BSc (Hons) Developmental Psychology

Course Overview

Developmental psychology is the study of how we develop cognitively, emotionally and socially, particularly during infancy, childhood and adolescence. On this programme, you’ll combine a strong core of psychology studies with developmental perspectives on cognition and behaviour. You’ll explore a range of theoretical ideas and research evidence, learning to critically evaluate the latest psychological theories and develop ideas of your own.

You’ll benefit from research-led teaching in a balance of small and larger groups. UEA’s School of Psychology has been ranked 14th overall for research quality in Psychology, Psychiatry and Neuroscience in the Times Higher Education REF 2021 Analysis. Throughout your time here you’ll be supported by your individual academic advisor, as well as having access to the University’s Learning Enhancement and Wellbeing Teams.

On this course, you’ll explore both typical and atypical cognitive development. That means you’ll cover issues such as autistic spectrum disorder, ADHD, Williams Syndrome, giftedness and developmental psychopathology. You’ll be able to choose from a range of psychology modules and have the chance to experience topics you may not have come across before. If you discover a new passion or interest during your first year, you’ll have the option to change to a different Psychology pathway, ensuring you are on the right degree for you.

In your third year, you’ll enjoy access to our state-of-the-art laboratory facilities, including the Developmental Dynamics Lab and a fully immersive virtual reality suite. You’ll also have the opportunity to demonstrate all you have learned by implementing an individual research project of your own.

This course is ideal if you’re interested in a career in child and adolescent psychology, educational psychology, teaching, child health and welfare, and parenting and family support services. The theoretical and research components of the degree will also give you a strong foundation for progressing to postgraduate study in developmental science. We also offer a range of career planning support, including a business training event and competitive paid placement and internship opportunities.

This course is open to

UK and International fee-paying students. Choose UK or International above to see relevant information. The entry point is in September each year.

We welcome and value a wide range of qualifications, and we recognise that some students might take a mixture of different qualifications. We have listed typical examples that we accept for entry.

You should hold or be working towards the specified English and Mathematics requirements and one of the examples of typical entry qualifications listed below. If your qualifications aren’t listed, or if you are taking a combination of qualifications that isn’t specified, please contact Admissions.

English and Mathematics

All applicants must hold or be working towards GCSEs in English Language and Mathematics at minimum grade 4 or grade C.

We accept a wide range of English Language qualifications, please see our English Language equivalencies page.

Typical International Entry Requirements

We accept many international qualifications for entry to this course. For specific details about your country, view our information for International Students.

A levels

ABB

BTEC

Level 3 Extended Diploma: DDM

Combinations of BTEC and A levels

Extended Diploma: DDM

Diploma: DD plus B at A level.

Extended Certificate: D plus BB at A level.

BTEC in Public Services, Uniformed Services and Business Administration are all excluded from our BTEC offers

International Baccalaureate

32 points overall

INTO UEA

If you do not meet the academic and/or English language requirements for direct entry our partner, INTO UEA offers progression on to this undergraduate degree upon successful completion of a preparation programme. Depending on your interests, and your qualifications you can take a variety of routes to this degree.

English Foreign Language

Applications from students whose first language is not English are welcome. We require evidence of proficiency in English (including writing, speaking, listening and reading): 

• IELTS:  6.0 overall (minimum  5.5  in all components) 

We also accept a number of other English language tests. Review our English Language Equivalencies for a list of example qualifications that we may accept to meet this requirement.

Test dates should be within two years of the course start date.

  If you do not yet meet the English language requirements for this course, INTO UEA offer a variety of English language programmes which are designed to help you develop the English skills necessary for successful undergraduate study.

Deferred Entry

We welcome applications from students who have already taken or intend to take a gap year. We believe that a year between school and university can be of substantial benefit. You are advised to indicate your reason for wishing to defer entry on your UCAS application.

Admissions Policy

Our Admissions Policy applies to the admissions of all undergraduate applicants.

Employability

As a Psychology graduate, you can pursue a range of careers in a variety of sectors. The theoretical and research components of your degree will also provide you with a strong foundation for going on to postgraduate study, if you wish.

Throughout your degree, you'll meet and work with respected psychologists in a variety of settings. You’ll also benefit from a range of additional training opportunities running in parallel with your degree programme. These are carefully designed to help maximise what you have to offer future employers. They include paid placement and internship opportunities, a business training event, and a range of career planning support mechanisms.

All our degree courses are accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS). This not only means they are respected by employers – it will also put you at an advantage if you choose to progress onto postgraduate study.

The BSc Developmental Psychology focuses on how children develop both cognitively and socially. Advanced options explore normative and atypical development, making this programme ideal if you plan to develop a professional career working with children, or if you’d like to progress to postgraduate study in developmental science or education such as teacher training.

Example of careers that you could enter include:

• Psychology
• Legal and criminal justice
• Social work and health care
• Human resources and management
• Education, research and consultancy
• Marketing and advertising

Discover more on our Careers webpages.