Developmental Psychology

Key Details

Price: £125
Course Length: 6 Chapters, 15 Lessons
Guided Learning Hours: 18 hours
Course Delivery: On Demand eLearning

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.

Developmental Psychology

Key Details

Course Structure

Further Details

Course Trainers

Marija Lobanova

Do you still have questions?