This unit contains mature or sensitive content and may not be suitable for some students.
Developmental Psychology
UndergraduateMAQ-PSYX22352025
Previously MAQ-PSYX235
Course information for 2025 intake View information for 2024 course intake
Dive into the development of the human mind. Learn how the brain changes from pregnancy to childhood, and adolescence through to adulthood. Consider how development is influenced by genes, the physical environments and social relationships.
- Study method
- 100% online
- Assessments
- 100% online
- Enrol by
- 20 July 2025
- Entry requirements
- Part of a degree
- Duration
- 13 weeks
- Price from
- $2,160
- Upfront cost
- $0
- Loan available
- FEE-HELP available
Developmental Psychology
About this subject
On successful completion of this subject, you will be able to:
- Analyse, critique, and discuss topics of and research relating to developmental psychology
- Effectively communicate a breadth of understanding of topics in developmental psychology to convey thoughtful, scientifically driven information
- Demonstrate systems-thinking and apply strategies to operate effectively in a range of settings, including in response to the needs of socially and culturally diverse groups
- Demonstrate effective application of developmental psychology knowledge for positive impact at the foundational level of competency
- A week-by-week guide to the topics you will explore in this subject will be provided in your study materials.
This unit involves the study of how humans grow and change across the life span from conception until death. Here, you will consolidate and extend on topics introduced in the developmental section of your introductory psychology units. You will explore developmental continuities and changes that are normative and common to most people, but also ways in which people differ from one another. In particular, you will focus on theories that seek to explain development and the extent to which development is influenced by genes, the physical environment, social relationships, and the context in which the individual lives. You will survey major theories, research findings, and contemporary issues in physical, cognitive, social-emotional, and personality development across the life span. The tutorials will complement the lectures and here, you will focus on developmental research methodologies and practical applications of developmental theory.
A week-by-week guide to the topics you will explore in this subject will be provided in your study materials.
- Brief audiovisual recorded proposal (20%)
- Literature review (40%)
- Online invigilated examination (40%)
- Course capabilities reflection (0%)
For textbook details check your university's handbook, website or learning management system (LMS).
This research-intensive university in north-western Sydney offers a range of undergraduate and postgraduate degrees. With over 44,000 current students, Macquarie has a strong reputation for welcoming international students and embracing flexible and convenient study options, including its partnership with Open Universities Australia.
Learn more about Macquarie University.
Explore Macquarie courses.
- QS Ranking 2024:
- 10
- Times Higher Education Ranking 2024:
- 10
Entry requirements
Part of a degree
To enrol in this subject you must be accepted into one of the following degrees:
Core
- MAQ-PSY-DEG-2025 - Bachelor of Psychology
Prior study
You must have successfully completed the following subject(s) before starting this subject:
one of
MAQ-PSYX104 (Not currently available)
MAQ-PSYX1104 (Not currently available)
- MAQ-PSYX1101-Introduction to Psychology I
and one of
MAQ-PSYX105 (Not currently available)
MAQ-PSYX1105 (Not currently available)
- MAQ-PSYX1102-Introduction to Psychology II
Equivalent subjects
You should not enrol in this subject if you have successfully completed any of the following subject(s) because they are considered academically equivalent:
MAQ-PSYX235 (Not currently available)
Others
NCCW (pre-2020 units) PSYX235, PSY235
Pre-requisite (PSYC104 or PSYU1104 or PSYX104 or PSYX1104) and (PSYC105 or PSYU1105 or PSYX105 or PSYX1105) OR
PSYX 1101 and PSYX1102
NCCW (2020 and onwards)
PSYU2235 Developmental Psychology
Admission to Bachelor of Psychology
Additional requirements
- Other requirements - Students who have an Academic Standing of Suspension or Exclusion under Macquarie University's Academic Progression Policy are not permitted to enrol in OUA units offered by Macquarie University. Students with an Academic Standing of Suspension or Exclusion who have enrolled in units through OUA will be withdrawn.
Study load
- 0.125 EFTSL
- This is in the range of 10 to 12 hours of study each week.
Equivalent full time study load (EFTSL) is one way to calculate your study load. One (1.0) EFTSL is equivalent to a full-time study load for one year.
Find out more information on Commonwealth Loans to understand what this means to your eligibility for financial support.
Related degrees
Once you’ve completed this subject it can be credited towards one of the following courses
UndergraduateMAQ-PSY-DEG