1. Queens University Belfast
  2. Program
  3. Masters
  4. MSc Applied Developmental Psychology

MSc Applied Developmental Psychology

1 Years On Campus Masters Program

Queens University Belfast

Program Overview

Program Overview:
The MSc in Applied Developmental Psychology at Queen’s University Belfast offers an in-depth examination of children’s and adolescents’ psychological development in real-world contexts, with a strong emphasis on early adversity and neurodiversity. It is ideal for graduates aiming for careers in developmental research, educational psychology, or applied roles in youth, health or social services.

Curriculum Structure:

  • Year 1: Students begin with core modules such as Applied Research Methods (covering ethical study design and open-science practices) and Childhood Adversity: From Basic Science to Improving Outcomes (exploring the impact of adversity on development).

  • Mid-Year: They then engage with modules like Theoretical Perspectives on Child and Adolescent Development (examining attachment, brain development, and social-contextual influences) and Atypical Development in an Educational Context (focusing on neurodevelopmental disorders such as ADHD, autism and dyslexia).

  • Final Phase: The programme concludes with the major Dissertation: Applied Developmental Psychology project, where students design and carry out original empirical research under supervision.

Focus areas: "Developmental psychology, child/adolescent development, early adversity, neurodiversity, applied research methods"
Learning outcomes: "Students will develop advanced skills in research design and analysis, deepen their understanding of typical and atypical development, and apply evidence-based insights to support children and young people."
Professional alignment (accreditation): While not a direct clinical qualification, the programme aligns with research and applied training standards in educational, developmental and clinical psychology.
Reputation (employability rankings): Queen’s University Belfast is widely recognised for excellence in psychology research and reports strong graduate outcomes in fields supporting children and young people.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

Students develop practical skills through applied research projects and specialist training in clinical health methodologies. They utilise resources from the School of Psychology and have access to health-related research facilities. The programme's experiential components include:

  • Research Project: A dissertation involving original research in clinical health psychology

  • Software: Training in SPSS for statistical analysis of health data

  • Practical Skills: Workshops in health assessment and intervention techniques

  • Research Environment: Access to the School of Psychology's research labs and equipment

  • Professional Development: Training in systematic reviewing and evidence synthesis

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of the MSc Applied Developmental Psychology at Queen's University Belfast are equipped with advanced knowledge in developmental science, focusing on childhood adversity, atypical development, and evidence-based interventions. Typical career paths include Child Psychologist, Educational Psychologist, Researcher, and Child Welfare Officer.

  • Queen’s Careers Service offers dedicated employability support, including CV workshops, industry networking events, and placement opportunities with NHS trusts, educational institutions, and child development agencies.

  • Employment rates are high, with graduates often securing roles in health, education, and social care sectors, and salaries reflecting entry to mid-level professional roles.

  • The program benefits from strong partnerships with NHS clinics, education authorities, and voluntary sector organisations, providing practical research and applied experience.

  • The curriculum emphasizes research skills, intervention evaluation, and policy application, underpinning long-term career development.

  • Graduates tend to succeed in clinical, educational, research, and policy roles in child and adolescent development.

Further Academic Progression:
Graduates typically advance to doctoral programs in clinical psychology, educational psychology, or pursue research-based careers in childhood development and neurodiversity

Program Key Stats

£27,600 (Annual cost)
Sept Intake : 30th Jul


30 %
No
Yes

Eligibility Criteria

2.8
3 or 4 Years

N/A
N/A
N/A
6.5
90
2:1

Additional Information & Requirements

Career Options

  • Child Development Researcher
  • Family Support Worker
  • Early Years Consultant
  • Policy Officer (Children's Services)
  • Child Wellbeing Practitioner
  • Nursery Manager
  • Research Assistant
  • PhD Researcher
  • Play Therapist (with further training)
  • Special Educational Needs (SEN) Assistant

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