Program Overview

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Introduction to Psychological Studies (Child Development and Education)

The BA (Hons) Psychological Studies (Child Development and Education) is a four-year part-time course that prepares students for a wide range of jobs and enhances career progression. This course is ideal for those who want to work with children and young people, offering a unique and highly applied focus on how psychological theories and research can be applied to professional contexts.

Course Overview

The course focuses on a range of relevant issues, including:

• Intellectual, social, and emotional development
• Children's mental health and wellbeing
• Learning and learning difficulties
• Communication and relationship building
• Special educational needs, inclusion, and diversity
• Reflective practice

Students will study key issues in developmental and educational psychology, critically analyze theories and research, and explore how these can support professional practice. Throughout the degree, students can select option modules to reflect their interests and produce an extended essay on a topic of their choice in their final year.

How You Will Learn

This course is available to study part-time in the evenings with some Saturday attendance in the first year, allowing students to fit their studies around other commitments. The approach is highly student-centered, with a focus on building skills, including through additional study days and workshops. Students will also have the opportunity to reflect on their own career and professional practice and gain valuable experience through a short placement.

Key Information and Modules

• Duration: Four years part-time
• Style of study: On campus
• Status: Fully Approved
• Awarding body: University of London
• Attendance: Two evenings a week and some Saturday attendance, October to July

Course Structure

Students must complete modules worth a total of 360 credits.

• Year 1: Six compulsory modules, including an uncredited study skills module, and one Level 4 option module
• Year 2: Five compulsory modules and one Level 5 option module
• Year 3: Two compulsory modules, two Level 5 and two Level 6 option modules
• Year 4: A core and a compulsory module, and three Level 6 option modules

Year 1 Compulsory Modules

• Psychology Study Skills
• Theoretical and Conceptual Foundations of Psychology
• Understanding Developmental Psychology
• Understanding Individual Differences
• Understanding Neuroscience
• Understanding Research Methods for Psychology

Year 2 Compulsory Modules

• Developmental Psychology
• Individual Differences
• Social Perspectives on Development
• Understanding Applied Cognitive Psychology
• Understanding Applied Social Psychology

Year 3 Compulsory Modules

• Psychological and Developmental Issues in Childhood and Adolescence
• Psychology for Personal and Professional Development

Year 4 Core and Compulsory Modules

• Psychology for Education
• Theoretical Dissertation

Option Modules

• Year 1 (Level 4):
  • Diversity and Communication
  • Research Methods in Practice
• Year 2 (Level 5):
  • Cognition
  • Neuroscience
  • Perception and Attention
  • Quantitative Research Methods
  • Your Career Development
• Year 3 (Level 5):
  • Cognition
  • Micro-placement
  • Neuroscience
  • Social Psychology
• Year 3 (Level 6):
  • Attachment Theory: Introduction and Critique
  • Careers and Counselling at Work
  • Family Studies
  • Health Psychology
  • Neurodiversity
  • Qualitative Research in Psychology
• Year 4 (Level 6):
  • Attachment Theory: Introduction and Critique
  • Brain and Cognitive Development
  • Careers and Counselling at Work
  • Clinical and Counselling Psychology
  • Family Studies
  • Health Psychology
  • Neurodiversity
  • Qualitative Research in Psychology

Entry Requirements

The university welcomes applicants without traditional entry qualifications, basing decisions on their own assessment of qualifications, knowledge, and previous work experience. A good standard of written and spoken English and basic mathematics is required. Suitability for admission will be assessed on the basis of the application and an interview. Applicants can also take a written test of their English and mathematics skills if they do not possess previous qualifications in these subjects.

UCAS Tariff Points

The UCAS tariff score is applicable to those who have recently studied a qualification with a UCAS tariff equivalence.

Certificate of Higher Education

The Certificate of Higher Education in Applied Psychology offers an entry route into the second year of this course.

English Language Requirements

There are no formal IELTS requirements for this course, and students undertake a written test prior to interview to determine their level of English. International students must also have a placement working with children or young people in the UK before their application can be considered.

Visa and Funding Requirements

If not from the UK and without residency, students may need to apply for a visa. The type of visa depends on the length of the course.

Fees

• Part-time home students: £7,335 per year
• Part-time international students: £13,875 per year Tuition fees for students continuing on their programme in following years may be subject to annual inflationary increases.

Teaching and Assessment

Teaching may include formal lectures, seminars, and practical classes and tutorials. Assessment is an integral part of university studies and usually consists of a combination of coursework and examinations. Methods of assessment on this course include essays, case studies, research reports, critical analyses of published papers, class presentations, learning and reflective journals, and examinations.

Careers and Employability

Graduates from this course have gained important transferable skills, including critical analysis, effective communication, independent and critical thinking, and numeracy. They have progressed to a wide range of careers, including specialist support workers, learning mentors, nursery professionals, and school pastoral and wellbeing roles. Some have continued their studies to master's level or gained professional qualifications. The university offers a comprehensive careers service to support students throughout their career journey.