Masters Degrees (Child Psychopathology)

The aim of the research master’s programme Developmental Psychopathology in Education and Child Studies is to promote the scientific development of young academics on the path to becoming independent researchers within education and child studies and related disciplines.

Graduates are able to design, conduct and evaluate applied scientific research, and in doing this can make the link between (clinical) practice and science.

The programme Developmental Psychopathology in Education and Child Studies is designed in such a way that it can explicitly serve as preparatory training for a PhD position. The programme also offers the opportunity to specialise in the field of social work and youth care, which meets society’s need for academics who are trained in evidence based clinical assessment and treatment for children and families with psychological problems

The research master is a small scale programme, with an average of fifteen students each year. This guarantees intensive interaction between students and staff.

At the beginning of the programme, you are allocated a supervisor – one of the professors – and a day-to-day mentor. While writing your thesis, you make a contribution to one of our research programmes, working closely with your supervisor and mentor within that research. This gives you the opportunity to both observe how the work is done and to ‘learn by doing’. You also receive immediate and intensive feedback on your research performance and academic progress.

Rommert Casimir Studio

The research master’s students have a room of their own: the Rommert Casimir Studio, equipped with PC workstations. This room is used intensively, not only for working individually on assignments, but also for working together with other students and engaging in discussions.

Ambulatorium for family assistance

The Faculty of Social and Behavioural Sciences is the location of the Ambulatorium, which offers families assistance with all kinds of problems relating to parenting and child development. Research master’s students who do their research internship in the Ambulatorium can, if they wish, obtain the NVO Registratie Basis-Orthopedagoog and the NVO Registratie Basisaantekening Diagnostiek and also conduct research in clinical practice.

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The aim of the MSc Developmental Psychopathology is to provide advanced research training for students interested in pursuing careers in the field of research, child development and clinical or educational psychology. The subject-specific and generic postgraduate training provided by the course enables students to develop the knowledge, skills and understanding required of a professional conducting research in clinical, child development or other fields.

Research training forms a key focus of the MSc programme. In addition to providing training in basic research, the course aims to integrate research perspectives from clinical and educational psychology. This distinctive emphasis is reflected in the learning outcomes, structure and assessment of the course.

Course Structure

Teaching is generally organised into a number of 10 week course units involving 2 to 3 hours of lectures, seminars and workshops. Each 10 week unit is assessed by means of formative and summative assessments. The summative assessments count towards the final degree outcome. For the programme as a whole, the assessments include examinations, written assignments, oral presentations and the dissertation.

Core Modules
-Advanced Developmental Psychopathology Review (15 credits)
-Research Practice (15 credits)
-Critical Analysis (15 credits)
-Research Design in Child and Clinical Psychology (15 credits)
-Current Issues in Developmental Psychology & Psychopathology (30 credits)
-Applied Statistics (30 credits)
-Dissertation (60 credits)

Learning and Teaching

The programme is delivered predominantly through a mixture of lectures, seminars and workshop classes. Lectures provide key information on a particular topic, such as ‘autism spectrum disorder’ or ‘developing interventions’. Seminars are held in order that smaller group teaching can take place, with focused discussion on specific topics. Finally, practical workshop classes allow students to gain direct experience, particularly in Applied Statistics and in how to use statistical tools.

The balance of this type of activity varies as a function of the module. This is a one year course, with students having a summer term to work on their dissertation related activities. Students typically attend approximately 12 hours a week comprising lectures, tutorials and seminars. Outside timetabled contact hours, students are also expected to undertake their own independent study to prepare for their classes and broaden their subject knowledge, as well as completing their dissertation. Independent study is a key element to the course, with complex factors raised in lectures that do assume some prior knowledge of the topic area.

The programme is divided into three parts. One third, comprising three modules, is of subject specific topics related to developmental psychology and developmental psychopathology (with a specific focus on neurodevelopmental disorders). A further three modules focus on research skills such as critical thinking abilities and statistical knowledge that are necessary to understand developmental psychology and developmental psychopathology. The final third of the programme is the dissertation module, which reflects the culmination of learning and practical endeavours from throughout the course via the production of an independent and original body of research material. This is performed under one to one supervision with a member of staff, with meetings varying in duration and frequency throughout the year as a function of the needs of the research project and the student.

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This unique two-year international programme is offered in collaboration with Yale University. There is a focus on developmental psychopathology drawing on multidisciplinary perspectives, with a specific emphasis on neuroscience. Students spend year one in London, primarily based at the Anna Freud National Centre for Children and Families and year two at Yale.

Degree information

The programme provides students with an excellent foundation in developmental psychopathology and neuroscience, with a focus on:
-The emergence of childhood clinical disorders (e.g. autism, depression and PTSD)
-Multiple theoretical frameworks of disorder
-Research practice, including science communication
-The translational issues around research and psychological treatments
-This two-year MRes has a total value of 330 credits. 135 credits of taught modules are taken in the first year and in the second year, the research portfolio, comprising an oral presentation, proposal, dissertation and research poster, comprises a total of 195 credits.

Year One core modules
-An Introduction to Psychoanalytic Theory
-The Clinical Theory of Psychoanalysis
-Research Methods I: Research Skills
-Research Methods II: Introduction to Statistical Analysis
-Research Methods III: Evaluating Research Literature (formative)
-Introduction to Neuroscience Methods
-Affective Neuroscience
-Multiple Perspectives on Development and Psychopathology I
-Multiple Perspectives on Development and Psychopathology II

Year Two core modules
-Series of formative workshops (e.g. fMRI; EEG; Advanced research design; Integrating cross-disciplinary models)
-Research Portfolio (see below)

Dissertation/research project
The research portfolio comprises a project presentation – made up of an oral presentation, slides and a written proposal, a written dissertation and a research poster. All students undertake a research project supervised by a faculty member while at Yale, completing a dissertation of 15,000–17,000 words.

Teaching and learning
The programme comprises lectures, research classes, tutorials, small-group seminars, and computer-based practical classes. Assessment is predominantly through essays, statistical assignments, a piece of science communication and unseen examinations. In the second year assessment will be based on the research portfolio - comprising an oral presentation, written research proposal, the dissertation and a poster. Further information on modules and degree structure is available on the department website.

Careers

Typically our students are interested in pursuing a research or clinical career. Of students who graduated within the last two years, 23% are now enrolled on PhD programmes; 38% are employed as research associates, 23% are undertaking further training and the remaining 16% are undertaking clinical work.

Employability
The two-year structure allows students to not only develop in-depth theoretical knowledge and research skills but also provides the opportunity to undertake a substantial piece of research under the mentorship of a leading Yale academic and their research lab. A grounding in quantitative analysis and fMRI/EEG skills combined with a focus on clinical disorders during childhood make students particularly attractive as prospective PhD candidates and doctoral Clinical Psychology applicants. Students are encouraged to publish their research where possible.

Some students seek voluntary clinically relevant experience across both years, which is particularly helpful for those considering applications to Clinical Psychology doctoral programmes.

Why study this degree at UCL?

Students acquire excellent research skills in statistical analysis and a grounding in neuroimaging methods, including fMRI and EEG, and expertise in critical evaluation of research.

The programme is based at the Anna Freud National Centre for Children and Families in London, a world-renowned centre for research, training and clinical practice in the field of child mental health.

UCL Psychology & Language Sciences undertakes world-leading research and teaching in mind, behaviour, and language. The division has excellent links with other universities including Yale, providing unique research and networking opportunities for postgraduate students.

Our work attracts staff and students from around the world. Together they create an outstanding and vibrant environment, taking advantage of cutting-edge resources, including state-of-the art neuroimaging equipment. The division offers an extremely supportive environment with opportunities to attend numerous specialist seminars, workshops, and guest lectures.

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Developmental Psychology MSc develops your understanding of the psychological processes that underlie an individual's social, emotional and cognitive development throughout their life.

To understand any psychological phenomenon fully it is necessary to understand how it develops. The Master’s programme at Kent gives you a deep understanding of the advanced methods, analytical techniques, and theoretical and practical approaches to developmental psychology and developmental psychopathology.

You focus on questions such as: What psychological changes occur during infancy, childhood, and adolescence? What psychological processes drive the development of children? What can psychologists do to promote healthy development in neurotypical individuals and support development among individuals with developmental disorders?

The MSc in Developmental Psychology at Kent is taught by academics and professionals such as educational psychologists, clinical psychologists, child therapists, and speech and language therapists.

The programme draws on the strengths of academic staff and researchers working in the field of developmental psychology, with expertise including language development, representational ability and early social-cognitive understanding of others, singing, infant face processing, the development of prejudice and social exclusion, and developmental psychopathology. MSc students also have the opportunity to use the Kent Child Development Unit (KCDU) (http://www.kent.ac.uk/psychology/childdevelopmentunit/index.html), a resource including child-friendly lab space and a register of 3,000 potential child participants.

Visit the website https://www.kent.ac.uk/courses/postgraduate/66/developmental-psychology

About the School of Psychology

As a student within the School of Psychology at Kent, you benefit from our supportive, dynamic and diverse environment for creative research and learning.

All of our taught Master’s (MSc) programmes have been recognised by the UK Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) as meeting the nationally recognised criteria for preparation training for PhD research.

Conducting both basic and applied research in several areas, Psychology at Kent is highly regarded as a leading European centre for postgraduate research. Our cutting-edge, internationally recognised research in developmental, cognitive, social, and forensic psychology underlies our reputation for research excellence across these areas. We attract excellent visiting scholars and postgraduate students from both within the UK and overseas.

Some of our PhD students are self-funded, and others are funded by grants or awards either from the School, UK or their countries of origin. Some are also paid to undertake part-time teaching within the School. We have a strong track record of attracting ESRC research studentship funding, which involves partnerships with external organisations such as Age UK and the Equality and Human Rights Commission and collaborative studentships with partners such as People United.

Course structure

We provide you with specialised knowledge of a range of theoretical and practical approaches to developmental psychology and developmental psychopathology, including an understanding of how research in developmental psychology can inform policy and practice across educational, health, forensic and clinical professional practice (eg research on language and reading development, social and emotional development).

You study four compulsory modules and two option modules. The compulsory modules are Advanced Statistics and Methodology (SP801), Advanced Topics in Cognitive Development (SP581), Advanced Topics in Developmental Psychopathology (SP854) and a supervised empirical or theoretical dissertation (SP998).

Modules

The modules below are indicative of those offered on this programme. This list is based on the current curriculum and may change year to year in response to new curriculum developments and innovation.

SP801 - Statistics and Methodology (40 credits)
SP851 - Advanced Topics in Cognitive Development (20 credits)
SP854 - Advanced Topics in Developmental Psychopathology (20 credits)
SP998 - Advanced Research Project in Psychology (60 credits)
SP802 - Current Issues in Social and Applied Psychology Part 1 (20 credits)
SP813 - Advanced Topics in Intergroup Relations (20 credits)
SP850 - Advanced Cognitive (Neuroscience) Methods in Practice (20 credits)
SP817 - Current Issues in Social and Applied Psychology II :Applications (20 credits)
SP842 - Advanced Developmental Social Psychology (20 credits)
SP852 - Developmental Psychology in Professional Practice (20 credits)
SP853 - The Psychology of Eyewitness Testimony (20 credits)

Assessment

The programme includes lecture, workshop, and seminar-based teaching, as well as practical demonstrations of modern methods for studying child development (eg behavioural techniques, eye-tracking, electroencephalography), and an individually supervised empirical research project. Assessment is mainly by coursework assignment (4000-6000-word essays), examination (for the Advanced Statistics and Methodology, and the Advanced Topics in Developmental Psychopathology modules only), plus the dissertation.

Programme aims

This programme aims to:

- foster your intellectual development by providing you with specialised knowledge of a range of theoretical approaches to developmental psychology and statistical and methodological expertise in order that you should be well equipped to make your own original contribution to psychological knowledge

- provide teaching that is informed by current research and scholarship and that requires you to engage with aspects of work at the frontiers of knowledge

- help you to develop research skills and transferable skills in preparation for entering academic or other careers as practicing professional psychologists

- satisfy the academic requirements of the knowledge base specified by the British Psychological Society

- enable you to manage your own learning and to carry out independent research

- help you to develop general critical, analytic and problem-solving skills that can be applied in a wide range of settings.

Careers

Our Developmental Psychology MSc graduates commonly go into the fields of health, teaching, or further education. Many of our graduates take up roles as assistant psychologists in the NHS with a view to becoming a professional clinical psychologist, or pursue doctoral study and academic careers at higher education institutions. Because the MSc Developmental Psychology programme is taught by academics and professionals, it offers students wide opportunities to pursue a variety of careers.

The programmes we offer help you to develop general critical, analytic, and problem-solving skills that can be applied in a wide range of settings. For example, last year’s graduates have taken up full-time salaried/funded positions as assistant psychologists, as PhD trainees, as healthcare advisers/workers in the private sector and in Childhood and Adolescent Mental Health Services, and as specialist charity workers.

Find out how to apply here - https://www.kent.ac.uk/courses/postgraduate/how-to-apply/

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Do you want to work towards a clinical career with children or take the next step towards a doctorate? Gain an advanced academic understanding of developmental disorders and childhood mental health. Investigate causes, assessment, classification and treatment.

See the website http://www.anglia.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/clinical-child-psychology

Our course provides you with a strong foundation for research and will complement your professional clinical training. You’ll gain a comprehensive theoretical knowledge of the field, as well as the practical ability to design and evaluate clinical research programmes.

Specialist modules focus on diagnosis and treatment of different conditions, developmental psychopathology (including causes and impacts) and the broader issues surrounding psychological research.

You’ll also train in quantitative and qualitative research methods, including infant observation, assessment and diagnostic interviewing, neuroimaging (electroencephalography and magnetoencephalography) and neuropsychological assessment.

This leads up to your dissertation project, which will involve significant independent research with the guidance and support of our expert staff.

Please note that this course does not include clinical work with children and neither does it constitute professional training (e.g. training in clinical psychology).

See the website http://www.anglia.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/clinical-child-psychology

This course will:
- provide you with a comprehension of the principles of research design and strategy within the field of developmental disorders and child psychopathology, including an understanding of how to formulate researchable problems and an appreciation of alternative approaches to research
- enable you to understand a range of quantitative and qualitative research methodologies and tools, including infant observation, assessment and diagnostic interviewing, neuroimaging (electroencephalography (EEG), magnetoencephalography (MEG)) and neuropsychological assessment
- give you a comprehensive understanding of current theoretical issues in relation to cause, classification and treatment protocols for a range of developmental disorders and childhood mental health
- provide you with the skills necessary for managing research, including the process of research and its dissemination in a way that is consistent with both professional practice and the normal principles of research ethics
- develop your understanding of the significance of alternative epistemological positions that provide the context for theory construction, research design, and the selection of appropriate analytical techniques
- prepare you for careers in research, research methods, and provide you with a wide range of transferable skills
- provide you with the opportunity and the practical skills to carry out research with a clinical population using either quantitative or qualitative methodology.

On successful completion of this course you will be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:
• current methodological issues within the clinical field specifically related to children
• current theoretical issues in developmental disorder and psychopathology
• the context (at the national and international levels) in which research takes place
• issues relating to the rights of other researchers, research subjects, and of others who might be affected by the research (e.g. ethical and legal issues, confidentiality, copyright, malpractice)
• good research practice in psychology clinical settings
• the relevant health and safety issues and responsible working practices
• the processes for funding and evaluation of research
• the process of academic and commercial exploitation of research results
• the scientific basis of the discipline of psychology: its philosophical, historical, and epistemological context
• the relationship between hypotheses, research design, data collection, interpretation, and theory
• a range of quantitative research methods and general statistical techniques

Careers

Our course is ideal if you want to pursue a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology, a career working with children or in other clinical settings. You’ll be highly employable in many research environments. You’re also in the perfect position to continue your academic career and move up to our Psychology PhD.

Core modules

Issues in Psychological Research
Diagnosis and Treatment in Clinical Child Psychology
Developmental Psychopathology
Quantitative Research Methods
Dissertation

Assessment

We’ll assess your theoretical and applied understanding through essays, portfolios, exams, presentations, debates, data analysis and dissertation.

Specialist facilities

You can use several dedicated, sound attenuated research laboratories, equipped with networked computers, as well as: an observation laboratory, including a two-way mirror; an electroencephalography (EEG) laboratory; an eye-tracking laboratory; a psycholinguistics laboratory; a psychometrics laboratory and a psychoneuroimmunology laboratory.

Your faculty

The Faculty of Science & Technology is one of the largest of five faculties at Anglia Ruskin University. Whether you choose to study with us full- or part-time, on campus or at a distance, there’s an option whatever your level – from a foundation degree, to a BSc, MSc, PhD or professional doctorate.

Whichever course you pick, you’ll gain the theory and practical skills needed to progress with confidence. Join us and you could find yourself learning in the very latest laboratories or on field trips or work placements with well-known and respected companies. You may even have the opportunity to study abroad.

Everything we do in the faculty has a singular purpose: to provide a world-class environment to create, share and advance knowledge in science and technology fields. This is key to all of our futures.

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This MSc course provides a dynamic and current perspective across the various areas of clinical applications of psychology. Specifically, it covers theories of psychopathology from childhood to adulthood, and clinical applications of psychology in health and wellbeing. The course also covers basic counselling and cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT) skills, as well as the professional issues relevant to clinical practitioners.

Please note that, although this course is anticipated to significantly enhance your knowledge of the clinical applications of psychology and therefore benefit your future career – be it in clinical training and practice, research or other related areas of psychology – it does not lead to a professional qualification as a clinical psychologist, nor does it guarantee entry to doctoral-level training in clinical psychology.
-You will be taught by both clinically active psychologists as well as academics who conduct research in clinically relevant areas.
-There is a strong practical focus – across all modules, we emphasise applying the relevant theory and research to clinical practice in mental health. You will also acquire foundation counselling and cognitive behavioural skills.
-If you are already in a clinical placement, we will support you in considering relevant empirical evidence and how it may inform your work with the particular client group.

What will you study?

You will gain in-depth knowledge of theories of adult and child psychopathology, and will study the biopsychosocial aspects of health and illness. You will explore the evidence base for psychological and behavioural change interventions in mental and physical health, and will cover advanced research methodology and statistics. The course also provides opportunities for detailed and advanced study (via the dissertation) of a chosen area in clinical applications of psychology, enabling further development of your practical research skills. You will acquire basic counselling and cognitive behavioural skills, and will gain a comprehensive knowledge of the issues relevant to clinical practice, such as context and settings for clinical practitioners. You will also consider professional issues and current debates in ethics and diversity relevant to practitioners and researchers in mental health, and will learn how to apply ethical principles in both your research and via real or hypothetical clinical case studies.

Assessment

Assessment methods include essays, in-class tests, presentations, unseen examinations, laboratory reports and dissertation.

Course structure

Please note that this is an indicative list of modules and is not intended as a definitive list.

Core modules
-Clinical Applications of Psychology
-Professional Practice
-Psychology Dissertation
-Psychopathology Across the Life Span
-Research Design and Analysis

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This MSc aims to encourage an integrated understanding of child development and a range of childhood disorders, and to give students an opportunity to apply this understanding in a clinical setting through a supervised placement in the second year within a mental health service.

Degree information

The programme draws together theory, research and therapeutic thinking from a range of perspectives, including clinical and cognitive psychology, systemic thinking, psychoanalysis and neuroscience. In a workshop setting, students develop competencies in engagement, assessment and evaluation, and practical skills necessary for therapeutic work with children and families. These are then put into practice during the clinical placement.

This two-year MSc has a total value of 300 credits. Each year students complete modules to the value of 150 credits.

Year One: taught modules (150 credits). Year Two: clinical skills modules (35 credits), a clinical practice in context module (15 credits) and the research dissertation (100 credits).

Year One core modules
-Multiple Perspectives on Development Psychopathology I
-Multiple Perspectives on Development Psychopathology II
-Development Psychopathology: Development Disorders from Multiple Perspectives
-Research Methods I (formative)
-Research Methods II: Introduction to Statistical Analysis
-Research Methods III: Introduction to Qualitative Research (formative)
-Evaluating Clinical Interventions
-An Introduction to Psychoanalytic Theory
-The Clinical Theory of Psychoanalysis
-Building and Maintaining Therapeutic Relationships
-Assessment and Planning Clinical Interventions
-Parent-Infant Observation

Year Two core modules
-Clinical Practice in Context
-Clinical Skills I
-Clinical Skills II
-Research Dissertation
-Research Workshop

Dissertation/research project
All MSc students undertake a research portfolio which may include both a developmental and a clinical focus, such as the evaluation and understanding of clinical and therapeutic services for children and young people. This culminates in a dissertation made up of an 8,000-word journal paper, a poster and oral exam.

Teaching and learning
In year one students attend weekly lectures complemented by small group seminars. Modules focusing on clinical skills are classroom based. In year two, as well as taking further modules, students move into a 2-3 days per week placement in a child and adolescent mental health (CAMHS) setting, supervised by an experienced clinician. Assessment is by a mixture of course work, examinations and the dissertation.

Careers

Since the MSc was established in 2011 graduates have gone on to work with children and families in various therapeutic settings, or to undertake further doctoral-level clinical training, such as clinical psychology, child psychotherapy, or counselling psychology. Some of our graduates also pursue research careers, including PhD study.

Employability
Completing this MSc will help you develop several core clinical competencies and provide direct supervised experience of work in a child and adolescent mental health service, placing you in a very strong position to proceed to a full clinical training, such as in clinical psychology or child psychotherapy.

Why study this degree at UCL?

The programme is based at the Anna Freud National Centre for Children and Families in London, a world-renowned centre for research, training and clinical practice in the field of child mental health. Distinctive features include teaching by highly experienced clinicians and researchers working in the field of child mental health; the opportunity to develop clinical skills for working with children; practical training in conducting research in clinical settings.

You will also gain exposure to clinical work within NHS and/or voluntary sector organisations involving children, adolescents and families, under the supervision of an experienced clinician.

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This programme is aimed at students who are seeking to build on their undergraduate qualifications to develop a career in research or related disciplines while building their project management skills and knowledge of developmental psychology and cognitive neuroscience. In addition, the programme is aimed at those from closely related science backgrounds to build up a knowledge and practical experience of developmental psychology and cognitive neuroscience before embarking on a psychology related career. Students on this course typically go on to pursue careers in research or in clinical psychology.

The programme is aimed at providing advanced research training for students interested in pursuing careers in the fields of research, child development and child health, brain function and cognitive neuroscience methodologies. The Department of Psychology at Durham University has particular strengths in these areas, with teaching reflecting the breadth of knowledge within the department.

Course Structure

Teaching is generally organised into a number of 10 week course units involving 2 to 3 hours of lectures, seminars and practicals per week. Each 10 week unit is assessed by means of one formative assignment and one summative assessment. The summative assessment counts towards the final degree. For the programme as a whole, this assessment is divided (with small variations across programmes) in equal proportions between examinations (33.3%), written assignments (33.3%) and dissertation (33.3%).

Core Modules

Research Practice (15 credits)
Critical Analysis (15 credits)
Applied Statistics (30 credits)
Developmental Cognitive Neuroscience (30 credits)
Dissertation (60 credits)
Choose one module from:
Current Issues in Developmental Psychology & Psychopathology (30 credits)
Current Issues in Cognitive Neuroscience(30 credits)
Choose additional modules to the value of 30 credits.

Learning and Teaching

The programme is delivered through a mixture of lectures, seminars and practical classes. Lectures provide key information on a particular topic, such as developmental cognitive neuroscience. Seminars are held in order that small group teaching can take place, with focused discussion on specific topics. Finally, practical classes allow students to gain direct experience, particularly in Applied Statistics and in how to use statistical tools.

The balance of these types of activities varies as a function of the module. This is a year long course, with students also having a summer term during which time work is typically carried out on dissertation related activities. Students typically attend 12 hours a week comprising lectures, tutorials and seminars. Outside timetabled contact hours, students are also expected to undertake their own independent study to prepare for their classes and broaden their subject knowledge. Independent study is a key element to the course, with complex factors raised in lectures that do assume some prior knowledge of the topic area.

The programme is divided into three parts. One third, comprising four modules, is of subject specific topics related to developmental psychology, psychopathology and cognitive neuroscience. Students may select one of the two modules (Current Issues in Cognitive Neuroscience or Current issues in Developmental Psychology and Psychopathology) to suit their areas of interest. Each module is delivered via a two to three hours lecture during one term or via seminars. A further three modules focus on research skills such as critical abilities, and statistical knowledge that are necessary to understand developmental psychology and psychopathology and cognitive neuroscience. The final third of the programme is the dissertation module, which reflects the culmination of learning and practical endeavours from throughout the course via the production of an independent and original body of research material. This is performed under one to one supervision with a member of staff, with meetings varying in duration and frequency throughout the year as a function of the needs of the research project.

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Programme description

This programme offers a unique perspective: that children and young people’s mental health and well-being is influenced by developmental processes at multiple levels, from individual to socio-cultural and that approaches to working with mental health and well-being need to be informed by this dynamic and interactional system.

By drawing on the knowledge and clinical experience of a world-class department of clinical and health psychology, the programme aims to equip students with the knowledge necessary for understanding children and young people’s mental health and well-being from this unique perspective. The programme will also draw upon many other theoretical areas, including early intervention, health promotion, public health, health and social inequalities, critical psychology, developmental psychopathology and resilience.

The programme is part time, fully online, and has been designed with professionals in mind; the online delivery format and part-time study options allow for professionals from a range of disciplinary backgrounds to develop knowledge and practice whilst continuing to meet individual life and work demands.

The core elements of the programme include both conceptual and applied courses. At the conceptual level, the programme will review different theories of children and young people’s mental health involved in the complex structure of typical and atypical development. At the applied level it will include the application of psychological knowledge to difficulties experienced by children and young people and the critical appraisal of psychological knowledge and practice.

Distinctive features of the course, include:

- the critical integration of clinical and professional practice with current theoretical and empirical developments in the evidence base for, and delivery of, mental health programmes for children and young people;
- flexibility of delivery;
- opportunities for knowledge exchange between range of graduates and practitioners from multi-professional backgrounds; and
- many opportunities for the synthesis of theory, evidence and practice

Graduates of the programme can expect to develop key skills and abilities, which are transferable to a number of professional domains, including:

- knowledge and understanding of the developmental and well-being literature;
- research and enquiry skills;
- personal and intellectual autonomy skills;
- technical and practical skills; and
- communication skills

Programme structure

This programme offers a flexible postgraduate degree designed for recent graduates and professionals who are interested in studying at an advanced level.

The programme is designed to be completed part-time. The minimum period the course can be completed is two years, with a maximum completion time of six years.

There are a number of qualification routes available; students enrol on the MSc programme pathway and can exit at any of the following qualification junctures:

- Postgraduate Certificate;
- Postgraduate Diploma; or
- MSc

Courses offered as part of the programme include:

- Developmental Wellbeing;
- Social Inequality and Child and Adolescent Mental Health;
- Research Methods in Applied Psychology;
- Applied Developmental Psychopathology;
- Trauma and Resilience in a Developmental Context; and
- Critical Psychology and Child Mental Health;

The dissertation project takes the form of a systematic review or meta-analysis relating to an aspect of psychological theory, or a psychological model, with relevance to clinical practice in the field of child and adolescent mental health and well-being.

Career opportunities

The programme has been designed to enhance the career development of a range of professions involved in the provision of psychological health and care by improving awareness and application of psychological theory to clinical practice and by broadening the theoretical base from which professions practice.

Previous students have continued to work in, or entered, a range of professions including:

- Clinical practice;
- Nursing;
- Social work and social care;
- Teaching; and
- Voluntary sector organisations

Recent graduates interested in working in the area of child and adolescent mental health would also benefit from this programme. The degree demonstrates a student's high level of commitment to working with children and young people.

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Programme description

This unique programme offers advanced study in psychological theories of child and adolescent mental health, and their application to work with children, young people and families.

The programme is suitable for graduates of psychology or cognate disciplines, and those with experience of working with children and young people in clinical, social work or educational settings.

The programme explores the theoretical, conceptual and evidence base for psychological practice with children and young people while fostering a critical and reflective approach to their clinical application.

Programme structure

Teaching is delivered in a variety of engaging and interactive formats, including lectures, seminars, clinical workshops and tutor-led online learning environments.

The programme also offers high-quality CPD opportunities. Full-time MSc students take one core course and two option courses each semester. Part-time students choose one or two courses each semester.

These compulsory courses form the core part of the MSc and Postgraduate Diploma:

Evidence-Based Psychological Interventions
Child Development in Practice
Discovering Development (MSc only)

You can choose three optional courses to complete a MSc or a PgDip, and two courses to complete a PgCert:

Applied Developmental Psychopathology
Attachment Theory in Clinical Settings
Parenting: Theory and Practice
Trauma and Resilience in a Developmental Context

Learning outcomes

The programme will enable you to:

develop your practice through engagement with research and scholarship in psychological theory and practice
develop advanced skills in the critical appraisal of psychological practice in the field of child and adolescent mental health
develop and consolidate an extended knowledge base of theoretical and clinical approaches to psychological therapy for children, young people and families

Career opportunities

This programme will facilitate career progression for those working in child and adolescent mental health and supports entry into a range of related professions. The transferable skills you gain, e.g. teamworking, communication and research, will add value to your employability.

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The MA in Research Methods (Developmental Psychology) is designed for students who plan to continue their graduate studies at PhD level in an area of developmental psychology, cognitive psychology, or social psychology. It is recognised by the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) as providing suitable training for this purpose, and the course is one of the named routes on the MA in Research Methods. It is a Social Sciences faculty degree that involves other departments within the University.

Students intending to have a career as a research psychologist need to acquire a high level of research skills at postgraduate level. Research methods training therefore forms a central part of the MA programme, including both quantitative and qualitative research methods. One third of the course is also devoted to the dissertation which may be carried out in any area of psychology related to development. The taught course modules include both generic and subject level components, providing an introduction to broad issues and methodological approaches in developmental psychology and the social sciences.

Course Structure

Teaching is generally organised into a number of 10 week course units involving 2 to 3 hours of lectures, seminars and workshops. Each 10 week unit is assessed by means of formative and summative assessments. The summative assessments count towards the final degree outcome. For the programme as a whole, the assessments include examinations, written assignments, oral presentations and the dissertation.

Core Modules:
-Applied Statistics (30 credits)
-Perspectives on Social Research (15 credits)
-Qualitative Methods on Social Science (15 credits)
-Advanced Developmental Psychopathology Review (15 credits)
-Research Design in Child and Clinical Psychology (15 credits)
-Current Issues in Developmental Psychology and Psychopathology (30 credits)
-Dissertation (60 credits).

Learning and Teaching

The programme is delivered through a mixture of lectures, seminars and practical classes. Lectures provide key information on a particular topic, such as social and emotional development. Seminars are held in order that smaller group teaching can take place, with focused discussion on specific topics. Finally, practical and workshop classes allow students to gain direct experience, particularly in Applied Statistics and in how to use statistical tools.

The balance of this type of activity varies as a function of the module. This is a one year course, with students having the summer term to work on dissertation related activities. Students typically attend approximately 12 hours a week comprising lectures, tutorials and seminars. Outside timetabled contact hours, students are also expected to undertake their own independent study to prepare for their classes and broaden their subject knowledge, as well as conduct their dissertation. Independent study is a key element to the course, with complex factors raised in lectures that do assume some prior knowledge of the topic area.

The programme is divided into three parts. One third, comprising three modules, is of subject specific topics related to developmental psychology and developmental psychopathology, including issues relevant to clinical work throughout development. Across these modules the material is delivered via a combination of lectures, seminars, practical workshops and discussions. A further three modules focus on placing psychology in the larger framework of social science research and providing generic research skills. For example, skills such as qualitative and quantitative methodologies. The final third of the programme is the dissertation module, which reflects the culmination of learning and practical endeavours from throughout the course via the production of an independent and original body of research material. This is performed under one to one supervision with a member of staff, with meetings varying in duration and frequency throughout the year as a function of the needs of the research project and student.

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The Master of Science in Forensic Psychology is a 36-credit online program that provides students with insight into the intersection of psychology and legal issues. Students gain an understanding of what forensic psychologists do and will learn how to apply this training in a variety of professional contexts.

This degree program will provide students with the professional training necessary to function at an optimal level in a variety of forensic settings where psychology is used including: courts, law enforcement, criminal justice, national security offices, prisons, social services agencies, child welfare agencies, and treatment facilities.

Many students in our program have specialized in law, mental health or other health services and want to work in the forensic area. Others are interested in furthering their careers and assuming more senior level positions. Some of our students use this degree to make them more competitive when applying for a doctoral program.

The online format and non-clinical curriculum make the program an excellent option for working professionals needing to integrate graduate study with job responsibilities. The program also targets those living in rural or frontier areas in and outside the United States, those with limited or no access to this type of graduate level educational program, and individuals working non-traditional shift schedules, such as those in law enforcement, corrections, national security, and the military.

Important Note

There is no licensure or certification in Florida or most states for Forensic Psychology at this time. It is considered a subspecialty of other clinical mental health or legal programs

Curriculum

The Master of Science in Forensic Psychology degree program requires a total of 36 semester hours of graduate course work. The program consists of a core of 24 credits and students are required to complete one of two possible 9-credit specialization tracks, and a 3-credit capstone course. Students can choose to complete either a thesis or a field experience for their capstone's content, although if students are looking to continue their studies it is recommended they chose the research option.

Core Courses (3 credits each)

• PSY 0900 - Introduction to Forensic Psychological Science
• PSY 0901 - Psychopathology, Personality Disorders, and Behavioral Interventions in Forensic Settings
• PSY 0902 - Methods & Tools of Psychological & Violence Risk Assessment
• PSY 0903 - Evaluation, Methodology, and Psychological Research
• PSY 0904 - Ethical Concerns & Multicultural Issues in Forensic Psychology
• PSY 0905 - Communication Skills and Tools in Forensic Psychology
• PSY 0906 - Best Practices and Policies for the Mentally Ill in the Criminal Justice System
• PSY 0907 - Gender Violence: Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault & Child Abuse

Specialisation Tracks

Students will choose one of the following two specialisation tracks:

TRACK 1: FORENSIC PSYCHOLOGY IN THE LEGAL SYSTEM (9 Credits - Choose 3 courses from below)

• PSY 0908 - Psychological Issues in Dependency & Family Law Cases
• PSY 0909 - Therapeutic Jurisprudence & Problem-Solving Courts
• PSY 0910 - Assessment of Psychological Injury for Legal Cases
• PSY 0911 - Understanding Psychological Reports and Expert Witness Testimony
• PSY 0912 - Psychological Evaluation of Competencies, Syndromes, & Sanity Issues
• PSY 0913 / CJI 6230 - Behavioral Criminology
• PSY 0914 - Capstone Project in Forensic Psychology in the Legal System

TRACK 2: FORSENSIC PSYCHOLOGY FOR MENTAL HEALTH WORKERS, FIRST RESPONDERS AND DISASTER TEAMS (9 Credits - choose 3 courses from below)

• PSY 0915 - Suicide Prevention & Crisis Intervention Skills
• PSY 0916 - Trauma Informed Assessment and Intervention
• PSY 0917 - Child Maltreatment and Trauma Assessment and Intervention
• PSY 0918 - Intervening in School & Workplace Violence
• PSY 0919 - Substance Abuse, Mental Illness and Trauma
• PSY 0920 / CJI 6220 - Police Psychology
• PSY 0921 - Capstone Course in Forensic Psychology for First Responders and Disaster Team Workers

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Research profile

The MSc by Research in Clinical Psychology offer the chance to work with, and be supervised by, a range of clinical academics across many areas of psychology.

Candidates should note that these programmes do not lead to Chartered Clinical Psychologist status.

Our research involves national and international collaborations, with many projects involving NHS partnerships.

We have specific research strengths in the areas of children and adolescents; developmental psychopathology of mental health; ageing and older adulthood; adult psychological problems; brain injury; chronic health conditions; psychological therapies research, including cognitive behavioural interventions; emotions and emotion regulation; sex offenders; learning disability; neuropsychology; quality of life; severe and enduring mental health problems; and the development and validation of measures.

Specific areas of interest include cognitive behaviour therapy, interpersonal psychotherapy, psychosis, health psychology, and qualitative approaches.

Recent successful PhD topics have included eating disorders and emotion; chronic pain; quality of life and intellectual disabilities; developmental factors in adolescent mental health, and intervention for bipolar disorder.

We have an active research group in the area of applied developmental psychology and psychological therapies research for severe mental health issues. We coordinate the Edinburgh Child and Adolescent Psychology Network. The group’s research areas include child and adolescent health and mental health; cognition, language and learning; social development and relationships; and atypical development.

For more detailed information about potential PhD supervisors in this area, their research interests and publications, please visit our website.

• Clinical Psychology teaching staff

Our research interests include:

• onset and recovery from severe and enduring psychological disorder
• mindfulness and third wave approaches
• medically unexplained symptoms
• child and adolescent mental health
• eating behaviours and disorders
• attachment and emotion regulation and sex offenders.

Training and support

The MSc by Research programme allows you to conduct an independent research project that makes a significant contribution to your chosen field of study and to further develop your research skills. We provide expertise in a variety of research methods including qualitative and quantitative approaches.

You will be assigned two supervisors (usually one for MSc by Research) and you will meet with your supervisors regularly. Workshops, seminars and courses in research methods are available to postgraduate students undertaking a higher degree by research.

We work in close collaboration with the Graduate School of Social & Political Science, enabling School of Health in Social Science research students to benefit from the extensive suite of social science research courses offered by both Schools.

With close ties with other humanities disciplines and with colleagues in the College of Medicine & Veterinary Medicine, we offer PhD students excellent opportunities for interdisciplinary supervision and research project development.

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The MSc Psychology of Childhood Adversity provides advanced study of topics in developmental psychology, with a specific focus on development in the context of adversity. Childhood adversity refers to factors extrinsic to the child such as growing up in contexts of parental psychopathology, economic deprivation and community conflict.

The study of the psychology of childhood adversity will address questions such as:

• What aspects of childhood adversity impact on child and adolescent development?

• What programmes and interventions can help children growing up in adversity and how can they be best designed and implemented?

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Educational and developmental psychologists focus on how people develop and learn throughout their lifetime. They work with individuals, families, groups and organisations in a range of settings and have varying roles such as school psychologist, guidance officer, and child and adolescent counsellor. They conduct psychological and educational assessments and instructional planning for exceptional children, adolescents and adults.The Master of Educational and Developmental Psychology is an Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC) accredited fifth and sixth-year sequence in psychology and prepares graduates to practise as educational and developmental psychologists in settings including schools, health and welfare services, care facilities, and within business environments.

The course develops you as an independent specialist with a professional commitment to lifelong learning and application of the theoretical, research, assessment and therapeutic skills related to educational and developmental psychology.

You will develop advanced understanding of, and the skills associated with:

- human developmental stages and processes throughout the lifespan
- psycho-educational assessment and treatment approaches for problematic or atypical development
- advanced therapeutic counselling process and the cycle of effective intervention and change
- contemporary models of exceptionality and inclusion
- evidence-based intervention and treatment programs for psychological problems and psychopathology across the lifespan
- contemporary research and theories of abilities, personality and psychopathology
- ethical, cultural and professional issues
- administering and reporting a range of essential psycho-educational assessment instruments for assessing abilities, personality and adjustment of children through to adults

In addition you will apply theory to practice with 1000 hours of supervised professional placements in a range of settings.

In undertaking a research thesis, you will develop an evidence based approach to psychology, carrying out reviews and scientific investigations relevant to the theory and practice of educational and developmental psychology.

As a graduate, you will be qualified to register as a psychologist with the Psychology Board of Australia (PBA). You will also meet most requirements for membership of the College of Educational and Developmental Psychologists of the Australian Psychological Society.

Visit the website http://www.study.monash/courses/find-a-course/2016/educational-and-developmental-psychology-d6007?domestic=true

Course Structure

The course is structured in two parts, Part A. Applied academic studies in psychology and Part B. Clinical placement in psychology.

PART A. Applied academic studies in psychology (72 points)
These studies will advance your knowledge and skill development for psychology practice. Guided by sound ethical principles, and through collaborative participation in coursework lectures and workshops, you will develop both expert knowledge of psychology across the lifespan and your critical thinking skills for professional practice.

You will also undertake research, developing as a scientist-practitioner, as you carry out reviews and scientific investigations relevant to the theory and practice of educational and developmental psychology. This will culminate in a 12 - 16 000 word research thesis, involving an independent empirical investigation of a high scientific standard.

PART B. Clinical placement in psychology (24 points)
These studies are practicum placements across a variety of settings where you have the opportunity to apply theory to practice under the supervision of experienced specialist practitioners. You will complete three supervised placements totalling 1000 recorded hours of practical experience.

For more information visit the faculty website - http://www.study.monash/media/links/faculty-websites/education

Faculty of Education

The Faculty of Education is committed to researching, communicating and applying knowledge about teaching and learning in ways that foster quality in education.

The Faculty of Education develops and provides innovative research and teaching that takes seriously the global-to-local demands of an excellent Australian public university. Our work focuses on advancing the discipline and practice of education through original research, development and partnership activities. We prepare and develop professionals and practitioners for a range of education settings and specialisations. We also engage policy and public debate on matters of importance to education and educators at all levels.

Our mission is to contribute to the public interest through high quality and ethical teaching, research, capacity building and community service. To this end, we create and pursue opportunities that strengthen and sustain a vibrant intellectual community, centred on the purposeful, critical and disciplined study of learning and teaching in a range of contexts.

Our vision is of:

- graduates who are capable, thoughtful, ethical citizens of the world, distinguished by their knowledge, intellectual engagement and professional skill, and by their commitment to lifelong learning, innovation and excellence

- research practice and scholarly output that is recognised internationally and locally for its originality, rigour and impartiality, and for providing advice and services that inform and lead professional practice, public debate, policy and community action

- an intellectual, social, physical and web environment that challenges, enthuses and supports all to learn and excel, and which sustains productive working relations characterised by mutual respect, accountability, contribution and recognition.

Find out how to apply here - http://www.study.monash/courses/find-a-course/2016/educational-and-developmental-psychology-d6007?domestic=true#making-the-application

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