Program Overview

Introduction to the Early Child Development and Clinical Applications MSc

The Early Child Development and Clinical Applications MSc is a unique program based at Anna Freud, a world-renowned centre for research, training, and clinical practice in the field of child mental health. This program provides a comprehensive multi-perspective understanding of development and clinical practice in the early years, combining a supervised clinical placement, a two-year observation of infants in a family setting, and a research project.

Program Overview

The MSc is designed for individuals interested in a clinical/psychotherapy training or a research/academic career in child development. It integrates different theoretical and clinical perspectives, giving students the opportunity to develop skills necessary to work with babies, children under the age of five, and families. While the MSc has a predominantly psychoanalytic approach, it also incorporates current research from developmental psychology and neuroscience.

Key Features

• The program is full-time, lasting two calendar years.
• It is based within the UCL Division of Psychology and Language Sciences, one of the world's leading integrated departments of research and teaching in mind, behaviour, and language.
• UCL is ranked first for research power in Psychology, Psychiatry, and Neuroscience by the UK's Research Excellence Framework (REF 2021), with more than two-thirds of its research in these areas rated as world-leading (4*).

Entry Requirements

A minimum of an upper second-class Bachelor's degree from a UK university or an overseas qualification of an equivalent standard is required. English language requirements must also be met, with the English language level for this course being Level 2. UCL Pre-Master's and Pre-sessional English courses are available for international students aiming to study for a postgraduate degree at UCL.

Equivalent Qualifications

International applicants can find out the equivalent qualification for their country by selecting from a list of countries. The equivalency will correspond to the broad UK degree classification stated on the program's webpage.

Course Structure

The program is delivered through a combination of lectures, workshops, small group observation seminars, a clinical placement, and supervision, as well as research supervision. The clinical placement is supervised by an experienced clinician in early years, and observation and work discussion seminar groups are small, led by psychoanalytic clinicians.

Modules

The course includes compulsory modules such as:

• Research Methods II: Introduction to Statistical Analysis
• Multiple Perspectives on Development and Psychopathology 1
• Early Child Development I, II, and III
• Multidisciplinarity and Multiple Perspectives in Early Years
• Prevention in Mental Health
• Clinical Competencies and Masterclasses I and II
• Parent-Infant Observation 1 and 2
• Research Project 1 and 2
• Psychoanalytic Theories of Caregiver-Child Relationship
• Applied Psychoanalytic Concepts

Placement

During the second year, all students undertake a supervised clinical placement in an early years setting and attend weekly work discussion groups.

Accessibility

The department endeavors to make reasonable adjustments for students with disabilities. Details of the accessibility of UCL buildings can be obtained from AccessAble, and further information can also be obtained from the UCL Student Support and Wellbeing Services team.

Fees and Funding

• UK tuition fees for the 2026/27 academic year are ｣16,800.
• Overseas tuition fees for the 2026/27 academic year are ｣39,200.
• Fees for subsequent years may increase or otherwise vary.
• Anna Freud has a number of bursaries and scholarships available, awarded based on academic ability and potential, as well as on financial need.

Employability

Students who successfully complete the MSc can apply their degree in a variety of settings, including roles as child mental health workers, assistant psychologists/psychotherapists, or research assistants. They may also be admitted onto professional doctorates or PhD programs. The program has strong links with the Independent Psychoanalytic Child and Adolescent Psychotherapy Association (IPCAPA) at the British Psychotherapy Foundation (bpf) and with the UCL Doctorate in Child and Adolescent Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy.