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
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.
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
Those admitted to the Master’s degree in Applied Developmental Psychology are:
(a) 70% (91 places) of graduates from the departments of Psychology, formerly the departments of Philosophy-Pedagogy-Psychology¹, and Philosophy & Social Studies²,
(b) 20% (26 places) of graduates of the following departments: Nursery Education, Primary Education, Special Education, Social Work, Occupational Therapy, Speech and Language Therapy, Early Childhood Education and Care (formerly Infant Care),
(c) 10% (13 places) of graduates from any other department, subject to successful completion of any psychology course, either at undergraduate or postgraduate level, which will be documented by a copy of an analytical grade or relevant certificate*.
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.
A prerequisite for admission to the Master’s degree in Applied Developmental Psychology is the successful completion of any psychology course, either at undergraduate or postgraduate level, which will be documented by a copy of an analytical grade or relevant certificate*.
*Of the offered Topical Units of the Programmes of Studies of the Hellenic Academy of Sciences, the Topic EKP50 “Child Development in Families, Schools and Society” of the programme “Education (Med)” covers the specific requirement.
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.
[1] It is clarified that’ s about the Departments of Philosophy, Pedagogy and Psychology respectively of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens (UoA), the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki (AUTH) and the University of Ioannina.
² It is clarified that’ s about the Department of Philosophy and Social Studies of the University of Crete.
Structure
The Postgraduate Programme “Applied Developmental Psychology” is structured in four (4) academic semesters. It includes six (6) compulsory units and the Practicum. The minimum period of study is two (2) academic years. For the award of the Postgraduate Diploma of Specialization (M.D.E.), the successful completion of six (6) units is mandatory, as well as the successful completion of the Practicum. The Practicum takes place after the successful completion of all six (6) units of the Programme.
1st Semester
2nd Semester
3rd Semester
4th Semester
Guidelines for the selection of units:
All units are compulsory.
Students may choose a minimum of one (1) unit per semester and a maximum of two (2) units per semester. However, it is suggested that the student follow the suggested order of the units.
In the process of registering for units, the previous semester’s units should be exhausted first and then the next semester’s units should be registered.
In order to enroll in the Practicum, students must successfully complete the six (6) units of the program.
In order to obtain the Postgraduate Degree, students must successfully complete the six (6) units, as well as the Practicum.
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
The tuition of the students in this programme corresponds to a total of 3.600€. More specifically, for each unit the participation corresponds to 500€ and for the Practical Training unit the participation corresponds to 600€.
For information about the programme contact:
Student Registration Department
Telephone Number: 2610367314
Ε-mail: eaps@eap.gr
