BIRMINGHAM CITY UNIVERSITY · UNITED KINGDOM
Applied Child Psychology - MSc
Master's · Taught in en
At a glance
12 mo
Duration
6.0
IELTS
€22k
Tuition / yr
en
Language
Master's
Level
- 95%Student Satisfaction (PGT Education Survey 2025)
- Professional PlacementOptional 20-week placement available
- Flexible StudyAvailable full-time or part-time
- Expert FacultyTaught by active researchers with practical experience
- Broad Career PathsPrepares for roles in education, health, and social care
The MSc Applied Child Psychology is a postgraduate degree designed for students interested in a specific, in-depth study of child psychology across various contexts. This course explores cognitive, social, emotional, physical, and neurological development, along with research methods in child psychology. It considers the implications for policy and practice in fields like educational and clinical psychology, examining both typical and atypical development while addressing issues of inclusivity, diversity, and professional standards. This program aims to enhance your knowledge and practical experience in applied child psychology, providing the expertise and academic skills needed for graduate employment. It supports career development in childcare professions, education, child and adolescent mental health, pastoral care, special educational needs (SEN), and research involving children. For those with a BPS-accredited undergraduate psychology degree, this MSc can also strengthen applications for doctoral training in educational or clinical psychology. An optional professional placement of 20 weeks is available after completing taught modules, offering valuable work experience and enhancing employability. Students are responsible for securing their own placement, with support from the university's careers teams and employer networks. Please note that placements are competitive and not guaranteed.
Careers
The MSc Applied Child Psychology equips you with knowledge, training, and employability skills relevant to numerous careers within child psychology and related fields. It also enhances future employment and promotion prospects for those already working in relevant professions.
- Childcare professions
- Education
- Child and Adolescent Mental Health
- Pastoral Care
- Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENCO)
- Mental Health Lead
- Supporting children with disabilities
- Coaching and Mentoring young people
- Research with children
- Educational Psychologist (with further training)
- Clinical Psychologist (with further training)
Frequently asked questions
- What are the entry requirements for the MSc Applied Child Psychology?
- You need a minimum 2:2 honours degree in Psychology or a relevant discipline like Education or Sociology. A GCSE in Mathematics (or equivalent) is also required. For international students, an IELTS score of 6.0 overall with no less than 5.5 in each band is necessary.
- What are the tuition fees for international students?
- For 2026/27 entry, the full-time international tuition fee is £18,970 for the one-year program or £20,865 for the 18-month program with a professional placement.
- How long is the MSc Applied Child Psychology programme?
- The programme can be studied full-time for one year, or you can opt for an 18-month full-time route which includes an optional 20-week professional placement.
- What is the language of instruction for this programme?
- The language of instruction for this programme is English. International students must demonstrate English language proficiency, typically with an IELTS score of 6.0 overall and a minimum of 5.5 in each band.
- When should I apply for the MSc Applied Child Psychology?
- The recommended application deadline for September entry is around October 1st of the preceding year. Late applications may be considered until the end of August if places are still available, but early application is strongly advised.
- What career opportunities are available after completing this MSc?
- This MSc prepares you for roles in childcare professions, education, child and adolescent mental health, pastoral care, and supporting children with disabilities. It can also strengthen applications for further doctoral training in educational or clinical psychology.
Entry requirements
Honours degreeMinimum 2:2 in Psychology or a relevant discipline (e.g., Education, Health and Social Care, Sociology, Childcare).
Alternative Level 6 qualificationsConsidered on a case-by-case basis with substantial relevant work-based experience.
GCSE MathematicsGrade C or above (or equivalent Level 2 qualification, including BCU's GCSE equivalency tests).
IELTS6.0 overall with no less than 5.5 in each band
An enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check is required prior to enrolment. Relevant experience of working with children and skills in research methods are desirable.
Fees
Tuition (international)£18,970 (one-year full-time) or £20,865 (18-month full-time with professional placement) for 2026/27 entry.
Tuition (home)£10,350 (one-year full-time) or £11,385 (18-month full-time with professional placement) for 2026/27 entry. Part-time fees are £1150 per 20 credits, with £4,600 in Year 1 (80 credits) and £5,750 in Year 2 (100 credits).
LivingAs part of your Student Visa application, you will need to demonstrate sufficient funds for your first year of study. Specific estimated living costs are not provided by the university, but it is advised to plan your finances carefully.
Annual tuition fees are applicable to the first year of study. The University reserves the right to increase fees for subsequent years in line with inflation (capped at 5%) or changes in government policies. Fees cover tuition, examinations, and Students' Union membership, but not textbooks or other course materials. You will receive £5 print credit per year and access to Microsoft Office 365. Essential field trips and associated travel costs are included.
How to apply
1. 1. Prepare your documentsGather all necessary documents including academic transcripts, degree certificates, English language test scores (e.g., IELTS), and any relevant work experience certificates. Ensure you have evidence of a minimum 2:2 honours degree in a relevant discipline and GCSE Mathematics (or equivalent).
2. 2. Complete an online applicationAccess the university's online application portal for the MSc Applied Child Psychology (2026/27 entry) and fill in all required personal and academic details. Be thorough and accurate.
3. 3. Provide supporting informationAs part of your application, you may be asked to upload your academic qualifications, English language certificates, and potentially a personal statement or CV. If required, you will also need to undergo an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.
4. 4. Pay application fees (if applicable)While the program page doesn't specify an application fee for this direct application, some postgraduate courses or specific application portals might have one. Check the application system carefully.
5. 5. Await your offerAfter submitting your application, the admissions team will review it. If successful, you will receive an offer of admission. This may be conditional, requiring you to meet certain criteria (e.g., achieving specific grades or English test scores).
6. 6. Accept your offer and arrange financesOnce you receive an offer, you will need to formally accept it. For international students, this includes demonstrating you have sufficient funds for your tuition and living costs for your first year of study, which is a requirement for your Student Visa application.
7. 7. Apply for your Student VisaWith your unconditional offer and proof of funds, you can apply for a UK Student Visa. Ensure you apply well in advance of your course start date.
Frequently asked questions
What are the entry requirements for the MSc Applied Child Psychology?
+
You need a minimum 2:2 honours degree in Psychology or a relevant discipline like Education or Sociology. A GCSE in Mathematics (or equivalent) is also required. For international students, an IELTS score of 6.0 overall with no less than 5.5 in each band is necessary.
What are the tuition fees for international students?
+
For 2026/27 entry, the full-time international tuition fee is £18,970 for the one-year program or £20,865 for the 18-month program with a professional placement.
How long is the MSc Applied Child Psychology programme?
+
The programme can be studied full-time for one year, or you can opt for an 18-month full-time route which includes an optional 20-week professional placement.
What is the language of instruction for this programme?
+
The language of instruction for this programme is English. International students must demonstrate English language proficiency, typically with an IELTS score of 6.0 overall and a minimum of 5.5 in each band.
When should I apply for the MSc Applied Child Psychology?
+
The recommended application deadline for September entry is around October 1st of the preceding year. Late applications may be considered until the end of August if places are still available, but early application is strongly advised.
What career opportunities are available after completing this MSc?
+
This MSc prepares you for roles in childcare professions, education, child and adolescent mental health, pastoral care, and supporting children with disabilities. It can also strengthen applications for further doctoral training in educational or clinical psychology.