Program Overview:
This three-year degree blends psychology with childhood studies, focusing on the developmental stages and experiences of children and young people. It’s perfect for students interested in careers supporting children’s mental health, education, social care, or developmental research.
Curriculum Structure
Year One
You’ll study foundational modules like Introduction to Psychology, Foundations of Childhood Studies, Developmental Psychology, and Research Methods. These provide essential knowledge of child development and basic psychological concepts.
Year Two
The focus broadens to Social and Emotional Development, Childhood and Society, Biological Psychology, and Quantitative and Qualitative Research Methods. This year deepens understanding of how social contexts and psychological factors influence childhood.
Year Three
In your final year, you’ll engage with specialized modules such as Children’s Mental Health, Attachment and Resilience, Childhood and Inequality, and complete an independent Research Project related to childhood and psychology.
Focus areas:
Child development, mental health, social influences, attachment theory, research skills.
Learning outcomes:
Graduates will understand psychological and sociological aspects of childhood, develop research skills, critically assess theories related to child development, and prepare for careers in child-focused professions.
Professional alignment (accreditation):
This course does not have British Psychological Society (BPS) accreditation but offers valuable preparation for postgraduate training in educational psychology, social work, or child and adolescent mental health.
Reputation (employability rankings):
Nottingham Trent University has strong programs in social sciences and psychology, with graduates well-placed for careers in education, health, and social care sectors.
This degree blends psychological theory with a focus on childhood development and care, offering students rich, practical experiences throughout the course.
Key practical experiences include:
Access to dedicated child development and psychology labs, featuring observation rooms and interactive research equipment
Opportunities for placements in childcare settings, schools, or community organisations during Year 2, allowing direct work with children and families
Modules covering real-world issues such as developmental disorders, attachment, socialisation, and safeguarding children
Final-year research project focused on topics related to childhood psychology, supported by academic supervisors and research-active staff
Regular seminars and workshops encouraging applied learning, including case studies and group projects involving child development scenarios
Graduates gain a unique skillset ideal for roles supporting children’s development, education, and wellbeing.
Typical roles include:
Childcare Practitioner, Educational Support Worker, Youth Worker, Research Assistant, Family Support Worker
Career and academic support includes:
NTU’s Careers and Employability service, providing tailored support for placements, job applications, and career planning
High graduate employability rates, with many students progressing into relevant sectors or further study
Strong student satisfaction regarding teaching quality and practical experience opportunities
Further Academic Progression
Graduates commonly continue their studies in areas such as educational psychology, social work, counselling, or child development, supported by NTU’s professional networks and postgraduate pathways.
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