Developmental Psychology

Key Details

  • Price: £125
  • Course Length: 6 Chapters, 15 Lessons
  • Guided Learning Hours: 18 hours
  • Course Delivery: Online

Are you looking to deepen your understanding of infant development during the crucial first year of life?

Our Developmental Psychology: The First Year of Life course offers an in-depth, evidence-based exploration of how babies grow, learn, and form connections in their earliest months. This comprehensive course is specifically designed for maternity nurse practitioners, early years and childcare professionals, and parents who are passionate about supporting healthy infant development.

Throughout this course, you’ll gain valuable insights into the cognitive, socio-emotional, and physical milestones that shape a baby’s first year. From understanding how newborns perceive the world through their senses, to exploring early brain development and attachment theories, this course equips you with both the scientific knowledge and practical strategies to enhance infant care.

This course combines cutting-edge research in developmental psychology with real-world applications for anyone working with young children. Whether you are a childcare professional, maternity nurse, or a parent wanting to understand your baby’s development better, this course provides essential knowledge and confidence.

Course Structure

Chapter 1: Understanding science
  • Understanding science and theoretical debates
  • Developmental neuropsychology and brain development
  • Key developmental milestones
  • Learning theories
  • Social and emotional domains
Chapter 2: The brain
  • Prenatal and postnatal brain development
  • Critical periods of development
  • Neuroscience fundamentals
  • Cognitive development theories
  • Perceptual development
Chapter 3: Visual and auditory perception
  • Classical and operant conditioning
  • Observational learning
  • Cognitive development theories (Piaget, Vygotsky)
  • Information processing theory
  • Core learning principles
Chapter 4: All you need is love
  • Attachment theory and bonding
  • Emotional development
  • Social interaction patterns
  • Parent-child relationships
  • Supporting healthy development
Chapter 5: Normal vs abnormal development
  • Visual perception milestones
  • Face recognition and social relevance
  • Depth perception and eye coordination
  • Auditory perception milestones
  • Perceptual narrowing in vision and hearing
  • Supporting healthy sensory development
  • Identifying normal vs abnormal development patterns
Chapter 6: Learning theories
  • Behaviourism and learning through conditioning
  • Social learning and observational learning
  • Piaget’s stages of cognitive development
  • Vygotsky’s sociocultural theory
  • Information processing theory
  • Practical applications in early learning environments
  • Supporting cognitive development through play and interaction

Further Details

Course Duration
This online course has been designed with busy professionals and parents in mind, offering the flexibility to study at your own pace, anytime and anywhere. Whether you are a maternity nurse, childcare professional, or a parent eager to deepen your understanding of infant development, this course fits seamlessly into your schedule. There are no fixed deadlines or time limits—simply log in and learn whenever it suits you. You can complete the entire course in one sitting or spread your learning over days, weeks, or even months. Your progress is automatically saved, allowing you to pick up right where you left off, whenever you return. This self-paced approach makes it ideal for those balancing work commitments, family life, or continuing professional development (CPD) requirements in the early years sector.
Course Location
Online using our eLearning platform.
Course Delivery
The course is an online format, allowing students to progress at their own pace. To see an example of the course content, follow the link to start the course and choose the free previews. This format allows for flexibility, which is important to students who choose this accreditation alongside their existing role. As well as the online content, the course team are on hand to support students on their journey through the course.
How will I be assessed?

At the end of the course, you will need to complete the online quiz and meet the passing grade. You are allowed to retake the quiz if you do not pass first time.

Who is this course suitable for?

This Developmental Psychology course is designed for anyone working with children or interested in understanding how they grow, learn, and develop within different social, cultural, and historical contexts.

Do you still have questions?

If you still have questions about this course, our training or any other general question please get in touch.
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