Early Childhood Studies with Psychology BA (Hons), sandwich with work placement

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 eight 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, therapeutic play worker, youth worker, teacher and social worker.

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, such as with a PGCE course that would give you Qualified Teacher Status (QTS).

What can you do with a Early Childhood Studies degree?

Previous students have gone on to work in:

• therapeutic play - further training may be required
• 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. 

Ian Diamond, The British Academy

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 five years as you advance in your career.

This course allows you to take the Professional Experience option in your third year. 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.