Program Overview
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sustainable-energy-systems-management-msc sustainable-energy-systems-management-pgdip systemic-practice-family-therapy-msc systemic-practice-family-therapy-pgcert systemic-practice-family-therapy-pgdip systemic-psychotherapy-msc teaching-english-speakers-other-languages-applied-linguistics-msc translation-ma violence-terrorism-security-ma violence-terrorism-security-pgdip youth-justice-msc youth-justice-pgdip zero-carbon-engineering-pgcert Share Facebook Linkedin Email Undergraduate 2025 MSc | Postgraduate Taught Applied Developmental Psychology Apply now Register Interest Entry year Academic Year 2026/27 Entry requirements 2.1 Attendance 1 year (Full-time) 2 years (Part-time) Places available TBC (Full Time) TBC (Part Time) Overview Course content Modules Entry requirements Careers Fees and funding Apply The MSc in Applied Developmental Psychology provides students with a rigorous foundation in developmental science, combining theoretical depth with applied relevance to explore how children and young people develop in real-world contexts. Drawing on current research, the programme examines cognitive, emotional, and social development from infancy through adolescence, with particular emphasis on the influence of early adversity, family dynamics, and neurodiversity on developmental trajectories. The MSc places strong emphasis on research training. Students develop advanced skills in both quantitative and qualitative methods, including statistical modelling, psychometric testing, observational techniques, and discourse analysis. Practical experience with research tools and specialist software is integrated into the curriculum to support methodological competence.
Key Program Features
Applied Developmental Psychology highlights
Career Development
Graduates go on to roles supporting children and young people across the NHS, education, social care, youth justice, and the voluntary sector. Many also pursue doctoral training in Clinical or Educational Psychology or continue to PhD research in developmental science.
Internationally Renowned Experts
The programme is taught by leading experts whose research is shaping how we understand child development in real-world settings. Students learn directly from academics working at the forefront of research on childhood adversity, cognitive development, and neurodiversity in education. The course offers a research-rich environment where the latest insights feed directly into teaching, ensuring students are always engaging with current thinking in applied developmental psychology.
Student Experience
The MSc in Applied Developmental Psychology offers a distinctive focus on development in the context of early adversity and neurodiversity, setting it apart from other programmes in the UK. This unique academic approach is complemented by a supportive, student-centred environment and a vibrant learning community that fosters both personal growth and professional development.
There is an emphasis placed on student-lecturer interaction which isn’t present in a lot of colleges and I think this really promotes a positive learning experience and it has definitely made me more excited about the subject. As being a psychologist is quite a social job, this also helps in preparing me for that. The in-depth focus of the modules has given me a much better understanding of certain theories and equipped me with the skills to apply the theories in real life circumstances. Being exposed to so much research and real-life applied examples has shown me how what we learn can actually impact people’s lives and society for the better. Being equipped with presentation skills has given me the confidence needed to convey knowledge to the public. Engaging with the public is essential given that Applied Developmental Psychology aims to help society.
Career Opportunities
Career Development
Graduates go on to roles supporting children and young people across the NHS, education, social care, youth justice, and the voluntary sector. Many also pursue doctoral training in Clinical or Educational Psychology or continue to PhD research in developmental science.
Internationally Renowned Experts
The programme is taught by leading experts whose research is shaping how we understand child development in real-world settings. Students learn directly from academics working at the forefront of research on childhood adversity, cognitive development, and neurodiversity in education. The course offers a research-rich environment where the latest insights feed directly into teaching, ensuring students are always engaging with current thinking in applied developmental psychology.
Student Experience
The MSc in Applied Developmental Psychology offers a distinctive focus on development in the context of early adversity and neurodiversity, setting it apart from other programmes in the UK. This unique academic approach is complemented by a supportive, student-centred environment and a vibrant learning community that fosters both personal growth and professional development.
There is an emphasis placed on student-lecturer interaction which isn’t present in a lot of colleges and I think this really promotes a positive learning experience and it has definitely made me more excited about the subject. As being a psychologist is quite a social job, this also helps in preparing me for that. The in-depth focus of the modules has given me a much better understanding of certain theories and equipped me with the skills to apply the theories in real life circumstances. Being exposed to so much research and real-life applied examples has shown me how what we learn can actually impact people’s lives and society for the better. Being equipped with presentation skills has given me the confidence needed to convey knowledge to the public. Engaging with the public is essential given that Applied Developmental Psychology aims to help society.
Program Curriculum
Course Structure
This MSc is structured as one-third research methods and analysis, one-third applied developmental psychology content and one-third dissertation
People teaching you Dr Agnieszka Graham Course Director Psychology
Teaching Times
Learning and Teaching
The School of Psychology at Queen’s University Belfast has a longstanding reputation for excellence in teaching and research. We offer a single honours undergraduate programme, three taught MSc degrees, professional doctorates in Clinical Psychology and Educational, Child and Adolescent Psychology, as well as a vibrant PhD research community. Teaching on the MSc is research-led, delivered by academics who are internationally recognised experts in areas such as atypical development, childhood adversity, and applied developmental science. Students benefit from direct access to researchers working at the forefront of their fields. We are committed to creating a supportive and engaging environment for our postgraduate community. The Postgraduate Advisor of Studies provides dedicated academic guidance, supported by our experienced and approachable administrative team. Strong communication between staff and students is a priority, with regular opportunities to provide feedback through our Student Voice Committee, which includes student representatives, programme directors, and the Director of Postgraduate Taught Education. We are proud to host a diverse and ambitious postgraduate community, supported by an environment designed to help every student thrive. Our students benefit from a wide range of learning opportunities, some of which are outlined below.
Excellent supervision
Students are assigned a dissertation supervisor early in the course and work closely with them to develop a research project, secure ethical approval, collect and analyse data, and write the final report. We encourage students to be ambitious in their research, developing projects that reflect their interests and build their confidence as emerging researchers.
Lectures and tutorials
Admission Requirements
How to Apply
Apply using our online Queen's Portal and follow the step-by-step instructions on how to apply .
Terms and Conditions
The terms and conditions that apply when you accept an offer of a place at the University on a taught programme of study. Queen's University Belfast Terms and Conditions .
Tuition & Financial Information
Tuition Fee
GBP 15,200/year (international)
Tuition Fees
| Northern Ireland (NI) 1 | £7,700 |
| Republic of Ireland (ROI) 2 | £7,700 |
| England, Scotland or Wales (GB) 1 | £10,400 |
| EU Other 3 | £27,600 |
| International | £27,600 |
1 EU citizens in the EU Settlement Scheme, with settled status, will be charged the NI or GB tuition fee based on where they are ordinarily resident. Students who are ROI nationals resident in GB will be charged the GB fee.
2 EU students who are ROI nationals resident in ROI are eligible for NI tuition fees.
3 EU Other students (excludes Republic of Ireland nationals living in GB, NI or ROI) are charged tuition fees in line with international fees.
All tuition fees quoted relate to a single year of study unless stated otherwise. Tuition fees will be subject to an annual inflationary increase, unless explicitly stated otherwise.
More information on postgraduate tuition fees .
Additional course costs
Terms and Conditions for Postgraduate applications: 1.1 Due to high demand, there is a deadline for applications. 1.2 You will be required to pay a deposit to secure your place on the course. 1.3 This condition of offer is in addition to any academic or English language requirements.
Financial Aid & Scholarships
Financial Aid & Funding Opportunities
A range of funding options may be available to students enrolling at Queen's University Belfast. Explore all options early — many scholarships have deadlines months before programme start.
- University Scholarships: Queen's University Belfast may offer merit-based, need-based, or programme-specific scholarships for postgraduate students. Contact the international or financial aid office for current awards.
- Government Scholarships (): National governments often fund outbound and inbound student mobility. Check your home country's government scholarship schemes (e.g., national student loan bodies, ministry of education awards).
- International Scholarships: Major funders include: Commonwealth Scholarships, Fulbright (USA programmes), Chevening (UK), Erasmus+ (Europe), DAAD (Germany), Campus France, Australia Awards, and many more.
- Employer Sponsorship: Professionals returning to study may negotiate tuition sponsorship with their employer, particularly for MBA or executive programmes.
- Graduate Assistantships / Fellowships: Some universities offer funded research or teaching assistant positions that include a stipend and partial or full tuition waiver.
- External Foundations: Rotary Foundation, Aga Khan Foundation, Ford Foundation, and many discipline-specific bodies fund postgraduate study globally.
- Payment Plans: Flexible instalment plans may allow you to spread tuition payments across the academic year.
About Queen's University Belfast
Queen's University Belfast
Botswana, Botswana
Visit the university profile page to learn more about this institution.
University Profile- Start Date 2017-09-26
- Language English
- Duration 12 months
- Credits 60 ECTS / 180 credits (1-year programme)