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Our Blog
February 17, 2022

How to Become a Child Psychologist

Written by Adam
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.  

If you have a desire to turn your interest in child psychology into a career, then you may be wondering how to become a Child Psychologist, and why understanding young people matters. Below, we have delved into the inner workings of child psychology and the qualifications you need to secure child psychology jobs. 

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 child psychologists play a crucial role in keeping families together and protecting vulnerable young people. If you are wondering how to become a Child Psychologist in the UK and take on a job in a profession which is both challenging and rewarding, continue reading. 

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. 

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 have 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 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. 

How to Become a Child Psychologist

What Skills Do You Need to Become a Child Psychologist? 

To work successfully as Child Psychologist, you need a range of qualifications, but before we delve into the types of child psychology courses you can study, consider the soft skills you need to cope with this demanding role. 

While working as a Child Psychologist, UK professionals will need to possess a range of skills, including: 

  • Sensitivity – You will be working with children, adolescents, and families that are dealing with emotional problems, so it is important that you handle every situation sensitively 
  • Communication – Being able to communicate well is essential when working as a Child Psychologist, as part of your role will be to relate to the children you treat as well as their families and other professionals you work with 
  • Resilience – There is no doubt that working in child psychology brings with it plenty of situations that are emotionally draining. As a professional Child Psychologist, you will need to learn how to cope with clients potentially overwhelming you with difficult issues 
  • Confidence – A child or adolescent will only want to confide in you if you are trustworthy and are confident in what you do. They will be relying on you to help them explore difficult emotions and situations 
  • Organisation – If you have multiple clients, you will need to organise records and your schedule expertly. Being able to manage your workload is a key part of working as a Child Psychologist 

What Qualifications Do I Need to be a Child Psychologist? 

To become a professional Child Psychologist, you need to go to university and gain a degree in a relevant subject, such as: 

  • Psychology 
  • Nursing 
  • Social Work 
  • Sociology 

Students must also work towards a master’s or PhD, before they can specialise in areas such as educational psychology, counselling or clinical psychology. You may also need at least two years’ experience working with children or families, and this experience can be from a previous professional role or a voluntary stint. 

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 Associated Colleges 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 

Our Child Psychology course is designed to provide you with a foundational knowledge that you can expand with further study. If you are mulling over whether to pursue child psychology jobs, then this course will give you a taste of what’s to come should you decide to take this route. 

What Do Child Psychologists Do

Our solutions allow you to study child psychology online from the comfort of your own home, with every module being delivered through our industry-leading learning platform. The modules you cover will be broken down into two sections, which we have outlined below: 

Module One: Major Developmental Issues 

  • The First Year of Life 
  • The Formation of Attachments 
  • Consequences of Breakdowns in Attachments 
  • The Home, Family and School 
  • Basic Principles of Research Methods 
  • The Development of Visual Perception 
  • The Development of Language and Communication 
  • Intelligence and Intelligent Testing 
  • The Nature/Nurture Debate in the Study of Intelligence 
  • Data Collection and Interpretation 

Module Two: The Child as an Individual 

  • How Children Think 
  • Learning Theory – How Behaviour is Acquired 
  • Freud’s Psychodynamic Theory – An Alternative Approach 
  • Moral Development 
  • The Development of Gender Roles 
  • Aggression in Children 
  • Methods Used in Child Development Research 
  • Play 
  • Learning in School 
  • Behaviour Modification 

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 may also want to explore the Child Psychology Skills course we provide, as well as the Counselling Children and Adolescents course we deliver online. 

After you study child psychology online, you’ll come away with a strong academic base that you can tailor to any number of education and employment pathways. 

Why Learn More About Child Psychology

Child Psychology Career Progression 

Becoming a Child Psychologist will offer a starting salary of at least £24,000, with scope to reach £60,000 per annum with experience. By taking introductory child psychology courses, you can add to your CV and show a commitment to learning that will impress higher education establishments and 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 
  • Community Support 

Study Child Psychology Online Today! 

If you are starting from scratch and want to pursue a career as a Child Psychologist, then before studying a degree, get familiar with the discipline through child psychology courses. Stonebridge Associated Colleges are specialists in long distance learning, and with our help, you can study child psychology online. 

If you enjoy the course and want to continue your pursuit of child psychology jobs, then you can take the next step in your academic journey. To get started, speak to one of our Course Executives today on 0121 392 8288 or contact us online. You can also discover our range of learning distance courses by clicking below. 

Why Learn More About Child Psychology
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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
  21. Sowbarnika says:
    22nd July 2021 at 3:58 pm

    Hi. I am planning to pursue a MSc Child Psychology course from UK. I have heard that it is not BPS accredited. What type of job will I be eligible for on completion of this course and what would be my average income? Also, will the BPS accreditation hamper job prospects in any way? Please help.

    Reply
    • Matt says:
      4th August 2021 at 2:55 pm

      Hi Sowbarnika,
      Thanks for the question. It all depends on the requirements from the company that you’re looking to work with. Every company has their entry requirements, so we’re unable to say if they will accept your qualification or not, you will have to speak to the companies directly.
      Thanks.

      Reply
  22. Angela says:
    9th August 2021 at 6:32 am

    Hi, do you have any advice for those without a social science or teaching-related undergraduate degree? I’m very interested in pursuing a career in child psychology, however I have a Law degree (2:1 honours) and am unsure whether this would cause difficulty? Many thanks for your help.

    Reply
    • Matt says:
      26th August 2021 at 9:13 am

      Hi Angela,
      Thanks for your message. Please give us a call and we can discuss a few options with you.
      Thanks
      Matt

      Reply
  23. Ailish says:
    6th September 2021 at 11:37 am

    I am super keen to find out more about this role. Please could you email me so that I could ask some valuable questions?
    Thank you.

    Reply
    • Matt says:
      7th September 2021 at 3:37 pm

      Hello Aiish,
      Please give us a call and one of our Course Executives will be more than happy to answer your questions.
      Thanks.

      Reply

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