Plural or Singular noun after "the first and second"?

[Deepurple]

Dear teachers,

I would like to know whether a plural or singular noun is used after "first and second". For example,
In the first and second years of my university education, I have studied Psychology and Computer. Compare:
In the first (year)and second year of my university education, I have studied Psychology and Computer.

As I searched the COCA, I found that a small portion of sentences had used a singular noun after first and second while most of the sentences used a plural noun. For example, Look at the difference between the first and second album.(COCA)
Could you tell me which one is correct, the plural or the singular noun after the first and second?

Thank you.

 

[Rover_KE]

'the first and second years'.

Or 'the first two years'.

 

[Deepurple]

Thanks for the prompt reply.
By the way, is it possbile to use the singular noun as follows:
In the first (year) and second year of university eduction, I have studied... (when the first word "year" is omitted)?
Thanks again.

 

[SoothingDave]

No. There are two years you are talking about. That's plural.