Psychology with Early Childhood Studies

Psychology with early childhood studies is a degree that brings together the scientific study of the mind and behaviour with a focused specialism in the development, wellbeing and education of young children. Psychology as a discipline uses rigorous research methods to investigate perception, emotion, memory, social behaviour and mental health, and developmental psychology has a particular concern with how human capacities emerge and unfold through childhood and adolescence. Early childhood studies adds a practical and policy-oriented dimension, examining the places and spaces where children learn and play, the theoretical frameworks that inform early years practice, and the family and social contexts that shape children's experiences.

At Plymouth, this three-year full-time programme includes a sandwich year, a year abroad and a work placement, giving you both professional experience and international exposure alongside your academic development. You will be introduced to a range of settings that facilitate children's learning and play, exploring the connections between direct experience and academic theory and developing your ability to understand and support children's development in practice. The work placement and sandwich year give you direct professional engagement with early years or child-focused settings, which is particularly valuable in a field where employers consistently value practical experience alongside academic knowledge.

You will develop your research skills, your theoretical understanding of developmental psychology and early childhood, and your ability to analyse and communicate your observations.

Graduates move into careers in early years education, childcare management, child and family support services, educational psychology preparation, social care, community health and primary school teaching. Many graduates use the degree as a foundation for postgraduate training in educational psychology, social work, teaching or clinical psychology. Further study in psychology, early childhood studies or education is a natural option.