Module manager: Dr Ouhao Chen
Email: o.chen@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) View Timetable
Year running 2026/27
This module is not approved as an Elective
This module takes a developmental psychology approach to understanding child development and how children learn. It explores the relationship between brain development, cognition, and learning through classic and contemporary theories and empirical research from cognitive, social, and emotional psychology. Using a lifespan developmental perspective, the module examines how psychological knowledge informs educational practice, curriculum design, and policy, with particular attention to inclusive education and diverse learning contexts. Students will critically evaluate key debates in child development and education, including the nature of effective teaching, the role of empirical evidence in educational decision-making, and the challenges of bridging theory and practice. Teaching will be delivered through interactive lectures and seminars designed to promote critical thinking, discussion, and the application of developmental psychology to real-world educational settings. The module also introduces psychological approaches and techniques used in educational research and supports students in communicating research-informed ideas to academic and professional audiences.
The module aims to develop students’ understanding of key theories and research in developmental psychology related to children’s cognitive, social, and emotional development. It supports students in applying developmental psychology concepts to understand children’s learning processes and educational experiences across childhood, and in analysing how developmental psychology informs educational practice, curriculum design, and policy in diverse and inclusive contexts. The module also aims to build students’ ability to synthesise developmental psychology research and evidence by drawing on theoretical and empirical insights, and to communicate developmental psychology concepts effectively to academic and professional audiences using multimodal formats.
On successful completion of the module students will be able to:
1. Understand key theories and research in developmental psychology related to children’s cognitive, social, and emotional development.
2. Apply developmental psychology concepts to understand children’s learning processes and educational experiences across childhood.
3. Analyse how developmental psychology informs educational practice, curriculum design, and policy in diverse and inclusive contexts.
Skills learning outcomes:
On successful completion of the module students will be able to:
1. Synthesise developmental psychology research and evidence in educational contexts, drawing on theoretical and empirical insights.
2. Communicate developmental psychology concepts effectively to academic and professional audiences using multimodal formats.
| Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lecture | 11 | 2 | 22 |
| Seminar | 3 | 1 | 3 |
| Private study hours | 275 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 25 | ||
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 300 | ||
The 3 seminars will be designed to progressively support students preparing the coursework, also students will have opportunities to get peer/tutor feedback throughout the module.
| Assessment type | Notes | % of formal assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Coursework | Coursework | 100 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) | 100 | |
Normally resists will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated.
Check the module area in Minerva for your reading list
Last updated: 07/05/2026
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