Psychology, Education and Special Educational Needs (Professional Placement Year)

Immerse yourself in the science of learning with our Psychology, Education and Special Educational Needs degree.

• Take an interdisciplinary approach to understanding how, and in which contexts, individuals learn.

• Explore educational practice and policy in order to create change.

• Gain the research and analytical skills you need to investigate and generate new knowledge.

How do we learn as individuals and in groups? And how can policy and practice be changed to support social justice and transform lives?

Our multidisciplinary Psychology, Education and Special Educational Needs degree uses the lens of psychology to explore educational policy and practice – locally, nationally and internationally – in order to create change.

Psychology, Education and Special Educational Needs at Bath Spa has professionalism at its core. We’ll help you identify and nurture your career aspirations throughout all three years of your studies. You’ll also gain real-world experience during a placement in your second year.

You’ll explore the diversity of individuals and the contexts in which they learn. Our aim is that you’ll graduate with the knowledge and skills you need for further study or employment within the educational psychology sector – and beyond.

Please note that the BSc (Hons) Psychology, Education and Special Educational Needs at Bath Spa was historically named BSc (Hons) Educational Psychology. The course page live on our website reflects the older name.

More about the Professional Placement Year
A Professional Placement Year (PPY), traditionally known as a sandwich year, is where you undertake a period of work with an external organisation for between 9-13 months. The placement occurs between your second and final years of undergraduate study. You can engage in multiple placements to make up the total time and are required to source the placement(s) yourself, with support from the Careers team.

In year one, you'll learn the foundational concepts of education and psychology, including human development, the influence of social interactions, the importance of individual differences, how we learn, as well as how, why, and where we educate.

In year two, deep-dive into scientific ways of knowing, the mind and brain, social influences, and supporting learners with diverse needs. In addition, you'll embark on an embedded professional practice placement through which you'll explore your professional identity.

Your third year is a Professional Placement Year.

In your final year, advance your understanding of human development and cognition, apply your knowledge from years one and two to professional contexts. You'll engage with an in-depth research project exploring areas within the intersection of education and psychology, such as health and wellbeing.

Assessments vary and can include essays, group presentations, debates, examinations, research reports, portfolios, as well as more authentic forms of assessments (e.g. case studies and policy reports).

We’ll provide you with regular feedback on how you're doing and give you regular guidance on how to improve your skills, knowledge and understanding.

Professionally accredited courses provide industry-wide recognition of the quality of your qualification.

• British Psychological Society