Master’s degree in Applied Developmental Psychology (EAPS)

HOU > Master’s degree in Applied Developmental Psychology (EAPS)

Purpose – Description

Learning Outcomes

Admission requirements

Structure

Teaching Staff

Financial Contribution

Contact

Description

Psychology, and developmental psychology in particular, is one of the most popular subjects for study worldwide, both at undergraduate and postgraduate level. This is due not only to the ever-increasing demand for psychological support for individuals and social groups, but also to the ever-changing social reality which brings about situations that directly or indirectly affect psychological functioning and relationships between people, in all phases of life, at the individual and collective level. Particularly in Greece, during the last decade, due to the prolonged economic crisis and its serious effects on adjustments made by the individuals, the need for study, research and intervention in various contexts of integration and action of the developing individual (family, education, health, welfare, work, etc.) is more relevant than ever.

Subject of the Programme

Applied Developmental Psychology is a contemporary scientific field that focuses on the implications of developmental theories and research findings in enhancing positive developmental outcomes in the individual, the family and the community. Based on the existing knowledge and research methods of developmental science, it seeks, through the design, implementation and evaluation of interventions in a variety of contexts (such as education, health, welfare, social policy), to support individuals who are differentiated in terms of their socio-cultural background and their emotional and/or cognitive skills. The ultimate aim of these interventions is both to address any problems at an early stage and to empower individuals in the diverse environments in which they operate and develop.

Purpose

The main purpose of the postgraduate programme “Applied Developmental Psychology” is for students to build the necessary skills to understand the needs of the developing person in all developmental periods. Through systematic training in theory, research, and practice, students will gain skills and experience in applying knowledge and evidence-based practices to address the problems the individual faces in the diverse environments in which his/her multidimensional development takes place.

Aims

The main objective of the programme is to offer students:

specialised knowledge of issues of

(a) psychological development of individuals of pre-school, school, adolescent and young adult age, as it takes place in a variety of social contexts

(b) learning and its applications in formal and non-formal contexts

(c) management and coping with any problems encountered by the developing individual through intervention programmes to promote psychological development and health

skills that will enable them to apply the principles and methods of developmental psychology in a critical and reflective way in a variety of contexts (e.g. clinical, educational, research, etc.)
awareness of the principles of scientific ethics appropriate for each context, ability to use their knowledge and experience in the design, implementation and evaluation of innovative practices and interventions for children, adolescents, young people and families
the ability to draw on specialist knowledge to promote the success of children and young people, in particular those at risk of or experiencing difficulties/adversity in their development
knowledge and skills in organising and conducting research
participation in activities organised by health or welfare structures/services or education services specifically aimed at children, adolescents and young adults
competence to participate in programmes or working contexts that focus on the well-being of the developing person, such as education, health, social welfare, etc.

ECTS Credits

The total number of credits (ECTS) required for the award of the Postgraduate Diploma is 120 ECTS (30 ECTS per semester).

Classification according to the UNESCO ISCED-2011 code

by level of study: 7

Classification according to the UNESCOCode ISCED-2013

by field of education: 0313 Psychology

Duration of study

The minimum duration for the completion of the programme is two (2) years, i.e. four (4) academic semesters.

Language of the programme

The language of instruction of the programme, of the written assignments and examinations of the units is Greek. The Greek language will also be used for the majority of the teaching material. Where necessary and for the full coverage of the subjects of the programme, part of the teaching material will be offered in English.

OUALITY POLICY *

OUALITY INDICATORS *

The above files are currently available in Greek.

The postgraduate programme in Applied Developmental Psychology aims to train students for their subsequent scientific and professional career and development.

(A) General Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the programme, students are expected to be able to:

Assess critical factors that are related to (or affect) the development of the individual in contexts important for his/her life (or well-being), such as family, education, interpersonal relationships, health and welfare structures, the digital environment.
Assist in the wider dissemination of information that promotes the healthy development of the individual.
Critically evaluate the theoretical and applied principles underlying Developmental Psychology and related disciplines of Psychology.
Critically apply their knowledge of current research findings in order to propose, design and implement actions aimed at reducing developmental discrepancies in children, adolescents and young adults with the ultimate goal of promoting and maintaining healthy development.
Understand, propose, plan and participate in actions related to the assessment, maintenance, prevention or promotion of mental health, empowerment and well-being of the developing individual.
Monitor and evaluate the results of these actions.
Demonstrate professional responsibility and consistency, ethical behaviour and respect for the particular characteristics, abilities and needs of individuals or groups.
Seek, evaluate and critically use new scientific data and information from different sources in order to substantiate and support theoretically and methodologically informed actions and/or interventions.
Systematically monitor scientific developments and critically integrate new approaches and methods into their practice
Demonstrate interpersonal and collaborative skills.

(B) Special learning outcomes

In particular, the programme will provide students with opportunities to develop and acquire (a) theoretical knowledge, (b) knowledge in specific subjects and (c) practical skills in the following areas:

(B1) Knowledge and understanding:

the basic principles and theories of Developmental Psychology
research methods in Developmental Psychology
the application of basic principles and theories in a variety of contexts

(B2) Knowledge in specific subjects which enables students to:

Contrast, combine and critically evaluate information and data from different sources in order to formulate convincing arguments
Focus attention on the distinction between primary and secondary sources of information
Assess the relevance of theoretical knowledge in different contexts of application

(B3) Practical skills, enabling students to:

Design and implement intervention programmes
Write reports
Explore specialised databases
Write literature reviews
Communicate effectively, orally and in writing
Work effectively in teams
Manage time adequately and work to deadlines
Learn independently and with an exploratory attitude
Demonstrate respect for the views and ideas of others
Identify career opportunities
Recognise the need to continuously update their knowledge and skills

Admissions to the Master’s degree program in Applied Developmental Psychology are categorized as follows:

(A) 70% (91 positions) for graduates of undergraduate programs in Psychology, and the former departments of Philosophy-Pedagogy-Psychology with a specialization in Psychology.

(B) 20% (26 positions) for graduates of undergraduate programs in Preschool Education, Primary Education, Special Education, Education & Care in Early Childhood (formerly Pre-school or Early Childhood Education), Social Work, Occupational Therapy, Speech and Language Therapy, as well as the former departments of Philosophy-Pedagogy-Psychology with specialization in Philosophy or Pedagogy, along with the Department of Philosophy & Social Studies of the University of Crete. Candidates from these departments must have successfully completed at least three (3) Psychology courses, evidenced by a detailed grade report or a relevant certificate. Failure to meet the requirement will result in placement in the graduate (C) group.

(i) Completion of undergraduate degree programs with at least three (3) Psychology courses, documented by a detailed grade report or relevant official certificate; or

(ii) Completion of undergraduate programs with attendance of at least two (2) Psychology courses, documented by a detailed grade report or relevant certificate, and successful completion of module EKP50 “Development of the Child in the Social Environment” from the postgraduate program “Educational Sciences (EKP)” at the Hellenic Open University; or

(iii) Completion of postgraduate programs relevant to Psychology; or

(iv) Completion of postgraduate programs related to Pedagogy, with the condition of successful completion of at least two (2) psychology courses in the relevant MSc.

It is clarified that the applications of interested graduates who belong to category C, whose undergraduate programs may include PEDAGOGICAL or SOCIOLOGICAL CONTENT courses without having successfully completed at least three (3) psychology courses, will be rejected. The affinity of scientific disciplines is not based on similarity of cognitive subjects, and no course of pedagogical or sociological content can substitute for a course of psychological content, and vice versa. Scientific areas remain distinct.

Successful completion of psychology courses, whether at the undergraduate or postgraduate level, is always documented by a detailed grade report or a relevant official certificate from the respective Secretariat.

For the successful completion of the Programme, a good knowledge of English language at a level of at least B2 is required, which must be demonstrated by the submission of appropriate supporting documents.

Note:

Holders of a degree or diploma of higher education means graduates of Greek Universities or Polytechnics or Higher School of Fine Arts or Higher School of Pedagogical and Technological Education or Higher Technological Educational Institutions (ATEI) or those who hold academically equivalent first cycle degrees from recognized foreign educational institutions with the degrees awarded by the Greek Higher Educational Institutions, in accordance with the provisions of article 304 of Law No. 4957/2022 (Government Gazette 141/21.07.2022, vol.)

Marking:

For the evaluation of the application to the Postgraduate Studies Programme, it will be examined whether the candidate’s institution of study is or may be included in the National Register of Recognised Higher Education Institutions of Foreign Countries and whether the candidate’s degree is or may be included in the National Register of Types of Degrees of Recognised Institutions of Foreign Countries.

The Hellenic Open University, if the degree is included in the list of article 307 of Law No. 4957/2022, must request a “Certificate of Place of Study”, which is issued and sent by the foreign university. If the place of study or part of the studies is confirmed as the Greek territory, the degree is not recognized, unless the part of the studies that took place in the Greek territory is in a public higher education institution or in a recognized foreign educational institution within the meaning of paragraph b) of article 299 of Law No. 4957/2022.

The Postgraduate Programme “Applied Developmental Psychology” is structured in four (4) academic semesters. It includes five (5) compulsory modules, two (2) elective modules and the Practicum. The minimum period of study is two (2) academic years. In order to obtain the Postgraduate Diploma of Specialization, it is mandatory to successfully complete six (6) modules [five (5) compulsory modules and one (1) elective module], as well as the successful completion of the Practicum. The Practicum takes place after the successful completion of the five (5) compulsory modules and one (1) elective module of the Programme.

1^st Semester
EAPS50	Topics in applied developmental psychology	(C¹, 15 ECTS)
EAPS51	Cognitive development and learning	(C, 15 ECTS)
2^nd Semester
EAPS52	The Family and human development	(C, 15 ECTS)
EAPS53	Digital world and psychological development	(Ε², 15 ECTS)
EAPS54	Clinical child and adolescent psychology	(Ε, 15 ECTS)
	3^rd Semester
EAPS60	Psychology of interpersonal relationships from infancy to adulthood	(C, 15 ECTS)
EAPS61	Promotion and prevention of mental health and well-being for children and adolescents	(C, 15 ECTS)
4^th Semester
EAPSPA	Practicum	(C, 15 ECTS)
Sum of ECTS		120

Notes:

C¹: Compulsory

E: Elective

Guidelines on Module selection

The Postgraduate Programme “Applied Developmental Psychology” includes five (5) compulsory modules, two (2) elective modules and the compulsory Practicum (EAPSPA).

Students may choose a minimum of one (1) Module per semester and a maximum of two (2) Modules per semester. However, it is suggested that the student follow the suggested order of the Modules.

In the process of registering for Modules, initially, the previous semester’s Modules should be successfully accomplished and then, students should register for the Modules of the next semester.

In order to enroll for the Practicum module, students must successfully complete the five (5) compulsory modules and one (1) elective module of the Program.

In order to obtain the Postgraduate Diploma of Specialization (M.D.E.), students must successfully complete the five (5) compulsory modules, one (1) elective module, as well as the Practicum.

Information on course modules

Academic Supervision Committee

Konstantinos Petrogiannis, Professor of the University of West Attica (President of AEE)

Nikolaos Makris, Professor, Democritus University of Thrace

Smaragda Kazi, Associate Professor, Panteion University of Social and Political Sciences

DIRECTOR OF PROGRAMME OF STUDIES
Konstantinos Petrogiannis, Professor, University of West Attica
email: kpetrogiannis@eap.gr

Coordinators

EAPS50	PETROGIANNIS	KONSTANTINOS	CV
EAPS51	MAKRIS	NIKOLAOS	CV
EAPS52	TANTAROS	SPYRIDON	CV
EAPS53	TOULOUPIS	THANOS	CV
EAPS54	ANDRIOPOULOU	PANORAIA	CV
EAPS60	KORDOUTIS	PANAGIOTIS	CV
EAPS61	BROUSKELI	VASILIKI	CV
EAPSPA	KROKIDIS	MARIOS	CV