This module examines the historical and socio-cultural contexts of childhood and development. It introduces key theories of child development, including Bronfenbrenner’s bioecological systems theory, and considers contemporary research on the multiple, bidirectional influences shaping children’s development. Particular attention will be given to children’s wellbeing, with a focus on how psychological theory and research evidence can be applied to enhance and support it.

For assessment 1, you will be provided with a case study by the module team. Each case study will outline a child and the challenges they are facing. You will choose specific issues to focus on and apply child development theory and research to suggest ways of supporting the child and promote their wellbeing. In this you will need to demonstrate your understanding of how multidisciplinary teams need to collaborate, and share their expertise and experience, to solve problems.

For Assessment 2, you will be asked to submit a reflective commentary in which they critically evaluate their own knowledge of psychology and child development, how this has developed though the module along with a critical exploration of their assumptions, any gaps in their knowledge and how these might inform any future learning needs. This should include explicit reference to how the decision-making process about what to include within the case study analysis has been informed by their developing understanding of child development theory. For this assessment you have choice of either submitting a 500-word written reflection OR a 5-minute recorded narrated PowerPoint Presentation.

You will also be guided to complete formative tasks and receive formative feedback. These will take the form of pre-lecture tasks, in-class activities and the opportunity to practice responding to case study type scenarios.

Teaching sessions will consist of a combination of interactive lectures, workshops, group facilitation sessions and drop-in sessions. Sessions will present theory and research covering a range of developmental theories, research methods, childhood contexts and issues, with an increasing focus on wellbeing. Guidance for the assessment will be included in the taught sessions.

Guided Independent Study will include:

-Preparing for lecture / workshops
-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. Integrate and apply knowledge and understanding of psychology and child development theories and concepts to show how they can support children’s wellbeing.

Application & Problem Solving

2. Critically analyse empirical evidence, core concepts, theories and evidence in psychology and child development, demonstrating awareness of different perspectives and the importance of collaboration with others.

Critical Reasoning & Collaboration

3. Communicate psychological and child development ideas and arguments supported by evidence, tailored to the needs of audiences, and communicate the findings of investigations which have used, where appropriate, databases and statistical software.

Communication

4. Engage with learning opportunities in line with your development needs and aspirations and reflect on how to continue enhancing your professional skills and competencies.

Personal Development & Entrepreneurship Reflection

*Note: Reading lists will be shared with students which will be updated regularly to reflect contemporary research in the topics covered - these will mainly consist of peer-reviewed journal articles. All the lectures will include references for further reading.

Burman, E. (2017) Deconstructing developmental psychology. 3rd ed. London: Routledge.
This book provides a critical evaluation of traditional approaches in developmental psychology. It will get you thinking! Although it is a little older it is still very contemporary.

Faulconbridge, J., Hunt, K., & Laffan, A. (Eds.). (2019).
Improving the psychological wellbeing of children and young people: Effective prevention and early intervention across health, education and social care.

Jessica Kingsley Publishers.
This book is a little older but it introduces you, in a very accessible way, to a wide range of approaches and interventions focusing on improving wellbeing.

Lansford, J. C., French, L. E., & Gauvain, M. (2021). Child and adolescent development in cultural context. American Psychological Association
This book provides a good introduction to many of the topics covered in this module

Now that you are at Level 5, we want to show you how fascinating it can be to truly understand what influences the way a child develops. In this module, you will explore key theories and methodologies that explain the multiple and bidirectional influences on development, such as family, school, media, and culture. You will come to appreciate the true complexity of child development! You will also consider how different research approaches, despite their limitations, can provide valuable insights into how children and young people’s wellbeing can be understood and supported.