Psychology (Developmental and Educational)

BSc(Hons) Psychology (Developmental and Educational) programme enables students to focus on human development and educational issues alongside a general psychology pathway. It provides useful experience for those intending to work in a range of career areas both in and outside of psychology such as educational psychology, clinical psychology, teaching and research. The programme is British Psychological Society (BPS) accredited, giving students the opportunity to gain Graduate Basis for Chartered (GBC) Membership⁺.

Students develop employability skills through volunteering opportunities, events, workshops, and research placements. Developmental Psychology and Educational Psychology come together in this single honours BSc course to provide a useful experience for those intending to work in a range of career areas such as educational psychology, clinical psychology, teaching and research. In particular this course offers a unique springboard for further study or future training.

Why choose the University of Northampton?

At the University of Northampton, you’ll benefit from a supportive, career-focused experience designed to help you succeed.

Personalised learning

Study in small groups led by expert academics, with dedicated one-to-one support. Our close-knit community ensures you receive individual guidance while being challenged to achieve your best.

Built for your future

Whatever your goals, we’ll help you get there. You’ll develop valuable skills, discover your strengths, and gain real-world experience - so you’re ready to stand out when applying for jobs or further study.

Guaranteed accommodation

We guarantee a room in our Halls of Residence for all new full-time first-year students who apply and accept their offer by June 2027*.

Exceptional student benefits

You’ll receive a brand-new laptop at no additional cost**, and all essential textbooks are available through our library - helping you save money throughout your studies.

A modern campus experience

Study at our student-led purpose-built Waterside Campus, designed to provide an inspiring and dynamic environment for learning and student life. Visit us at an Open Day to see it for yourself.

The Northampton Employment Promise

We’re confident you’ll graduate ready to launch your career. If you’re not in employment within six months, you’ll receive dedicated support from a Careers Development Consultant. If you’re still seeking opportunities after that, we’ll offer you a paid internship.

✱ Eligibility criteria apply. See northampton.ac.uk/student-life/accommodation/ for more information
✱✱ Eligibility criteria and terms and conditions apply. See northampton.ac.uk/benefits for more information.

Course Modules

Stage 1:
• Psychology in Practice (compulsory)
• Introduction to Psychology (compulsory)
• Becoming a Psychologist (compulsory)
• Investigating Developmental Psychology (compulsory)
• Positive Psychology (compulsory)
• Psychology for Life (compulsory)

Stage 2
• The Psychology of Learning and Teaching in Educational Settings (compulsory)
• Research Methods and Statistics (compulsory)
• Independent Research in Developmental and Educational Psychology (compulsory)
• Biological and Cognitive Psychology: Mechanisms of the mind (compulsory)
• Development and Society (compulsory)
• Personality & the Fundamentals of Psychology (compulsory)

Optional Placement Year
• The FHES Placement Year Experience (designated)
Students must have successfully completed 100 credits at Level 5 in order to undertake placement.

Stage 3
• Developmental and Educational Psychology Dissertation (compulsory)
• Educational Psychology (compulsory)
• Child and Adolescent Mental Health (compulsory)
• Lifespan Development (compulsory)
• Neuroscience of the Mind (designated)
• The Psychology of Mental Health (designated)
• Applying Positive Psychology (designated)
• The Psychology of Work and Organisations (designated)

*Students must take all compulsory modules and one designated module. Students who do not complete the Honours Degree will be eligible for an Ordinary Degree in the named subject upon successful completion of a minimum of 60 Level 6 credits. These can be from any Level 6 modules, whether identified as compulsory or designated.

*Module information is quoted for 2025/26 entry. Please note that modules run subject to student numbers and staff availability, any changes will be communicated to applicants accordingly.

The course is assessed in a number of ways: essays, reports, multiple-choice tests, oral presentations, essays, seen and unseen examinations, critical reviews, group project work, placement-based assignments.

Professionally accredited courses provide industry-wide recognition of the quality of your qualification.

• British Psychological Society