MSc in Child Psychology

Will this course suit me?

This course is ideal if you would like to start or promote a career working with children in areas such as education and social work. It also provides an excellent foundation for pursuing a research career in a child or developmental psychology. The course also attracts professionals (e.g. educators or clinicians) already working with children and adolescents.

What you will study

Taught by researchers active in the field of child psychology, this MSc has a strong research focus, and you will be encouraged to approach empirical research critically.

You will be introduced to the theories of child psychology, considering them in relation to the real world, and will cover the empirical research and theories of developmental psychology, focusing on implications for policy and practice. You will also study the application of developmental psychology to social policy, such as social issues, education and school issues and health, and the factors influencing the development of children's relationships. You will consider both typical and atypical development, including a range of developmental disorders, such as autism spectrum disorders, dyslexia, etc.

The dissertation gives you the chance to study an area of interest in greater depth and gain valuable research skills. For example, past students have studied social communication difficulties in children and adolescents with autism.

Full-time - 1 year

You will study four, year-long, 30-credit modules, including three core modules and one option module, plus a 60-credit dissertation.

Core modules

• Psychology Dissertation
• Methods and Statistics
• Cognitive and Social Development
• Development in Typical and Atypical Populations
• Applications of Psychological Research

Part-time - 2 years

Part-time students will take three core, 30-credit, modules in the first year. In the second year, you will take one 30-credit module plus a Psychology Dissertation, worth 60 credits.

Year 1

• Methods and Statistics
• Cognitive and Social Development
• Development in Typical and Atypical Populations

Year 2

• Psychology Dissertation
• Applications of Psychological Research

Please note

Optional modules only run if there is enough demand. If we have an insufficient number of students interested in an optional module, that module will not be offered for this course.

After you graduate

The course is ideal for beginning or developing your professional career in areas such as teaching, educational psychology, special educational needs, clinical/health, and social work. Graduates work in schools, local authorities, NHS, private companies and universities.