BSc (Hons) Developmental Psychology with a Placement Year
Course
options
Key Details
- Award
- Degree of Bachelor of Science
- UCAS Course Code
- C840
- Typical Offer
- ABB
- Contextual Offer
- BBC
- Course Length
- 4 years
- Course Start Date
- September 2026
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Why you should choose us
87%
Of graduates go on to work and/or study within 15 months after the course
Graduate Outcome Survey 202014th
UEA is ranked 14th overall for research quality in Psychology, Psychiatry, and Neuroscience
Times Higher Education REF 2021 AnalysisCourse Overview
Developmental psychology is the study of how we develop cognitively, emotionally and socially, particularly during infancy, childhood and adolescence. On our Developmental Psychology 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. To prepare you for your studies and ease you into university life you’ll have the opportunity to complete a four-week pre-arrival module.
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’re on the right degree for you. In your third year, you'll have the opportunity to get hands-on experience, build contacts, and explore potential roles and career routes by spending a year on a work-based placement. Previous placements have included work in NHS trusts, academy schools, community-based services and charities, and Norfolk Police.
In your final 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’ve 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.
Placement Year
On this Developmental Psychology programme, you'll spend at least six months of your third year in a full-time placement, gaining invaluable working experience and employability skills in a relevant area of your choice. Your placement is the perfect opportunity to get a taste of one of the many professions that use psychological insight. We always try our best to match your career goals and interests with your placement, but because it depends on what’s available at our placement partners, we can’t guarantee specific roles.
Accreditations
This course is accredited against the requirements for the Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (GBC) of the British Psychological Society (BPS).
Study and Modules
Structure
In your first year, you’ll study one integrated core module that will provide a firm foundation for developing your understanding of psychological theory, research and its application. Our integrated approach emphasises how knowledge from different branches of psychology can be applied to give different perspectives on real-world issues. Teaching sessions are organised around themes and cover topics such as explaining behaviour, understanding yourself, applying psychology to the real world, questioning reality and constructing psychology You’ll also discover specific methods for the study of psychology, as you begin developing research skills and a critical perspective.
Compulsory Modules
Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring, review and update of modules. Where this activity leads to significant (but not minor) changes to programmes and their constituent modules, the University will endeavour to consult with students and others. It is also possible that the University may not be able to offer a module for reasons outside of its control, such as the illness of a member of staff. In some cases optional modules can have limited places available and so you may be asked to make additional module choices in the event you do not gain a place on your first choice. Where this is the case, the University will inform students.
Teaching and Learning
You’ll be taught in a combination of small and larger groups. You’ll be given the knowledge and skills to establish your own position on exciting and intriguing psychological matters. Our integrated module has been designed by the teaching team to provide coherent coverage of the psychological sciences.
Our programmes promote psychology as a science and are all underpinned by research methods which run throughout the course. You’ll be guided on pathways across the discipline rather than transported to a destination.
Your first year is taught through a combination of lectures, seminars, small group work, and workshops. You’ll also spend time carrying out independent study, researching in UEA’s state-of-the-art library, and carrying out research projects in small groups.
Assessment
You’ll be assessed in many ways including essays, research reports, research proposals, projects and examinations. Assessments will include formative tasks and summative assessments. Whilst formative assessments aren’t given a mark, detailed feedback will help you with the summative assessments.
Structure
You’ll continue studying compulsory modules designed to develop your understanding of different branches of psychology. These include modules in research methods in which you’ll consolidate your knowledge of research design, qualitative analysis and statistics, which prepare you for your final-year independent project.
Alongside this, you’ll take a placement focused module to prepare you for the workplace and allow you to make the most of your placement year experience.
Compulsory Modules
Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring, review and update of modules. Where this activity leads to significant (but not minor) changes to programmes and their constituent modules, the University will endeavour to consult with students and others. It is also possible that the University may not be able to offer a module for reasons outside of its control, such as the illness of a member of staff. In some cases optional modules can have limited places available and so you may be asked to make additional module choices in the event you do not gain a place on your first choice. Where this is the case, the University will inform students.
Teaching and Learning
You’ll explore many different topics in your modules, developing a combination of breadth and depth, core knowledge and creativity. You’ll be taught through a combination of lectures, seminars, small group work, and workshops.
Assessment
In the second year your assessments may include a range of tasks such as formative work, short-answer essays, summative reports, case study analysis, and examinations.
Structure
You’ll spend your third year on a work-based placement.
Compulsory Modules
Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring, review and update of modules. Where this activity leads to significant (but not minor) changes to programmes and their constituent modules, the University will endeavour to consult with students and others. It is also possible that the University may not be able to offer a module for reasons outside of its control, such as the illness of a member of staff. In some cases optional modules can have limited places available and so you may be asked to make additional module choices in the event you do not gain a place on your first choice. Where this is the case, the University will inform students.
Teaching and Learning
You’ll spend your third year on a work-based placement, gaining valuable relevant experience and developing your skills and knowledge.
Assessment
During your placement year, you’ll undertake two summative assessments (coursework based).
Structure
In your final year, you’ll complete a substantial developmental research project, reflecting your intellectual interests and career aspirations. You’ll be supported by a developmental supervisor with expertise in your area of research. They’ll help you use your research skills to plan and produce a project drawing on a specific form of data gathering and analysis. This could be focused on interviewing, survey work and/or experimental design, both within the laboratory and in applied contexts.
You’ll take a core developmental module, and choose two further modules in your specialism, deepening your specialist knowledge. Your final optional module can be chosen from a wide range of psychology subjects, or an option outside the school.
Compulsory Modules
Optional A Modules
(Min Credits: 40, Max Credits: 60)Optional B Modules
(Min Credits: 0, Max Credits: 20)Optional C Modules
(Min Credits: 0, Max Credits: 20)Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring, review and update of modules. Where this activity leads to significant (but not minor) changes to programmes and their constituent modules, the University will endeavour to consult with students and others. It is also possible that the University may not be able to offer a module for reasons outside of its control, such as the illness of a member of staff. In some cases optional modules can have limited places available and so you may be asked to make additional module choices in the event you do not gain a place on your first choice. Where this is the case, the University will inform students.
Teaching and Learning
As well as your core developmental module, you’ll choose further developmental modules from a range of developmental options. Your final optional module can be chosen from a wide range of psychology subjects, or an option outside the school. You’ll be taught through a combination of lectures, seminars and workshops. You’ll also spend time carrying out your individual developmental research project, with support from your supervisor.
Independent learning:
This course will give you an excellent balance of independent thinking and study skills, encouraging you to develop into an expert researcher and critical thinker. You’ll develop accuracy and precision in your written work, become confident in your organisation and time management skills, and learn to prioritise tasks to meet important deadlines. Throughout your degree, you’ll be given guidance on your work and constructive feedback to help you improve.
Assessment
In the fourth year, your assessments will include your research project (which is 33% of your final year mark), and assessments linked to your module choices (which could be, for example, a research proposal, a briefing paper, an essay, or an examination).
Feedback:
You’ll receive detailed feedback from the formative tasks, which will help you improve your work before you submit your summative marked assessments. Your personal academic advisor is there throughout your undergraduate degree to support and help you to effectively use your feedback to ‘feed forward’ into future work.
Employability
After the Course
As a Psychology graduate, you could 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.
Explore more on our School of Psychology employability pages.
All our degree courses are accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS). This not only means they’re respected by employers – it’ll also put you at an advantage if you choose to progress onto postgraduate study in order to become a psychologist.
The BSc Developmental Psychology with Placement Year 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.
Careers
Example of careers that you could enter include:
- Psychologist
- Neurodevelopmental assessment practitioner
- Education mental health practitioner
- Youth, community and family work
- Human resources and management
- Education, research and consultancy
- Marketing and advertising
Discover more on our Careers webpages.
Entry Requirements
- 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 C or grade 4.
We accept a wide range of English Language qualifications, please see our English Language equivalencies page.
- Contextual Offers
UEA are committed to ensuring that Higher Education is accessible to all, regardless of their background or experiences. One of the ways we do this is through our contextual admissions schemes.
- Typical UK Entry Requirements
A levels
ABB
Contextual offer: BBC
BTEC
Level 3 Extended Diploma: DDM
Contextual offer: DMM
BTEC in Public Services, Uniformed Services and Business Administration are all excluded from our BTEC offers
Access to HE Diploma
Pass Access to HE Diploma with Distinction in 30 credits at Level 3 and Merit in 15 credits at Level 3
Contextual Offer: Pass Access to HE Diploma with Merit in 30 credits at Level 3 and pass in 15 credits at Level 3
T levels
Obtain an overall Merit.
- Further Examples of Typical Entry Requirements
International Baccalaureate
32 points overall
Irish Leaving Certificate
3 subjects at H2, 3 subjects at H3
Scottish Highers
AAABB
A combination of Advanced Highers and Highers may be acceptable
Scottish Advanced Highers
BBC
A combination of Advanced Highers and Highers may be acceptable
- 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.
- Progression
Once enrolled onto a course at UEA, your progression and continuation (which may include eligibility for study abroad, overseas experience, placement or year in industry opportunities) is contingent on meeting the assessment requirements which are relevant to the course on which you are enrolled.
- 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 C or grade 4.
We accept a wide range of English Language qualifications, please see our English Language equivalencies page.
- Typical International Entry Requirements
A levels
ABB
International Baccalaureate
32 points overall
We accept many international qualifications for entry to this course. For specific details about your country, view our information for International Students.
- UEA International Study Centre
If you do not meet the academic and/or English language requirements for direct entry our partner, UEA International Study Centre 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, UEA International Study Centre 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.
- Progression
Once enrolled onto a course at UEA, your progression and continuation (which may include eligibility for study abroad, overseas experience, placement or year in industry opportunities) is contingent on meeting the assessment requirements which are relevant to the course on which you are enrolled.
Fees and Funding
Tuition Fees
View our information for Tuition Fees.
Scholarships and Bursaries
We are committed to ensuring that costs do not act as a barrier to those aspiring to come to a world leading university and have developed a funding package to reward those with excellent qualifications and assist those from lower income backgrounds. View our range of Scholarships for eligibility, details of how to apply and closing dates.
Course Related Costs
You’re eligible for reduced fees during your placement year. Further details are available on our Tuition Fees website.
Extra costs, related to items such as your travel and accommodation, will vary depending on location.
Please see Additional Course Fees for details of other course-related costs.
How to Apply
UCAS Hub is a secure online application system that allows you to apply for full-time undergraduate courses at universities and colleges in the United Kingdom.
Your application does not have to be completed all at once. Register or sign in to UCAS to get started.
Once you submit your completed application, UCAS will process it and send it to your chosen universities and colleges.
The Institution code for the University of East Anglia is E14.
View our guide to applying through UCAS for useful tips, key dates and further information: