Introducing MSc Applied Child Psychology — University of Sussex

Senior lecturer in psychology Dave Smalley explains how the course enhances its students' employability through a combination of practical skills and cutting-edge technology

What is applied child psychology?

Psychology has a key role to play in supporting children and applied child psychology is the application of psychology research to improve outcomes for children and young people.

This ranges from intensive support for an individual child across their education, mental health, home and wider social environment, to shaping policy that impacts every child. 

A child doesn't necessarily see the world how we do as adults and because they can't communicate about it in the same way, another important function of applied child psychology is to develop assessment tools and frameworks. They allow us to understand what is going on for an individual child so we can support them in the best way possible.

Can you tell us about the applied elements of this course?

Students learn about the application of psychology to education, mental health, and family (or social services). They'll be introduced to key professional frameworks, tools, and policies relevant to each area.

Students will have the opportunity to use professional assessment tools in class. For example, this could be reflecting on a role play of a parent interview, carrying out a clinical diagnostic interview, or making a play-based assessment of a child. Students also get the chance to work on real-life research projects, some of which have the scope to influence practice and policy.

What are the course's unique selling points?

This course is taught by internationally respected researchers who are experts in their field. We also invite practising applied psychologists to share their experiences and advice. This means our students will develop a deep understanding of key topics. Students have the opportunity to learn about research that is going on right now - research you can't read about in textbooks, papers or on websites. There is a lot of very cool stuff going on here at the University of Sussex.

There is a significant research methodology component to the course, including a dissertation project or thesis. This gives our students the opportunity to get involved in cutting-edge research projects, or to explore their own specific areas of interest. Students can have a real-life impact while on the course. For instance, students could work with a faculty member whose current project is shaping government policy.

The flexibility of options on this course means we can really support our students, whatever their long-term goals - whether they want to go down a research-focused route and do a PhD, or whether they want to become an applied psychologist.

A unique selling point of this course that should not be overlooked is the environment  students will be learning in. Teaching on this course is mostly done in small groups and is designed to promote connectedness among students. Students will quickly realise that the course provides an opportunity to go on a fantastic learning journey with like-minded individuals.

How will this course help students to become more employable?

Teaching on this course is at the intersection of research and applied child psychology practice, providing students with experiences and knowledge that will be invaluable when they come to apply for jobs or further training. For example, students will experience applied child psychology assessment techniques firsthand and will learn about and apply professional frameworks to conceptualise and make recommendations for a child's situation. This is how professional child psychologists operate, so it's a really valuable learning opportunity.

If you go to an interview for the Professional Doctorate in Child and Educational Psychology (a pre-requisite for becoming an educational psychologist in England) with knowledge of professional frameworks, a real appreciation of how psychology can improve outcomes for children, and armed with examples of how you did that through your casework, you are going to be at a distinct advantage in an extremely competitive field.

We also teach a coding language on this course, which offers huge employability benefits.

What advice do you have for anyone who wants to do the course?

My top tip would be to remember to challenge your assumptions (especially if they are culturally specific) and base your thinking and recommendations on relevant literature or research.

Additionally, I'd recommend finding opportunities to work with children as early as you can. Volunteering alongside university study can be a good way to do this.

Find out more

• Learn more about becoming a child psychotherapist.
• Take a look at the University of Sussex's MSc Applied Child Psychology.