Contemporary Topics in Child Development and Wellbeing (C8851)

15 credits, Level 6

Spring teaching

This module will shine a critical, scientific perspective onto contemporary topics in child development, wellbeing and psychopathology that we often see covered in the popular press. Emphasising recent empirical work and covering appropriate theoretical approaches, lectures will include coverage of a broad range of topics covering infancy up to adolescence, such as sleep practices and family routines, the impact of access to nature for emotional wellbeing, the importance of play (with a particular focus on outdoor play), parenting and fatherhood, parental mental health and child outcomes, “scary TV” and childhood fears, and social media use and socio-emotional wellbeing.

We regularly review our modules to incorporate student feedback, staff expertise, as well as the latest research and teaching methodology. We’re planning to run these modules in the academic year 2026/27. However, there may be changes to these modules in response to feedback, staff availability, student demand or updates to our curriculum.

We’ll make sure to let you know of any material changes to modules at the earliest opportunity.

Courses

This module is offered on the following courses:

• Psychology (with a professional placement year) BSc
• Psychology BSc
• Psychology with Business and Management BSc
• Psychology with Clinical Approaches BSc
• Psychology with Criminology BSc
• Psychology with Neuroscience BSc