Developmental Psychology and Psychopathology MSc

King's College London, University of London

You will develop knowledge about the genetic and environmental causes of psychopathology from pregnancy through to adulthood, the standard psychological therapies and treatments available, and research methods and statistics relevant to this field. The course will provide you with tools to understand both the latest research findings and current treatments for mental health conditions across the lifespan. Benefit from comprehensive coverage of the field, exploring how biological (genetic), behavioural, and cognitive processes, along with family and wider social forces, can affect development across the life course. The course is ideal if you plan to work/are working in mental health of young people (for example, within academia, education, charities, the media and in policy development), plan to study for a PhD, or if you are interested in a future career in the psychological professions (such as assistant psychologist, children’s wellbeing practitioner, psychological wellbeing practitioner, clinical psychologist). Please note, this course is not accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS) and it does not confer eligibility for Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership. Placements are available in a range of settings, including mental health charities, special education needs schools, within research teams and within the policy sector. Clinically related experience is available within diverse settings including research projects, mental health charities and local community projects within mental health. A limited number of clinical observerships are also available within the National Health Service (NHS). While these observerships can offer a way to gain insight into a clinical setting, students should note the additional prerequisites for applying for the Doctorate in Clinical Psychology and for Psychotherapy Training, that are not covered by this programme. This MSc does not provide the 9-12 months of full-time equivalent clinically relevant experience generally required by UK-based Doctorate in Clinical Psychology courses.