Psychology and Early Childhood Studies

Psychology and early childhood studies together address two interconnected questions: how do human minds develop, and what conditions enable young children to flourish? Psychology provides the scientific framework, drawing on cognitive, developmental, social, and biological approaches to understand how people think, feel, and learn. Early childhood studies focuses those methods on the period from birth to around eight years, examining the processes of development, the role of families and environments, and the policy frameworks that govern early years education and care.

At the University of Derby, this three-year full-time programme combines psychological science with the applied understanding needed to work with young children and the adults who support them. You will study core psychological theory and research methods alongside child development, attachment theory, language acquisition, play, early years pedagogy, and the social and policy contexts of early childhood provision. The programme includes a sandwich year and work placement, giving you professional experience in educational or care settings where you can apply your learning directly and develop practical competence.

The University of Derby received a Gold rating in the Teaching Excellence Framework, reflecting the quality of the student experience and outcomes. The typical entry tariff is 104 UCAS points.

Graduates from psychology and early childhood studies programmes go on to careers in early years education, childcare, family support, health visiting, social work, educational psychology (with further training), and child and adolescent mental health services. Many continue to postgraduate study in educational psychology, early childhood education, or social work, and the degree provides an excellent foundation for routes into teaching.