MEd Psychology of Education

• To provide coverage of the BPS Syllabus core area of developmental psychology.
• To develop understanding of theory and research in psychological aspects of human development and applications thereof.
• To develop individual and co-operative research, learning and presentation skills.

• To provide coverage of the BPS Syllabus core area of developmental psychology.
• To develop understanding of theory and research in psychological aspects of human development and applications thereof.
• To develop individual and co-operative research, learning and presentation skills.

On successful completion of this unit students will be able to:

• Critically examine key theory and research in developmental psychology.
• Discuss and debate chosen topics in developmental psychology.
• Critically evaluate applications and extensions of developmental psychological theory.

Indicative Curriculum Content

• Introduction to Developmental Psychology
• Attachment Theory
• Emotions and Emotional Development
• Developing an Understanding of Other Minds
• Cognitive Development
• Social Interaction
• Development Cascades
• Adolescent Development
• Contemporary Themes in Child Development

The course unit will be delivered in a variety of ways including lectures, and group or individual tutorials. Students will be required to work both independently and in small groups and active student participation will be encouraged at all times.

Learning Hours:

• Written communication (assignment).
• Oral communication (debate and discussion).
• Working with others (group discussions).
• Examination and interpretation of current literature and subsequent production of information for a specific audience.
• IT skills (databases, literature searches, word processing).
• Critical evaluation, analysis and synthesis of current literature.
• Self and peer evaluation.
• The use of constructive feedback skills.

Unit Feedback and Student Engagement

Student representation at both the programme and unit level plays an important role helping the quality of provision be upheld.  MEd student representatives liaise between staff and students on matters of concern to either side; provide two-way feedback on the course and on teaching quality, and promote student involvement in course development.  Student representatives participate in course review meetings (including a confidential meeting with external examiners) and feedback information from these meetings to other students.

At the end of each semester all students are asked to complete an on-line evaluation questionnaire for each course unit they have taken.  This anonymous feedback is circulated to unit leaders and supports quality assurance.

Formative assessment and written feedback to students is a key feature of this unit. Students are provided with an opportunity to complete an outline in advance of the submission deadline for assessed work and formative written feedback is provided when marking has been completed.

As with all modules on the MEd, we like to offer a range of books and let you choose a combination that appeals to you.  As such, you are advised to have a look through them all first (either in the University Library or online). 

The Online version of this Reading List will show you where these core texts can be found in the library or online:

https://manchester.alma.exlibrisgroup.com/leganto/public/44MAN_INST/lists/314284963630001631?auth=CAS

In addition to the recommended reading, you will be provided with reading lists of journal articles, chapters in edited texts and on-line resources that you are strongly encouraged to make use of.  You will also be expected to search relevant databases (e.g. PsycINFO) to find research that extends beyond the content covered in sessions.

This is a semester one unit.