Masters Degrees (Psychopathology)

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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• Benefit from excellent resources for teaching and research in developmental psychopathology
• Join a School whose NHS-partnered clinics and training centres offer research placement opportunities
• Develop a lifespan perspective on psychological disorder and study the science of development from infancy through adolescence to older age
• Hone your analytical ability, methods awareness and critical thinking

What will you study?

Sample modules:

• Developmental psychopathology
• Methods in developmental psychopathology
• Methods in clinical psychology
• Clinical neuropsychology
• Research methods and transferable skills in psychology

Please note that all modules are subject to change. Please see our modules disclaimer for more information.

What career can you have?

All of our MSc programmes are research intensive, providing essential training in analytical ability, methods awareness and critical thinking, among other fundamental transferable skills.

Our MSc Development and Psychopathology programme has a long-standing reputation for preparing students to undertake PhD research and postgraduate clinical training. Our students have moved on to PhD positions, research assistant or assistant psychologist posts in the NHS and private sector, clinical training, as well as non-psychology positions in industry.

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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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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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This Master’s programme hopes to answer that call, and to prepare professionals to meet the present and future demands of the mental health, legal studies and forensic disciplines in two principal ways:

By providing future mental health specialists with excellent academic and professional skills in order to advance their expertise in the legal arena and diverse fields in both the public and private sectors.
And by improving the level and quality of professional and personal skills in applied psychopathology amongst legal professionals (lawyers and prosecutors).

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The MSc in Clinical Applications of Psychology provides modules in aspects of psychology relevant to clinical practice, for students who are intending to apply to doctoral programmes in clinical psychology. Whilst there is no guarantee that students will ultimately be successful in gaining entry to doctoral programmes, this course is intended to strengthen your CV and enable you to get the most out of your relevant experience.

It is expected that most students accepted onto the MSc will be currently working in clinically relevant posts, such as psychology assistants, nursing assistants or therapy aides.

Module Information
There are six taught modules, taught sequentially over two years:
• Research Methods in Clinical Psychology
• Adult Psychopathology
• Neuropsychological Assessment
• Professional Issues, Ethics and Diversity
• Clinical Forensic Psychopathology
• Childhood Psychopathology.

The dissertation can be studied in three ways:
• In year 1, with study across 2 years alongside taught modules
• In year 2, with study alongside the remaining taught modules
• In year 3, after completing the taught modules.

After completing three modules, you will be eligible to receive a Postgraduate Certificate, and after six modules a Postgraduate
Diploma. Successful completion of the dissertation leads to the award of the MSc.

The research methods module will further develop your knowledge of the breadth of methods used in psychological research,
and the legal and ethical implications of conducting research.

The adult psychopathology aspects of the programme will enable you to conceptualise, describe and differentiate between the various psychological disorders, and develop your awareness and critical understanding of empirically derived treatment systems.

Within the neuropsychological assessment module you will gain experience and knowledge of key neuropsychological tests, and how cognition is affected by neurological conditions. This is informed by studying the principles of neuropsychological assessment and disorders of memory, attention, executive function and language.

The MSc will also improve your understanding of professional issues, ethics and diversity, considering the current and developing structure of clinical psychology in the UK. You will engage with current debates in ethics and diversity and learn how to competently apply ethical principles to real and hypothetical case examples. You will also relate these experiences to your own professional development.

In the clinical forensic psychopathology module consideration will be given to perspectives on offending behaviour, approaches to assessment and treatment, particularly examining these issues with specific offender types.

The area of childhood psychopathology will be explored, and you will be expected to apply psychological theories, research and case studies to a range of childhood psychopathologies. You will examine behavioural disorders, emotional disorders and, developmental and learning disorders in childhood and adolescence including assessment, diagnosis and treatment.

Finally, the dissertation will provide you with the opportunity to select an area of particular interest relevant to the field of clinical psychology and to design, plan and execute an in-depth research project.

Attendance
This programme is delivered predominantly on-line, with some Newman-based workshops held at weekends.

Assessment
Throughout the course you will develop the skills to successfully disseminate information to both specialist and non-specialist audiences. You will be assessed using a range of techniques such as on-line quizzes, essays, journal article presentations and
examinations.

Research Areas
Research in this area is fundamental to the mission of Newman University. The subject area welcomes applications from suitably qualified students who wish to pursue postgraduate research degrees (MPhil and PhD awarded by the University of Leicester).

“This course occupies a niche in higher education in psychology that does not seem to be filled elsewhere: a grounding in clinical psychology theory and research that can support and provide an additional dimension to the experience of psychology
graduates who are aiming to go on in the future to train in clinical or other related areas of applied psychology. The syllabus has been carefully designed to meet the course aims. The outcomes can be demonstrated in the level of performance of the students (and also in their reported success in gaining places on Doctorate courses).”
External Examiner

For MSc please contact [email protected]

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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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This programme has been specifically designed for those intending to pursue a career in clinical psychology and to apply for a place on the professional Doctorate in Clinical Psychology, but it is also ideal for those interested in a research career or PhD in the area of clinical psychology and mental health. The programme enables students to gain detailed knowledge about modern theories and models in relation to psychopathology and psychological assessment as well as about effective psychological interventions and therapies. It also provides broad research training in quantitative and qualitative research, and offers education about the role of professional clinical psychologists along with training in essential clinical skills. The programme includes a Research Apprenticeship in clinical psychology which is a particularly attractive module enabling students to gain experience with professional research in clinical psychology.

-Designed to strengthen the research competence and academic profile of those intending to apply for professional training in clinical psychology
-Offers broad postgraduate research training in quantitative and qualitative research methods relevant to clinical psychology and mental health in general
-Includes a Research Apprenticeship in Clinical Psychology
-Provides education about the role of clinical psychologists as well as training in some essential professional clinical skills
-Uses a blend of adult learning approaches (i.e. lectures, seminars, group work, workshops) to engage students with the content of the taught modules

Why choose this course?

The main educational aims of the programme are to provide you with a thorough knowledge about clinical psychology as an academic and professional discipline, and to develop your research competence in a range of quantitative and qualitative research methods of particular relevance to clinical psychology. Core knowledge areas such as psychopathology, psychological assessment and various types of psychological intervention are each taught in specific modules. You will be introduced to leading theories or models in each field and the scientific evidence on which they are based will be critically discussed. Important research paradigms and controversies dominating current scientific debates within clinical psychology will be presented, and you will learn and practice how to critically appraise published research.

You will receive extensive training in a range of essential research skills and we will be discussing various types of research design for investigating the aetiology of mental health problems, for evaluating the effectiveness of psychological therapies and for auditing mental health services. The research training also includes advanced methods of statistical data analysis with exercises in SPSS and you will learn how to professionally report and communicate the findings. Qualitative research methods, for example, Grounded Theory will be taught in a specialist module and you will learn to use software for the coding and interpretation of transcripts. Finally, each student will be allocated to a senior researcher for a Research Apprenticeship, a particularly valuable learning experience enabling you to prepare an impressive MSc Research Project which will be your most important academic achievement of the programme.

The programme also includes a module Professional Clinical Skills introducing you to the role and competencies of professional clinical psychologists within mental health care settings as well as professional standards and ethical considerations. It also provides you with training in some essential clinical skills. More specifically, the programme aims are to:
-Provide students with in-depth knowledge about current theories of psychopathology covering both dimensional and diagnostic approaches for conceptualizing, defining, observing and assessing behavioural and mental indicators of psychopathology
-Provide students with detailed knowledge about psychiatric classification systems for mental health and personality problems as well as alternatives such as formulation
-Provide students with thorough knowledge about different kinds of effective psychological interventions for the treatment or prevention of mental health and behavioural problems
-Educate and train students in various types of quantitative and qualitative research in the area of clinical psychology, their methodological justification as well as criteria of validity to critically evaluate strengths and weaknesses of research proposals or published research
-Provide education about professional standards for clinical psychologists as well as training in professional skills

Professional Accreditations

Please note that this MSc does not replace an accredited doctoral training programme in Clinical Psychology, nor will it guarantee entry to such a programme or provide a professional qualification in clinical psychology.

Careers

This course is ideal for those considering a professional or research career in clinical psychology and wish to strengthen their academic CV.

Teaching methods

We have our own dedicated postgraduate teaching rooms. Teaching includes lectures, seminars, practicals in class, workshops, group work, simulation exercises and individual supervision.

A blend of different assessment methods will be used. Part of the modules is assessed by exams, but the majority of the assignments constitute coursework such essays, data analysis reports, a written paper critique and oral presentations.

Structure

Modules
-Professional Clinical Skills I
-Psychological Assessment
-Psychological Interventions
-Psychopathology
-Qualitative Research Methods
-Research Apprenticeship in Clinical Psychology
-Research Methods and Data Analysis in Clinical Psychology
-Research Project in Clinical Psychology

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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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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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The Masters in Clinical and Abnormal Psychology offers a comprehensive grounding in aspects of psychopathology and abnormal behaviour.

As well as modules that will develop knowledge of the aetiology and treatment of a range of psychological disorders and abnormal behaviours, this programme includes a substantial research element.

You will receive extensive training in research methods via a postgraduate statistics module and will complete a postgraduate dissertation in a related topic. Links with a number of agencies and the University of South Wales’ Psychology Clinic means that suitable students should have the opportunity for access to client groups in order to complete an applied dissertation.

We aim to provide students with access to clinical populations to collect psychological data in order to complete an applied dissertation. This is possible through our links with local NHS trusts and local healthcare providers. In addition, the University of South Wales has recently invested in a new psychology clinic which provides clinical and therapeutic services. Suitable students will be able to benefit from in-house research opportunities and supervised voluntary experience.

The MSc Clinical and Abnormal Psychology draws on the research and applied expertise of psychologists in the fields of developmental, clinical, health, sports and forensic psychology. You will learn about a wide range of developmental disorders including autism and conduct disorder, as well as dependence issues such as alcohol addiction and eating disorders. You will also explore interventions such as pharmacological and behavioural treatments, as well as research on depression, anxiety and personality disorders.

See the website http://courses.southwales.ac.uk/courses/836-msc-clinical-and-abnormal-psychology

What you will study

You will study 180 credits comprising of the following modules:
- Research Methods in Health Psychology: Measurement & Professional Issues (40 credits)
- Psychopathology Through the Lifespan (20 credits)
- Interventions (20 credits)
- Addiction, Dependence and Deviance (20 credits)
- Current and Historical Perspectives on Psychopathology (20 credits)
- Dissertation (60 credits)

Learning and teaching methods

The MSc Clinical and Abnormal Psychology is delivered through a variety of lectures, seminars and workshops. Some of these sessions will be led by members of the teaching team and some by external experts in clinical psychology practice. There will also be student-led sessions and some elements will be delivered online.

Work Experience and Employment Prospects

While completion of this programme will not qualify you to practice as a Clinical Psychologist in the UK, nor guarantee acceptance onto a DClinPsy course; the skills that you will develop should enhance your applications for professional training programmes, Assistant Psychologist posts, or Research Assistant posts in clinical settings.

Career options:
Graduates of this masters programme will possess a diversity of skills that will enhance their applications for a range of popular training, employment, and research opportunities. These may include:

Clinical psychology doctorate programmes: These are extremely popular and competitive training courses and successful applicants are likely to have work experience in an appropriate setting as well as suitable qualifications. Applied research experience including the collection of psychological data in a clinical setting should be a useful addition to an application for further training. The extensive research training and applied dissertation completed in this MSc programme should contribute to more robust applications to Clinical doctorate programmes.

Assistant Psychologist posts: These are sought after positions with many applicants for every post; not least because experience as an Assistant Psychologist can help support an application to clinical doctorate training programmes. Successful completion of this MSc programme will suggest a commitment to a career in clinical psychology as well as the development of skills and knowledge that are more advanced than those gained during an undergraduate degree. This may help to help enhance applications for Assistant Psychologist posts.

Research Assistant posts: Excellent psychological research is extremely important in the field of clinical psychology. The extensive research focus and the dissertation completed in this programme will provide graduates with a range of research skills including the ability to critically evaluate literature, research, and applications in the field of clinical psychology, as well as experience in designing, conducting, writing up and disseminating good quality psychological research. These are transferable skills that should be valued in a range of Research Assistant posts.

Assessment methods

A range of assessment methods will be used, including examinations, essays, a systematic literature review, research reports, and case study analysis. You will also complete a dissertation of 15,000- 20,000 words. The range of teaching and assessment methods used will foster a range of skills that are transferable to the workplace and/or further professional training.

Facilities

As a student in the School of Psychology, you’ll have access to the latest learning technologies, facilities and equipment, including excellent designated facilities.

These include observation and interview rooms equipped with two-way mirror, CCTV and audio and allow research and interview practice sessions to be conducted and recorded onto DVD. We also have a custom-built air-conditioned PC laboratory which provides access to specialist software for running psychology experiments and conducting careers guidance interviews. More specialist equipment is also available in our cognitive suite and more details about this are given below.

- Cognitive suite
The cognitive psychology suite houses specialist psychology equipment. This includes eye tracking equipment which is capable of studying the eye movements of individuals whilst they complete cognitive tasks. The suite includes EEG (electroencephalogram) and ECG (electrocardiogram) facilities for recording electrical activity in the heart and scalp. There is also a driving simulator which is currently being used by postgraduate students to complete a study which examines the effects of stressors on driving performance.

- Psychology clinic facility (PAWB Wales)
As well as our excellent dedicated teaching facilities, the School of Psychology offers a wide range of psychological services to the general public. These are offered through our new PAWB Wales clinic facility and include play therapy, behaviour analysis, health and sport psychology interventions. The clinic activities support our wide range of postgraduate opportunities and undergraduate students can also get involved in some of the clinic’s work.

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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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Mind and body function together, and psychological medicine looks at the fascinating interface between medicine and mental health. This course aims to inform and equip the doctor and mental health practitioner with the necessary skills to function in a modern clinical environment specialising in caring for the patient affected by psychopathology – organic and psychological – and will be relevant to day-to-day NHS hospital practice and general practice. Doctors and mental health practitioners will learn the necessary skills to function in a modern clinical environment specialising in caring for the patient affected by psychopathology.

Why Study Psychiatric Medicine with us?
The Institute of Medicine was founded in 2014 and works closely with the NHS to innovate new postgraduate medical courses at Bachelor’s, Master’s and Doctoral levels to push forward the boundaries of medical education and research in Cheshire and Shropshire.

If academic research is your interest, successful completion of the MSc will allow you to directly register onto PhD study and join our team of researchers at the Institute of Medicine.

What will I learn?

Our course investigates in detail the different types of psychopathology seen in modern practice. We will review diagnostic practice and the evidence base on various mental disorders and their therapeutic management, and explore potential new therapies.

Seminars and tutorials on the course are run by healthcare professionals and clinical experts.

How will I be taught?

Our modules run in three-day blocks and are therefore suitable for working doctors and healthcare professionals.
Total contact hours for the whole course are 360 out of a total study time of 1,800 hours.

How will I be assessed?

Assessment is entirely through coursework. The course can be taken to achieve a Master’s degree, which involves a dissertation. Our aim is to encourage Master’s students towards publication if suitable.

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