needs, digital learning and educational technologies, and evidence-informed teaching strategies.
• Dissertation — an independent research project supervised by academic staff, allowing you to address a substantive question in psychology and education using appropriate empirical methods.

Teaching typically combines lectures, seminars, practical workshops (statistical and qualitative software), and close supervision for research. Assessment methods commonly include essays, project reports, data analyses, presentations and the dissertation.

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally expected to hold a good honours degree (UK upper second class or equivalent) in psychology or a related discipline. Candidates with degrees in other subjects who have demonstrable relevant experience, or who have completed conversion-level psychological study, may also be considered.

Successful applicants should show evidence of academic potential for postgraduate study and some familiarity with psychological concepts or basic research methods. International applicants will need to meet the University's English language requirements. Specific documented qualifications for professional accreditation (where relevant) should be checked against programme and professional body guidance.

Career prospects

Graduates of the MSc Psychology Education progress into a range of roles where psychological understanding of learning is valued. Common pathways include:

• educational research and evaluation roles in universities, research centres and think tanks;
• policy and advisory positions in government departments, inspectorates or NGOs focused on education;
• roles within schools and colleges such as learning support, assessment coordination or behaviour specialists;
• learning design and educational technology roles in the public and private sectors;
• further professional training — many graduates go on to doctoral study (PhD) or professional training routes such as educational psychology doctoral programmes, teacher training or specialist postgraduate qualifications.

The programme emphasises research skills and evidence appraisal, which are transferable to many jobs that require evaluation, data analysis and the translation of research into practice.

Why study at University of Warwick

The University of Warwick offers an interdisciplinary environment linking psychology and education research, with academics working across developmental, cognitive and social psychology applied to educational questions. You will benefit from small-group teaching, access to advanced research training and statistical support, and supervision from staff active in empirical research.

Warwick's links with local schools, educational organisations and research networks provide opportunities to engage with applied projects and practitioners, while campus facilities support research activity and student development. The programme is designed to prepare graduates for research-led roles and further professional study by combining rigorous theoretical grounding with practical empirical training.