Level 3 Childhood Studies & AS Psychology

This study programme brings together AS Psychology, the Level 3 AAQ in Early Childhood Development, and a GCSE English or Maths resit to support you in achieving a Grade 4 or above.

Together, these subjects give you a strong and well‑rounded understanding of:

• Psychology: how the mind works, why people behave the way they do, and the scientific methods psychologists use to study behaviour.
• Early Childhood Development: how children grow, learn and develop from birth to age 8, including key topics such as safeguarding, health, developmental milestones and learning theory.
• Essential English or Maths skills: helping you strengthen the core literacy or numeracy needed to progress into apprenticeships, further education or employment.

This combination of subjects provides a powerful stepping‑stone into careers focused on working with people — including psychology, education, health, social care, community support and early years settings.

Learn in an engaging, hands‑on way, with lessons that blend scientific theory, practical skills and real‑world insight across all subject areas.

Benefit from a programme shaped with input from universities and industry specialists, ensuring you’re developing the knowledge and skills that higher education and employers value.

Build a strong skill set, including critical thinking, communication, research, safeguarding awareness, problem‑solving and confident interpersonal skills.

Access a dedicated GCSE resit pathway, helping you secure the essential English or Maths qualification needed to progress to apprenticeships, further study or employment.

Ideal for students passionate about working with people, especially those interested in psychology, early childhood, teaching, social care or health‑related professions.

AS Psychology

Explore the science behind human behaviour and discover why people think, feel and act the way they do. You will study:

• Social Influence
• Memory
• Attachment and Early Relationships
• Approaches in Psychology
• Mental Health (phobias, depression, OCD)
• Research Methods and data analysis

Key Skills You’ll Develop:

• Critical thinking
• Scientific and research skills
• Understanding of mental health
• Essay writing and problem‑solving
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AAQ Early Childhood Development

Gain practical knowledge and real‑world insight into how children grow and learn. You will learn to:

• Understand child development from birth to age 8
• Apply safeguarding, health & safety and child protection principles
• Use play‑based and learning theories effectively
• Carry out observations, research and reflective practice
• Support children’s wellbeing, learning and development
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If you have not yet achieved a Grade 4 in English or Maths, you will complete a resit alongside your main programme to secure this essential qualification.

After completing this one‑year programme, you can progress to the Level 3 Health & Social Care qualification and choose to top-up to A Level Psychology.

Completing the second year opens pathways to higher education and degree-level courses in areas such as:

• Psychology
• Early Childhood Studies
• Teaching (Primary, Early Years or Secondary)
• Nursing (all specialisms)
• Social Work
• Counselling
• Health & Social Care
• Policing or Criminology
• Youth & Community Work

Alternatively, you may choose to move directly into employment or pursue an apprenticeship within a related sector.

Throughout the year, we welcome a variety of guest speakers from industry, giving you direct insight into the careers you may want to pursue and the skills employers are looking for.

We also have strong partnerships with universities, and you’ll have the chance to visit several campuses to take part in taster sessions — helping you explore your options and prepare confidently for your next steps in higher education.

You will be allocated a progress coach who will provide you with support to help you succeed on your study programme and progress on to your chosen career or progression path. We have a team of staff dedicated to providing learning support if required, as well as a Welfare Team that is on hand to offer guidance, support and help when needed. 

Additionally, eligible students can access a wide range of finance and funding support to help them during their time at college.

You will need a minimum of five GCSEs at grade 4 or above, including English and/or maths, or you will have needed to have achieved a minimum grade merit in a level 2 course and have GCSE English and/or maths at grade 4 or above . If you have not already achieved a grade 4 in your either your GCSE English or maths, you will be required to work towards GCSE English or maths as part of your qualification.