ICS Child Psychology

ICS Child Psychology

Our Child Psychology course ensures that the psychology of children needn't remain a closed book. Whether you are a parent, a teacher or a carer, if you have dealings with children you'll know their thoughts and behaviours seem to have a logic all of their own. Our Child Psychology course will help you unlock these thought patterns and help you to understand children and their sometimes challenging behaviour, and to play a more productive role in their childhood development.

Our Child Psychology course will lead you through the stages of childhood development you can expect to experience as a child grows.

Starting from birth, you'll examine the bonding process and the importance of family in shaping the young personality and childhood emotional development. The role of imagination in play is now understood to be vital in child development, and you will look at the various ways that this can show itself at different stages in a child's life.

You will examine psychological theories, such as those of Freud and Piaget, and look at the very real impacts on the psychology of children of family breakdown, relationships with siblings, friendships, bullying and the changes that come with adolescence.

As you study child psychology you will learn the stage at which a child realises its individuality, and find out what makes the 'terrible twos' so terrible. And you will see how structured play can help you understand a child's thought processes.

Through the Child Psychology course you will gain a comprehensive understanding of the psychological changes children go through and be better equipped to handle the ups and downs that are part of child development.

Entry Requirements

You don't need any previous experience or qualifications to enrol in our Child Psychology course. That's because we believe in making home study - and a rewarding future - as accessible as possible. 

Where will I go from here?

The Child Psychology course has been designed to suit anyone with a need to understand child behaviour and development. If working in this area appeals, you will find the skills and knowledge you gain will open up employment opportunities in child care and welfare, as well as prospects for further study.

What will I gain?

On completion, you'll receive the ICS Diploma in Child Psychology.

Assessment

Assessments are a great way of checking your progress, while projects allow you to apply your learning to real-world situations. Throughout the Child Psychology course, you'll complete seven assessments, one at the end of each unit, containing 20 multiple-choice questions.

Generally, assessments can be sent to us online via the ICS Student Community: it's the fastest way to receive your results.

What will I get?

Because we're experts in home learning, ICS knows about and offers all the support you need along the way.

You'll receive study materials that have been specially designed for distance learning by experts in your chosen field.

You'll have access to an experienced personal tutor both online and over the phone, ready to help you with guidance and motivation.

You'll also be part of the ICS Online Student Community, where you'll have access to library materials and your account information, as well as vital links with your fellow students, with the chance to discuss your work, ask questions and make new friends.

Study Period

6 months

Hours of study

100 hours

(That's just under four hours of study a week over the six-month support period)

Support period

6 months

Course code

A09

Course cost

£469.00

Additional fees

There are no registration or examination fees for our Child Psychology course.

See your course content

Key Topics

Introduction to Child Psychology

  • Examine the 'nature', 'nurture' and 'interactionist' schools of child psychology. Explore the pace and progress of child development. Consider why a child's personality seems different in different situations.

Theories of Child Psychology

  • Examine Freud's psychoanalytic theory, Piaget's theory of cognitive development, Behaviourism and ecological theory.

Changes During the Early Years

  • Consider the importance of bonding. Examine the developmental changes that occur between 0 and 5 years. Study the different types of memory. Explore the key social skills in childhood. Gain an understanding of the reasons for the formation of cliques.

Play During Childhood

  • Examine the different types of play that are found during childhood and explore different theories of play. Study the role of imagination in children's play. Consider the biological and social theories of gender differences in play.

The Role of the Family

  • Explore the effects of family structure on child development. Examine a variety of different styles of parenting and of establishing discipline. Study the impact of relationships with siblings on a child's development. Explore the psychological effects of separation, divorce and remarriage.

The School Years

  • Consider the key psychological hurdles facing a child starting school. Explore bullying at school. Study the differences between mainstream schools and special schools and examine the pros and cons of segregation.

Adolescence

  • Consider the changes that take place during puberty. Examine the importance of identity for adolescents. Explore the changes in friendship patterns that take place during adolescence. Study moral development and thought development in adolescence.

You can either pay for your course in full or opt for a monthly payment plan.

Course fee: £469 (excluding discounts)

Or speak to one of our course advisors now for payment plans.