Developmental Psychology & Psychopathology MSc

King's College London

Overview

You will develop knowledge about the genetic and environmental causes of typical and atypical psychological development, the standard psychological therapies and treatments available, and research methods and statistics relevant to this field. The course will provide you with both a research and clinical focus. Benefit from comprehensive coverage of the field exploring how biological, behavioural and cognitive processes, along with family and wider social forces, can affect typical and atypical development. The course is ideal if you plan to work/are working in mental health with young people, plan to study for a PhD, or if you are looking to progress to the DClinPsy. Placements and clinical observerships are available. The course is perfectly suited for students with an interest in psychology and psychiatry, and a background in psychology, biosciences, or medicine.

Course detail

The course will train graduates to take up roles within different organisations where knowledge of mental health is required by teaching subjects that are relevant to the characterisation of typical and atypical behaviour, the biological and environmental causes and development of mental health problems in children and young people (including neurodevelopmental disorders) and an understanding of the most standard psychological therapies used in clinical practice and available support service systems. In addition, the course will provide you with a solid understanding of the most recent research methods applied in this area.

Teaching and assessment

We will use a delivery method that will ensure students have a rich, exciting experience from the start. Face to face teaching will be complemented and supported with innovative technology so that students also experience elements of digital learning and assessment. You will be taught through a mix of lectures, seminars and tutorials. The primary methods of assessment for this course are written examinations, coursework and individual or group projects. The study time and assessment methods typically give an indication of what to expect. However, these may vary depending upon the modules selected.

Career prospects

In addition to the core teaching, the optional module selection, the optional placement experience and dissertation project, the course provides opportunities to develop your knowledge into different interests and career pathways. This may help you to prepare to study a PhD in a subject such as Psychology, Statistical or Behavioural Genetics, or a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology. It will also help you to pursue employment in professional settings where subject knowledge is central to your work, e.g. in a science or academic career or in clinical settings. You will also develop skills to take up employment in other settings, particularly in working with children and young people where knowledge of mental health problems and therapies are required. These could be employment in social care settings eg welfare officers in youth organisations, schools and community centers; as family support workers; or employment in the public sector, e.g. police consultant, parliamentary officer of science and technology. You may also enter employment where subject knowledge is important to succeed in the job, but not the primary activity, e.g. employment in science communication/media within organisations involved with communicating health problems in young people to increase understanding of public awareness. Or, where learning from the degree is applied more broadly, e.g. role in government office of statistics; fundraiser for charity, genetic counsellor, science editor, industry professional.