School of Psychology
MSc Family and Child Psychology
This exciting and innovative postgraduate course is focused on the study of the psychology of children and families in our modern, multicultural and diverse society. Our course is designed to give you an in-depth and critical understanding of classic, contemporary and applied issues within the areas of child and adolescent development, family structure, functioning and transition, and the role of the family within wider culture and society.
Our tutors are experts in their field, and will draw on current psycho-social approaches and research to inform your understanding of development and change at individual, familial and societal levels. During the course you will also learn about the implications that such change can have in terms of psychological, social and educational policy and on the interventions that may be required when children and families reach crisis.
The programme is aimed at graduates from the social sciences in the UK and overseas who wish to develop their conceptual understanding of families and child development. It is also aimed at early and mid-career professionals working in the fields of health, education, social welfare and social policy. Finally, if you wish to develop skills in research methodologies and undertake applied research, then this course is for you.
Programme structure and assessment
This programme is structured on a trimester basis and can be completed full time (over one year) or part time (over two years). You will complete three modules in each of the first two trimesters and an independent research dissertation in the final trimester
Trimester 1
• In the Researching Thought and Behaviour module you will learn about the research and analytical methods that you need to study psychology. You will receive expert teaching and training in both quantitative statistics and qualitative research methods.
• Child and Adolescent Development involves critically evaluating and applying both classic and contemporary theoretical approaches to development in a real life context.
• In Advanced Skills for Research and Practice you will gain expert training in the successful management and completion of research projects in professional and applied settings.
Trimester 2
• In Family Psychology in Society you will learn about the current research and theory relating to the complex issues surrounding child care, child protection and abuse, domestic abuse and the impact of deprivation. This module will also focus on key policies and legislation in these areas.
• Family Lifestyle and Transition focuses upon the changing family unit, and the adjustment of family members to transitions within the life cycle. You will examine issues such as contemporary family systems theories, diverse family units, and separation and divorce.
• In Child and adolescent mental health and developmental disorders you will consider the assessment, diagnosis and treatment of a range of disorders within the family context. You will learn about the contribution of psychological research to intervention and treatment, as well as developing awareness of relevant ethical and professional issues.
During Trimester 2, you will begin working with one of our supervisors on your own research project, which will become your focus during Trimester 3 in the summer. This will allow you to develop your knowledge and expertise in an area that particularly interests you.
Methods of assessment: you will complete a diverse range of assessments to demonstrate and consolidate your learning and to enhance your employability. Examples include qualitative and quantitative written reports, oral presentations, dissemination and review exercises, case studies and reflective writing. You will work independently and with your peers as part of a group.
Entry Requirements
Our programme is open to students with an undergraduate honours degree in Psychology of 2.2 or above. Candidates with degrees in other relevant social sciences, and/or particular experience in relevant fields are also encouraged to apply, and we will review suitability for entry to the course on an individual basis.
School of Psychology
For admissions enquiries:
Postgraduate Admissions
University of Chester Parkgate Road
Chester, CH1 4BJ
t: 01244 511000
e: postgrad@chester.ac.uk
For further information, please contact:
School of Psychology
t: 01244 513479
e: PsychologyPG@chester.ac.uk
For more information about this course, please go to our website at:
Full-time: www.chester.ac.uk/postgraduate/family-child-psychology
Part-time: www.chester.ac.uk/postgraduate/family-child-psychology-part-time
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The University of Chester is committed to the active promotion of equality of opportunity. Applications are particularly welcome from those groups currently under-represented in higher education. For a copy of our diversity and equality policy, please contact us at enquiries@chester.ac.uk
This document is available in larger formats upon request. Please email: enquiries@chester.ac.uk for further details.
