The core aim of the programme is to develop scientific knowledge in the theory and application of the psychological and social processes underlying teaching and learning.
The postgraduate programme in Educational Psychology is particularly aimed at people who are working in education or are interested in pursuing a career as an educator.
The field of Educational Psychology is broadly defined as the study of students, learning and teaching. Studies in this discipline can enrich the work of those working or wishing to work as teachers in primary, secondary or higher education by providing the basic theoretical background to guide their teaching with the aim of improving students' learning outcomes and being able to help their students progress academically and personally.
A successful teacher is able to motivate students, successfully manage the classroom, assess students' prior knowledge, successfully communicate ideas, accommodate students' particular needs, develop appropriate teaching methods and use appropriate assessment methods.
Teachers can develop these skills by understanding and applying relevant psychological theories of learning. The programme aims to encourage teachers to see themselves as engaged learners who are constantly looking for and considering better ways to help their students achieve their goals.
The core aim of this programme is to enrich students' knowledge of the ways in which individual development and individual differences affect learning and the implications that these parameters may have in teaching. Another sub-objective is to develop critical thinking in the evaluation of different methods of teaching and assessment of learning.
Finally, the programme aims to train students in the use of methodological and statistical tools for the investigation of contemporary issues in educational psychology.