Psychoanalytic Developmental Psychology MSc/PG Dip

Students develop a theoretical grounding in psychoanalysis as related to child development and clinical practice. Observations of 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.

The programme consists of seven core modules (105 credits), one elective module (15 credits), and a research disseration( 60 credits).

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

• 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

Students choose one of the following:

• Observation II: Observation of a Young Child - a second observation of young children, their parent/carer/staff/clinician within a nursery school, playgroup or toddler group setting.
• Parenting: Theory, Research and Clinical Interventions
• Evaluating Clinical Interventions
• Multiple Perspectives on Developmental Psychopathology

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

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. Assessment occurs throughout the programme (usually at the end of the relevant module).