This module introduces two fundamental core areas of Psychology: Developmental Psychology and Social Psychology. It will provide students with foundational knowledge on their basic principles, theories and methods. Online interfaces will be used to offer students hands-on experience using experiments and surveys within Developmental and Social Psychology. A key focus of this module will be the applications of these approaches to tackle real-life issues. Conceptual and historical influences across these core areas of Psychology and their interplay will be considered.

Students will be asked to write an essay (1,500 words; LO 1-4) in which they should discuss a topic of their choice from one of the psychological approaches covered in the module (i.e., Social Psychology or Developmental Psychology). This topic may be related to the course or a contemporary real-life issue. Students will also be required to evaluate their chosen psychological perspective taking their experience using experiments and surveys interfaces and CHIPS into consideration.

Formative assessment opportunities would be available during workshop sessions. Students will have the opportunity to receive tutor and peer feedback on practice case studies and upon mini group presentations. These will take place during seminar sessions throughout the module. Students will also receive personalised feedback on their individual essay plans.

Scheduled learning and teaching activities (34 hours) will be made up of lectures, seminars, drop ins.

Students will have regular interactive lectures covering key issues, theories and research in core areas in psychology. Lecture content will be expanded upon and applied during regular seminars. The seminars will cover case study practice, skill development, presentation skills and assessment preparation.

Module support sessions: Drop-in sessions will be held by the module leader across the semester, for module/assessment related support.

Guided Independent Study: 166 hours
Preparing for lectures and seminars
Guided Independent Reading including research (using library and web facilities) into specified topic areas to develop understanding of topics introduced in lectures
Assessment Preparation

1. Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of theories and methods within Developmental Psychology, Social Psychology and Contextual and Historical Influences in Psychology (CHIPS).
Knowledge and Understanding


2. Apply key concepts and theories covered within the module to understand real-life situations. Application


3. Review and reflect on a range of applied topics using psychological perspectives and understand the extent to which these might be integrated into real-life contexts. Analysis


4. Communicate psychological ideas and arguments on a range of topics related to Developmental Psychology, Social Psychology and CHIPS. Communication

Martin, N. G., Carlson, N.R., & Buskist, W. (2013). Psychology (5th Edition). Harlow: Pearson Education Ltd.
Bee, H. L., & Boyd, D. (2014). The developing child (13th (International) ed.). Harlow: Pearson.
Brysbaert, M., & Rastle, K. (2021). Historical and Conceptual Issues in Psychology (3rd Edition). Blackwell.
Sutton, R., & Douglas, K. (2013). Social Psychology. Palgrave

Library access to relevant textbooks and journals.
Internet access the relevant websites and online academic databases.
Online interface to design experiments and surveys.

In this core module you will be introduced to two key approaches within psychology: Developmental Psychology and Social Psychology. Over the course of the module, you will develop an understanding of the main issues and topics explored by both areas of psychology. You will learn about their contextual and historical influences, and gain experience using experiment and survey design tools within developmental and social psychology. This module will also give you the opportunity to gain insights on how these perspectives can be used to understand and evaluate real-life issues and questions.