Swansea University

What you'll study

This programme brings together developmental and educational psychology with childhood studies to examine how children and young people learn, develop and are supported in educational settings. You will study core psychological topics applied to education alongside modules on child development, special educational needs, family and community contexts, and policy.

• Foundations of Psychology and Development: introduction to cognitive, social and biological approaches to development across childhood and adolescence.
• Learning and Classroom Processes: theories of learning, motivation, behaviour management and inclusive pedagogy.
• Research Methods and Statistics: quantitative and qualitative methods, data analysis, and practical research skills culminating in a supervised research project or dissertation.
• Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND): identification, assessment and strategies for supporting diverse learners, including neurodevelopmental conditions.
• Assessment, Intervention and Support: principles and practice of educational assessment, early intervention and multi-agency working.
• Childhood in Context: sociocultural, family and policy influences on childhood and transitions through schooling.
• Placement and Professional Practice: school or early years placements that develop applied skills, reflective practice and professional behaviours.

The programme is typically structured over three years with a combination of lectures, seminars, practical workshops and supervised placements. Options in later years allow deeper focus on research, advanced assessment techniques or specialised areas such as attachment, trauma-informed practice or educational neuroscience.

Entry requirements

Typical applicants will have a combination of secondary qualifications (such as A-levels or equivalent), with offers based on academic achievement and potential for working with children and young people. Applicants are usually expected to have passes in English and Mathematics at GCSE level (or equivalent). Mature applicants and those with relevant experience in education, childcare or youth work are welcome; contextual admissions and consideration of non‑traditional qualifications are common.

All applicants will usually need to demonstrate experience of working with children or young people and provide an enhanced disclosure check (DBS) before starting placement components. International applicants will be expected to meet English language requirements appropriate for undergraduate study.

Career prospects

Graduates gain a mix of psychological knowledge, research skills and practical experience valued across the education and children’s workforce. Common career paths include:

• Further professional training for teaching (Primary/Secondary) via postgraduate teacher training programmes; the degree provides a strong foundation but is not itself a qualified teacher status (QTS) award.
• Roles in early years settings, learning support, teaching assistant positions and special educational needs support within schools.
• Youth work, family support, behaviour support and roles in the voluntary sector or local authority services for children and families.
• Research assistant posts, assessment and diagnostic support roles, or progression to postgraduate study such as MSc/MA in Educational Psychology, Child Development or related disciplines, leading towards practitioner routes in educational psychology or clinical/forensic psychology (with further professional training).

Why study at Swansea University

Swansea University offers a research-led environment with strong links to regional schools and professional services, providing meaningful placement opportunities across diverse educational settings. Students benefit from small-group teaching, supervised research projects and access to academic staff working on applied childhood and education research.

The university supports practical learning through partnerships with local authorities and community organisations, while campus and student support services provide guidance on placements, careers and postgraduate progression. Swansea’s coastal location and campus community also offer a vibrant student experience alongside opportunities for volunteering and extra‑curricular involvement relevant to work with children and young people.