Program Overview

Family and Child Psychology MSc

Overview

Our exciting course focuses on contemporary issues in family and child psychology across the lifespan, exploring critical issues as families and society become increasingly diverse.

Course Details

• Level: Postgraduate
• UCAS Code: N/A
• UCAS Points: N/A
• Start date: Oct 2025, Oct 2026
• Duration: 1 year full-time, 2 years part-time
• Location: Exton Park, Chester
• UK fees: £8,775 for a full-time course (2025/26)
• International fees: £15,000 (2025/26)

Course Structure

Year 1

• Substantive modules:
  • Child development and the changing family
  • Mental health and neurodevelopmental disorders
  • Issues in social policy and practice
• Research methods and advanced skills modules:
  • Researching Thought and Behaviour
  • Advanced Skills for Research and Practice
• Dissertation:
  • Family and Child Psychology Research Dissertation

Modules

Researching Thought and Behaviour

• Module content:
  • Introduction to qualitative and quantitative methods
  • Research designs and analytical techniques
  • Laboratory exercises and training in statistical software packages
• Module aims:
  • Provide advanced training in psychological research methods and statistics
  • Develop understanding of principal concepts and methodologies
  • Enhance skills in research report production

Advanced Skills for Research and Practice

• Module content:
  • Ethical and professional standards in research
  • Research proposals and grant applications
  • Project management and dissemination
  • Time management and effective communication
• Module aims:
  • Develop transferable skills in students
  • Enable students to appreciate professional and ethical issues in research and practice
  • Provide training in practical skills for research project management

Child and Adolescent Development

• Module content:
  • Classic and contemporary theories in child development
  • Social self and family
  • Symbolic development and communication
  • Parenting and relationships
• Module aims:
  • Consider core theory and research in child development
  • Evaluate different methodological approaches
  • Develop critical understanding of classic and contemporary theories

Family Psychology in Society

• Module content:
  • Social and cultural influences on family functioning
  • Practical applications of family psychology
  • Interventions for helping families in crisis
• Module aims:
  • Critically discuss and analyse practical implications of research
  • Formulate arguments and communicate them in writing
  • Develop skills in group work and oral presentation

Family Lifestyle and Transition

• Module content:
  • Theoretical approaches to family lifestyle and transition
  • Life cycle transitions and diversity in family units
  • Agents of socialisation within families
• Module aims:
  • Develop critical understanding of classic and contemporary theories
  • Evaluate different methodological approaches
  • Carry out an independent literature review

Family and Child Psychology Research Dissertation

• Module content:
  • Investigate a topic in family and child psychology
  • Develop research methodology skills
  • Enhance knowledge and understanding of a specific research area
• Module aims:
  • Provide an opportunity to investigate a topic in depth
  • Enhance skills in research, research methodology, and evaluation
  • Contribute to the development of knowledge in family and child psychology

Child and Adolescent Mental Health and Neuro-Developmental Disorders

• Module content:
  • Neuro-developmental and psychological disorders in children and adolescents
  • Theoretical models and approaches
  • Classification, diagnosis, and assessment
  • Prevention, intervention, and treatment
• Module aims:
  • Provide an overview of classic and current theories and research
  • Develop awareness of major disorders and their aetiology
  • Consider the role of the family and significant others in treatment

Teaching and Learning

• Teaching: Workshops, seminars, and practical classes
• Assessment: Coursework using a range of methods
• Learning experience: Tailored to individual areas of interest

Entry Requirements

• Home Students: Honours degree (minimum 2:2) in psychology or social science
• International/EU Students: Honours degree (minimum 2:2) in psychology or social science
• English Language Requirements: See International Entry Requirements

Fees and Funding

• Home Students: £8,775 for a full-time course (2025/26)
• International Students: £15,000 for a full-time course (2025/26)
• Additional Costs: Books, printing, photocopying, educational stationery, and related materials
• Bursaries: Available for postgraduate study

Your Future Career

• Job prospects: Graduates progress into diverse roles working with children and families
• Careers service: Award-winning service providing employability-enhancing experiences
• Careers and Employability: Aims to deliver a service that is inclusive, impartial, welcoming, informed, and tailored to individual goals and aspirations

Where You'll Study

• Exton Park, Chester: Close to the city centre, with modern learning resources and library, fitness facilities, student services, chapel, chaplaincy, and multi-faith spaces
• Accommodation: Most student accommodation is located on or near Exton Park
• Catering: Several catering outlets available onsite, offering a wide selection of hot and cold food