BA, Human Development Studies
Understanding Human Growth, Nurturing Whole-Person Flourishing
About This Program
Program Description
The Bachelor of Arts in Human Development Studies prepares students to understand and support human growth and flourishing from childhood through later adulthood. It brings developmental knowledge into conversation with biblical teaching, Christian theology and the practical work of education, counselling, pastoral care and community ministry.
Students begin with foundational studies in Christian worldview, biblical studies, Christian doctrine, academic writing, counselling and ministry. These courses establish the theological, intellectual and communication skills required for more advanced study of human development.
The programme explores the major stages and dimensions of development, including physical growth, cognition, language, emotional wellbeing, identity, relationships, moral formation, social participation and spiritual maturity. Students learn how biological, psychological, family, cultural, educational and environmental factors influence development across the lifespan.
Specialist study addresses child and adolescent development, adult development and ageing, family systems, community development and the design of programmes that promote human flourishing. Students consider how trauma, disadvantage, disability, family disruption, social exclusion and changing life circumstances may affect development and wellbeing.
Courses in counselling, marriage and family support, Christian education, teaching, discipleship and pastoral care prepare students to apply developmental understanding within churches, schools, ministries and community organisations. Students are taught to operate within ethical boundaries and to recognise circumstances requiring referral to qualified health, safeguarding, social care or mental health professionals.
Supervised Field Education I and II provide structured opportunities to apply theoretical knowledge within approved ministry, educational or community settings. Students gain experience in observation, programme support, mentoring, teaching, care, leadership and reflective practice under appropriate supervision.
Research Methods in Theology and the 20-credit degree thesis develop the student’s ability to investigate a substantial question using appropriate academic methods. Thesis topics may address lifespan development, Christian anthropology, spiritual formation, family studies, education, counselling, community development or holistic wellbeing.
Graduates are prepared for entry-level roles in human development, care, formation, education, family ministry and community support, as well as progression to postgraduate study.
Specializations
- Lifespan Human Development
- Child and Adolescent Development
- Adult Development and Ageing
- Family and Relationship Development
- Christian Anthropology and Human Flourishing
- Education, Formation and Discipleship
- Pastoral Care and Counselling
- Community Development and Social Wellbeing
Core Courses
- GEN 101 — Foundations of Christian Worldview: Introduces Christian beliefs and their application to life, learning and society.
- BIB 101 — Introduction to Biblical Studies: Examines the structure, themes, contexts and interpretation of Scripture.
- HDS 201 — Human Development Studies: Introduces human growth and development across the lifespan.
- THE 101 — Foundations of Christian Doctrine: Surveys the principal teachings and doctrines of the Christian faith.
- GEN 102 — Academic Writing and Study Skills: Develops academic reading, research, referencing and writing skills.
- BIB 102 — Principles of Biblical Interpretation: Introduces responsible methods for interpreting and applying Scripture.
- COU 101 — Introduction to Christian Counselling: Introduces Christian counselling principles and helping relationships.
- MIN 101 — Introduction to Christian Ministry: Examines the purpose, responsibilities and practice of Christian ministry.
- ETH 201 — Christian Ethics: Explores Christian moral reasoning and ethical decision-making.
- HIS 201 — Church History I: The Early and Medieval Church: Surveys Christianity from the early Church through the medieval period.
- GEN 201 — Critical Thinking and Logic for Ministry: Develops logical reasoning, analysis and sound judgement.
- LDR 101 — Foundations of Christian Leadership: Introduces biblical leadership, service, character and accountability.
- EDU 101 — Foundations of Christian Education: Examines the biblical and philosophical foundations of Christian education.
- COU 201 — Counselling Theories and Techniques: Introduces major counselling theories and foundational helping methods.
- WOR 201 — Worship and Liturgical Studies: Examines Christian worship, liturgy and congregational practice.
- EDU 201 — Teaching and Learning in the Church: Develops principles and methods for effective church-based education.
- HDS 301 — Child and Adolescent Development: Examines development from infancy through adolescence.
- HIS 301 — Church History II: Reformation to the Present: Surveys Christianity from the Reformation to the contemporary period.
- GEN 301 — Christianity and Contemporary Society: Explores Christian engagement with contemporary social and cultural issues.
- SYS 301 — Systematic Theology I: God, Revelation and Humanity: Studies the doctrines of God, revelation, creation and humanity.
- LDR 201 — Discipleship and Spiritual Formation: Examines discipleship, spiritual disciplines and Christian formation.
- HDS 302 — Adult Development and Ageing: Studies development, transition and wellbeing across adulthood and later life.
- APO 301 — Christian Apologetics: Develops reasoned explanations and defences of the Christian faith.
- COU 301 — Marriage and Family Counselling: Examines marriage, family systems and foundational counselling approaches.
- SYS 401 — Systematic Theology II: Christ, Salvation and the Church: Studies Christology, salvation, the Holy Spirit and the Church.
- RES 501 — Research Methods in Theology: Introduces theological and ministry-based research methods.
- HDS 401 — Family Systems and Human Relationships: Examines family structures, relationships and intergenerational development.
- HDS 402 — Community Development and Human Flourishing: Studies community wellbeing, participation and sustainable development.
- MIN 290 — Supervised Field Education I: Provides introductory supervised experience in an approved setting.
- MIN 390 — Supervised Field Education II: Provides advanced supervised practice and reflective development.
- MIS 101 — Introduction to Missiology: Introduces the biblical, theological and practical foundations of Christian mission.
- EVA 101 — Principles of Evangelism: Introduces biblical evangelism, outreach and Christian communication.
- HDS 403 — Programme Design for Human Development: Develops skills for planning and evaluating development initiatives.
- BIB 201 — The Pentateuch: Examines the first five biblical books and their principal theological themes.
- RES 590 — Degree Thesis: Requires independent research on an approved human development topic.
Admissions
Entry Requirements
Completion of senior secondary education with the required credits or a recognised equivalent
Demonstrated competence in English
A personal statement outlining the applicant’s academic, professional or ministry interests
An academic, pastoral or professional reference
Successful completion of an admissions interview where required
What You'll Achieve
Learning Outcomes
Describe the principal stages of human development across the lifespan
Explain physical, cognitive, emotional, social, moral and spiritual development
Evaluate major theories and perspectives relating to human growth and development
Integrate developmental science with Christian anthropology and theology
Explain how family, culture, education and environment influence development
Identify factors that promote or hinder holistic human flourishing
Apply developmental knowledge within ministry, education and community settings
Support children, young people, adults and older persons within appropriate professional boundaries
Apply foundational counselling and pastoral care skills responsibly
Analyse marriage, family and relationship dynamics using relevant developmental insights
Design educational, ministry or community programmes that respond to developmental needs
Promote inclusion, dignity and wellbeing within diverse communities
Recognise safeguarding concerns and situations requiring professional referral
Demonstrate ethical judgement in work involving individuals, families and vulnerable groups
Apply Christian principles to human development, care and formation
Facilitate learning, mentoring, discipleship and personal development activities
Assess community needs and contribute to appropriate development initiatives
Demonstrate leadership, communication and teamwork in supervised practice
Apply academic research methods to human development questions
Complete an independent degree thesis of appropriate undergraduate quality
Communicate developmental and theological ideas clearly in written and spoken forms
Prepare for postgraduate study in human development or a related discipline
After Graduation
Career Opportunities
A Closer Look
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