UCAS code
LX53Mode of Study
Full-time, Full-time sandwich with work placementDuration
3 years full-time, 4 years sandwich with work placementStart date
September 2023, September 2024Overview
If you want to make a difference in the lives of young people and understand what makes them tick, you can combine the study of childhood and psychology on this BA (Hons) Early Childhood Studies with Psychology degree.
You’ll explore the theory and lives of children from birth to 8 years old, covering themes such as cover education, health and welfare. And you'll study psychology to build your understanding of children's individual and collective behaviour and how this affects their development.
At the end of the course you'll be set for a career in roles such as early years practitioner, play worker, youth worker, teacher and social worker.
Entry requirements
To do this degree, you need to apply for the BA (Hons) Early Childhood Studies course. This is because it's a ‘pathway’ degree.
You’ll study Early Childhood Studies in depth and add Psychology as a complementary subject in years 2 and 3. You’ll graduate with a BA (Hons) Early Childhood Studies with Psychology degree when you finish the course.
These are the entry requirements for the BA (Hons) Early Childhood Studies course.
BA (Hons) Early Childhood Studies degree entry requirements
Typical offers
- A levels – ABB–BBC
- UCAS points – 112–128 points to include a minimum of 2 A levels, or equivalent (calculate your UCAS points)
- T levels – Merit
- BTECs (Extended Diplomas) – DDM–DMM
- International Baccalaureate – 25
You may need to have studied specific subjects – see full entry requirements and other qualifications we accept
Selection process
- Applicants must complete an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) application before starting their professional placement working with children and young people.
English language requirements
- English language proficiency at a minimum of IELTS band 6.0 with no component score below 5.5.
See alternative English language qualifications
We also accept other standard English tests and qualifications, as long as they meet the minimum requirements of your course.
If you don't meet the English language requirements yet, you can achieve the level you need by successfully completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course.
Typical offers
- A levels – ABB–BBC
- UCAS points – 112-128 points to include a minimum of 2 A levels, or equivalent (calculate your UCAS points)
- T-levels – Merit
- BTECs (Extended Diplomas) – DDM–DMM
- International Baccalaureate – 25–26
You may need to have studied specific subjects – find full entry requirements and other qualifications we accept at UCAS.
Selection process
Applicants must pass Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) before starting their professional placement working with children and young people.
English language requirements
- English language proficiency at a minimum of IELTS band 6.0 with no component score below 5.5.
See alternative English language qualifications
We also accept other standard English tests and qualifications, as long as they meet the minimum requirements of your course.
If you don't meet the English language requirements yet, you can achieve the level you need by successfully completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course.
What you'll experience
On this BA (Hons) Early Childhood Studies with Psychology degree, you'll:
- Develop a thorough understanding of the first 8 years of children's lives and develop the skills you need for a career in the early years sector
- Examine the issues that shape the lives of young children in society and explore what future care and education could look like
- Be taught by staff that are active in research into areas such as animal cognition, autism, forensic psychology and quality of working life
- Use specialist psychology equipment and facilities, including an observation suite, toddler and infant laboratory, psychophysiology laboratory, psychology of applied cognition laboratory, and digital analysis and video editing suite
- Draw from current issues, using national and international viewpoints to explore the development of children in their first experiences at home and in initial education
- Hone the soft skills that employers value including teamwork, communication, problem solving, self-motivation and time management
- Complement your studies with our research seminars and guest speakers where you'll grapple with issues alongside other students and lecturers
- You can also tailor your studies to include the Early Years Initial Teacher Training (EYITT) award. This doesn't give you Qualified Teacher Status (QTS), but it does mean you can become a fully qualified teacher with specialised training for children birth to five years. Following your studies, you could go on to do a PGCE and gain QTS if you wish.
- Run simulation activities to examine the responses of children to play and learning in the controlled environment of our practice suite.
Careers and opportunities
When you complete the course, you’ll be prepared to take on roles in education, social care and health-related areas. You could also continue your studies at postgraduate level.
What can you do with a Early Childhood Studies degree?
Previous students have gone on to work in:
- teaching
- healthcare
- social welfare
- the police force
- early years teaching and training
- nursery practice
- play work
- family support services
- early years management
- healthcare and health promotion
- social work
- the voluntary sector
- special educational and disability support
What jobs can you do with a Early Childhood Studies degree?
Specific roles that our graduates have gone on to include:
- training assessor
- teacher
- employability coordinator
- careers advisor
- schools liaison officer
After you leave the University, you can get help, advice and support for up to 5 years from our Careers and Employability service as you advance in your career.
A global survey of 1000 business leaders by the Harvard Business Review [...] found that the skills most in-demand by employers are those in which Social Sciences, Humanities and the Arts graduates specialise – from communication, problem solving and creativity, to research and analysis.
Work experience and career planning
To give you the best chance of securing a great job when you graduate, our Careers and Employability service can help you find relevant work experience during your course. We can help you identify placements, internships and voluntary roles that will complement your studies and build your links within the industry.
We'll also be available to help, advise and support you for up to 5 years as you advance in your career.
This course allows you to take the Learning From Experience (LiFE) option. This means you can earn credits towards your degree for work, volunteer and research placements that you do alongside your study.
Placement year
After your second year of study, you can do a paid placement year, working within local schools and organisations. This lets you put your knowledge and skills to work while developing your links with employers.
You’ll get mentoring and support throughout your placement, to ensure you’re getting the most out of the year.
What you'll study on this BA (Hons) Early Childhood Studies with Psychology degree
Each module on this course is worth a certain number of credits.
In each year, you need to study modules worth a total of 120 credits. For example, 4 modules worth 20 credits and 1 module worth 40 credits.
Modules
Core modules
What you'll learn
The learning outcomes of this module are:
- Design a viable group research project
- Evaluate different research methods and paradigms
- Reflect on the strengths and weaknesses of different research methods and approaches to research
- Assess a range of qualitative research methods for use in research with children and young people in the social sciences
What you'll learn
The learning outcomes of this module are:
- Describe key elements of how children and adolescents develop from a theoretical perspective
- Explain how different stages of the growth and development processes are influenced by each other
- Recognise how external and internal influences (nature, nurture) impact and contribute to the development of self concept in an individual
- Discuss examples of social, emotional and cognitive development in children
What you'll learn
The learning outcomes of this module are:
- Gain knowledge and understanding of key issues related to the health and well being of young children.
- Analyse the ways health impacts on the lives of young children and families.
- Describe and effectively communicate the inequalities children and families may encounter in enabling the health and wellbeing of young children.
- Meet knowledge components of Early Childhood Graduate Practitioner Competencies.
What you'll learn
The learning outcomes of this module are:
- Describe perspectives of early childhood education.
- Examine the principles and practices of working in partnership with carers as children's first educators.
- Identify an effective environment for children’s learning and development in the curriculum, ensuring account is taken of stage of development, individual needs and circumstances of children.
What you'll learn
The learning outcomes of this module are:
- Appreciate what different disciplines offer for understanding childhoods
- Discuss issues pertaining to inclusivity
- Engage in reflection about the topics under discussion
- Identify key concepts in relation to the study of childhood
- Engage in reflection on continuing personal, professional, and academic, development
Core modules
What you'll learn
The learning outcomes of this module are:
- Use a social psychology perspective to explore the nuances of children's social development.
- Take responsibility for your own learning with minimum direction, in independent and group learning.
- Apply a detailed knowledge of formative social influences in children's lives.
- Critically analyse the forces and dilemmas which influence how children relate to the world around them.
What you'll learn
The learning outcomes of this module are:
- Discuss and reflect upon a range of perspectives related to play for children aged from birth to 12 years of age.
- Compare and contrast types and forms of children's play.
- Explore meanings of play in social and educational contexts.
- Evaluate experiences that enrich the play and learning of children.
What you'll learn
The learning outcomes of this module are:
- Demonstrate skills required for providing learning experiences, environments and opportunities appropriate to the age, stage and needs of individuals and groups.
- Examine theoretical concepts around professional practice and how they are applied in the workplace.
- Utilise the concepts of reflection to articulate personal and professional development goals.
- Critically evaluate your learning and experience and relate this to your future career goals.
What you'll learn
The learning outcomes of this module are:
-
Display detailed knowledge on four domains within psychology: biological psycholoyg, cognitive psychology, individual differences and developmental psychology.
-
Critically evaluate psychology's use and understanding of the main biological, cognitive and developmental processes in psychology, as well as of individual differences.
-
Manage information and select appropriate psychological data from a range of academic sources.
-
Recognise, recall and discuss psychological constructs, subject specific terminology and empirical applications.
What you'll learn
The learning outcomes of this module are:
- Assess quantitative and qualitative research methodologies and be able to understand which of these to deploy in a research study.
- Reflect on the main issues around debates of the strengths and limitations of research with children and young people.
- Analyse research with children and young people.
- Identify and develop a topic appropriate for in-depth study and consider issues related to ethical and data protection issues.
Optional modules
What you'll learn
The learning outcomes of this module are:
- Discuss the key features of various learning theories/models.
- Examine how external influences impact and contribute to the development of learning in individuals.
- Consider how the theories of learning could be applied in an educational context.
- Demonstrate insight into your own approaches to learning.
What you'll do
The learning outcomes of this module are:
- Communicate clearly and effectively about social problems and their consequences.
- Evaluate strategies for addressing forms of inequality and/or sustainability and obstacles to their implementation.
- Demonstrate the ability to be an effective team player able to support others.
What you'll learn
The learning outcomes of this module are:
- Critically assess the use and validity of different theoretical perspectives in understanding and interpreting specific perspectives on children and young people.
- Examine outcomes of processes of globalisation for children and young people by analysing specific cases.
- Apply knowledge and understanding of theories of globalisation to relevant cases in the UK and abroad to appraise outcomes for children and young people.
- Construct and present reasoned analyses of aspects of modern life and processes of globalisation.
What you'll learn
The learning outcomes of this module are:
-
Reflect on their learning and experience to date and use this as a basis to plan and organise suitable work experience(s) that will enable the development of their professional profile.
-
Propose a programme of learning that enables the development and demonstration of specified professional skills.
-
Critically evaluate their learning and experience and relate this to their future career goals.
-
Communicate the outcomes of their experience, through the effective use of reflective practice.
What you'll learn
The learning outcomes of this module are:
-
Formulate a plan to synthesise academic sources and relevant evidence.
-
Critically review the key theoretical and empirical debates about the sociology of education.
-
Interrogate ideas about the sociology of education from a range of relevant sources.
-
Assess the relationship between education and other facets of contemporary society.
-
Evaluate the current state of knowledge of education from a sociological perspective.
Optional modules
What you'll learn
The learning outcomes of this module are:
-
Manage and complete tasks in a study relevant to their course, with an appropriate level of skill, initiative, independence and performance.
-
Critically reflect on the formal learning experience and student ambassadorial role for the University, and consider the relevance of this learning to future study and/or employability and personal development.
-
Critically assess how activities relate to disciplinary knowledge and practice covered on the student's undergraduate course within the global context.
What you'll learn
The learning outcomes of this module are:
- Critically reflect on the competencies required within a placement environment.
- Identify and evaluate the learning experience and the relevance of this learning to future careers and professional development, identifying areas for improvement or further training.
- Self-evaluate their success in meeting the objectives identified in the learning agreement.
Core modules
What you'll learn
The learning outcomes of this module are:
- Design a viable dissertation.
- Make use of a range of current research or equivalent advanced scholarship in the relevant field.
- Deploy established and relevant techniques of analysis and enquiry within an ethical framework to a specific and focussed area relevant to children and young people.
- Critically evaluate assumptions, arguments and data (which may be incomplete) in order to form a judgement, frame further questions and identify potential solutions.
- Manage and reflect upon own learning and communicate in writing to a specified audience relevant to either the academic or workplace community.
What you'll learn
The learning outcomes of this module are:
- Examine different concepts and models in relation to mental health issues in children.
- Reflect on the different sources and risk factors (pathological, social) that play a role in the diagnosis of mental health issues, and critically analyse how they interact.
- Critically analyse abnormal and disturbing behaviour as context-embedded and normatively defined problems.
What you'll learn
The learning outcomes of this module are:
- Synthesize a robust, creative, imaginative and well informed approach to supporting children, birth to five in becoming confident, capable learners.
- Evaluate essential factors that influence young children's development.
- Critically evaluate the role of the adult in facilitating young children's progress by applying an understanding of the role of theoretical frameworks.
- Explain the role of the adult in facilitating young children's progress by applying an in depth understanding of the role of the environment.
What you'll learn
The learning outcomes of this module are:
- Critically review specific child and education based practice approaches based in psychological theory.
- Articulate a critical evaluation of the role of ethical practice when working with children, young people and families.
- Evaluate psychological theory alongside the lived experience of children, young people and families.
- Examine professional approaches in the context of psychological and educational discourse.
Optional modules
What you'll learn
The learning outcomes of this module are:
- Critically consider the lived experience of families in need.
- Analyse relevant theory in relation to family experience.
- Critically apply knowledge of the context of policy and practice so as to extend understanding of the issues families face, and the social context they experience.
- Demonstrate confidence in considering complex problems within society.
What you'll learn
The learning outcomes of this module are:
- Critically discuss knowledge of relevant theories, philosophies and concepts about outdoor education
- Develop a critical awareness of the role of risk in decision making and learning
- Critically apply theories of adventure learning
- Critically reflect on the child’s and the practitioner’s experience of outdoor education
What you'll learn
The learning outcomes of this module are:
- Reflect on their learning and experience to date and use this as a basis to plan and organise suitable work experience(s) that will enable the development of their professional profile.
- Propose a programme of learning that enables the development and demonstration of specified professional skills.
- Critically evaluate their learning and experience and relate this to their future career goals.
- Communicate the outcomes of their experience, through the effective use of reflective practice.
Changes to course content
We use the best and most current research and professional practice alongside feedback from our students to make sure course content is relevant to your future career or further studies.
Therefore, some course content may change over time to reflect changes in the discipline or industry. If a module doesn't run, we'll let you know as soon as possible and help you choose an alternative module.
How you're assessed
You’ll be assessed through:
- essays
- group and individual projects and presentations
- tests
- written examinations
- practical reports
- self-led research project
- a dissertation or work based project
You’ll be able to test your skills and knowledge informally before you do assessments that count towards your final mark.
You can get feedback on all practice and formal assessments so you can improve in the future.
Teaching
Teaching methods on this course include:
- group-based activities
- seminars
- tutorials
- individual and group presentations
- poster presentations
- project work
- lectures
- practical research and experiments
You can access all teaching resources on Moodle, our virtual learning environment, from anywhere with a Web connection.
For more about the teaching activities for specific modules, see the module list above.
How you'll spend your time
One of the main differences between school or college and university is how much control you have over your learning.
We use a blended learning approach to teaching, which means you’ll take part in both face-to-face and online activities during your studies. As well as attending your timetabled classes you'll study independently in your free time, supported by staff and our virtual learning environment, Moodle.
A typical week
We recommend you spend at least 35 hours a week studying for your Early Childhood Studies pathway. In your first year, you’ll be in timetabled teaching activities such as lectures, seminars and workshops for about 10 hours a week. The rest of the time you’ll do independent study such as research, reading, coursework and project work, alone or in a group with others from your course. You'll probably do more independent study and have less scheduled teaching in years 2 and 3, but this depends on which modules you choose.
Term dates
The academic year runs from September to June. There are breaks at Christmas and Easter.
Supporting your learning
The amount of timetabled teaching you'll get on your degree might be less than what you're used to at school or college, but you'll also get support via video, phone and face-to-face from teaching and support staff to enhance your learning experience and help you succeed. You can build your personalised network of support from the following people and services:
Types of support
Your personal tutor helps you make the transition to independent study and gives you academic and personal support throughout your time at university.
As well as regular scheduled meetings with your personal tutor, they're also available at set times during the week if you want to chat with them about anything that can't wait until your next meeting.
You'll have help from a team of faculty learning development tutors. They can help you improve and develop your academic skills and support you in any area of your study.
They can help with:
- Improving your academic writing (for example, essays, reports, dissertations)
- Delivering presentations (including observing and filming presentations)
- Understanding and using assignment feedback
- Managing your time and workload
- Revision and exam techniques
As well as support from faculty staff and your personal tutor, you can use the University's Academic Skills Unit (ASK).
ASK provides one-to-one support in areas such as:
- Academic writing
- Note taking
- Time management
- Critical thinking
- Presentation skills
- Referencing
- Working in groups
- Revision, memory and exam techniques
If you have a disability or need extra support, the Additional Support and Disability Centre (ASDAC) will give you help, support and advice.
Our online Learning Well mini-course will help you plan for managing the challenges of learning and student life, so you can fulfil your potential and have a great student experience.
You can get personal, emotional and mental health support from our Student Wellbeing Service, in person and online. This includes 1–2–1 support as well as courses and workshops that help you better manage stress, anxiety or depression.
If you require extra support because of a disability or additional learning need our specialist team can help you.
They'll help you to
- discuss and agree on reasonable adjustments
- liaise with other University services and facilities, such as the library
- access specialist study skills and strategies tutors, and assistive technology tutors, on a 1-to-1 basis or in groups
- liaise with external services
Library staff are available in person or by email, phone, or online chat to help you make the most of the University’s library resources. You can also request one-to-one appointments and get support from a librarian who specialises in your subject area.
The library is open 24 hours a day, every day, in term time.
If English isn't your first language, you can do one of our English language courses to improve your written and spoken English language skills before starting your degree. Once you're here, you can take part in our free In-Sessional English (ISE) programme to improve your English further.
Course costs and funding
Tuition fees (2023 start)
- UK/Channel Islands and Isle of Man students – £9,250 a year (may be subject to annual increase)
- EU students – £9,250 a year, including our Transition Scholarship (may be subject to annual increase)
- International students – £17,200 a year (subject to annual increase)
Tuition fees (2024 start)
- UK/Channel Islands and Isle of Man students – £9,250 a year (may be subject to annual increase)
- EU students – £9,250 a year, including our Transition Scholarship (may be subject to annual increase)
- International students – £18,100 a year (subject to annual increase)
You won't pay any extra tuition fees to another university for taking part in a study/work abroad activity if you choose to do it for the whole academic year. During a year abroad you'll only have to pay a reduced fee to the University of Portsmouth.
Funding your studies
Find out how to fund your studies, including the scholarships and bursaries you could get. You can also find more about tuition fees and living costs, including what your tuition fees cover.
Applying from outside the UK? Find out about funding options for international students.
Additional course costs
These course-related costs aren’t included in the tuition fees. So you’ll need to budget for them when you plan your spending.
Additional costs
Our accommodation section show your accommodation options and highlight how much it costs to live in Portsmouth.
You’ll study up to 6 modules a year. You may have to read several recommended books or textbooks for each module.
You can borrow most of these from the Library. If you buy these, they may cost up to £60 each.
We recommend that you budget £75 a year for photocopying, memory sticks, DVDs and CDs, printing charges, binding and specialist printing.
If your final year includes a major project, there could be cost for transport or accommodation related to your research activities. The amount will depend on the project you choose.
You’ll need to cover additional costs, such as travel costs, if you take an optional placement or placement abroad.
These costs will vary depending on the location and duration of the placement, and can range from £50–£1000.
During your placement year or study abroad year, you’ll be eligible for a discounted rate on your tuition fees. Currently, this discount amounts to 90% of the year’s fees.
Tuition fees for that year are:
- UK/Channel Islands and Isle of Man students – £925 a year (may be subject to annual increase)
- EU students – £925 a year, including Transition Scholarship (may be subject to annual increase)
- International students – £1,800 a year (subject to annual increase)
The costs associated with your specific destination will be discussed during your second year, as well as possible sources of additional funding.
Apply
You need to choose BA (Hons) Early Childhood Studies when you apply for this course, because this is a ‘pathway’ course. This is where you study Early Childhood Studies in depth and add Psychology as a complementary subject in years 2 and 3. You’ll then graduate with a BA (Hons) Early Childhood Studies with Psychology degree when you complete the course.
If you change your mind after you apply, you can choose not to study Psychology in years 2 and 3. You’ll then graduate with a BA (Hons) Early Childhood Studies degree when you complete the course.
How to apply
To start this course in 2023, apply through UCAS. You'll need:
- the UCAS course code – LX53
- our institution code – P80
If you'd prefer to apply directly, use our online application form.
You can also sign up to an Open Day to:
- Tour our campus, facilities and halls of residence
- Speak with lecturers and chat with our students
- Get information about where to live, how to fund your studies and which clubs and societies to join
If you're new to the application process, read our guide on applying for an undergraduate course.
To start this course in 2024, apply through UCAS. You'll need:
- the UCAS course code – LX53
- our institution code – P80
If you'd prefer to apply directly, use our online application form.
You can also sign up to an Open Day to:
- Tour our campus, facilities and halls of residence
- Speak with lecturers and chat with our students
- Get information about where to live, how to fund your studies and which clubs and societies to join
If you're new to the application process, read our guide on applying for an undergraduate course.
How to apply from outside the UK
See the 'How to apply' section above for details of how to apply. You can also get an agent to help with your application. Check your country page for details of agents in your region.
To find out what to include in your application, head to the how to apply page of our international students section.
If you don't meet the English language requirements for this course yet, you can achieve the level you need by successfully completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course.
Admissions terms and conditions
When you accept an offer to study at the University of Portsmouth, you also agree to abide by our Student Contract (which includes the University's relevant policies, rules and regulations). You should read and consider these before you apply.