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This module will introduce students to the strengths, limitations and ethical issues associated with qualitative and quantitative research design. It will enable students to explore in greater depth the underlying principles and epistemological bases of both quantitative and qualitative research methods. Students will examine the key similarities and differences between these approaches, whilst appreciating the strengths and limitations of such approaches in addressing psychological research questions. Students will consider a range of data collection techniques (e.g., observations, interviews, simple experiments, and psychometric instruments) to consolidate their knowledge and experience of such methods. Students will be equipped with a critical understanding of different quantitative research designs that will be considered in regard to important methodological concerns such as validity and reliability, and students will be aware of the implications of different research designs for the selection and use of different descriptive and inferential analytical techniques. Students will appreciate how appropriate descriptive quantitative analysis can be used to effectively characterise and summarize batches of data, whilst also providing them with tools for preliminary data screening and exploration. Students will develop their understanding of hypothesis testing, probability and important related concepts such as statistical significance, type 1 and type 2 errors, statistical power, estimation and confidence intervals, and how these relate to choices of research design and analytical alternatives. Students will be introduced to the basic principles behind parametric and non-parametric statistical tests of difference, association, and correlation, and will be introduced to simple linear regression; furthermore, students will have the opportunity to conduct such analyses using appropriate statistical software. General principles of qualitative design (developing research questions, interviewing, focus groups) will be explored. Students will develop their understanding of application of analysis in qualitative research by introduction to data analysis (coding). Students will be given the opportunity to apply content from this module to their specific programme area through activities such as class discussions, seminar activities and readings, and individual and group work, and implications of the module requirements for student employability will be reflected on. Students will be introduced to the BPS’s current Code of Ethics and Conduct, and have the opportunity to see its application in their empirical work. The distinction between behaving ethically and legally will also be investigated.
Psychology and Childhood Studies BSc (Hons)
Undergraduate, Honours Degree, September 2025
Key Details
- C801 Course Code
- 3 Years
- 112 Typical UCAS Tariff
Psychology and Childhood Studies will enable you to apply psychological knowledge and understanding to work with children and young people.
On this programme you’ll learn how to reach valid conclusions based on scientific underpinnings. You’ll study the practicalities of working with children, adolescents and young people in research and social contexts with emphasis placed on current social and educational policies within childcare and safeguarding. You’ll explore how society views childhood, how children develop, and the challenges facing children and young people today – as well as reviewing the impact of relevant legislation.
GBC
This programme is accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS), thus students gaining at least a Lower Second Class Honours Degree are eligible for Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (GBC) with the BPS, which means you will have taken your first step towards becoming a professional psychologist.
Want to do something more counselling-based? Or with Forensics, Children or Criminology? Take a look at our other Psychology courses.
- This degree is accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS).
- Childhood focused modules are included in each year of study.
- Combination of two subject areas (Psychology and Working with Children, Young People and Families) which will enhance student learning experience.
During your first year of study (level 4) you will learn about Psychology as an academic and applied discipline. You will explore what is meant by ‘science’ and in particular, what is meant by evidence, and learn about the principles of research design. In addition, you will also be introduced to some of the key thinkers and the big ideas that have shaped the way children, young people and families have been characterised. Within this first year you will developsound academic skills, research literacy, and a broad knowledge and understanding of the core domains in psychology, including how they may offer competing perspectives, and to the underlying principles and theoretical approaches of childhood studies.
In the second year of study (level 5), youwill gain a deeper understanding of research methods and develop the skills and knowledge to prepare you to engage ethically and effectively in your own research projects. Another central feature of the second year is the development of in-depth knowledge and understanding of the core domains within psychology. These form the focus of four of the modules undertaken by students at this level, covering: cognition, biological, social, individual differences, development and research methods. In addition, you will critically analyse different theories and approaches to participation that practitioners exercise when making decisions that affect children, young people and families.
In the final year (level 6) of study, you will undertake an empirical dissertation in Psychology and Childhood Studies in addition to exploring the historical and contemporary concerns that have served to shape policy and practice around children. An important feature of the third year is the availability of optional modules focusing on areas of applied psychology and modules relating to childhood studies. Optional modules offered provide students with the opportunity to explore practical challenges of working with families where there are concerns around violence, harm and/or abuse in addition to developing anti-oppressive practice.
One – 20 credit module equates to 36hours of scheduled contact time and 164 hours of independent learning. Each year you will study 120 credits.
A wide range of assessment methods are employed in the Psychology and Childhood Studies programme, this is to enable you to develop skills in different approaches and to ensure that the full range of such skills are assessed and you are developing a range of skills that will be invaluable in the modern professional workplace. Assessment methods vary from research reports, interventions proposals, portfolios, presentations, and posters, critiques, case studies. There are no examinations on this programme.
As a graduate you will be furnished with valuable transferable skills that will enable you to pursue a range of career opportunities. Students gaining at least a Lower Second Class Honours Degree are eligible for Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (GBC) with the BPS, which means you will have taken your first step towards becoming a professional psychologist. Thus, following postgraduate training, students can enter the various psychological professions with psychology such as, educational, clinical, occupational and counselling psychology.
The MSc Clinical Applications of Psychology programme is available here at Birmingham Newman for students who wish to continue psychology at postgraduate level. The issues covered in this course would benefit those who eventually want to specialise in working with children and young people.
Other career destinations related to the study of Psychology and Childhood Studies include (and are not limited to) social work and health care, human resources and management, consultancy, education in addition to marketing and advertising.
Birmingham Newman University is located in Britain’s second city – Birmingham. With one of the youngest city populations in Europe, it is a vibrant and dynamic place to study.
Studying at Newman University, you have the advantage of being near to the city, but living in, or commuting to peaceful and comfortable surroundings on campus.
Dining out
Birmingham has lots of wonderful places to dine out with a range of different cuisines. Places where you can dine out include; Brindley Place, Mailbox and Hagley Road (just 10 minutes’ from Newman).
Entertainment
Whether you like to go to; the theatre, gigs or clubs, or enjoy: sports, shopping visiting art galleries or exhibitions – Birmingham will not disappoint and you will be spoilt for choice!
Location
Getting around Birmingham is easy via train, bus or by car. Birmingham has excellent transport links to the rest of Britain, making it easy for those weekend getaways!
Why not explore the city for yourself by visiting one of our Open Days?
Want to find out more about Birmingham? Then take a look at some Birmingham City Secrets.
Entry Requirements
UK home students
Entry requirements, for UK home students, for September 2025 entry:
- 112 UCAS points
UK Applying Direct Option
International students
If you are an international student, please get in touch with our International team who will be able to advise on entry criteria for this course. Email international@newman.ac.uk or telephone +441218160449.
International Applying Direct option
To apply for this course, you can apply direct using the apply link provided below:
Please note that courses with a professional placement are not available to International students.
Course Fees
UK home students
The full-time course fee, for UK home students, for September 2025 is £9,535 per year.
International students
The full-time course fees and funding, for International students, for September 2025 are:
- Undergraduate Taught: £12,500 tuition fee
- International Excellence Scholarship: £1,500
All International Students who apply in 2024/25 will be eligible for the International Excellence Scholarship which will be automatically applied to their offer as a tuition fee reduction.
Additional Costs
Find out more about the other additional costs associated with our undergraduate degrees.
The University will review tuition fees and increase fees in line with any inflationary uplift as determined by the UK Government, if permitted by law or government policy, in subsequent years of your course. It is anticipated that such increases would be linked to RPI (the Retail Price Index excluding mortgage interest payments).
Modules
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This tutored double module provides students with the opportunity to select an area of particular interest to them within the field of Psychology and Childhood Studies and to design, plan and execute an in-depth empirical research project in their chosen area. Students will be required to produce a brief initial research proposal, for discussion with their supervisor. The proposal is then used as a basis for developing an application for Newman University ethical approval, which must be achieved prior to commencing data collection. The research design should include either quantitative and/or qualitative analyses and draw upon and critically evaluate a range of both classic and contemporary research findings throughout. A poster presentation detailing the research process and findings will also be an assessed element.
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This module builds upon the second year module Human Development: An Ethological Approach (PYU516) and applies an understanding of contextualised development in an educational setting. Educational Psychology explores various and seemingly discrete issues associated with the dynamic between teaching and learning. These issues include the qualities of a good teacher, the environment of the classroom, the form and function of assessment, diversity and the use of blended approaches to teaching and learning. This module also affords students the opportunity to work in groups to ascertain various pragmatic issues that may confront practicing educational psychologists in the field. Consideration will be given to the research methodology underpinning the evidence based explored within the area this module explores by means of critical reviews of research papers Implications of the module requirements for student employability will be reflected on.
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Additional Information
General Academic Regulations: Terms and Conditions for students attending our courses