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Social Psychology in Education - EDU00012C

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  • Department: Education
  • Credit value: 20 credits
  • Credit level: C
  • Academic year of delivery: 2023-24
    • See module specification for other years: 2024-25

Module summary

The aim of this module is to introduce students to social psychology by providing students with an introduction to both classic studies and more contemporary research, considering how these apply to our study of the psychology of education. Students will be given the opportunity to discuss different theoretical approaches to social behaviour and will explore different social psychological research methodologies relevant to the psychology of education.

Module will run

Occurrence Teaching period
A Semester 2 2023-24

Module aims

The aim of this module is to introduce students to social psychology by providing students with an introduction to classic studies and more contemporary research, considering how these apply to our study of the psychology of education. Students will be given the opportunity to discuss different theoretical approaches to social behaviour and will explore different social psychological research methodologies relevant to the psychology of education.

Module learning outcomes

By the end of this module students will be able to:

  • Describe major theoretical perspectives on how social relations influence social cognition, learner attitudes and group relations, especially within an education context.

  • Discuss major theories explaining how social psychological processes, such as the development of learner attitudes, learner attributions, issues of prejudice and bias, intergroup relations, and other social relationships are relevant to education.

  • Demonstrate an awareness of the interplay between social psychological processes and learning.

  • Discuss multiple methods of gathering and evaluating data within social psychology.

Academic and graduate skills

Students will have learned how to:

  • Formulate academic arguments in written and oral form.

  • Manage a range of sources and critically evaluate the reliability and validity of these in informing and supporting academic argumentation.

  • Analyse the ways in which theories and data from social psychology can aid our understanding of education.

  • Use the Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) website, and the Internet effectively.

Module content

The following is indicative of the different topics that will be covered:

  • Social cognition.

  • Self and identify.

  • Attitudes.

  • Prejudice, bias, and stereotypes.

  • Conformity and obedience.

  • Prosocial behaviour and aggression.

Indicative assessment

Task % of module mark
Essay/coursework 100

Special assessment rules

None

Indicative reassessment

Task % of module mark
Essay/coursework 100

Module feedback

Individual written feedback reports, with follow-up tutor meeting, if necessary. The feedback is returned to students in line with university policy. Please check the Guide to Assessment, Standards, Marking and Feedback for more information.

Indicative reading

Hogg, M., & Vaughan, G. (2021). Social Psychology (9th Ed.). Pearson.

Aronson, E., Wilson, T.D., & Sommers, S.R. (2018). Social Psychology: Global Education (9th Ed.). Pearson.

Crisp, R.J., & Turner, R.N. (2020). Essential Social Psychology (4th Ed.). Sage.

Smith, P.B., Fischer, R., Vignoles, V.L., Bond, M.H. (2013). Understanding Social Psychology Across Cultures: Engaging with Others in a Changing World (2nd Ed.) Sage


The information on this page is indicative of the module that is currently on offer. The University constantly explores ways to enhance and improve its degree programmes and therefore reserves the right to make variations to the content and method of delivery of modules, and to discontinue modules, if such action is reasonably considered to be necessary. In some instances it may be appropriate for the University to notify and consult with affected students about module changes in accordance with the University's policy on the Approval of Modifications to Existing Taught Programmes of Study.