BSc Psychology / Course details

The course covers each major lifespan stage (adolescence and early, middle and late adulthood) and is supported with a bespoke textbook with chapters relating to each of the four stages. At every stage, biological, cognitive, social and individual difference approaches to change and development will be covered. The opening lecture introduces students to research methodology in lifespan research to equip them with the background knowledge to appreciate how researchers acquire knowledge about lifespan development. The first five lectures consider biological and cognitive development, the following five lectures consider social factors affecting development at different life stages. Students will have a weekly question to consider relating to the key themes for that week. In a synchronous teaching session at the end of each of the relevant week of teaching responses and related issues will be discussed and considered.

Provide students with an overview of human development from adolescence to late adulthood. Introduce students to psychological approaches to development throughout the lifespan. Draw upon cognitive, biological, social and individual differences psychology research to provide students with an overview of factors relating to lifespan and ageing.

Familiarise students with the major theories of human psychological development, emphasising the fundamentally interactive nature of psychological processes.

Introduce students to the breadth of research methods that are used to understand development through the lifespan, including longitudinal, cross-sectional and cross-cultural studies.

Appreciate the importance of the study of lifespan development and change to the understanding of human behaviour.

Develop an understanding of the key approaches to lifespan development.

Demonstrate knowledge of cognitive, biological, social and health psychological approaches to human development beyond childhood.

Appreciate the contributions of different areas of psychological research to adult development. Integrate findings from different fields of research to understand lifespan development. Ability to summarise the evidence base for findings from the main approaches to development (biological, cognitive, social, health). 

Apply knowledge to real world cases in the field of human development.  

Students will have the opportunity to develop their skills in: Synthesising information; summarising theories and evidence; critical thinking; evaluating research; working in groups; communicating effectively both orally and in writing; presenting concise and persuasive arguments 

Essay worth 100%

Students will receive a grade and written feedback.

“Lifespan: Human Development” by Sigelman & Rider 8th Edition; Cengage Learning