Child Development Degree Guide

Understanding how children grow, learn, and interact with the world is central to a wide range of careers in education,

healthcare, psychology, and social work. Child Development is a multidisciplinary subject that draws from psychology, education, neuroscience, health, and sociology. It focuses on how children develop physically, cognitively, emotionally, and socially from birth through adolescence.

If you're interested in studying Child Development, this guide will help you understand what to expect from a degree in the UK and how it compares to study routes around the world.

Studying Child Development in the UK

In the UK, Child Development is typically studied as part of a Childhood Studies, Child Psychology, or Education Studies degree. While standalone “Child Development” degrees do exist, most programmes combine this focus with broader themes in early years education or child wellbeing.

Common Degree Titles:

• BA (Hons) Child Development

• BA (Hons) Childhood and Youth Studies

• BSc (Hons) Child Psychology or Developmental Psychology

• BA (Hons) Early Childhood Studies with Child Development

What the Course Covers:

• Theories of child development (Piaget, Vygotsky, Bowlby, etc.)

• Cognitive, language, and emotional development

• Attachment, relationships, and behaviour

• The impact of family, culture, and society

• Research methods in child and adolescent development

• Health, safeguarding, and special educational needs (SEN)

Many programmes include placement opportunities in nurseries, schools, youth services, or family support organisations.

Entry Requirements:

• A-levels, BTECs, or equivalent Level 3 qualifications

• GCSEs in English and Maths (especially if pursuing further teacher training)

• Experience working with children is advantageous but not always required

Career Opportunities:

A degree in Child Development can lead to careers in:

• Early years education and childcare

• Child psychology and mental health support

• Family support and social services

• Special educational needs (SEN) provision

• Education policy, youth work, or postgraduate teacher training

For those wishing to become teachers or educational psychologists, further study is typically required, such as a PGCE or a master’s degree in psychology or education.

Studying Child Development in Europe

In Europe, Child Development is often studied as part of broader degrees in Education Sciences, Developmental Psychology, or Early Childhood Education. Programmes are shaped by national education systems and social policies.

General Features:

• Degrees typically last three to four years, often including research and practical experience

• Offered by both education and psychology faculties

• Many programmes are taught in the national language, though English-language options are growing

Examples:

• Ireland: Offers degrees in Early Childhood Education and Care or Psychology, with modules on child development.

• Netherlands: Provides English-taught programmes in child and adolescent development through psychology or education departments.

• Germany and France: Focus on child development in social pedagogy, psychology, or education science degrees, often with a research or social work emphasis.

If you are considering working in the UK after studying in Europe, check whether your degree is recognised by UK professional or regulatory bodies, particularly if you plan to enter teaching or psychology-related professions.

Studying Child Development in Australia

In Australia, child development can be studied as part of psychology, early childhood education, or social science degrees. Some universities offer specialised degrees or majors in developmental psychology or human development.

Course Options:

• Bachelor of Early Childhood Education

• Bachelor of Psychology with a focus on developmental psychology

• Bachelor of Human Services or Social Science with child development modules

Programmes are typically three to four years long and may include fieldwork or professional placements, especially in education or community settings.

For those interested in becoming child psychologists, further postgraduate study and registration through the Psychology Board of Australia is required.

Studying Child Development in New Zealand

New Zealand offers strong programmes that integrate child development theory with practical learning in education, psychology, and social work.

Study Routes Include:

• Bachelor of Teaching (Early Childhood Education) – includes child development as a key component

• Bachelor of Arts or Science in Psychology – with a developmental psychology pathway

• Bachelor of Social Work – focusing on child welfare and development

Universities such as the University of Auckland and Victoria University of Wellington offer courses combining Māori perspectives and bicultural frameworks in child development.

Postgraduate training is available for careers in teaching, counselling, and clinical psychology.

Studying Child Development in Canada

In Canada, child development is typically studied under the umbrella of Child and Youth Studies, Early Childhood Education, Developmental Psychology, or Human Development.

Common Programmes:

• Bachelor of Child and Youth Care

• Bachelor of Early Childhood Studies

• Bachelor of Arts in Psychology (with a developmental focus)

• Diploma-to-degree programmes in Child Development or ECE

Some institutions also offer Applied Degree Programmes at colleges, combining classroom theory with practical experience in childcare centres, schools, or youth support services.

Careers include early childhood education, special needs support, child advocacy, and clinical psychology (with further study).

Studying Child Development in the USA

In the USA, Child Development is a well-established academic discipline, often leading to careers in education, psychology, child welfare, and healthcare.

Typical Degree Titles:

• Bachelor of Science or Arts in Child Development

• Bachelor of Human Development and Family Studies

• Bachelor of Developmental Psychology

These degrees typically include core coursework in:

• Early childhood development

• Adolescent development

• Family dynamics

• Child and adolescent mental health

• Educational foundations and special education

Many programmes include internships or practicum experiences in childcare centres, schools, hospitals, or social service agencies.

For those pursuing clinical roles (e.g. child psychologist or therapist), postgraduate study is essential, and professional licensure varies by state.

Final Thoughts

Studying Child Development equips you with the knowledge and skills to support children’s growth, learning, and wellbeing across a range of professions. In the UK, the degree offers a flexible, multidisciplinary foundation that can lead into careers in education, social care, psychology, and beyond. Around the world, child development is equally valued, though the structure and focus of programmes vary.

When choosing where and what to study, consider:

• Whether the course is theoretical, practical, or a mix of both

• The opportunity for placements or hands-on experience

• Career outcomes and pathways to professional roles (teaching, psychology, social work)

• Language of instruction, accreditation, and professional recognition

Wherever you choose to study, a degree in Child Development opens the door to a career that makes a real difference in the lives of children and families.