Diploma in Child Psychologydrafted drafted draft

Program Overview

This Diploma in Child Psychology provides a comprehensive foundation in the field, covering cognitive, social, and emotional development. It equips participants with the language, methods, and ethics of psychology as applied to children, preparing them for careers in childcare, special needs, and teaching. The program emphasizes practical applications and encourages student engagement through group work and discussions.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

Overview:

This Diploma aims to provide participants with a grounding in the field of child psychology. It focuses on accessing the language, methods, and ethics of psychology as applied to child development. Specifically, students gain insight into the cognitive, social, and emotional development of children. This progresses into areas of applied child psychology.

Objectives:

• Provide a foundation in the area of child psychology.
• Introduce the theoretical aspects of psychology and apply them to practical areas of child psychology and development.
• Give participants an understanding of the current methods and practice of child psychology.
• Equip participants with the language and methods of psychology as a whole.

Description:

• Introduces the discipline of psychology and its application to child development.
• Combines theoretical aspects with practical areas of child psychology.
• Covers topics relevant to childcare, special needs, and teaching fields.
• Suitable for anyone with an interest in child development.
## Outline:

Program Content:

• Introduction to Child Psychology: Explores historical views on the child, methods, language, and practice of child psychology.
• Physical Development & Attachment: Charts the physical development of the child from conception to 2 years of age and introduces the concept of attachment and its different styles.
• The Emergence of Mind: Consciousness and Language: Examines cognitive psychology and its link to child psychology.
• Cognition: Explores the development of thinking and two key theories: Piaget's stage-theory and social-cognitive theory.
• Social Development: Addresses the child's world in relation to family and peer groups, social development, and practical aspects like separation experiences.
• Aggressive Behaviour and Bullying: Examines current theories and research on aggression, bullying, and anti-bullying interventions.
• Intelligence & Attainment: Discusses the concept of intelligence, the nature vs. nurture debate, and its link to attainment and education.
• Educational Psychology and Children with Special Needs: Explores the role of educational psychologists, best practices for identifying and supporting children with special needs, and psychological interventions.
• Child Psychology and Psychopathology: Examines classification, diagnosis, and intervention in relation to problematic and destructive behavior.
• Ecology of Development: Context and Ireland: Emphasizes the importance of context on development and explores the place of children in Irish society.

Structure:

• Delivered through lectures, video, and multimedia tools.
• Encourages group work, analysis, interaction, and debate.
• Welcomes student experiences and discussions.
• Offers flexibility in the project to suit individual needs.

Course Schedule:

• Provisional timetable available HERE.

Individual Modules:

• Each lecture is an individual module with its own specific focus within the broader child psychology framework.
## Assessment:
• Assessment is through an individual course project.
• Project begins after lecture five and can be developed in conjunction with the instructor.
• Project allows students to analyze and develop an area of child psychology using the tools and skills provided by the course.
• Project topics are approved by the instructor and reflect a critical analysis of the discipline.
• Project accounts for 100% of the course grade.
## Teaching:
• Lecturers with expertise in child psychology deliver the course.
• Uses a variety of video and multimedia tools to enhance learning.
• Encourages group work, interaction, and debate among students.
• Welcomes student experiences and contributions to discussions.
## Careers:
• Provides an overview of the language and practices of psychology, specifically developmental science and child psychology.
• Information and materials can be used for career progression and applications for further study in psychology, including the field of child psychology.
• Can be a first step in exploring a new career path related to psychology.
## Other:
• Open days are available to assist with program decisions.
• Application procedures, student services, and career services are described in detail.
• Program does not fall under the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ).

The fee for this Diploma is €1,325. This is inclusive of tuition, registration, exam fees and DBS library membership. This fee must be paid in full before the course begins.