MSc Psychology of Child Development

1 Years On Campus Masters Program

University of Central Lancashire

Program Overview

The MSc Psychology of Child Development at the University of Central Lancashire (UCLan) deepens your understanding of how children think, feel, and behave across early development, integrating cognitive, social, and biological perspectives. It is ideal for graduates aiming to work in child-focused settings (e.g. schools, charities) or to pursue research or doctoral training in developmental psychology.

Curriculum structure:
In the first (and only) year, students take core modules like Social Relationships in Childhood, focusing on peer interaction, bullying, and friendship development, and Development in Context, which considers how environmental factors and brain development interplay in child growth. Through Language, Literacy & Learning, you explore how children acquire reading, language, and learning skills, while Advanced Methods in Psychology gives you hands-on training in rigorous research design and statistical analysis. You then complete an Advanced Psychology Project, designing and conducting an independent empirical study in child development that aligns with your interests.

Focus areas:
“developmental psychology; social relationships; language acquisition; cognitive neuroscience; research methodology”

Learning outcomes:
Graduates will understand the psychological bases of child development, apply advanced research methods, critically analyse developmental theory, and conduct independent, publishable research.

Professional alignment (accreditation):
This MSc supports careers in educational psychology, research, child development roles, or further doctoral training, though it does not confer Chartered Psychologist status.

Reputation (employability):
UCLan’s child development programme is backed by dedicated child-observation and neuroscience labs and gives students placement and research experience, helping them to move into roles in education, health, or academic research.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

Students develop practical clinical research skills through hands-on projects using UCLan's specialist psychology facilities. They have access to the School of Psychology's research laboratories and clinical assessment resources. The programme's experiential components include:

Clinical Research Project: A dissertation focused on clinical psychology applications
Psychology Laboratories: Access to dedicated research facilities including observation suites
Clinical Assessment: Training in psychological assessment and diagnostic techniques
Therapeutic Approaches: Introduction to evidence-based clinical interventions
Research Methods: Development of clinical trial design and service evaluation skills

Progression & Future Opportunities

The MSc Psychology of Child Development program at the University of Lancashire prepares graduates for careers in child psychology and related developmental fields, equipping them with advanced knowledge and practical skills for applied psychology roles. Typical job roles include Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENCO), specialist charity worker, educational advisor, and teaching assistant. This program also serves as a valuable stepping-stone for further academic and professional development in psychology and child-related services.

Key points on progression and future opportunities include:

University careers services provide lifelong support, tailored placement modules, and access to online resources to assist students in securing relevant job roles.
Employment prospects are strong in educational, charitable, and developmental organizations, with average salaries around £26,000 approximately 15 months post-graduation.
The university maintains partnerships with NHS Trusts, schools, local education authorities, and other child-focused organizations facilitating placement and career opportunities.
While this program enhances professional development, it does not carry British Psychological Society accreditation but benefits those progressing towards doctoral training.
Graduates demonstrate strong readiness for employment or research careers in child development, education, and allied sectors.

Further Academic Progression: Students may continue with doctoral studies (PhD or professional doctorates) in developmental psychology or educational psychology or pursue specialized research degrees to advance clinical or academic careers in child development and psychology.