The goal of the master's programme in Developmental Psychology is a theoretically founded and empirically based education of students in the entire field of Developmental Psychology. Thematically, the offered courses can be classified into two areas "social-emotional development" and "cognitive development"; in some seminars, both areas are taken into account.
In the field of social-emotional development, courses are offered on key topics and current fields of research. Topics of lectures and seminars include development in the areas of emotion, temperament / personality, attachment, self-concept and self-esteem, identity, gender differences and gender roles, aggressive and antisocial behaviour, altruism and morality.
In the field of cognitive development, lectures and seminars are offered that focus on current research topics and central aspects of cognitive development. These include language development, intelligence development, memory development and the development of so-called cognitive basic skills (executive function, speed, attention). Thus, a sound foundation of research knowledge based on the bachelor's programme should be achieved. On the basis of typical or normative development, knowledge of atypical development and developmental disorders is acquired (learning disabilities, reading-spelling disorders, dyscalculia, attention disorders, etc.). Furthermore, the scientific evaluation of existing preventive programmes and interventions for developmental disorders plays an important role in our master's education.
In addition, seminars in the intersection of Developmental Psychology with other (sub-) disciplines, e.g. Neuropsychology, Sports Science, Differential Psychology and Psychological Diagnostics are included in the curriculum.
