Postgraduate courses in Child Psychology

Are you passionate about helping others? DO you have an interest in learning about the mind of a child and helping both the children and their families in treating certain mental disorders they may have? If so, have a look at the information below. 

A postgraduate course in Child Psychology might be the right fit for you. 

What is child psychology?

Child psychology is the study of both the subconscious and conscious development of a child. It focuses on different areas such as children’s interaction with friends, family and others and uses this observation to try to understand the development of children and their minds.  

As a child psychologist you will be expected to access, diagnose and treat children with mental disorders, emotional disorders or social disorders. You will aid families in understanding the child’s disorders as well as the child and provide guidance, treatment and advice such as different coping mechanisms that will be catered to each individual. 

You will carry out assessments as well as provide different programmes to children and their families and advise on different intervention programmes where necessary. In this role you may expect to be on call at times and if you are self employed you may work more antisocial or flexible hours. If you work in a setting such as a hospital or medical clinic your hours may be more structured and follow a Monday-Friday, 9-5 style of pattern. 

Courses

There are many courses on offer in the area across the UK. Some courses offer the opportunity to study either part time or full time. Universities may have certain restrictions in place due to Covid-19 and may offer courses online. Courses available include:

Child Psychology

A postgraduate course in child psychology will focus on research in the area as well as the psychological development of children. You will also focus on the area of implications of psychological theory and research for policy and practice. Course content will differ from course to course but in all courses you will learn the main skills and knowledge to work in the area. Topics include the development of biological at-risk children, phonological awareness, ADHD, autism, social issues, dyslexia and many more. 

Developmental Psychology in Action

Another course relevant to this area is a course in Developmental Psychology in Action. This will focus on studying why and how certain individuals change over time while focusing on infancy, childhood and adolescence. You will critically engage in research and course content while gaining the relevant skills and knowledge in the area. You will gain expertise in areas from education and mental health to health and community setting among many more areas of interest and importance. 

Other courses that are available in this area include Developmental Sciences, Developmental Psychology and Clinical Practice and Psychology of Child Development, to name a few. All courses will differ in their specific content so be sure to research in depth to find the course that suits your desire accurately. 

Entry requirements 

Entry requirements may differ from course to course or university to university. Therefore, it is important to research your specific course in detail to ensure you meet the entry requirements. As these courses are postgraduate courses, you will need a bachelor’s degree. Some courses may accept a 2.2 degree while others will require a 2.1 in psychology or a related field. 

Salary 

Your salary in this area may be dependent on multiple factors. These include your employment type, your experience and the location of your work. It is believed that the average salary of a child psychologist is around £40,000. Working in the NHS, your salary will be lower starting out and rise with experience usually. If you are working for yourself, your salary may vary. All figures are based on estimates and are intended to be used as a guide only. 

Related Jobs

• Child psychologist
• Adult psychologist
• Behavioural therapist
• Cognitive behavioural therapist
• Clinical or Counseling Psychologist
• Psychiatrist 
• Mental Health nursing 

Skills and requirements

Skills and requirements helpful in this area include:

• Excellent communication skills
• Understanding
• Patient
• Excellent research skills
• Ethics
• Organisation skills
• The ability to work well with others
• Trustworthy 
• A problem solver
• Numeracy skills
• Empathetic
• A good listener 
• Ability to adapt communication style to each individual