This module is not currently running in 2026 to 2027.
The module will begin with a general introduction to lifespan approaches. Students will study physical, cognitive and social development in early and later childhood; attachment theory and its relevance to social work practice; and the impact of life transitions, loss, trauma, disability, neglect and abuse, as well as issues around resilience. Broader social influences on individuals and families will also be examined, such as diversity and difference throughout the life span, acknowledging cross-cultural differences in attachment, development and separation. In relation to each topic multiple perspectives (biological/medical, cognitive, developmental, psychodynamic, humanistic, narrative, among others) will be critically examined. Theoretical learning about life-course development will be systematically linked to social work practice with children and families in relation to the assessment of need, risk and strengths, working in partnership, and ethical and value-based interventions.
Students will also study child observation and its relevance to social work. During the module they will undertake and reflect on a series of child observations with a view to developing their observation skills and understanding of child development.
This module links to the Department for Education Knowledge and Skills Statement for Approved Child and Family Practitioners (2014) sections 1, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7.
Total contact hours: 35
Private study hours: 65
Total study hours: 100
PGDip/MA Social Work (Step Up to Social Work)
Main assessment methods
Coursework - essay (2,000 words) - 100%
Commentary (1,000 words) - Pass/Fail)
Both parts of the assessment must be passed in order to pass the module.
Reassessment methods
100% coursework
Beckett C. & Taylor H., (2016) Human growth and development, 3rd edn. London: Sage.
Fawcett M. (2009) Learning through child observation, London: Jessica Kingsley.
Gibson, A. and Gibson, N. (2015) Human Growth, Behaviour and Development, London: Sage.
Howe D. (2011). Attachment across the lifecourse: a brief introduction, Basingstoke: Palgrave Macmillan.
Nicolson P. (2014) A critical approach to human growth and development: a textbook for social work students and practitioners, Basingstoke, Hampshire: Palgrave Macmillan.
Parrish M., (2014) Social work perspectives on human behaviour, 2nd edn. Maidenhead: Open University Press.
Sudbery J. (2010) Human growth and development: an introduction for social workers, London: Routledge.
Walker J. & Crawford K. (2014) Social work & human development, 4th edn., London: SAGE.
See the library reading list for this module (Medway)
The intended subject specific learning outcomes.
On successfully completing the module students will be able to:
8.1 Show a critical understanding of key theoretical perspectives on lifecourse development with a particular focus on children, young people
and families, including bio-psycho-social influences on behaviour and individual identity;
8.2 Demonstrate understanding of the impact of diversity in terms of hereditary, social, political, cultural, economic and environmental factors
on human development, critically evaluating current research and scholarship;
8.3 Recognise and evaluate the impact of neglect, abuse, trauma and loss on development, alongside life transitions and resilience;
8.4 Use theoretical and skills-based lifecourse development knowledge to inform social work practice with children and families in relation to
assessing need, risk and strengths, safeguarding children and working in partnership with families and other professionals in complex
situations;
8.5 Demonstrate critical reflection on the process and application of child observation and its relevance to social work.
The intended generic learning outcomes.
On successfully completing the module students will be able to:
9.1 Demonstrate systematic skills in gathering, organising, evaluating and synthesising information in a clear and coherent manner.
9.2 Evaluate different perspectives and assess reliability and relevance of information gathered.
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