Do you want to make a meaningful difference in the lives of young people? Whether you’re working with children or supporting teens, this course provides in-depth insight into the psychological development of children and adolescents.
The Advanced Certificate of Child and Adolescent Psychology is a professional development course that equips you with the skills to support children and adolescents as they navigate complex emotional, cognitive, and social changes.
In this child and adolescent psychology course, you’ll discover early development, covering emotional bonding, sensory perception, learning styles, and language acquisition. You’ll learn about attachment theory, behaviour shaping, cognitive milestones, and the impact of family and environment.
You’ll also explore moral and social development, puberty, self-image, emotional regulation, peer dynamics, and identity formation. You’ll learn about developmental theories from Piaget, Erikson, Freud, and Kohlberg, and how to recognise mental health concerns, risk behaviours, and the challenges of transitioning to adulthood.
On completion of this course, you’ll understand how psychological development unfolds from birth to early adulthood.
Course Structure
Unit - Child Psychology
Unit 1: Introduction to Child Psychology
- Overview of child psychology
- Key concepts: nature vs nurture, development levels
- Cause vs correlation in psychology
- Continuity vs discontinuity in development
- Research methods: cross-sectional and longitudinal studies
- Reliability of verbal reports from children
Unit 2: The Newborn Infant
- Theories of newborn psychology
- Temperament and its origins (nature vs nurture)
- Parental influences and the perinatal environment
- Emotional development during pregnancy
- Father’s involvement in early child development
Unit 3: Infant Sensation and Perception
- Sensory discrimination: sound, smell, vision
- Infant behavioural states: sleep, crying, activity
- Habituation and soothing techniques
- Depth perception and oral sensitivity
Unit 4: Learning in Childhood
- How children learn: cognitive and behavioural perspectives
- Habituation and vicarious learning
- Classical and operant conditioning
- Reinforcement principles and punishment issues
- Developing learning control and timing consequences
Unit 5: Emotions and Socialisation
- Emotional development in early childhood
- Origins of emotions like smiling and fear
- Attachment theories
- Freud’s psychoanalytic perspective
- Bowlby’s attachment theory
- Harlow’s experimental research
- Social learning approaches
- Role of cognition in attachment
- Child care and early social environments
Unit 6: Cognitive and Language Development
- Piaget’s theory of cognitive development
- Play and learning
- Memory and attention development
- Language acquisition: innate vs learned perspectives
- Speech development and common challenges
Unit 7: Moral and Social Development
- Moral development theories
- Freud’s theory of moral development
- Piaget’s theory of moral development
- Kohlberg’s theory of moral development
- Prosocial and aggressive behaviours
- Development of self-awareness, empathy, perspective-taking
- Socialisation influences: family, peers, school
- Social scripts and pretend play
Unit 8: Intelligence and Sexuality
- Nature vs nurture
- Measuring intelligence and cultural considerations
- Parental influences
- Psychosexual development stages (Freud)
- Gender identity and role development
- Child protection
Unit - Adolescent Psychology
Unit 1: Introduction to Adolescent Psychology
- Introduction to adolescent psychology
- Definition and scope of adolescence
- Key development theories
- Jean Piaget: Cognitive development theory
- Adolescence as a distinct phase
- Erik Erikson: Psychosocial development theory
- Lawrence Kohlberg: Moral development theory
- Human development stages
Unit 2: Physical and Biological Development
- Physical and biological development
- Puberty and hormonal changes
- Physical growth patterns
- Physical development, behaviour, and self-image
- Supporting adolescents
- Nutrition, exercise, and lifestyle
Unit 3: Cognitive and Intellectual Development
- Cognitive and intellectual development
- Piaget’s formal operational stage
- Reasoning and problem-solving skills
- Educational challenges and learning styles
- Supporting adolescent learning
- Cognitive changes and identity formation
- Identity formation process
- Supportive environments
Unit 4: Emotional and Psychological Development
- Emotional and psychological development
- Emotional regulation
- Freud’s psychoanalytic theory
- Emotional regulation and executive function
- Social-emotional learning
- Attachment theory
- Neurobiological models
- Developmental systems perspective
- Mental health issues
- Supporting emotional wellbeing
- Additional support considerations
Unit 5: Social Development and Relationships
- Social development and relationships
- Family dynamics and parenting styles
- Peer influence and social networks
- Social identity
- Communication skills
- Bullying, social pressures, and resilience
Unit 6: Sexuality and Gender Identity
- Sexuality and gender identity
- Understanding sexual development
- Gender identity
- Gender roles and social learning
- Gender dysphoria and diversity
- Respectful communication
Unit 7: Moral Development and Decision Making
- Moral development and decision making
- Theories of moral reasoning
- Culture and environment
- Empathy and ethics
- Challenges around risk-taking
Unit 8: Challenges, Life Transitions, and Support Strategies
- Challenges, life transitions, and support strategies
- Identifying life crises
- Common adolescent problems
- Warning signs of crisis
- Delinquency, substance use and risk behaviours
- Transition into adulthood
- Communication and support strategies
Study Hours
Estimated duration 80 hours
Course Delivery and Start
Start anytime, self-paced and 100% online
Assessment
Assessment will be comprised of written exercises, including short-answer questions, reflective tasks, short reports and/or projects. There are no examinations or due dates for assessment. As a result, you can complete training in your own time and at your own pace with the assistance of unlimited tutor support.
Approval and Recognition
Australian Online Courses Pty Ltd is an approved and recognised member of IARC. The IARC is an International association that recognises quality and excellence in tertiary education providers.
Testimonials
Graduation
A Certificate of Attainment and Statement of Results will be issued upon successful completion of this course.
How to Enrol
Enrolment Form – Employment Services and Rehabilitation Providers
Enrol via Live Chat (Business Hours)
Enrol via Telephone 1300 76 2221 (Business Hours)
Payment Options
Visa, Mastercard, BPAY and EFT/Direct Deposit. Please allow 1-2 Business days for processing for EFT and BPAY.
Course FAQs
Why Choose Australian Online Courses?
- Professional development that is widely recognised and respected;
- Improve your employment opportunities;
- Study online, anywhere via our elearning system;
- High-quality professional development programs written by industry experts;
- All course materials provided online – no textbooks to buy;
- Unlimited tutor support via email;
- We offer twelve (12) months’ access, with extensions available upon application (fees apply);
- Course may be tax deductible; see your tax advisor.
Are there any entry requirements or pre-requisites?
There are no course or subject pre-requisites for entry into our programs. However, our professional development programs are generally intended for people over the age of 18. In some circumstances, enrolments from younger people may be considered. Please complete the AOC Parent Guardian Consent Form prior to enrolling and submit here.
Are there any computer requirements?
To study online with Australian Online Courses you will need a computer (desktop PC/laptop) running a current/updated operating system with reliable high-speed internet access. You will need to use the Google Chrome browser to access your course.
When can I start this course?
You can start within 60 minutes during business hours when you enrol and pay in full with a credit card!
Credit card: Within 60 mins during business hours.
BPAY: Within 1-2 working days.
Internet Banking: Within 1-2 working days.
Cheque/Money Order: Upon receipt of mailed cheque.
How is this course delivered?
This course is delivered online via our easy-to-navigate Learning Management System (LMS), where you will discover interactive online learning/written content, resources and assessment.
Do I need to attend classes or undertake any work placements?
No. All courses are delivered online via our LMS and there are no work placement requirements in this course.
What support can I expect from Australian Online Courses?
Unlimited tutor support is available throughout your studies via email only during business hours Monday to Friday. Our Administrative team are available Monday to Friday via email, live chat and telephone.
I am an international student. Can I enrol into this course?
Yes! We accept enrolments from individuals both within Australia and internationally; location is no barrier to entry into our programs.
Career Pathways
Future growth
Strong
Unemployment
Low
Professional Development for:-
- Education
- Health care
- Childcare
- Counselling
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