Portsmouth is the only University in the UK with the flexibility to choose when to do an optional paid placement or self-employed year. Either take a placement in your third year, or finish your studies first and complete a placement in your fourth year. You can decide if and when to take a placement after you've started your course.

Young people’s development has as much to do with how they think as it does their circumstances and environment.On this Childhood and Youth Studies with Psychology degree, you’ll learn what makes young people tick as you develop knowledge of the biological and social factors that impact their complex journey into adulthood.You’ll gain the expert skills and knowledge needed for a rewarding career working with and supporting children and young people aged 8–25. You could go onto work in sectors such as youth work, mental health support, teaching, fundraising.

- Tap into the latest research happening at the University on pressing subjects such as the effect of the pandemic on children’s development and child safeguarding- Complete a minimum 60 hours of placement at an appropriate setting in year two- Be taught by education and psychology specialists who have years of experience in the field and links to a network of potential employers- Investigate psychology’s role in dealing with society-wide problems that affect young people such as homelessness, domestic violence and unemployment- Develop relationships with potential employers through events and workshops with organisations such as children's charities- Apply your client-facing skills in meetings with parents and children, with support from trained practitioners- Benefit from access to specialist research software and applications including Online Surveys, NVivo, Atlas.ti, SPSS and Mendeley

Your knowledge of how the mind affects behavior, coupled with a thorough understanding of the social and biological factors that influence young people’s development, will set you up for a rewarding career working with and supporting young people and children.The opportunity to delve into your preferred childhood and youth studies specialism - from education and teaching, community and youth / family provision, or leadership and enterprise - will ensure you're prepared for the career of your choice. What can you do with a Childhood and Youth Studies with Psychology degree?Areas you can work in include:- youth work- social work- mental health services- educational welfare- childcare- health promotion- teaching (as a teaching assistant)- psychologist (by taking a postgraduate conversion course, such as a BPS-accredited Master's)With further training and qualifications, you can also work in:- social work- psychotherapy and counselling- teachingOur Careers and Employability service can help you find a job that puts your skills to work in the industry. You'll get help, advice and support for up to 5 years from our Careers and Employability service as you advance in your career.