Applied Developmental Psychology (MSc)

Liverpool Hope University

The MSc in Applied Developmental Psychology focuses on cultivating developmental psychologists who are equipped to navigate the complex and multidimensional nature of promoting life chances and improving people's wellbeing. At the heart of the programme lies an ethos of embracing diverse perspectives, empowering students to gain fresh insights and develop original ideas rooted in core principles of developmental psychology, with the belief that these ideas have the potential to bring about positive changes for young people and their families. To enable this, the programme has several unique features. It provides an enriching blend of advanced academic and practical training through its Communities of Practice, designed to deepen understanding of theoretical frameworks and key research while encouraging engagement with multidisciplinary perspectives such as education, health, social work, law, and criminology, thereby emphasizing the importance of connecting research with policy and practice. The mandatory placement offers students the opportunity to work with external partner organisations that support young people and families, allowing them to apply developmental science and problem-solving capabilities in a multi-professional environment. Additionally, through Research with Impact workshops, the programme nurtures advanced research skills essential for both placement interventions and dissertation work, equipping students with the tools to become proficient researchers and catalysts for positive change.