PY0549 - Social and Developmental Psychology and Psychopathology

What will I learn on this module?

On this module you will learn about core theories and approaches used, and issues in social and developmental psychology and psychopathology. The relationship between psychopathology, society and development will be explored by focusing on context and culture. In addition you will learn about different methods and approaches used to investigate and report problems from a social, developmental and psychopathological perspective, and relate theory to practice by providing you with knowledge of different research techniques.

How will I learn on this module?

On this module you will learn through a combination of interactive lectures and tutorials, along with independent study.

You will have the opportunity to learn about social and developmental psychology and psychopathology in lecture-based formats. This will afford the opportunity for you to learn core theories, approaches and issues in social and developmental psychology and psychopathology. Online discussion board will provide you with the opportunity for open discussion and debate of key issues. Independent and directed study will be encouraged through the provision of reading lists and learning materials.

Tutorials will provide an opportunity for you to discuss issues related to the module with a member of staff.

How will I be supported academically on this module?

You will be supported academically by your module tutors who will make a variety of materials linked to the lectures series and assessments available on the eLearning Portal (e.g. PowerPoint slides, lectures handouts, videos, online tests, reading lists) along with links to resources to encourage further exploration of the areas. A discussion board on the eLearning Portal will be available for students to pose and respond to questions among peers and to module tutors. This enhances collegiality and also means that support is available to all students. Technology enabled learning will be implemented through the use of Panopto recording software and online submission and feedback for the assessment.

One-to-one or group tutorials can provide an opportunity for students to discuss issues related to the module with a member of staff.

What will I be expected to read on this module?

All modules at Northumbria include a range of reading materials that students are expected to engage with. Online reading lists (provided after enrolment) give you access to your reading material for your modules. The Library works in partnership with your module tutors to ensure you have access to the material that you need.

What will I be expected to achieve?

Knowledge & Understanding:
• MK1: You will be expected to demonstrate conceptual knowledge of key topics in social and developmental psychology and psychopathology, and convey this knowledge succinctly.
• MK2: You will be able to critically evaluate different perspectives in social and developmental psychology and psychopathology, based on the best available evidence and research

Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:
• MIP1: You will enhance career development and long term career prospects through exploration of real-world applications of the discipline in a wider context

Personal Values Attributes (Global / Cultural awareness, Ethics, Curiosity) (PVA):
• MPV1: Demonstrate effective, written, oral and visual communication skills, with the ability to adapt style to suit a range of audiences

How will I be assessed?

Formative Assessment
You will have the opportunity to work through an example assignment and three model answers provided by staff (one that would achieve a 1st, one that would achieve a 2:1, and one that would achieve a 2:2) (MK1; MPV1)

You will have the opportunity to discuss and debate in lectures and online forums current issues in the areas of social and developmental psychology and psychopathology. (MK2, MIP1)

Summative
You will complete a summative assessment for this module.

This will be a Restricted Timed Assessment (100%). You will be expected to answer three questions: one from developmental psychology, one from social psychology and one from psychopathology. Within each essay you will also be required to write a short non-academic summary of the points made (MK1, MK2, MIP1, MPV1).

Feedback
Written feedback will be provided along with general feedback comments provided via the eLearning Portal.

Students are encouraged to attend individual tutorial sessions with assessment tutors if they wish to discuss their work.

Pre-requisite(s)

None

Co-requisite(s)

None

Module abstract

The module aims to provide you with knowledge and understanding of social and developmental psychology and psychopathology. Lectures, along with independent study, will introduce you to the major theories in these areas, incorporating the historical and contemporary development of models and approaches. You will also learn about research methods used in social and developmental psychology and psychopathology. This module focusses on how theories and approaches in the areas of social, developmental and psychopathology can be applied to solve real world problems.

Your learning will be supported by a variety of e-learning resources and lecture capture and you will be assessed by a Restricted Timed Assessment. Discussion forums will encourage development of communication and critical thinking skills.

Course info

UCAS Code C8M9

Credits 20

Level of Study Undergraduate

Mode of Study 3 years Full Time or 4 years with optional study abroad year

Department Psychology

Location City Campus, Northumbria University

City Newcastle

Start September 2025

Fee Information

Module Information

All information is accurate at the time of sharing. 

Full time Courses are primarily delivered via on-campus face to face learning but could include elements of online learning. Most courses run as planned and as promoted on our website and via our marketing materials, but if there are any substantial changes (as determined by the Competition and Markets Authority) to a course or there is the potential that course may be withdrawn, we will notify all affected applicants as soon as possible with advice and guidance regarding their options. It is also important to be aware that optional modules listed on course pages may be subject to change depending on uptake numbers each year.  

Contact time is subject to increase or decrease in line with possible restrictions imposed by the government or the University in the interest of maintaining the health and safety and wellbeing of students, staff, and visitors if this is deemed necessary in future.

 

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