Child Psychology Distance Learning Course (Level 3)

If you are a child-minder, nursery worker, parent, teacher or a baby-sitter, then this fascinating course is an excellent way to gain an insight as to how a child’s mind works and develops.
Understanding the reasons for the behaviour of children can help your parenting skills, enabling you to become a better parent or carer.
This programme is designed for people who wish to gain an understanding of principles, theory and practice of Child Psychology. 
This course does not assume that you have previously studied psychology or child care courses. 

Course Overview
Unit 1 looks at what psychology is, how child psychology relates to the rest of psychology and how people study child psychology. Unit 1 is used as a foundation unit for the rest of this course. 
Unit 2 looks at children within the family context. Different psychologists' ideas about the importance of children's relationships with their parents are considered.
Unit 3 looks at child development and how children inter-act with people outside the family. Children are influenced by their parents and, as they become older, by their friends, media and education.
Unit 4 looks at children's mental development, such as learning how to talk.
There is continuity between the units, and when, for example, the same psychologist is mentioned in different sections and/or units, you will be reminded. This will help you to learn each topic at a time, and to build up a more complete overview of child psychology. The first time a key psychologist is mentioned, a short biographical sketch is included to help you see the psychologist's theories in their historical and cultural context.
Psychology is a social science which means it studies people in a more holistic way than a physical science, such as biology does. 'A' level psychology courses (which are also level 3) have been recently modified to focus more on psychology being a science. As with current 'A' level courses, the scientific nature of psychology is introduced in Unit 1, and forms an integral part of all other units.
Student Profile
This programme is designed for people who wish to gain an understanding of Child Psychology and the development of children. No prior knowledge is required although a reasonable level of literacy is necessary.

Study Details

This course can be studied at your own pace, and there are no deadlines for assignments. However, you must complete the course within 12 months from the date you receive the course. To complete this course will take in the region of 90 study hours.



Qualification
Level 3 Award in Child Psychology. Plus a UK Open Learning Diploma.
At the end of this course successful learners will receive a Level 3 NCFE Award certificate of achievement. That means that it is independently accredited at a level of learning equivalent to level 3 on the National Qualifications Framework (NQF) for England, Wales and Northern Ireland'

Awarding Body Information
NCFE is recognised as an awarding body by the qualification regulators ('regulators') for England, Wales and Northern Ireland. The regulators are the Office of the Qualifications and Examinations Regulator (Ofqual) in England, the Department for Children, Education, Lifelong Learning and Skills (DCELLS) in Wales and the Council for Curriculum, Examinations and Assessment (CCEA) in Northern Ireland.

Further information
www.ncfe.org.uk 



Tutor Support
Throughout the course, students will receive tutor support by email and by post.

How does the course work?
We send you the completed course by courier. You study the materials and carry out the short self-assessment tasks prior to completing a series of assignments which you e-mail or post to a tutor for marking.
Is there a word count for the assignments?
No, there is not specific word count but you have to prove to the tutor that you have fully understood the questions. One sentence answers will be rejected.

Is there an exam at the end of the course?

No, your qualification is awarded on successful completion of your assignments.
Assessment
Assessment takes the form of a series of tutor marked assignments plus one extended essay.
Timescale
The programme takes place over a timescale to suit the student. Once the student is registered, tutor support is available for up to one year or until completion whichever is sooner.

Location
The programme is home- or work-based enabling students to complete the course without having to attend scheduled college teaching sessions.
Is there any further reading?
You will get everything you need to complete the course. However, further reading is always beneficial. We provide an extensive reference list at the end of the course document for you to follow up if you wish to.
Payment Method
You can choose to pay in full at the time of ordering, or you can pay in monthly instalments (no discount applies).
Course Outline

UNIT 1: INTRODUCTION
Sections:
1.1     What is Child Psychology?
1.2     Underlying theories of Child Psychology
1.3     Research Methods
UNIT  2: SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT AND THE FAMILY
Sections:
2.1     Child's sense of self and personality
2.2     Infants' multiple attachments
2.3     Privation, deprivation, institutionalisation
2.4     Parenting styles and effects on c