Introduction
Psychology for Education will provide you with an understanding of different psychological theories and how they relate to educational settings. You’ll be empowered to explore and examine how positive psychology can impact your educational setting.
By the end of the module, you will understand the theories underpinning your teaching approaches and “core values” and reflect on how these can be effectively harnessed to further develop your pedagogy. Through this you will build an understanding of the individual differences of learners within a learning environment and how to adapt pedagogy to support these.
This is an optional module on our postgraduate programmes; SEND and Inclusion, Inclusive Educational Leadership, Educational Assessment, Autism and Pastoral Care.
Why study this module?
Choose this module and:
- Develop an understanding of different psychological theories and how they relate to educational settings
- Understand the individual differences of learners within a learning environment and how to adapt pedagogy to support these.
- Understand the mediating impact of the teacher in implementing metacognitive strategies with learners
- Explore and examine how positive psychology can impact on educational settings.
- Understand the theories underpinning your own teaching approaches and “core values” and reflect on how these can be effectively harnessed to further develop their pedagogy.
- Study a module that has been quality-assured by Middlesex University
Select your study style and dates
Online – self paced
Study at your own pace and time
Info & dates
Cohorts begin in January, May and September.
The next cohort begins on 15 January 2025. Book and register before 15 January 2025 to join our next cohort.
Course content
The Psychology for Education course is divided into three units. These units cover the following:
Strand 1: Explores psychology applied to learners. The aims of this unit are to equip the delegate with the knowledge and skills to critically apply cognitive psychology theories to their classroom practice, to explore implementing metacognitive strategies with learners via a small scale piece of classroom-based research and to reflect on how pedagogy can be adapted to support individual differences.
Strand 2: Explores psychology applied to settings. The aims of this unit are to develop delegates’ understanding of Positive Psychology with specific reference to Character Strengths; application of these strengths to self and others; and how they relate to a positive teaching and learning approaches. Activities are focussed on work with colleagues to establish personal strengths within the team and how these can be utilised to support the learners, teaching team and wider development of the setting.
Strand 3: Explores psychology applied to the practitioner. The aims of this unit are to critically reflect on the delegates personal pedagogy and “core values”. The theory underpinning Personal Construct Psychology will be explored in the context of defining views of ‘the ideal teacher’ and the purpose of education for learners. Reflecting on the learning that has happened throughout the course will provide a framework for the development of a personal action plan for future professional growth.
Browse the detailed content overview for further information.
Course details
How will you benefit?
This module will benefit you and your setting in a wide variety of ways. Over the duration of the course, you will:
- Be able to turn your in-depth theoretical knowledge into actionable practical skills in educational psychology
- Know a range of psychological theories that can be applied in the educational setting (Cognitive Psychology, Positive Psychology and Personal Construct Psychology)
- Take on a leadership role amongst your colleagues by establishing personal strengths and how these can be utilised to support the learners, teaching team and wider development of the setting
- Be able to identify links between the theories of psychology and individual needs in the school setting, via activities such as a structured observation in order to detect meaningful patterns in behaviour and evaluate their significance
- Attain 30 Masters level (Level 7) credits which you can put towards a PGCert, PGDip or Master of Education on any of our Masters programmes
Detailed content overview
- Explore the established field of positive psychology as applied to learners in an educational setting. Develop the knowledge and skills to critically apply cognitive psychology theories to your classroom practice, to explore implementing metacognitive strategies with learners via a small scale piece of classroom based research and to reflect on how pedagogy can be adapted to support individual differences.
- Explore the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) and how it contrasts with Positive Psychology in terms of using ‘deficit based’ language
- Explores psychology applied to settings including Self-determination theory, Character Strengths; application of these strengths to self and others; and how they relate to positive teaching and learning approaches.
- Work with colleagues to establish personal strengths within the team and how these can be utilised to support the learners, teaching team and wider development of the setting.
- Psychology applied to the practitioner, critically reflect on your personal pedagogy and “core values”.
- The theory underpinning Personal Construct Psychology will be explored in the context of defining views of ‘the ideal teacher’ and the purpose of education for learners.
- Reflecting on the learning that has happened throughout the course will provide a framework for development of a personal action plan for future professional growth.
How is the module delivered?
- Our courses are delivered through Campus Online, our unique provision for online learning.
- Campus Online allows you to study at your own pace, without the need to travel, or commit to particular dates or times. Log in to access your study materials, contact your personal tutor for support, connect and network with other delegates and make use of the extensive resource library.
- You can easily track your progress throughout the course and submit your work and evidence of assignments for feedback.
How will you be assessed?
Assessment is through coursework assignments covering the learning outcomes and will be via the presentation of a research portfolio, comprising:
- Critical/Practical analysis: (1500 words). A diagrammatic overview of the strategies, concepts, and theories relating to one area of cognitive psychology, mapping knowledge to practical approaches to support teaching in the classroom.
- Practical analysis: (1500 words or 15 minutes). A visual presentation (PowerPoint, video, a series of annotated photographs) outlining the process of engaging with a staff group to elicit character strengths and how these underpin the positive aspects of teaching in their school.
- Reflective analysis: (3000 words). A reflective analysis incorporating an evaluation of personal and professional development and an action plan for future change and growth.
Delegates, should they wish to and where a word equivalence option is given, will be encouraged to produce a portfolio of evidence including the use multimedia approaches where suitable but will not be penalised for using text-based submissions.
Are you eligible?
- You will need to hold an undergraduate degree.
- You will need to be working in an educational setting for this module. If you aren’t currently working in an educational setting you will need written permission from a senior member of staff to regularly access a setting.
Are you based in an international setting?
This module is available online and can therefore be completed anywhere in the world. The programme content is designed and written with both UK and international settings in mind.
Please click here for advice on payment options and other information relevant to those studying outside of the UK.
Choose a start date that suits you
Cohorts begin in January, May and September.
The next cohort begins on 15 January 2025. Book and register before 15 January 2025 to join our next cohort.
How much does the course cost?
We offer a flexible range of fees to suit your finances:
- A one-off payment of £1,525 + VAT
- Three instalments of £533 + VAT
- Ten instalments of £165 + VAT
For further information please visit the payment FAQ page found here.
Speak to us (01273 358080) or make a booking.
How long does it take to complete the course?
The duration of this module is up to one year.
We do understand, however, that circumstances can arise that could prevent the course from being completed at this time. If this is the case, an extension can be arranged in conjunction with the admin team and your tutor.
“[Since completing the course] I have reframed my own classroom challenges in light of my own character strengths, I believe this has led to a more positive focus in the classroom as I am enjoying finding resolutions rather than following action plans that are not congruent with my own values or strengths.”
Michelle Austin, Lead Practitioner
Module leader
Jalak is a senior educational psychologist who has worked with families and schools in the UK and Hong Kong.
She is passionate about the use of psychology in the field of education to support children and young people to achieve their goals. Prior to training as an educational psychologist (EP), Jalak worked as a primary school teacher. After eight years as an EP in Coventry, she moved to Hong Kong to take up a dual role as an EP and Advisor for SEN Training and Development for the English Schools Foundation (ESF).