Childhood and Psychology BA (Hons)
- Level(s) of Study: Undergraduate
- UCAS Code(s): X387
- Start Date(s): September 2023
- Duration: Three years full-time
- Study Mode(s): Full-time
- Campus: Clifton Campus
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Entry Requirements:
More information
Introduction:
Take the next step towards a future supporting children and young people with our unique BA (Hons) Childhood and Psychology degree. Focusing on childhood from conception to 14 years, you’ll gain invaluable knowledge and skills to support your ambitions. This degree is for those planning a fulfilling career in a diverse range of sectors including education, social care and health care.
You’ll gain a broad view of childhood and explore relevant psychological perspectives. You will also carry out empirical research, equipping you with the skills needed to move into employment in the childhood and psychology sectors. In addition to studying the core themes, you’ll focus on modules related to psychology.
Give real-life context to your studies and become even more attractive to future employers with our enhanced placement opportunities. You’ll be well prepared for the world of work with our extensive network of 600 partnerships in a wide range of settings. There’s even the opportunity to take your placement overseas.
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Placement opportunities and work-like experiences through over 600 partnerships with local schools, colleges and organisations. -
Option to take your placement overseas. Opportunities include teaching in Sri Lanka to working with young children in a Ghanian orphanages. -
Interdisciplinary course ideal for students from a range of different backgrounds looking to pursue a career in a range of sectors. -
Guaranteed interview for a PGCE Primary teacher training course at NTU on completing your undergraduate degree (terms and conditions apply).
What you’ll study
Our early experiences shape who we become in later life - and that’s exactly what makes this course so fascinating. You’ll gain a wide view of childhood and child development with specific reference to classic and contemporary psychological theory.
This degree will enable you to understand how children develop and how they can be supported using a range of interventions. You will also learn how to conduct empirical research using both quantitative and qualitative research techniques, as well as how to interpret all forms of empirical data. This will equip you with the knowledge and skills to move into a range of employment within the childhood and psychology sectors.
The broad range of modules available within this course will allow you to develop both personally as a learner and professionally, by incorporating the world of work and global perspectives into your studies. Key transferable skills are embedded in the modules and are reinforced whilst working alongside experienced practitioners.
Placement
You will have the opportunity to undertake a placement in Year One and Year Two. Placements can be in a wide range of educational settings, locally, regionally, nationally or even internationally. Placement options include working with disadvantaged children at a local authority provision; educational and support provision in a hospital context; supporting the provision of activities for children / young people with a range of disabilities and additional needs at a local charity or experiencing an outdoor Kindergarten in Denmark.
Putting your studies into practice helps you to understand your subject and its application in real-life. Placement opportunities support you both professionally and personally by ensuring you develop the key skills that will make you more employable at the end of your studies.
Here’s a year-by-year breakdown of what you’ll be studying during the course.
Academic Focus (20 credit points)
- This module supports you in your transition into Higher Education and in understanding what is expected at this level of study and beyond.
- You’ll be provided with the essential skills needed to be successful in your academic journey and introduced to a range of professionals within the university that will support you in your studies.
Environments for Learning (40 credit points)
- This module considers how a range of environments support aspects of children’s learning and development.
- A placement opportunity in a choice of mainstream educational contexts such as nurseries, primary schools and secondary schools will then allow you to apply your learning in this module, where you will observe and engage in current practice.
- You’ll make connections between how children learn and develop, as well as the curricula and educational provision that can support this.
- You’ll also gain an awareness of the theoretical models and practice pioneers which influence current practice in education and other wider learning environments.
Understanding Children’s Holistic Development (20 credit points)
- This module explores the diverse ways in which children develop holistically (from conception to 14 years), as well as the range of biological factors and wider influences that effect this process.
- You’ll build knowledge of theoretical and philosophical perspectives, as well as strategies and approaches that support our understanding of the ways in which development can be positively promoted by parents and practitioners.
Contemporary Childhoods (20 credit points)
- This module examines children’s rights in both national and global contexts, with a focus on interprofessional discourses and different educational and sociological perspectives to support your personal and professional learning and development.
- Issues around the rights of the child and how professionals can respect and promote those rights will form key elements within this module.
Introduction to Developmental Psychology (20 credit points)
- This module provides an overview of core developmental psychology theories and key concepts relevant to a range of childhood topics that will be explored in more depth later in the course.
Supportive Environments for Children and Communities (20 credit points)
- This module explores a range of environments and services that support children, families and the wider communities they live within.
- You’ll develop criticality when examining the social influences impacting on the lived experience of children, young people and families with a range of different support needs.
- You’ll gain an understanding of the wider context for children and families during a community-based placement, either locally, nationally or internationally. Examples of placements may include community play therapy, charities for child refugees, teaching English in Bali or supporting children with Special Educational Needs in a Romanian school.
Researching Contemporary Childhoods (20 credit points)
- Through this module, you’ll gain understanding of and apply research methodology and ethical considerations by designing an ethical small-scale study.
- You’ll compile a literature review and undertake a pilot study in small groups.
- The module enables you to prepare for your independent research dissertation in your final year by giving you a starting point in understanding the range of terminology and processes related to research.
Social Constructions of Childhood (20 credit points)
- This module explores how the concept of childhood is socially constructed by the times and places in which children live and with the individuals involved in shaping their experience.
- You’ll be able to examine some key themes, in the socio-cultural context of children’s learning and development in relation to historical, legal and social perspectives using different types of evidence and materials.
Global Childhoods (20 credit points)
- Is childhood universally experienced around the Globe? The module examines this concept, exploring children’s lived experiences across a range of international contexts.
- You’ll develop an understanding of various educational approaches and practices, and the factors and theories which influence decisions made about policy and provision for children and young people.
- You’ll reflect on the similarities and differences between the UK and other countries, evaluating the reasons for differences.
Social Influences in Children and Early Adolescence (20 credit points)
This module takes place at the NTU City Campus.
- This module introduces you to several fundamental concepts in social psychology and links these to a range of experiences during childhood and early adolescence.
- You’ll examine a range of social influences (families, peers, and outside influences) which impact on children's social learning and development.
Research Methods in Psychology (20 credit points)
This module takes place at the NTU City Campus.
- This module introduces you to the basics of understanding, collecting and analysing quantitative data using surveys and the fundamentals of the nature of quantitative data.
- You’ll learn a range of skills including how to create a research question, use appropriate software to create surveys, work in teams to collect the data, analyse the data using appropriate statistical tests, present the data appropriately and write up a laboratory report.
Research Dissertation (40 credit points)
- As part of this module, you’ll design and carry out a research dissertation project in relation to children’s learning and development.
- You’ll acquire and link theory and practice to support your development as an informed educational researcher and reflective practitioner.
Leaderful Practice (20 credit points)
- This module investigates aspects and issues for leadership in a context which interests you.
- You’ll learn about the theories and principles of leadership and engage in individual reading, research and planning in a chosen context in the childhood sector.
Sustainable Childhoods (20 credit points)
- This module identifies what is meant by a sustainable childhood and consider a range of theoretical models and underlying viewpoints which underpin the notion of sustainable childhoods.
- You’ll take a global, contemporary viewpoint regarding sustainable childhoods and use a range of theory and practice concepts.
- You’ll be challenged to reflect on global initiatives and professional practices within the context of sustainability.
The Psychology of Therapy and Intervention (20 credit points)
This module takes place at the NTU City Campus.
- This module explores a range of psychological interventions and support for children’s learning and development.
- You’ll critically compare and evaluate the effectiveness of different approaches, applied to case study scenarios.
The Psychology of Language and Literacy Development (20 credit points)
This module takes place at the NTU City Campus.
- This module explores the development of language and literacy during childhood and early adolescence, It examines interventions that have been used to support language and literacy in educational settings.
Don’t just take our word for it, hear from our students themselves
How you’re taught
We've introduced flexible and innovative ways of learning and teaching to develop your study skills and understanding of theory and practice. Methods include:
- lectures
- seminar discussions
- independent study
- practical work
- project work
- workshops
- placements and work-like experiences.
How will I be assessed?
Assessment will be on your coursework and there are no formal exams during the course. Academic support and guidance are provided through our tutor support structure. Regular tutor feedback is given on your work in order to help you improve, develop your skills and begin to plan for your future career.
Contact hours
- Year 1 lectures/seminars/workshops (23%), independent study (69%) and placements (8%)
- Year 2 lectures/seminars/workshops (22%), independent study (68%) and placements (10%)
- Year 3 lectures/seminars/workshops (16%) and independent study (84%)
Further information
How you’re assessed
- Year 1 coursework (100%)
- Year 2 coursework (100%)
- Year 3 coursework (100%)
Careers and employability
Your career development
What skills will I develop?
A Childhood and Psychology degree combines the study of two interrelated disciplines, childhood and psychology. You’ll explore the major psychological perspectives as well as the broad range of childhood modules.
You will develop key transferable skills, including:
- written communication developed through writing essays
- oral communication skills gained through reasoned debates during seminars and presentations
- the ability to work as part of a team, though collaborative group work
- research and analytical skills with the ability to judge and evaluate information
- organisational and time management skills by prioritising tasks to ensure academic, social and work commitments are completed on time
- negotiation, informally with peers and formally with staff
- problem solving
- critical thinking skills
- digital skills.
How can I boost my career prospects?
Childhood and Psychology graduates that go on to further study tend to take courses that lead to professional status. The most popular option is the postgraduate certificate in education (PGCE), as many graduates go on to work as primary school, early years or special needs teachers, as well as further or higher education lecturers. Other popular professional courses include nursing and postgraduate courses in social work. Employers are often supportive of further study and may support employees by providing funding or time off to complete coursework.
Your future career
A Childhood and Psychology degree is an excellent foundation for careers working with children and young people in many sectors including health, education and social care.
This degree is not accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS).
Job options
Jobs directly related to your degree include:
- Early Years Teacher
- Family Support Worker
- Learning Mentor
- Teaching Assistant
- Youth Worker
- Early Help Advisor
- Leaders and Managers of Services and Provision for Children
- Youth Mental Health Worker.
Possible careers with postgraduate study:
- Primary School Teacher
- Special Educational Needs Teacher
- Social Worker
- Child Psychotherapist
- Paediatric Nurse
- Community Development Worker
- Counsellor
- Educational Psychologist
- Speech and Language Therapist
- Children’s Wellbeing Practitioner
- Play Therapist
- Midwife.
Typical employers
Childhood and Psychology graduates enter employment in a variety of sectors with a range of employers including local authorities, local and national charities, state and independent schools, nurseries, health authorities and within the community.
Children's Centres and the National Health Service (NHS) also employ graduates from Childhood and Psychology degrees.
Links with industry
We involve industry experts in our courses in a number of ways.
- We consult with employers when we design and update our courses.
- We ensure you are prepared to meet the demands of the workplace by continually checking the currency and validity of our courses with employers.
- You will have the opportunity to have a work placement (if not already in paid or voluntary employment).
- Employers may input directly into your course through guest lectures, projects, and other work-related activities.
Enrichment opportunities
In order to enhance your skills and knowledge, you will also be able to experience a range of enrichment opportunities on the course such as training and Continuing Professional Development (e.g. paediatric first aid and Makaton) which will be attractive to future employers as you look for graduate roles.
Learn a new language
Alongside your study you also have the opportunity to learn a new language. The University Language Programme (ULP) is available to all students and gives you the option of learning a totally new language or improving the skills you already have.
Learning a new language can:
- enhance your communication skills
- enrich your experience when travelling abroad
- boost your career prospects.
Find out more about the University Language Programme.
Guaranteed interview scheme: teacher-training
One of the benefits of the course is the broad knowledge and experience you will gain. This experience may lead you to consider teaching, even if you have not considered this as a career before.
If you complete your degree, you are guaranteed an interview for a PGCE Primary teacher-training course at NTU during your third undergraduate year (subject to places being available).
Terms and conditions apply:
- Applications will be withdrawn and not be progressed to interview stage once all places are filled on relevant courses
- Interviews are subject to you meeting the essential entry criteria for the PGCE course at the time of application, such as GCSE requirements, degree grade
- An interview does not guarantee an offer to study on the course.
Campus and facilities
Entry requirements
Looking for a place in Clearing? We are accepting applications and would love to hear from you.
To discuss our entry requirements and see what we can offer you, call us now on +44 (0)115 848 6000 or apply online.
What are we looking for?
- We accept UCAS Tariff points from up to four qualifications.
- GCSE English and Maths grade C / 4.
Other requirements
You will also need to complete:
- an Enhanced with Barred List(s) DBS check; and
- a satisfactory placement suitability check.
Other qualifications and experience
We may also consider credits achieved at other universities and your work/life experience through an assessment of prior learning. This may be for year one entry, or beyond the beginning of a course where applicable, for example, into year 2. Our Recognition of Prior Learning and Credit Transfer Policy outlines the process and options available for this route.
Getting in touch
If you need more help or information, get in touch through our enquiry form.
Looking for a place in Clearing? We are accepting applications and would love to hear from you.
To discuss our entry requirements and see what we can offer you, call us now on +44 (0)115 848 6000 or apply online.
What are we looking for?
- We accept UCAS Tariff points from up to four qualifications
- GCSE English and Maths grade C / 4.
Other requirements
You will also need to complete:
- an Enhanced with Barred List(s) DBS check; and
- a satisfactory placement suitability check.
International qualifications
We accept qualifications from all over the world – check yours here:
Undergraduate preparation courses (Foundation)
If you don’t yet meet our entry requirements, we offer Foundation courses through our partner Nottingham Trent International College (NTIC), based on our City Campus:
English language entry requirements
You can meet our language requirements by successfully completing our pre-sessional English course for an agreed length of time, or by submitting the required grade in one of our accepted English language tests, such as IELTS:
Advanced standing (starting your undergraduate degree in year 2 or 3)
You may be able to start your undergraduate course in year 2 or 3 based on what you have studied before. This decision would be made in accordance with our Recognition of Prior Learning and Credit Transfer Policy.
Would you like some advice on your study plans?
Our international teams are highly experienced in answering queries from students all over the world. We also have members of staff based in Vietnam, China, India and Nigeria and work with a worldwide network of education counsellors.
- Complete this simple form to keep in touch with the International Office.
Fees and funding
Preparing for the financial side of student life is important, but there’s no need to feel anxious and confused about it. We hope that our fees and funding pages will answer all your questions.
Getting in touch
For more advice and guidance, you can contact our Student Financial Support Service.
Tel: +44 (0)115 848 2494
Additional Costs
Your course fees cover the cost of studies, and include loads of great benefits, such as the use of our library, support from our expert Employability team, and free use of the IT equipment across our campuses.
Library books
Most study modules will recommend one or more core text books, which most students choose to purchase. Book costs vary and further information is available in the University’s bookshop. Our libraries provide a good supply of essential text books, journals and materials (many of which you can access online) – meaning you may not need to purchase as many books as you might think! There may also be a supply of second-hand books available for purchase from previous year students.
Field trips
All essential field trip costs will be included in your course fees. There may be the opportunity to take part in optional field trips, which do incur additional costs.
Placements
If you're undertaking a placement year, you'll need to budget for accommodation and any travel costs you may incur whilst on placement. Many of our placement students do earn a salary whilst on placement which can help to cover these living costs.
Print and copy costs
The University allocates an annual printing and copying allowance of £20 depending on the course you are studying. For more details about costs for additional print and copying required over and above the annual allowance please see the Printing, photocopying and scanning information on the Library website.
Tuition fees for September 2023 entry
Tuition fees are payable for each year that you are at the University. The level of tuition fees for the second and subsequent years of your undergraduate course may increase in line with inflation and as specified by the UK government. Visit our fees page for more information.
Scholarships
We offer scholarships of up to 50% of your tuition fee. You can apply for your scholarship when you have an offer to study at NTU.
Living costs
Get advice on the cost of living as an international student in Nottingham and how to budget:
Paying fees
Find out about advanced payments, instalment plan options and how to make payments securely to the University:
Would you like some advice on your study plans?
Our international teams are highly experienced in answering queries from students all over the world. We also have members of staff based in Vietnam, China, India and Nigeria and work with a worldwide network of education counsellors.
- Complete this simple form to keep in touch with the International Office.
Additional Costs
Your course fees cover the cost of studies, and include loads of great benefits, such as the use of our library, support from our expert Employability team, and free use of the IT equipment across our campuses.
Library books
Most study modules will recommend one or more core text books, which most students choose to purchase. Book costs vary and further information is available in the University’s bookshop. Our libraries provide a good supply of essential text books, journals and materials (many of which you can access online) – meaning you may not need to purchase as many books as you might think! There may also be a supply of second-hand books available for purchase from previous year students.
Field trips
All essential field trip costs will be included in your course fees. There may be the opportunity to take part in optional field trips, which do incur additional costs.
Placements
If you're undertaking a placement year, you'll need to budget for accommodation and any travel costs you may incur whilst on placement. Many of our placement students do earn a salary whilst on placement which can help to cover these living costs.
Students completing the four year degree may choose to apply for a study abroad option instead of a work placement (or a mixture of study abroad and work placement) during the third year of the course. If successful, students will be expected to pay for accommodation, travel and living costs whilst on study abroad/placement. Travel grants and Erasmus funding may be available to help fund international travel costs.
Print and copy costs
The University allocates an annual printing and copying allowance of £20 depending on the course you are studying. For more details about costs for additional print and copying required over and above the annual allowance please see the Printing, photocopying and scanning information on the Library website.
How to apply
Ready to join us? Then apply as soon as you can. Just click the Apply button at the top of the page and follow the instructions for applying. Make sure you check the entry requirements above carefully before you do.
Writing your application and personal statement
Be honest, thorough and persuasive in your application. Remember, we can only make a decision based on what you tell us. So include all of your qualifications and grades, including resits or predicted grades.
Your personal statement is a really important part of your application. It’s your chance to convince us why we should offer you a place! You’ve got 4,000 characters to impress us. Make sure you use them to show how your skills and qualities are relevant to the course(s) you’re applying for. For more hints and tips, take a look at our page on how to write a good personal statement.
Diversity of our students
We are committed to promoting a diverse and representative body of teacher trainees. We welcome applications from under-represented groups, such as male applicants, applicants from BME communities, mature applicants and those with disabilities.
All applicants welcome
We welcome applications from prospective students with a range of qualifications and experience, and all are assessed on an individual basis. Mature applicants who do not meet the standard entry criteria can still be considered providing they have relevant experience to compliment any qualifications. All applicants will need to apply through UCAS.
Keeping up-to-date
After you’ve applied, we’ll be sending you important emails throughout the application process so check your emails regularly, including your junk mail folder.
You can get more information and advice about applying to NTU on our Your Application page. Good luck with your application!
You can apply for this course through UCAS. If you are not applying to any other UK universities, you can apply directly to us on our NTU applicant portal.
Application advice
Apply early so that you have enough time to prepare – processing times for Student visas can vary, for example. After you've applied, we'll be sending you important emails throughout the application process – so check your emails regularly, including your junk mail folder.
Writing your personal statement
Be honest, thorough, and persuasive – we can only make a decision about your application based on what you tell us:
Would you like some advice on your study plans?
Our international teams are highly experienced in answering queries from students all over the world. We also have members of staff based in Vietnam, China, India and Nigeria and work with a worldwide network of education counsellors.
- Complete this simple form to keep in touch with the International Office.
The University's commitment to delivering the educational services advertised.