The focus of this module is on understanding how children develop. Understanding something of the processes of developmental change is a central part of any psychology degree, and by the end of this module you should be in a better position to understand the significance of child development for human psychology. As the course progresses we will move from issues germane to early infancy, through childhood and the associated social, cognitive and emotional changes the child experiences during that period, concluding with an overall look at the bigger picture.
Total contact hours: 25
Private study hours: 125
Total study hours: 150
Compulsory to:
BSc in Psychology with a Placement Year
BSc in Psychology with Clinical Psychology and a Placement Year
BSc in Psychology
BSc in Psychology with Clinical Psychology
BSc in Psychology with Forensic Psychology
BSc in Psychology (with Studies in Europe)
BSc in Social Psychology
BSc in Psychology and Social Anthropology
Group Presentation 30%
Examination 2 hours 70%
Reassessment methods: Like for Like.
Reading list (Indicative list, current at time of publication. Reading lists will be published annually)
Gillibrand, R., Lam, V., and O'Donnell, V.L. (2016). Developmental Psychology. London: Pearson Education.
See the library reading list for this module (Canterbury)
The intended subject specific learning outcomes. On successfully completing the module students will be able to:
8.1 demonstrate a systematic understanding of key aspects of developmental psychology, including acquisition of coherent and detailed knowledge informed by research at the forefront of defined aspects of a discipline (e.g., theory of mind; language acquisition)
8.2 deploy accurately established techniques of analysis and enquiry within developmental psychology (e.g., developing a critical understanding of experimental evidence in relevant areas)
8.3 demonstrate a conceptual understanding that enables the student to devise and sustain arguments central to an understanding of contemporary developmental psychology and so be able to describe and comment upon particular aspects of current research in the field.
8.4 demonstrate an enhanced conceptual understanding through the provision of information and which leads to enhancing their appreciation of the uncertainty, ambiguity and limits of knowledge within developmental psychology
8.5 apply the methods and techniques that they have learned to review, consolidate, extend and apply their knowledge and understanding, and to initiate and carry out projects;
8.6 critically evaluate arguments, assumptions, abstract concepts and data such that they are in a position to make appropriate evaluations of problems in developmental psychology.
The intended generic learning outcomes. On successfully completing the module students will be able to:
9.1 manage their own learning, and to make use of scholarly reviews and primary sources (e.g., refereed research articles and/or original materials appropriate to the discipline).
9.2 use qualities and transferable skills necessary for employment requiring: the exercise of initiative and personal responsibility; decision-making in complex and unpredictable contexts; and the learning ability needed to undertake appropriate further training of a professional or equivalent nature (e.g., in educational or clinical psychology)
9.3 communicate information, ideas, problems, and solutions to both specialist and non-specialist audiences by means of writing, and through experience in making oral presentations to groups.
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