Human Development and Education

You’ll develop the analytical skills and cultural understanding needed to explore and address the complexities of human growth, learning, and well-being across diverse contexts — empowering you to inspire and make a difference in the lives of individuals and communities.

Overview

Human Development and Education explores how individuals grow and learn across various stages of life, focusing on the cognitive, emotional, social, and moral dimensions of development. At Lisburn University, the program examines how theoretical frameworks and research can be applied to support the needs of diverse learners and promote healthy development in both educational and community settings.

One day in class, your professor might present a case study about a child’s learning challenges or an adolescent’s social-emotional development. You and your classmates analyze, critique, and discuss the case from different angles, such as developmental theories, the impact of the environment, and potential interventions. Then, you design a strategy or intervention plan to support the individual’s growth and development.

Career Opportunities

Our graduates pursue diverse and impactful careers, including roles as school counselors, educators, curriculum developers, and college or university administrators. Many lead afterschool programs, camps, or youth organizations, while others work as researchers in university centers or think tanks, or as administrators for government programs at local, state, or federal levels. Many continue their education in fields such as psychology, public policy, social work, and education, or launch community programs and initiatives to drive meaningful change.

Program Learning Outcomes

Demonstrate an understanding of how human development shapes learning, growth, and social interaction across cognitive, emotional, social, moral, and neurological domains.

Be able to utilize a variety of research-based tools and strategies to analyze developmental processes and design interventions that support healthy growth and equitable educational outcomes for individuals and communities.

Demonstrate an understanding of the possibilities and challenges in promoting human development and education and be prepared to apply this knowledge in diverse settings to foster inclusion, equity, and positive change in the world.

Programme

Semester 1	Credits	Number
Introduction to Human Development	4	HDE101
Educational Psychology	2	HDE102
Theories of Learning and Development	4	HDE103

Semester 2	Credits	Number
Child Development and Early Education	4	HDE201
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Education	4	HDE202
Cognitive and Emotional Development	2	HDE203

Semester 3	Credits	Number
Adolescent Development in Educational Contexts	4	HDE301
Curriculum Design and Instructional Strategies	2	HDE302
Social and Moral Development	4	HDE303

Semester 4	Credits	Number
Adult Development and Lifelong Learning	4	HDE401
Policy and Advocacy in Education	4	HDE402
Field Practicum in Human Development	2	HDE404
Total for the entire period of study	40