Are you passionate about learning? Does the human thought process and ability to learn fascinate you? If so then educational psychology may be the perfect course for you.

However, it is also important for potential students of educational psychology to have strong analytical and interpretation skills as you’ll be learning basic cognitive theories and applying these to real-life case studies.

Similarly, there may be fewer contact hours than other scientific disciplines, but this does not mean that the course is any less demanding. While you will be expected to attend lecture, you will also have to use your spare time to conduct extra critical research and engaging with critical texts. It is important that students are hard working, open minded and self-motivated if they are to succeed.

The majority of students who study educational psychology do so with the intention of working as an educational psychologist with Local Education Authorities.  Although the average starting salary alters depending upon where it is you work, the average newly qualified educational psychologist earns£21,809 a year in the UK.

However some students decide to use their degree in order to pursue a career in teaching. Graduates with a strong undergraduate degree can go straight into roles as teaching assistants or learning mentors for young children or those with educational needs. Many graduates also opt to take post graduate qualifications in order to become classroom teachers. With a starting yearly salary in the UK of £21,588 many graduates see teaching as a lucrative career path, although this salary differs depending upon your country.

The skills learnt on this course are also applicable to a number of other vocational careers such as youth workers, social carers or even working in counselling and psychotherapist careers.  Similarly, care work for those with educational needs is also popular with graduates.

Most Universities require potential students to demonstrate their passion for the subject matter as well as demonstrate their academic potential. Previous qualifications in subjects such as English, history, psychology or even biology will help strengthen your application. Undergraduate degrees require students to have 3 A-levels and most post-graduate degrees will accept graduates with a 2.1 degree in a science related subject.

Provided that meet the requirements and you can sit the IELTS test scoring a minimum of 6.0, then there’s nothing to stop non-native English speakers from applying for a position.

Psychology is a subject that can be studied at both undergraduate and post graduate level meaning that there is a wide range of s subject options available to those wanting to pursue specialist interests. The length of your course will very much depend on the University and the level at which you study. Most undergraduate degree will last a minimum of 3-4 years whereas post-graduate courses last for a minimum of a year (for a full-time MA).

When you are applying to study on a psychology course, it is important not only to look at the module options available to you, but also the practical hands-on experience that your University will allow you to gain during your studies. Is there the option to pursue a vocational work placement as part of your degree? Many establishments will cultivate relationships with teaching hospitals and private practices that will not only provide students with strong practical experiences, but will also allow for a diverse range of career opportunities.

If you’re struggling to secure funding, there are a number of scholarships and grants available in order to help with course fees.

Most Universities have very specific requirements for potential students. Most establishments will specify that applicants have specific A-level grades for undergraduate courses or a 2:1 degree for any post-graduate qualification. Before you decide on which course you should like to study, make sure that you meet the entry requirements. If you just fall short of meeting these requirements, contact the university and see if, on occasion they will make an exception.

Of course it is also important to choose somewhere that will make you happy for the duration of your course, particularly if you’re opting to live away from home. There is no denying that your qualification will end up costing you a lot of money. It is important that you get the most out of your time as a student and that living in the local area as well as paying fees is within your budget.