Taught course

Psychology of Child Development

Institution
University of Central Lancashire · School of Psychology and Humanities
Qualifications
MSc

Entry requirements

For entry requirements, please visit the Psychology of Child Development page

Months of entry

September

Course content

Our MSc Psychology of Child Development course is designed to advance your knowledge of child psychology. It’s ideal for individuals who aim to pursue further postgraduate research or a career in child development. It also presents a great career development opportunity for professionals already working with children.
Examining development allows us to understand how change takes place from infancy to adulthood. Our course explores in-depth child and adolescent development. You'll explore development in different domains such as cognitive, social and emotional. The course provides a thorough understanding of the methodology, analysis, current research, and theory in the field of developmental psychology.
Studying a range of modules unique to this course you will gain a broad understanding of developmental psychology. You'll be taught by a course team providing a global perspective. Each team member delivers teaching in an area related to their own area of research expertise, such as:
  • Language
  • Literacy
  • Learning
  • Bullying
  • Loneliness
  • Social relationships
  • Brain development
  • Developmental disorders.
You’ll gain an in-depth understanding of the latest theories, interventions, and applications of psychology relevant to working with children and adolescents. You will also conduct research using a range of techniques used to understand children’s behaviour and development.
The School is equipped with two laboratories. In these labs you'll develop a deeper understanding of the psychology of child development.
The Child Observation Suite provides a facility for the observation and understanding of children’s behaviour.
The Developmental Cognitive Neuroscience 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.
Future careers
You'll be given opportunities and support for career development throughout this course. The course has a dedicated placement module that is taken only by students studying on this programme and is not shared with other courses. This provides a clear focus around opportunities to work in areas related to child psychology.
After graduating from this course, you’ll have developed both your understanding of child psychology but also an array of transferable skills. This means that not only might you work in a range of areas related to children such as:
  • Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENCO)
  • Specialist charity workers
  • Advisors in educational setting
  • Teaching assistants
You might also decide to pursue an academic or research career in developmental or educational psychology.
The course is an excellent stepping-stone for progression within education and related settings. Whether you have a teaching background, work as a SENCO or in other allied professions, we are confident that this course will benefit you
You receive life-long careers support from our careers team and access to a range of online resources to ensure that you find the right role.
Recent graduates have continued their passion for study by progressing to doctoral studies. The route through to Chartered Psychologist relies on having a recognised BPS approved undergraduate programme and studying the taught Doctorate in Educational Psychology.

Fees and funding

For fees and funding, please visit the Psychology of Child Development page

Qualification, course duration and attendance options

  • MSc
    part time
    24+ months
    • Campus-based learningis available for this qualification
    full time
    12 months
    • Campus-based learningis available for this qualification

Course contact details

Name
Course Enquiries
Email
cenquiries@uclan.ac.uk
Phone
+44 (0)1772 892 400