Psychology of Child Development - MSc

The MSc Psychology of Child Development is designed to advance your knowledge of child psychology and research skills, and is ideal for graduates in Psychology or related subjects and professionals working with children as continued professional development. You’ll further your knowledge through a number of exciting taught modules and an independent research project tailored to your individual interests. You’ll have access to state-of-the-art research facilities including our specialist Child Observation Suite (COS) which you can utilise as part of your research project. There are opportunities to work to participate in research conferences, peer reviewed publications or work as a research assistant. Our current students regularly publish alongside academics in peer-review journals.

INDUSTRY LINKS

The School’s provision is recognised by the British Psychological Society. We continuously engage with employers to make sure our curriculum delivers the skills and knowledge industry needs. These include a number of professionals from various sectors, including NHS Trusts, patient groups, medical practitioners, allied health professionals, the Prison Service, police forces, local education authorities, schools and professional sports organisations.

LEARNING ENVIRONMENT AND ASSESSMENT

We aim to provide the best possible facilities for our students. The School is based in the multi-million pound purpose-built Darwin Building. There are specialist teaching and research labs, whilst the Building also includes a state-of-the-art lecture theatre and computer rooms. The modules are delivered in a variety of ways, for example, the advanced methods module is taught via lectures and SPSS workshops. The three child development modules are taught by lectures, interactive workshops and directed reading. The advanced research project involves individual meetings with a supervisor. Assessment is by 100 per cent coursework.

Teaching takes place on a Tuesday, between 11am-4pm, to support those of you with full-time jobs or family commitments, and the course can be completed over 1 year (full-time) or 2 or more years (part-time).

• The major aim of this MSc. is to provide a quality programme that will develop your knowledge and understanding of Developmental Psychology to a professional level.
• In particular, the course aims to provide a thorough grounding in methodology and analysis, to produce a well-developed ability to critically assess and synthesise psychological literature, and to develop further your ability to engage in empirical study.

In addition, the aim is to provide coverage of a variety of current topics that will give a good overview of current research and theoretical perspectives in the Psychology of Child Development.

Child Observation Suite (COS)

The COS is a large observation room with mirrored walls, equipped with video and audio recording equipment; an L-shaped researcher room from which to observe, including a fully equipped teaching facility with a video editing suite and remote controls for video cameras; a comfortable and fully equipped waiting room suitable for adults and children. You will be able to observe a hands-on replication of Mary Ainsworth’s Strange Situation, exploring differences between children in their levels of parental attachment and their nurtured behaviour, via their exploration of the play room.

OPPORTUNITIES

 We offer a number of places to students who wish to pursue research degrees (MSc by Research/MPhil/PhD). For more information, please visit Research.

There are opportunities to work to participate in research conferences, peer reviewed publications or work as a research assistant. Our current students regularly publish alongside academics in peer-review journals.

Visit the Psychology of Child Development - MSc page on the University of Central Lancashire website for more details!