About Us | Distance Learning | Support & Benefits | Blog | Contact Us
Stonebridge logo
Request a Callback
Request a Callback
Menu Search Cart Login
Access to HE
Access to Higher Education Diploma - Social Worker Social Science and Humanities Medicine and Health Care Professions Education Science Social Science Social Sciences and Health Access to Higher Education Diploma in Business & Management Access to Higher Education Diploma Midwifery Access to Higher Education Diploma Nursing Health Professionals Sports Science Engineering
Business
Accountancy and Bookkeeping Law and Business Management Customer Care Human Resources (HR) Institute of Leadership & Management (ILM) Sales and Marketing Business Skills Healthcare Skills Law Skills IT Skills
Education
Coaching Education and Teaching Early Years Educator and Childcare Education, Teaching and Coaching Personal and Parenting Teaching Assistant
Healthcare
Anatomy and Physiology Animal Care CBT, Psychotherapy and Counselling Complementary Therapies Foot Health Practitioner Health and Social Care Nutritional Sciences Psychology Sports and Fitness Stress Management
English & Maths
English and Maths Functional Skills GCSE
Professional Skills
Agriculture, Horticulture and Gardening Animal Care Art and Photography Beauty, Hair and Nails CBT, Psychotherapy and Counselling Conservation and Environment Criminology and Security Hospitality, Catering and Event Management Travel, Tourism & Aviation Web Design and IT Writing and Journalism
A-Levels
A Level Psychology A Level Biology A Level Chemistry A Level English Language A Level Maths A Level Accounting A Level English Literature A Level Sociology A Level Business Studies A Level Physics A Level History A Level Economics
GCSEs
GCSE Psychology GCSE Biology GCSE Chemistry GCSE Economics GCSE English Literature GCSE Sociology GCSE Business Studies GCSE Physics GCSE History GCSE (9-1) English Language GCSE (9-1) Mathematics Foundation Tier
Veterinary Science & Animal Care
Canine and Feline Qualifications Animal Welfare Qualifications Veterinary and Zoology Qualifications All Veterinary Science and Animal Care Qualifications
A-Levels GCSEs
About Stonebridge Why study with us? Testimonials Associations FAQs Distance learning Support & Benefits Our blog
Contact Us Request a Prospectus Request a Callback
Access to Higher Education Diploma - Social Worker Social Science and Humanities Medicine and Health Care Professions Education Science Social Science Social Sciences and Health Access to Higher Education Diploma in Business & Management Access to Higher Education Diploma Midwifery Access to Higher Education Diploma Nursing Health Professionals Sports Science Engineering
Accountancy and Bookkeeping Law and Business Management Customer Care Human Resources (HR) Institute of Leadership & Management (ILM) Sales and Marketing Business Skills Healthcare Skills Law Skills IT Skills
Coaching Education and Teaching Early Years Educator and Childcare Education, Teaching and Coaching Personal and Parenting Teaching Assistant
Anatomy and Physiology Animal Care CBT, Psychotherapy and Counselling Complementary Therapies Foot Health Practitioner Health and Social Care Nutritional Sciences Psychology Sports and Fitness Stress Management
English and Maths Functional Skills GCSE
Agriculture, Horticulture and Gardening Animal Care Art and Photography Beauty, Hair and Nails CBT, Psychotherapy and Counselling Conservation and Environment Criminology and Security Hospitality, Catering and Event Management Travel, Tourism & Aviation Web Design and IT Writing and Journalism
A Level Psychology A Level Biology A Level Chemistry A Level English Language A Level Maths A Level Accounting A Level English Literature A Level Sociology A Level Business Studies A Level Physics A Level History A Level Economics
GCSE Psychology GCSE Biology GCSE Chemistry GCSE Economics GCSE English Literature GCSE Sociology GCSE Business Studies GCSE Physics GCSE History GCSE (9-1) English Language GCSE (9-1) Mathematics Foundation Tier
Canine and Feline Qualifications Animal Welfare Qualifications Veterinary and Zoology Qualifications All Veterinary Science and Animal Care Qualifications
Student Login

OR

Click here to login
Atom LMS Logo

Forgot Password?

  • Stonebridge Home
  • Our Blog
Our Blog
March 13, 2017

How to Become a Child Psychologist

Written by Andy Martin
You need a qualification to become a child psychologist

The way that we think about child development has changed. In the past, children were seen as little adults whose minds were effectively blank slates. They were dressed and treated like grown-ups, with exposure to education believed to be all that was needed to progress. We now know that how we learn is far more complex and animalistic, stemming from both our interactions with other people and the world around us.

Child psychology is one of the most popular branches of the field and explores the way that our brains and behaviour advance over time. Studying development from the womb until adolescence, offers a fascinating insight into our mental, emotional, physical and social growth. The topic encompasses cognitive development, motor skills, language building and personal identity. By taking a closer look, we can identify cause and effect, enabling us to seek solutions for struggling children. This week we’re thinking about how to become a child psychologist, and why understanding young people matters.

Why learn more about child psychology?

Our first few years can have an irreversible impact on our lives and coping mechanisms. Many children need extra support and psychologists play a crucial role in keeping families together and protecting vulnerable young people. Find out how to become a child psychologist in the UK and take on a job in a profession which is both challenging and rewarding.

If you have an enquiring mind, and a passion for giving back to the community, this career path is for you. Becoming a child psychologist could see you helping clients from diverse backgrounds. By looking at behaviour from different perspectives and within a variety of cultural frameworks, you can diagnose and treat social, emotional and cognitive problems.

How to become a child psychologist and support children as they learn

What do child psychologists do?

Child psychologists look for patterns in learning and behavioural development issues. They work with children that have been through traumatic situations or with lifelong conditions such as autism. Clients will often have a combination of problems that require patience and time to address. Treatment can involve Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), and working together with a child to manage their emotions in a healthier way.

The challenges of becoming a child psychologist include keeping young people engaged and committed to any counselling programmes. What makes the work that professionals do so vital is that they look for ways in which past environments and lack of care has led to current problems. Seeking to fully understand children is one of the most effective ways to help them.

The internet has made it much easier for people to share their experiences of raising children and to publicly celebrate milestones. More than ever before we are striving to make sense of developmental changes and passing on our findings. Mums and dads often find that a basic knowledge of psychology enhances their parenting techniques. Family life can improve if consequences are used to influence behaviour, and learning more about child development can help parents to set age-appropriate expectations. As a professional, your task will be to pass on strategies to your clients, ensuring that their children grow into well-adjusted adults.

 

Becoming a child psychologist enables you to help a child that needs extra support

What qualifications do I need to be a child psychologist?

To become a professional psychologist, you need to go to university and gain a degree. Students must also work towards a master’s or PhD, before they can specialise in areas such as educational psychology, counselling or clinical psychology. Child psychology has no direct route, but can be the next step from many of these fields. If you’re new to the subject, then learning with Stonebridge will introduce you to a range of child psychology topics. Build the confidence to make the leap to higher education, as you discover more about:

  • How we start to smile.
  • The ways in which attachments first form.
  • The effects of maternal deprivation.
  • Why interactions with family members are important.
  • Efficient research methods and ways of interpreting data.
  • How our visual perception increases to judge distance and depth.
  • The development of language and communication skills.
  • Different ways in which we define and test intelligence.
  • The nature/nurture debate and gender roles.

The course offers an in-depth look at psychological studies, alongside interactive resources. You can work from home, in your own time, and this flexibility will enable you to train for a new career, without affecting family life or your full-time job. You’ll come away with a strong academic base, that you can tailor to any number of education and employment pathways.

Career progression

Becoming a child psychologist will offer a starting salary of at least £31,000, with scope to reach £98,500 per annum with experience. By taking an introductory course, you can add to your CV and show a commitment to learning that will impress future employers.

Child psychology qualifications are also an ideal way for parents, or anyone working with children, to update their skills. You can apply your knowledge to family life, or job opportunities in hospitals, schools, private clinics or mental health facilities. You could go on to pursue a role in counselling, speech and language therapy, social work or community support.

If you’re considering a career change, or seeking to be more effective in your workplace, a child psychology course will provide invaluable information. Learn with Stonebridge and you’ll have the resources you need to progress to further study or better understand children in your care.

Stonebridge - Become a Child Psychologist - Enrol Today

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • LinkedIn
  • Pinterest


More from Psychology

Child Psychology Make a change Psychology
Comments

No Responses

  1. Aisha says:
    17th March 2017 at 10:59 pm

    I would like to know more .

    Reply
    • Admin says:
      20th March 2017 at 10:55 am

      Hi Aisha, thank you for your comment. One of our team will be in touch. Stonebridge

      Reply
  2. Mai El badawy says:
    27th March 2017 at 9:48 am

    I’m already studying your child psychology course and it has given me a great insight. But i’m totally lost and don’t know what to do to become a child psychologist. can u help me plz. Thanks

    Reply
    • Admin says:
      27th March 2017 at 10:05 am

      Hi Mai, it’s fantastic to hear that our course has acted as a great starting point. A common route is to go on to study psychology at university, before specialising through a master’s. Stonebridge

      Reply
  3. priya says:
    25th May 2017 at 8:12 am

    Hi, i wanna join child psychology course in uk ,can you guide me about the universities which offer this course and the cost

    Reply
    • Admin says:
      1st June 2017 at 10:55 am

      Hi Priya, this website may be useful: https://www.whatuni.com/degree-courses/search?subject=child-psychology. Stonebridge

      Reply
  4. Katherine says:
    29th May 2017 at 12:56 am

    I have a BA Hons Primary Education with QTS degree and would like more information as to how I can go into this field of child psychology. Thank you

    Reply
    • Admin says:
      1st June 2017 at 10:52 am

      Hi Katherine, our Child Psychology course would be a fantastic starting point. We recommend then contacting universities to discuss your options for a master’s. Stonebridge

      Reply
  5. Jessica Paul says:
    16th August 2017 at 10:19 pm

    I will be graduating with a BEd Primary Education degree next year and am extremely interested in understanding a role within child psychology as a slightly different career path. By completing this course with you, where would this take me? I understand from what you have said I could then go on to complete a masters in psychology?

    Reply
    • Admin says:
      17th August 2017 at 9:24 am

      Hi Jessica, an adviser will be in touch. Stonebridge

      Reply
  6. Joanna Stainer says:
    21st October 2017 at 2:57 pm

    Hi
    I am a qualified primary teacher with 13 years experience – I completed a BA Hons degree in Primary Education in 2004 and have taught full time ever since. I have lots of SEN experience but I am now really keen to learn more about child developmental psychology and how this can benefit my teaching work with the possibility of refocusing in child psychology – please could you advise me of my options. Many thanks

    Reply
    • Admin says:
      2nd November 2017 at 10:52 am

      Hi Joanna, an adviser will email you. Stonebridge

      Reply
  7. E Thomson says:
    1st November 2017 at 11:26 am

    Hi I have a degree in psychology and a masters in Health psychology but believe that I want to be working directly with children. Any advice?

    Reply
    • Admin says:
      2nd November 2017 at 10:38 am

      Hi, an adviser will be in touch. Stonebridge

      Reply
  8. Mrs Kate Logan says:
    19th December 2017 at 7:34 am

    Hi there I’m really interested on doing a child psychologist course. I have a diploma in nursery nursing and 15years of experience in a paid environments working with young adults and young children from birth with life limited conditions and special needs and always have found my jobs extremely interesting and very rewarding . I’d now like to further my career on completing this course .

    Reply
    • Kate Byrne says:
      9th January 2018 at 9:37 am

      Hello Kate.
      If you could provide us with a phone number or email address and let us know an appropriate time, we will get one of our advisers to give you a call back and fill you in on the details.
      Stonebridge.

      Reply
  9. Sonja says:
    23rd December 2017 at 8:57 pm

    Hi

    At present , a few weeks away from finishing BA in Education.
    Working part time as SEN support .Wld like to build on this Degree with Child psychology.
    Can u help?

    Reply
    • Kate Byrne says:
      9th January 2018 at 9:37 am

      Hello Sonja.
      If you could provide us with a phone number or email address and let us know an appropriate time, we will get one of our advisers to give you a call back and fill you in on the details.
      Stonebridge.

      Reply
  10. Charlotte says:
    4th January 2018 at 2:59 pm

    Hi, I have a degree in primary teaching but never went into teaching/ i have been working with children for the past few years. Im looking into psychology and am looking for a career change – how can i find out more? Thanks

    Reply
    • Kate Byrne says:
      9th January 2018 at 9:35 am

      Hello Charlotte.
      If you could provide us with a phone number or email address and let us know an appropriate time, we will get one of our advisers to give you a call back and fill you in on the details.
      Stonebridge.

      Reply
  11. Zoe says:
    30th January 2018 at 11:34 am

    Hi
    I have a BA in education and did complete QTS. After children, i returned to university part time to do a postgraduate certificate in autism spectrum disorders.
    I am keen to further my training in the direction of becoming a child psychologist any tips would be appreciated. Thanks

    Reply
    • Kate Byrne says:
      1st February 2018 at 3:23 pm

      Hello Zoe,
      If you could provide us with a phone number or email address and let us know an appropriate time, we will get one of our advisers to give you a call back and fill you in on the details.
      Stonebridge

      Reply
  12. Ivona Kadlecikova says:
    2nd February 2018 at 9:56 am

    Hello there,

    I’d like to get more information as well please. I’ve got a master degree from psychology in Slovakia and I’m interested in a role of child psychology practitioner.

    Thank you.

    Reply
    • Kate Byrne says:
      5th February 2018 at 9:04 am

      Hello Ivona,
      If you could provide us with a phone number or email address and let us know an appropriate time, we will get one of our advisers to give you a call back and fill you in on the details.
      Stonebridge

      Reply
  13. Debbie McLean says:
    26th February 2018 at 2:09 pm

    i would like to know more please

    Reply
    • Kate Byrne says:
      28th February 2018 at 2:41 pm

      Hello Debbie,
      If you could provide us with a phone number or email address and let us know an appropriate time, we will get one of our advisers to give you a call back and fill you in on the details.
      Stonebridge

      Reply
  14. Ceris says:
    5th March 2018 at 10:30 am

    I am emailing you to inquire about certain aspects needed to become a child psychologist.

    1. What are the skills and qualifications needed for a successful application?

    2. Are any particular experiences needed in order to make a successful application?

    3. What is the preferred personality type for a successful application?

    Many thanks,

    Reply
    • Kate Byrne says:
      13th March 2018 at 8:43 am

      Hello Ceris,
      If you could provide us with a telephone number and an appropriate time, we can give you a call to discuss your options.
      Stonebridge.

      Reply
  15. Dannii says:
    18th March 2018 at 10:24 pm

    Hello. Please can someone contact me regarding this. Many thanks

    Reply
    • Kate Byrne says:
      22nd March 2018 at 2:03 pm

      Hello,
      If you could provide us with a telephone number and an appropriate time, we can give you a call to discuss your options.
      Stonebridge.

      Reply
  16. Adeola says:
    22nd March 2018 at 11:23 pm

    Hi!
    I need details on how to start a course in child psychology with you.
    Thanks

    Reply
    • Kate Byrne says:
      23rd March 2018 at 10:20 am

      Hello,
      If you could provide us with a telephone number and an appropriate time, we can give you a call to discuss your options.
      Stonebridge.

      Reply
  17. Amanda Robinson says:
    25th April 2018 at 6:10 am

    Hi, please could I have more information on this course.
    Thanks

    Reply
    • Kate Byrne says:
      25th April 2018 at 8:39 am

      Hello,
      If you could provide us with a telephone number and an appropriate time, we can give you a call to discuss your options.
      Stonebridge.

      Reply
  18. Hannah says:
    1st May 2018 at 10:50 pm

    Hi I’m an 18 year old sixth form student who is about to complete A BTEC qualification in Health and Social Care and I am looking at doing Child and Adolescent mental health and well-being at university, I have for the last year volunteered at a Rainbow Unit near my house but I don’t know whether I should be looking at a more psychology centred degree to start the process of becoming a child psychologist – what do you think?

    Reply
    • Kate Byrne says:
      2nd May 2018 at 8:19 am

      Hello,
      If you could provide us with a telephone number and an appropriate time, we can give you a call to discuss your options.
      Stonebridge.

      Reply
  19. Molly says:
    18th October 2019 at 11:09 am

    Hi, I am currently doing a BSc in Psychology in Education (Educational Psychology) but want to go directly into child psychology after this degree. Any advice on routes to take would be greatly appreciated.

    Reply
    • Ellen Atkinson says:
      16th December 2019 at 3:17 pm

      Hi Molly,

      As you’re already studying on a degree programme, I would think that the best thing for you to do is to apply for a Master’s in Child Psychology. Each university will have their own requirements as I’m sure you know, so please do check to see what you’re eligible for.

      If you want to get a fantastic grounding in child psychology before you commit, enrolling on one of our child psychology courses may be beneficial.

      We wish you all the best for the future,

      Stonebridge Associated Colleges

      Reply
  20. Martin Crozier says:
    6th February 2020 at 6:29 pm

    Hello
    Like many people here, I have been teaching for several years in both primary and secondary and am now looking for guidance on possible routes into becoming a Child Psychologist.
    Please can you advise me? I’m considering doing a Master’s convserion course in Psychology and then…?

    Reply
    • Ellen Atkinson says:
      7th February 2020 at 1:52 pm

      Hi Martin,

      You’re spot on – a postgraduate course would be the best route into the profession for you. You need a minimum of a Master’s degree in child development or clinical psychology studies to begin a career as a child psychologist. Any further studies you complete after this would allow you to unlock more specialised positions within the field, but they aren’t necessary to work as a child psychologist.

      We wish you the best of luck with pursuing your dream career!

      Stonebridge

      Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Learning
  • Child Psychology Course

    Special January deal: claim up to 35% off. Enrol for just £14.99.
    ... or browse all courses

Associations
fld cma ncfe-logo abc awards asso. for coaching ccc mo ecdl fht ahha European Union Social Fund Logo BIIAB Innovate Awarding Open College Network West Midlands QR RFHP world The Guild fia nus cache reps vtct activeiq
Sign up to our newsletter

There's a whole lot happening at Stonebridge and in the world of learning. Sign up for our newsletter and you'll be among the first to know about it! All fields are required.

  • Request Prospectus
  • FREE when you enrol
  • Refer a Friend
  • Information for USA Students
  • Community
  • Privacy Notice
  • Careers
  • Terms & Conditions
  • Distance Learning Courses
  • Home Learning Courses
  • Home Study Courses

Stonebridge Associated Colleges Limited is registered with the UK Register of Learning Providers: UK Provider Reference Number is 10006352.
Cookie policy | Data Protection and Privacy Statement Content and Images © Stonebridge Colleges. All rights reserved, 2021.
Chat with us