Psychology

Developmental psychology is the branch of psychology concerned with how human beings change across the lifespan, from the cognitive, emotional, and social development of infants and children through to the changes of adolescence, adulthood, and old age. It asks fundamental questions about the relative contributions of biology and experience to who we become, how language and reasoning emerge in early childhood, how relationships and attachment shape social development, and how people adapt to the challenges and transitions of later life. It is a discipline with direct relevance to education, healthcare, social work, and parenting, as well as to the fundamental scientific questions about the nature of the human mind.

At Nottingham Trent University, this three-year full-time programme gives you a thorough grounding in both the core discipline of psychology and the specific tradition of developmental research. You will study the major theories and methods of developmental psychology alongside the broader core curriculum required for a psychology degree accredited by the British Psychological Society, including cognitive, social, and biological psychology and research methods. NTU's applied orientation and its connections with local schools, health services, and social care organisations may provide opportunities to engage with real developmental contexts during your studies.

The typical entry tariff of 120 points reflects the analytical and empirical demands of a psychology degree.

Developmental psychology graduates are well placed for careers in education, early years services, child and adolescent mental health, social work, speech and language therapy, and the third sector. Many go on to postgraduate training in educational psychology, clinical psychology, or child and family therapy, which are the routes to registered professional practice in those areas. Others work in research, policy, or practice improvement roles in organisations concerned with child development, family support, and educational outcomes.

The British Psychological Society accreditation of this programme means it provides the Graduate Basis for Chartership needed for postgraduate training as a psychologist.