PC5064 - Development Across the Lifespan (2025/26)
| Module specification | Module approved to run in 2025/26 | ||||||||||||
| Module title | Development Across the Lifespan | ||||||||||||
| Module level | Intermediate (05) | ||||||||||||
| Credit rating for module | 15 | ||||||||||||
| School | School of Social Sciences and Professions | ||||||||||||
| Total study hours | 150 | ||||||||||||
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| Running in 2025/26(Please note that module timeslots are subject to change) |
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Module summary
The aim of this module is to explore how humans grow, change, and adapt across the course of their lives. It will introduce you to classic and contemporary theory and research on human development including theories and models of developmental stages and associated behaviour, including both cognitive and social development. You will also learn about the research methods used when working with people at different stages of the lifespan, cross-cultural research on human development, and the extent to which developmental stages are universal or culture specific. The module will equip you with core skills in developmental psychology which are highly valued in educational and employment contexts.
Syllabus
Topics will be drawn from: research methods in developmental psychology; attachment styles; cognitive development (perception, memory, language information processing); theory of mind; identity; moral development; human development across cultures.
Balance of independent study and scheduled teaching activity
The learning objectives will be achieved through a combination of lectures, interactive workshops, seminars, supplementary guided web-based learning, and self-managed independent study. Formative assessments and group work will provide opportunities to receive constructive tutor and peer feedback. You will be encouraged to reflect on your learning throughout the module and to take responsibility for identifying gaps in your knowledge and skill development.
Learning outcomes
On successful completion of this module, you will:
1. Be able to explain and evaluate key theories and models of developmental stages and associated behaviours.
2. Have a critical understanding of the research on which the key theories and models of human development are based, including cross-cultural research.
3. Be able to draw evidence-based conclusions about the extent to which developmental stages are universal or culture specific and discuss the implications.