Psychoanalytic Developmental Psychology

The MSc in Psychoanalytic Developmental Psychology at University College London offers an in-depth exploration of the ways in which early life experiences influence psychological development throughout the lifespan. This rigorous programme is designed for students interested in understanding the complex interplay between unconscious processes, emotional development, and interpersonal relationships from a psychoanalytic perspective. Throughout the course, students will examine core theories and contemporary research in developmental psychology, with particular emphasis on psychoanalytic concepts such as attachment, object relations, unconscious processes, and the development of the self.

The programme provides a multidisciplinary approach, integrating insights from clinical practice, neuropsychology, and developmental science. Students will engage with a diverse range of topics including childhood and adolescent development, developmental psychopathology, family dynamics, and the impact of trauma and neglect on psychological growth. The curriculum is delivered through lectures, seminars, and workshops, encouraging critical analysis and discussion of current research findings. Students will also have the opportunity to observe clinical settings, gaining practical understanding of psychoanalytic developmental approaches in real-world contexts.

Research is a key component of the MSc programme, with students expected to undertake an individual research project that contributes to the field’s knowledge base. The programme is suitable for individuals pursuing careers in clinical psychology, psychotherapy, research, or related mental health professions. It also provides a solid foundation for those considering further academic study or training in psychoanalysis or psychotherapy. Throughout the programme, students will benefit from the expertise of UCL’s faculty, who are leading researchers and clinicians in the field of psychoanalytic developmental psychology.

By the end of the MSc, graduates will have acquired a comprehensive understanding of developmental processes from a psychoanalytic standpoint, along with the analytical skills necessary to critically evaluate research literature and apply theoretical knowledge in practical settings. The programme’s interdisciplinary nature ensures that students are well-equipped to contribute meaningfully to academic, clinical, or policy-related work in mental health and developmental psychology.

Students develop a theoretical grounding in psychoanalytic theories as related to child development and clinical practice. Observations of infants, parents and children allow students to witness some of these theoretical constructs in real world contexts and help students develop the observational skills essential in clinical work. The research teaching covers qualitative and quantitative research methodologies and gives students the tools necessary for conducting reliable, valid and ethical research.

Students undertake modules to the value of 180 credits, with the research dissertation accounting for 60 of these credits.

A Postgraduate Diploma (120 credits) is also offered on both a full-time and part-time basis.

Core modules

• Psychoanalytic Perspectives on Child Development I: Infancy
• Psychoanalytic Perspectives on Child Development II: Toddlerhood and Early Childhood
• Psychoanalytic Perspectives on Child Development III: Latency and Adolescence
• An Introduction to Psychoanalytic Theory
• The Clinical Theory of Psychoanalysis
• Research Methods II: Introduction to Statistical Analysis
• Observation I: Parent Infant

Optional modules

• Observation II: Toddler Observation
• OR
• Observation III: Observation of a Nursery-School Aged Child

Dissertation/report

All MSc students undertake an independent research project, supported by a supervisor, which culminates in a dissertation of a maximum of 12,000 words.

Teaching and learning

The programme is delivered through a combination of lectures, workshops, and theory and observation seminars. Seminar groups are small, often led by clinicians and allow plenty of opportunity for discussion and reflection. Research work is supported by an individual supervisor and by workshops throughout the year. Assessments include a variety of essays, examinations, observation papers and a research dissertation and assessment occurs throughout the programme (usually at the end of the relevant module). 

Normally a minimum of a second-class Bachelor's degree from a UK university or an overseas qualification of an equivalent standard.

Financing for the Psychoanalytic Developmental Psychology MSc program at University College London is typically available through a variety of funding options to support students throughout their academic journey. Prospective students are encouraged to explore scholarships, bursaries, and funding schemes offered directly by UCL, which may include merit-based awards, departmental scholarships, or financial aid programs designed to assist both domestic and international students. Additionally, students can consider external funding sources such as government or private sector scholarships, research council grants, and professional associations related to psychology or psychoanalysis. UCL also provides guidance on student loans, both from the UK government for domestic students and private financing options for international students. International students might explore scholarships specific to their country of origin or regional funding opportunities that can offset tuition fees and living expenses. The university’s financial services office offers comprehensive advice on eligibility, application procedures, and deadlines for all available funding options. It is recommended that students begin researching and applying for funding well in advance of the program start date to ensure all financial arrangements are secured prior to matriculation. Cost considerations include tuition fees, which vary depending on residency status, as well as living expenses in London, which can be significant. Students should prepare a detailed financial plan considering tuition, accommodation, transportation, learning materials, and personal expenses. Part-time work options may also be available for eligible students, under the rules of their visa status. Some students may qualify for research or teaching assistant positions within UCL that provide stipends or tuition fee reductions. It is essential for prospective students to review the specific funding opportunities linked to the program and stay informed about application deadlines, required documentation, and eligibility criteria to maximize their chances of securing financial support for their studies.

The MSc in Psychoanalytic Developmental Psychology at University College London offers an in-depth exploration of the intricate processes involved in human psychological development from a psychoanalytic perspective. The program is designed for students interested in understanding the complex interactions between early childhood experiences, unconscious processes, and the development of personality and mental health. It provides a comprehensive curriculum that combines theoretical frameworks with clinical applications, emphasizing modern psychoanalytic theories and research findings. Students engage with core topics such as attachment theory, developmental neuroscience, trauma and resilience, and the therapeutic relationship, all within a psychoanalytic framework. The course encourages critical thinking and reflective practice, preparing students for careers in clinical psychology, research, or further academic pursuits. The programme is delivered through a combination of lectures, seminars, and supervised research projects, fostering an interactive learning environment. Faculty members are experts in psychoanalysis, developmental psychology, and psychiatry, bringing a wealth of practical and academic experience. The program also offers opportunities for clinical placements and research collaborations, providing hands-on experience in understanding and applying psychoanalytic theories to real-world situations. Graduates of this programme are equipped with a nuanced understanding of human psychological development, making them well-suited for roles in mental health services, academic research, or advanced clinical training. The MSc in Psychoanalytic Developmental Psychology emphasizes an integrative approach, bridging biological, psychological, and social factors influencing development, and encourages students to critically evaluate and contribute to ongoing debates in the field of psychoanalysis and developmental psychology.