Developmental Psychology and Clinical Practice

Developmental Psychology and Clinical Practice at University College London offers an innovative and comprehensive program designed to prepare students for impactful careers in understanding and supporting the psychological development of children and adolescents. This program combines rigorous academic coursework with practical clinical training, enabling students to acquire both theoretical knowledge and hands-on experience in clinical settings. Throughout the course, students explore a wide range of topics including cognitive and emotional development, developmental disorders, assessment techniques, intervention strategies, and ethical considerations in clinical practice. The program emphasizes an integrative approach, fostering a deep understanding of developmental processes across diverse populations and settings. Students will engage with cutting-edge research and evidence-based practices, equipping them to contribute effectively to clinical teams and community services. The curriculum includes modules on research methods, developmental psychopathology, early intervention, and therapeutic techniques, tailored to prepare graduates for careers in clinical psychology, research, or related fields. Practical placements at affiliated clinics and hospitals provide invaluable real-world experience, where students can observe and participate in client assessments, develop treatment plans, and deliver interventions under supervision. The program also encourages critical thinking, cultural competence, and ethical responsibility, ensuring graduates are well-equipped to address complex developmental and psychological challenges. Whether aiming to pursue doctoral training in clinical psychology or seeking to work directly with children and families, students will benefit from the university’s extensive academic resources, expert faculty, and vibrant research community. UCL’s Developmental Psychology and Clinical Practice program strives to cultivate skilled practitioners who can make a lasting positive impact on children’s lives and support their mental health and developmental trajectories across diverse environments.

The programme draws together theory, research and therapeutic thinking from a range of perspectives, including clinical and cognitive psychology, systemic thinking, psychoanalysis and neuroscience. In a workshop setting, students develop competencies in engagement, assessment and evaluation, and practical skills necessary for therapeutic work with children and families. These are then put into practice during the clinical placement.

This two-year MSc has a total value of 270 credits. Each year students complete modules to the value of 135 credits.

Year one: taught modules (135 credits). Year two: clinical skills modules (35 credits), a clinical practice in context module (15 credits) and the research dissertation (85 credits).

Year one core modules

• Multiple Perspectives on Development Psychopathology I
• Multiple Perspectives on Development Psychopathology II
• Research Methods I (formative)
• Research Methods II: Introduction to Statistical Analysis
• Research Methods III: Introduction to Qualitative Research (formative)
• Evaluating Clinical Interventions
• An Introduction to Psychoanalytic Theory
• Building and Maintaining Therapeutic Relationships
• Assessment and Planning Clinical Interventions
• Parent-Infant Observation

Year two core modules

• Clinical Practice in Context
• Clinical Skills I
• Clinical Skills II
• Research Dissertation
• Research Workshop

Dissertation/research project

All MSc students undertake a research portfolio which may include both a developmental and a clinical focus, such as the evaluation and understanding of clinical and therapeutic services for children and young people. This culminates in a dissertation made up of an 8,000-word journal paper and a poster.

Teaching and learning

In year one students attend weekly lectures complemented by small group seminars. Modules focusing on clinical skills are classroom based. In year two, as well as taking further modules, students move into a 2-3 days per week placement in a child and adolescent mental health (CAMHS) setting, supervised by an experienced clinician. Assessment is by a mixture of coursework, examinations and the dissertation.

Normally a minimum of an upper second-class Bachelor's degree from a UK university in Psychology, or in another relevant social, clinical or life science discipline, or an overseas qualification of an equivalent standard. It is highly desirable that students have obtained relevant experience working with children or adolescents prior to application.

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 financing of the Developmental Psychology and Clinical Practice program at University College London is primarily structured through a combination of tuition fees, scholarships, bursaries, and student loans. Tuition fees vary depending on the student's residency status, with UK, EU, and international students potentially facing different fee structures. Domestic students are often eligible for government-backed student loans that can cover a significant portion of tuition costs, which are repayable after graduation based on income thresholds. International students typically need to secure private funding or scholarships, as government loans are generally not available to non-UK residents.

UCL offers a range of scholarships aimed at supporting students financially during their studies. These include university-funded scholarships, external awards, and subject-specific bursaries that can offset tuition fees or living costs. Applicants are encouraged to research and apply for relevant funding opportunities early in the admissions process. Additionally, some students may be eligible for research grants or funding from health authorities, especially if involved in research components or clinical placements integrated into the program.

Students may also consider part-time work or assistantships offered by UCL to supplement their income, subject to visa regulations for international students. The university provides financial guidance through its student services to help applicants identify suitable funding options and plan their finances effectively. For students enrolled in clinical training components, costs related to placements, background checks, insurance, and related expenses should also be considered in their overall financial planning.

Overall, the university's approach to financing aims to make postgraduate education accessible, combining various financial aid sources to support students through their studies. International students are strongly advised to seek external funding opportunities, while domestic students can benefit from governmental support schemes. It is recommended that prospective students thoroughly review the university's official website and financial aid pages for the most current and detailed information on funding options for the Developmental Psychology and Clinical Practice program.

Developmental Psychology and Clinical Practice at University College London offers a comprehensive exploration of human development across the lifespan, emphasizing the application of psychological theories and research to clinical settings. The programme is designed for students interested in understanding the biological, psychological, and social factors that influence development from infancy through old age, with a particular focus on applying this knowledge to clinical practice. The curriculum covers key topics such as cognitive development, emotional and social development, neurodevelopmental disorders, mental health assessments, therapeutic interventions, and ethical considerations in clinical work.

Students will engage with state-of-the-art research methods, including observational techniques, psychological testing, and neuroimaging, to develop a rigorous understanding of developmental processes. The programme typically includes lectures, seminars, research projects, and practical placements that provide hands-on experience in clinical settings. UCL's distinguished faculty comprises leading researchers and clinical practitioners who actively contribute to advancing the fields of developmental psychology and clinical practice.

The course aims to prepare graduates for careers as clinical psychologists, research psychologists, or specialized roles in mental health services. Additionally, it offers a solid foundation for further postgraduate studies, including PhDs or professional training in clinical psychology. Students benefit from UCL’s central location in London, granting access to a diverse range of clinical placements, research opportunities, and networks within the mental health community. Admission requirements generally include a relevant undergraduate degree, typically in psychology or related disciplines, along with relevant experience or interests in clinical work and developmental research. The programme's structure is designed to balance academic rigorousness with practical skills, ensuring graduates are well-equipped for the complexities of working with diverse populations in mental health and developmental contexts.