Applied Child and Adolescent Psychology
Class: LM-51 R -
Call for applications (NON-EU students) - A.Y. 2025/26:
Non-EU students: 7 January 2025- 7 March 2025
Please check the Call for admissions for non-EU students
- EU students and Non-EU students already residing in Italy: 7 March 2025 - 7 April 2025
Please check the Call for admission for EU students
The course, delivered in English and in a blended mode in Padua, offers students a training program focused on developmental age. Graduates will be able to play a crucial role in supporting the development of children and adolescents in various life contexts, designing targeted interventions, improving long-term outcomes, and reducing the risk of issues arising in later stages of life. Furthermore, they will be trained to work internationally with minors and families in culturally diverse and potentially at-risk environments. The training program includes teachings in the main areas of psychology, workshops, and in-depth studies of more specific topics in the pediatric field and intercultural communication. The main employment sectors where graduates can find opportunities include educational and school settings, social services, healthcare, child services, third sector organizations, and non-governmental organizations.
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CHARACTERISTICS AND OBJECTIVES
The international master's degree program in Applied Child and Adolescent Psychology aims to train professionals capable of translating theoretical knowledge and scientific research into effective practices that support the development of children and adolescents in various life contexts. Specifically, graduates will play a crucial role in promoting positive adaptation through the design and implementation of evidence-based interventions to address potential difficulties, improve long-term outcomes, and reduce the risk of problems arising in later stages of life. This profile is particularly relevant in light of the increasing complexity characterizing today's societies globally, since events such as the pandemic, migrations, and other social emergencies have generated new needs and forms of distress in children and youth that require highly specialized and cross-sectoral skills to be managed. The program will include courses in the main areas of psychology (general psychology, psychometrics, developmental and educational psychology, social psychology, clinical-dynamic psychology) and will allow for the exploration of more specific topics through courses in the areas of pediatrics and intercultural communication. Workshops will focus on the acquisition of transferable skills (e.g., professional communication), assessment, and prevention in educational and clinical settings. From a didactic perspective, innovative strategies will be implemented using a student-centered approach to facilitate the application of learned concepts to real-life situations. Graduates will be able to use the acquired skills in both national and international working contexts. Additionally, some courses will be delivered in a blended mode to offer greater flexibility, promote peer collaborative activities, and develop digital skills. The program lasts two years and is open to students with a
background in psychology (bachelor's degree or equivalent) and an English language certification of B2 level or higher. In addition to lectures and workshops, the program includes an internship at organizations outside the university and the writing of a thesis, followed by an exam in which the professional skills acquired through the internship, as well as the level of preparation for professional practice, will be assessed. The final step to obtain the degree is the thesis defense. Students will be encouraged to undertake study periods abroad thanks to the numerous exchange programs (e.g., Erasmus+, bilateral agreements) offered by the School of Psychology and the University of Padua.
OCCUPATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES
A graduate in Applied Child and Adolescent Psychology can find employment in various sectors focused on promoting the positive development and adjustment of children and adolescents in both public and private settings, nationally and internationally. Specifically, occupational fields include educational and school settings, social services, healthcare, early
childhood services, third sector organizations, and governmental and non-governmental organizations. In these areas, thanks to their ability to apply theoretical and empirical knowledge to solve real-world problems, the professional will be able to carry out activities related to training, evaluation, consulting, planning, prevention, and intervention targeting minors, families, and professionals working with children and adolescents, also in multicultural contexts. Additionally, they will have access to a wide range of first and second level master's programs, specialization schools in psychotherapy, and doctoral programs in psychology in Italy and abroad. Pursuant to law no. 163 of November 8, 2021 and subsequent implementation decrees, the holders of a Master's degree in Applied Child and Adolescent Psychology are qualified to work as professional psychologists in Italy.
