MSc Children’s Psychological Conditions

1 Year On Campus Masters Program

Cardiff University

Program Overview

The MSc Children’s Psychological Conditions at Cardiff University explores the causes, assessment, and treatment of psychological difficulties in children and adolescents. It is ideal for students seeking careers in child psychology, education, or mental health services.

Curriculum Structure:
In the first part of the program, students study Developmental Psychopathology, Child and Adolescent Mental Health, and Research Methods in Psychology, gaining a deep understanding of how psychological conditions emerge and are identified in youth. Later, modules such as Cognitive and Behavioural Approaches to Intervention and Neurodevelopmental Disorders focus on therapeutic practices and evidence-based treatment. The final stage includes a Research Dissertation where students conduct an independent project on a child psychological topic.

Focus areas: "Child and adolescent mental health, developmental psychology, behavioural interventions, neurodevelopmental disorders"
Learning outcomes: "Students gain the ability to analyse, assess, and support children with psychological and developmental challenges through research-informed practice."
Professional alignment (accreditation): Aligned with British Psychological Society (BPS) standards for postgraduate study.
Reputation (employability rankings): Cardiff University ranks among the UK’s top institutions for psychology and clinical training (QS, Guardian).

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

Students on Cardiff University's MSc Children’s Psychological Conditions develop practical research skills through hands-on laboratory work and a major independent project. They have access to the School of Psychology's extensive facilities, including the Cardiff University Brain Research Imaging Centre (CUBRIC). This experiential learning is delivered through:

Research Project: A substantial independent dissertation conducted within one of the School's research centres.
Imaging Facilities: Potential access to CUBRIC for neuroimaging projects using fMRI, MEG, and EEG.
Software: Training in SPSS, R, and experiment builders like PsychoPy.
Laboratories: Use of dedicated psychology research labs for cognitive, social, and developmental studies.
Participant Pool: Hands-on experience recruiting and testing participants from the School's integrated participant pool.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of the MSc Children’s Psychological Conditions at Cardiff University develop a thorough understanding of the psychological factors underlying emotional and behavioural problems in children, such as anxiety, depression, ADHD, autism, and conduct disorder. Typical roles include Child Psychologist, Mental Health Counselor, Educational Support Specialist, and Research Assistant.

Cardiff’s Career Support provides personalised guidance, interview coaching, and access to placements with NHS trusts, schools, and child mental health services.
Employment outcomes show strong prospects with positive job placement rates, and median salaries around £24,000 15 months post-graduation.
The program is linked with the Centre for Human Development Science and maintains partnerships with NHS child mental health services and educational psychology networks.
It prepares graduates for further clinical and educational psychology training with professional accreditation pathways.
Graduates achieve strong research, clinical, and educational outcomes, ready for roles in health, education, and social care sectors.

Further Academic Progression:
Graduates typically pursue doctoral research in developmental psychopathology or clinical and educational psychology training programs.

Additional Information & Requirements

A copy of your degree certificate and transcripts which show you have achieved a 2:1 honours degree in any subject, or an equivalent international degree.

USA- Bachelor's degree from a recognised institution with a minimum GPA of at least 2.8

India- Bachelor's degree from a recognised institution, with a grade of approximately 55% - 60%.

IELTS certificate with an overall score of 7.0 with 6.5 in all subskills

TOEFL- At least 100 overall with a minimum of 20 in each subskill

A copy of your certificate to show that you have achieved a grade C/4 in GCSE Mathematics, or an equivalent qualification.

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