Developmental and Educational Psychology

Developmental and Educational Psychology at University College London offers a comprehensive exploration of the psychological processes underlying human development and learning across the lifespan. This programme is designed for students interested in understanding how children, adolescents, and adults develop cognitive, emotional, and social skills, as well as how these processes influence educational outcomes and well-being. Building on UCL’s strong reputation in psychology and education, the course combines theoretical foundations with practical applications, preparing students for careers in research, educational practice, policy development, or further academic study. Throughout the programme, students engage with cutting-edge research in developmental psychology, including topics such as language acquisition, executive functioning, identity formation, motivation, and mental health. The curriculum emphasizes critical thinking, empirical methods, and evidence-based interventions, ensuring graduates are well-equipped to address real-world challenges related to learning and development. Modules are taught by leading experts in the field and often include opportunities for practical work, data analysis, and collaboration with practitioners. The programme fosters an interdisciplinary approach, integrating insights from psychology, education, neuroscience, and sociology to provide a holistic understanding of human development. Students can tailor their studies through optional modules to focus on specific areas of interest, such as special educational needs, childhood trauma, or positive psychology. The research-driven environment at UCL offers excellent facilities and resources, including access to datasets, laboratories, and seminars. Graduates of this programme are highly sought after for roles in educational institutions, healthcare, government agencies, and research organizations. Many alumni pursue doctoral studies or advanced professional qualifications, contributing to advancements in developmental and educational psychology worldwide. The programme's flexibility allows part-time and full-time study options, accommodating diverse student needs. By the end of the course, students will have developed a robust understanding of developmental theories and educational practices, as well as practical skills in designing and evaluating interventions aimed at enhancing learning and development outcomes across various populations.

Students will develop in-depth knowledge of specialised research skills, and be able to use a broad range of methods to critically appraise and conduct rigorous research in the field. Students learn how to assess the contribution of psychology to policy goals and how to evaluate education policies.

Students undertake modules to the value of 180 credits.

The programme consists of two core modules (60 credits), two optional modules (60 credits) and a dissertation (60 credits).

Core modules

• Methodology and Statistics
• Qualitative Data Analysis

Optional modules

• Development Psychology (30 credits) or Personality and Social Psychology (30 credits) or Cognitive Development and Learning (30 credits)
• Social Development (30 credits) or Core Topics in Psychology of Education (30 credits)

Dissertation/report

All students undertake an independent research project which culminates in a dissertation of 10,000-12,000 words.

Teaching and learning

This programme is delivered through a combination of lectures by UCL Institute of Education academic staff and guest speakers, group work, discussion, and computer workshops giving hands-on practice. Assessment is through coursework examination. Coursework involves small exercices conducted throughout the module, critiques of set research articles and extended pieces of writing on set topics and the dissertation.

A minimum of a second-class Bachelor's degree from a UK university, or an overseas qualification of an equivalent standard, either in psychology or a related subject, that has been accredited by the British Psychological Society. 
Or:
A minimum of a second-class Bachelor’s degree that contains at least 60 credits (excluding year one) in the five core areas of psychology (Biological Psychology, Cognitive Psychology, Developmental Psychology, Personalities and Individual Differences and Social Psychology).

Want to improve your English level for admission?

Prepare for the program requirements with English Online by the British Council.

• ✔️ Flexible study schedule
• ✔️ Experienced teachers
• ✔️ Certificate upon completion

📘 Recommended for students with an IELTS level of 6.0 or below.

Enroll in the course

The MSc in Developmental and Educational Psychology at University College London offers a range of financing options to support prospective students in their studies. Tuition fees vary depending on the student's fee status: domestic or international. For domestic students, fee rates are typically lower, reflecting UK government subsidies and funding schemes. International students pay higher fees, which reflect the costs of delivering a globally competitive programme. Tuition fees are subject to annual increases and are published on the university's official website. Beyond tuition costs, students should consider additional expenses such as accommodation, books, travel, and study materials. UCL provides various funding opportunities, including scholarships, bursaries, and studentships, aimed at both domestic and international students. These financial aid options are awarded based on academic excellence, financial need, or a combination of both. For instance, UCL offers the UCL Graduate Support Scheme, which provides financial assistance to talented students. There are also external funding sources, such as government loans, research grants, and charitable foundations, which students can apply for depending on their eligibility criteria. The university encourages prospective students to explore its Funding and Scholarships webpage for detailed information about available aid and application procedures. Additionally, students are advised to contact the university's bursary and financial aid office for personalised guidance. The programme itself emphasizes practical and research skills, which can enhance employability and potential earning power post-graduation. Many students also consider part-time work or internships during their studies to offset some expenses. UCL's commitment to fostering an inclusive academic environment includes efforts to make education accessible through various financial support mechanisms. Overall, financing a master's degree at UCL involves careful planning and exploration of multiple funding avenues to ensure that financial barriers do not impede talented students from pursuing their academic and career goals in Developmental and Educational Psychology.

The MSc in Developmental and Educational Psychology at University College London (UCL) is a comprehensive program designed to provide students with an in-depth understanding of the psychological development of children and young people, as well as the educational contexts that influence their development. This program explores key theoretical frameworks and empirical research related to developmental processes, cognitive and social-emotional development, learning difficulties, and intervention strategies. It aims to equip students with both foundational knowledge and practical skills to work effectively in educational, clinical, research, or policy settings. The curriculum covers a wide range of topics including developmental psychopathology, assessment techniques, inclusive education, and the impact of environmental and cultural factors on development. Students will benefit from UCL's strong emphasis on research-led teaching, gaining valuable experience through research projects, seminars, and workshops led by leading academics in the field. The program also offers opportunities to engage with local schools and educational organizations, providing practical experience and networking possibilities. Graduates of the MSc in Developmental and Educational Psychology are prepared for careers in clinical practice, educational psychology, research, teaching, or further academic study. The program typically takes one year full-time to complete, with options for part-time study for working professionals. Admission requirements generally include a related undergraduate degree, relevant experience, and a strong motivation to work in the field of developmental and educational psychology. This program at UCL is recognized for its rigorous academic standards and its contribution to advancing knowledge and practice in child development and education worldwide.