Developmental Psychology

Summer School modules are designed to be intensive, intellectually stimulating short courses. They are taught by King’s academics in academic disciplines where King's has expertise. Classes are highly international, giving students an opportunity to collaborate with peers from all around the globe.

Each module consists of 150 study hours, comprising 45 hours of intensive synchronous and asynchronous teaching, independent study and group work and is examined to university standards. Comparable to an in-semester 15-credit King’s undergraduate module and therefore typically awarded 3-4 US credits or 7.5 ECTS, many summer students ask their home institution to award them external credit for their King's summer module to use towards their degree programme when they return home.

Developmental psychology is the scientific exploration of the changes that occur in people's lives, and the reasons behind these changes. While initially focused on infants and children, the field now encompasses the entire span of life, including adolescence, adulthood, and older age, using a multidisciplinary approach to better understand the interplay between genetic and environmental influences on a person’s psychological development.    

The aim of this course is to enhance understanding of how behaviours and cognition evolve over a person's life, with a particular emphasis on childhood. The course will involve a combination of in-person lectures supported by asynchronous learning resources, small-group seminars with activities and discussions exploring and expanding on issues related to the lecture content, and experiential learning opportunities.

By the end of this module, you should be able to:

• Understand and describe the main theoretical views in developmental psychology.

• Describe social and cognitive development and their biological underpinnings.

• Describe the key features of family and community influences on child development.

The King's College London Undergraduate Summer School is open to students who are currently, or have been, enrolled in an undergraduate degree programme. We also welcome applications from professionals who have substantial relevant experience in their chosen subject area.

Entry requirements

• Open to students who are currently, or have been, enrolled in an undergraduate degree. We also welcome applications from professionals who have substantial relevant experience in their chosen subject area.
• Minimum grade requirement of 2:1 degree equivalent. See International grade equivalents on our Undergraduate Summer School homepage, under Entry requirements.
• English language requirement of at least level C1 in the Common European Framework of Reference for languages (CEFR). See full English Language requirements on our Undergraduate Summer School homepage, under Entry requirements.
• Minimum age at the start of the course is 18 years old.

Essay (50%), Group presentation (40%), Quiz (10%) - to be confirmed by the academic

Taught on-campus any time between the hours of 9am and 6pm from Monday to Friday. 

*Early application discount: prices apply for applications received by 23:59 GMT on 14 February 2025. Subject to availability at the time of application. From 15 February 2025, the standard 2025 tuition fees apply.

As per the fees listed above, booking two sessions receives a discount. This discount cannot be used in conjunction with other discounts of promotions. Subject to availability at the time of application.

More information on our fees, entry requirements and residential package can be found on the Undergraduate Summer School homepage.

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