Psychology of Child Development, MSc
Program start date | Application deadline |
2025-09-01 | - |
Program Overview
Psychology of Child Development, MSc
Overview
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.
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.
What You'll Do
- You’ll gain experience of developmental psychology in practice within an organisation such as a school, charity or childcare setting
- You’ll design and conduct research which will further prepare you for a career in child development.
- The teaching for this course takes place on one day of the week. This means you can divide your time between classroom and individual study and work around the other elements of your life.
Modules
Year 1
Compulsory Modules
- Social Relationships in Childhood
- This module focuses on peer relations and bullying in childhood, an area of social and developmental research which has become the subject of intense academic, professional and public interest. You will explore either, the nature and extent of bullying, effects of bullying, responses to bullying, childhood friendships or peer rejection and loneliness.
- Module code: PS4118
- Development in Context
- We will focus on how important aspects of child development arise from the interaction between the child’s physical development (especially the brain) and environmental factors such as life events (like divorce, adoption, loss/grief).
- Module code: PS4211
- Language, Literacy and Learning
- This module focuses on current debates about reading development and disability. You'll select one area for detailed consideration. You'll consider issues of focus from social, emotional, educational, and physiological views where relevant.
- Module code: PS4212
- Advanced Methods in Psychology
- The aim of this module is to enable you to develop your knowledge and skills in research methods and statistics by exploring a range of statistical techniques, give you the ability to carry out analyses using digital software to interpret findings appropriately and examine Psychological research literature and research design and analysis.
- Module code: PS4700
- Advanced Workplace Credit
- The module will be defined by the nature of the placement you undertake. The 40 hour placement will be arranged by you and agreed by the module leader. You and the placement supervisor will agree in advance a programme of experiences and work for them to be achieved during the placement.
- Module code: PS4711
- Advanced Psychology Project
- This module offers you the chance to undertake an in-depth piece of research.
- Module code: PS4906
Entry Requirements
- Minimum Qualifications:
- Applicants should hold at least 2:1 degree in related subject including sufficient psychology content and research skills. This need not necessarily be a degree accredited by the British Psychological Society as applicants from related subject areas will be considered for a place on the course. The admissions policy of the School is, however, to consider every applicant on their own individual merits therefore prospective students with a lower second class degree and a final year project and/or research methods and statistics grades at a higher level will be considered.
- IELTS: 6.0 with no component lower than 5.5
- Satisfactory DBS check required
Fees and Funding
- 2025/26:
- UK: Full-time £9,450 per year
- International: Full-time £17,900 per year
Learning and Assessment
- 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.
Pathway Opportunities
- There are opportunities to advance onto research degrees (such as MSc by Research, MPhil and PhD).
University of Central Lancashire (UCLan)
Overview:
University of Central Lancashire (UCLan) is a public university located in Preston, Lancashire, England. It is a large and diverse institution with a strong focus on providing high-quality education and research opportunities.
Services Offered:
UCLan offers a wide range of services to its students, including:
Academic Programs:
Undergraduate, postgraduate, degree apprenticeships, postgraduate research, professional development, and short courses.Student Support:
Accommodation, student life, student support, welcome and arrival information, cost of living support, and parents and carers guide.International Student Support:
Dedicated services for international students, including information on tuition fees, English language requirements, scholarships, and how to apply.Business and Enterprise:
Support for businesses, including degree apprenticeships for employers, recruitment opportunities, training and development, and support for SMEs.Research:
Research and Knowledge Exchange Institutes, Research and Enterprise Service (RES), postgraduate research, and academic development for research and enterprise.Student Life and Campus Experience:
UCLan provides a vibrant and engaging campus experience for its students. The university offers a wide range of student clubs and societies, sports teams, and social events. Students can also access a variety of facilities, including libraries, gyms, and cafes.
Key Reasons to Study There:
Diverse Academic Programs:
UCLan offers a wide range of academic programs across various disciplines.Strong Focus on Employability:
The university has a strong focus on preparing students for the workplace, with dedicated career services and industry partnerships.Vibrant Campus Life:
UCLan provides a lively and supportive campus environment with numerous opportunities for students to engage in extracurricular activities.Global Opportunities:
The university offers a range of international study opportunities and partnerships.Affordable Education:
UCLan offers competitive tuition fees and a variety of financial aid options.Academic Programs:
UCLan offers a wide range of academic programs, including:
Undergraduate Programs:
Arts, Humanities, Business, Law, Science, Technology, Engineering, and Medicine.Postgraduate Programs:
Master's degrees, PhDs, and other postgraduate research programs.Degree Apprenticeships:
A combination of work and study, leading to a university degree.Professional Development and Short Courses:
Courses designed to enhance skills and knowledge for professionals.Other:
UCLan has a strong commitment to sustainability and social responsibility. The university is actively involved in research and initiatives aimed at addressing global challenges.