MSc Developmental Psychology: Clinical Applications to Children
Key Details
- Attendance
- Full Time
- Award
- Degree of Master of Science
- Course Length
- 1 year
- Course Start Date
- September 2026
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Course Overview
Our MSc Developmental Psychology: Clinical Applications to Children offers you a unique opportunity to combine cutting-edge theory with real-world clinical insight. Delivered through a partnership between the School of Psychology and the Department of Clinical Psychology and Psychological Therapies at Norwich Medical School, it equips you with the skills employers are looking for.
You’ll explore the latest developmental theories while \ hands-on experience in essential research methods. With dedicated modules focused on contemporary clinical psychology in children, you’ll develop a strong applied understanding of how theory translates into practice.
You can shape your degree to match your interests and career goals by choosing topics such as qualitative research, quantitative analysis, or a research placement.
Guided by expert academics, you’ll complete an independent research project, building the confidence to develop, present, and apply your ideas in professional settings.
If you’re passionate about understanding children and young people, this course will give you the knowledge, skills, and confidence to make a real impact on their wellbeing and mental health.
Careers
Career Pathways
Examples of careers that you could enter include:
- Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS)
- Assistant Psychologist roles
- Family Support Services
- Special Educational Needs (SEN) Coordination
- Child Welfare, Safeguarding and Youth Services
Check out Careers for more information.
After the Course
This course combines cutting-edge theory and research methods in developmental psychology with applied clinical perspectives and the real-world skills employers value. By balancing strong expertise in developmental psychology with a focus on clinical work with children, young people, and families, you’ll be well prepared for a range of career pathways.
These include roles such as Assistant Psychologist, Family Support Worker, or careers in Educational Psychology, Special Educational Needs (SEN) coordination, child welfare and safeguarding, youth services, and social care. You may also progress into neurodevelopmental services or roles within charities and non-profit organisations focused on child development, mental health, and family support.
Study and Modules
Structure
You can complete this programme in one year full-time or two years part-time. You’ll complete three required modules, one optional module, and a dissertation.
In the first semester, you’ll study cognitive development, language, developmental conditions, and neurodiversity. You’ll examine the challenges of working with participants of different ages. At the same time, you’ll learn about methods used in developmental research, often through hands-on sessions. You’ll be introduced to programming experiments in E-Prime, Gorilla, or PsychoPy, and learn to conduct systematic reviews and meta-analyses.
You’ll explore psychological practice with children through different perspectives, linking theory to real-world applications. This builds on your understanding of development, focusing on the differences and challenges commonly seen in practice.
In the second semester, you’ll focus on practice engagement with children and families, and the psychological assessment of development. You’ll be introduced to models of psychological formulation, interventions, and ways of working. The semester will include experiential sessions designed to support learning through reflective practice.
You’ll also choose whether to study analytical methods at an advanced level or gain real-world experience through an optional external placement. Past placements have included research labs, specialist schools, museums, and the Ministry of Justice.
In your research project, you’ll carry out independent research on a topic of your choice under expert supervision. You’ll gain hands-on methods training and develop practical skills for working with children, either in our developmental labs or in schools.
Compulsory Modules
Optional A Modules
(Credits: 20)Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring, review and update of modules. Where this activity leads to significant (but not minor) changes to programmes and their constituent modules, the University will endeavour to consult with students and others. It is also possible that the University may not be able to offer a module for reasons outside of its control, such as the illness of a member of staff. In some cases optional modules can have limited places available and so you may be asked to make additional module choices in the event you do not gain a place on your first choice. Where this is the case, the University will inform students.
Teaching and Learning
Teaching
You’ll learn through a dynamic mix of lectures, seminars, workshops, and research placements, designed to keep you engaged and supported. You’ll also gain hands-on experience using state-of-the-art research equipment, bringing theory to life and building practical expertise.
Independent study
Your schedule balances structured teaching with dedicated time for independent study, coursework, and preparation. You’ll also undertake a major research project, working closely with expert supervisors to explore a topic you’re passionate about and develop as a confident, independent researcher.
Assessment
Assessment is by coursework, including critical reviews, research proposals, and a research project.
Entry Requirements
- This course is open to
UK and International fee-paying students. Choose UK or International above to see relevant information. The entry point is in September each year.
- Typical UK Entry Requirements
Degree classification
Bachelors degree - 2.2
Degree Subject
Psychology or related degree (eg. medicine, neuroscience or biological science)
- Admissions Policy
Our Admissions Policy applies to the admissions of all postgraduate applicants.
- This course is open to
UK and International fee-paying students. Choose UK or International above to see relevant information. The entry point is in September each year.
- Typical International Entry Requirements
Degree classification
Bachelors degree - 2.2 or equivalent
Degree Subject
Psychology or related degree (eg. medicine, neuroscience or biological science)
- English Foreign Language
Applications from students whose first language is not English are welcome. We require evidence of proficiency in English (including writing, speaking, listening and reading):
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IELTS: 7.0 overall (minimum 6.5 in all components)
Test dates should be within 2 years of the course start date.
We also accept a number of other English language tests. Review our English Language Equivalencies(opens in a new window) for a list of qualifications that we may accept to meet this requirement.
If you do not meet the English language requirements for this course, our UEA International Study Centre offers a variety of English language programmes which are designed to help you develop the required English skills.
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- Admissions Policy
Our Admissions Policy applies to the admissions of all postgraduate applicants.
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Fees and Funding
Tuition fees for the Academic Year 2026/27 are:
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UK Students: £9,250
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International Students: £23,850
If you choose to study part-time, the fee per annum will be half the annual fee for that year, or a pro-rata fee for the module credit you are taking (only available for Home students).
We estimate living expenses at £1,171 per month.
Further Information on tuition fees can be found here(opens in a new window).
Scholarships and Bursaries
The University of East Anglia offers a range of Scholarships(opens in a new window); please click the link for eligibility, details of how to apply and closing dates.
Course Related Costs
Please see additional course fees for details of course-related costs.
How to Apply
How to apply
Applications for Postgraduate Taught programmes at the University of East Anglia should be made directly to the University.
To apply please use our online application form(opens in a new window).
Further information
If you would like to discuss your individual circumstances prior to applying, please do contact us:
Postgraduate Admissions Office
Tel: +44 (0)1603 591515
Email: admissions@uea.ac.uk(opens in a new window)
International candidates are also encouraged to access the International Students(opens in a new window) section of our website.