The programme provides advanced study of topics in developmental psychology, with a specific focus on development in the context of adversity.
Childhood adversity refers to factors extrinsic to the child such as growing up in contexts of parental psychopathology, economic deprivation and community conflict. Psychological, educational and behavioural outcomes of adversity will be explored as well as the predictors, mediators and moderators of outcome.
The MSc will also focus on international contexts of childhood adversity and will address the impact of war and conflict, sexual violence and exploitation and the challenges faced by children who live in and work on the streets. It will examine the cultural sensitivities that researchers and humanitarian workers need to keep in mind when working in non-Western settings and explore both mental health and psychosocial interventions that seek to help children and young people affected by humanitarian disasters.
Students will additionally have the opportunity to study interdisciplinary approaches to tackling childhood adversity, with compulsory and optional modules in Children's Rights, Youth Justice and Caring for Children with Complex Health Needs.
The study of the psychology of childhood adversity will address questions such as:
What aspects of childhood adversity impact of child and adolescent development?
How do intrinsic (eg child's personality) and extrinsic (eg parenting) factors interact to moderate outcomes of adversity?
What programmes and interventions can help children growing up in adversity and how can they be best designed and implemented?
Psychology of Childhood Adversity highlights
Please note: Applications for this course, received after 30th June may not be accepted. A deposit will be required to secure a place.
World Class Facilities
- The School has a long-standing reputation for research and practice in developmental psychology and currently offers two professional Doctorates in applied areas of psychology (clinical and educational).
Student Experience
- One bursary of £2,000 is available for students to apply for once they are accepted onto the programme. Please contact Dr Teresa Rushe directly for more information about the bursary application process.Republic of Ireland students please see www.studentfinance.ie. For fees and funding information please see the University's Graduate School website:
http://www.qub.ac.uk/sites/graduateschool/PostgraduateFunding
