Developmental Psychology

Developmental Psychology is the scientific study of how human beings change across the lifespan, from the earliest weeks of prenatal development through infancy, childhood, adolescence, and adulthood to old age. It examines the processes by which cognitive abilities, language, social understanding, emotional regulation, and identity develop and change over time, and asks what drives those changes, including the interplay of biological maturation, social experience, and cultural context. Understanding development is fundamental not only to psychology but to education, health, social care, and policy.

At the University of East Anglia, this three-year full-time degree focuses specifically on this area of the discipline, giving you greater depth in developmental science than a general psychology programme would typically allow. You will study cognitive development, language acquisition, social and emotional development, the development of moral reasoning, and the changes of adolescence and adulthood. Theories of development from Piaget and Vygotsky to contemporary cognitive neuroscience and attachment theory are examined critically alongside the empirical evidence.

Research methods, including observation, experiment, and longitudinal design, are developed throughout.

Developmental Psychology graduates are well positioned for roles in education, early years provision, child and adolescent mental health services, social care, and research. Many graduates go on to postgraduate training in educational psychology, clinical psychology, speech and language therapy, or teaching, building on the developmental foundation the degree provides. Others work in research roles with academic institutions, charities, or government bodies studying child development and wellbeing.

Social work and family support are further paths. The BPS accreditation of this programme provides the Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership, the first step on the route to professional registration as a psychologist.