University of Roehampton, BA (Hons), Education and Psychology

Education Year 1: The student studies a number of compulsory courses introducing them to the main ideas in education; studying the history of the education system helps the student see why it is structured as it is, and a study of the philosophy of the system provokes them into questioning their educational values; the student tackles child and adolescent psychological development and investigates sociological influences such as race, gender and class; the student may also able to choose from a range of optional courses according to their particular interests. Year 2: in the 2nd year the student takes a compulsory course exploring controversial contemporary issues in education; the student may be able specialise by studying a particular age range if they wish, or they can focus on an area such as technology, values in education, or the spiritual and emotional aspects of learning and schooling; there is also an exciting opportunity to undertake an education placement providing opportunities to work with children on an informal basis; the student benefits from optional modules that cover a wide range of topics which may include: comparative studies (education in other countries); gender and race; education in museums; careers education and special educational needs; the student can study from a range of supported learning, building experience and confidence in various fields of employment; examples include: work with youth clubs; nurseries; behaviour units and youth offending teams; some other external certification and training with organisations such as the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children/National Pyramid Trust and the Communities Empowerment Network. Year 3: in the 3rd year the student can choose to undertake a special study in an area of personal interest with the support of a tutor. Psychology Year 1: The student is introduced to: child development; cognitive processes; neurobiology; psychological research methods; social psychology. Year 2: in the 2nd year the student studies cognitive, social and developmental psychology; research methods are taught in greater depth along with personality/individual differences; the student may also be able to study a range of option modules available, which may include criminal psychology and health psychology. Year 3: in the final year the student undertakes a year long (supervised) research project, as well as continuing with studies in cognitive psychology; a further diversity of modules is offered reflecting the research interests and expertise of the teaching team, such as: autism; discourse analysis; neuropsychology; non-verbal communication.