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MSc

Psychology of Child Development

Attendance

Campus

Start

Duration

1 Year

Start

September 2023

Delivery

Campus Taught

Our MSc Psychology of Child Development course is designed to advance your knowledge of child psychology. It’s ideal for graduates in Psychology (or related subjects) and a great development opportunity for professionals working with children.

Throughout this course you’ll explore a wide range of theories and topics relating to the psychology of child development. We’ll give you a thorough grounding in research methods and analytical skills so that you’ll gain the ability to carry out empirical research in this field. In addition, you’ll gain an in-depth understanding of the latest theories, interventions and applications of psychology relevant to working with children and adolescents across a range of settings.

You’ll have access to extensive laboratory facilities. The School has developed two outstanding laboratory complexes in which you can develop a deeper understanding of the psychology of child development. The Child Observation Suite (COS) provides a facility for the observation, recording, coding and understanding of children’s behaviour. The Developmental Cognitive Neuroscience (DCN) lab enables a detailed examination of the brain and visual systems of young children and adolescents through a range of techniques, including eye tracking and electroencephalography (EEG).

Why study with us

The course comprises of specialised, dedicated Child Development modules. Each module focuses upon different developmental psychology and is assessed entirely by coursework.
Learning is supported by dedicated Child Psychology Laboratories. Facilities such as The Child Observation Suite and Developmental Cognitive Neuroscience Lab, as well as over thirty extra laboratories.
Develop your skills in applying psychology in a range of developmental settings. The course includes a placement module and a project of your choice.

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What you'll do

Teaching takes place on one day of the week, so you’ll be able to fit your studies around your other work or family commitments.
You’ll get to experience different areas of developmental psychology (such as Neurocognitive Development, Language Literacy and Learning, and Social Development) to help you build the knowledge you need for your chosen career.
You’ll develop the skills needed to carry out empirical research in this field. There are opportunities to get involved in research conferences, contribute to peer reviewed publications and work as a research assistant.

Module overview

Course delivery

Following the pandemic, we have found that some courses benefit from a blended learning and teaching approach. Therefore, the majority of your teaching will be face-to-face on campus aside from a small amount of online teaching where we have learnt it works best.

90%Face-to-face

10%Online

Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of our published course information. However, our programmes are subject to ongoing review and development. Changing circumstances may cause alteration to, or the cancellation of, courses. Changes may be necessary to comply with the requirements of accrediting bodies or revisions to subject benchmarks statements. As well as to keep courses updated and contemporary, or as a result of student feedback. We reserve the right to make variations if we consider such action to be necessary or in the best interests of students.

Looking to start your postgraduate journey?

Our range of subjects and study modes can support your goals, take your next step with a postgraduate degree.

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View the course facilities

Academic expertise

We continuously engage with employers to make sure that our curriculum is delivering the skills and knowledge that industry needs. We work with professionals from various sectors, including NHS Trusts, patient groups, medical practitioners, allied health professionals, the Prison Service, police forces, local education authorities, schools and professional sports organisations.

Future careers

After graduating from this course you’ll have developed your research skills to a professional standard and be equipped to lead empirical studies in the field of child psychology and development.

Fees and funding

2022/23

Full-time£7800 per year

Part-time£867 per 20 credits

International

Full-time£14500 per year

2023/24

Full-time£8,400 per year

Part-time£933 per 20 credits

International

Full-time£15,500 per year

Scholarships and bursaries

We have a wide range of scholarships, bursaries and funds available to help support you whilst studying with us.

Select your country and see eligibility information and how to apply by selecting more info on the cards below.

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Our taught modules, which make up two-thirds of the course, focus on psychology in the classroom and understanding how child behaviours impact on their development; as well as the effect of bullying and anti-social behaviour on children. You’ll attend regular lectures, workshops and other teaching sessions as well engaging in independent study.

The remainder of the course involves an advanced project where you’ll be expected to complete an original piece of empirical research in psychology. You’ll have access to our outstanding research facilities, including our Child Observation Suite (COS), Developmental Cognitive Neuropsychology (DCN) lab or the Brain Imaging Lab (BIL). Throughout this research project you’ll be individually supervised by staff with expertise in child development.

We’ll assess your progress through a range of coursework – there are no exams on this course. As you progress, you’ll have opportunities to enhance your learning by attending guest lectures and hear from professionals working in this field.