Developmental Psychology (in Bulgarian)
Short presentation of the programme:
The programme provides specialised theoretical training on the processes of normal and pathological mental development in the childhood-adolescence period and the regularities in the dynamics of new forms and structures emergence in the overall mental life of a child. It comprises courses in the Structure of the Human Brain and the Development of Mental Functions, Psychodiagnostics and Developmental Psychopathology, Cognitive Development Disorders, Mental Disorders and Learning as an Active Development Environment. The training courses include applied and research seminars, conferences, internships, practices and coursework. There is a preparatory module for applicants who hold degrees in other professional areas.
Major and professional qualification:
Major:
Qualification: MA in Developmental Psychology
Practical training courses:
Within the framework of the programme, practical training is provided aimed at acquiring practical work skills, specialising in two main age periods: childhood and adolescence.
Graduate Student Competencies:
Graduates of the program will have gained:
• knowledge on the mechanisms of change in the cognitive and affective development of children, the specific regularities and dynamics of their interaction with social environments in the period from early childhood to adolescence;
• skills and competences for diagnosing children's normal mental development and determining cognitive functioning dynamics deviation, emotional life disorders, disturbed interactions with peers and adults;
• skills in primary analysis and differentiation of cases with a specific need for specialised psychological help and direction to the appropriate units and institutions for systematic counselling, as well as creating a favourable context for supporting milder cases requiring short-term joint actions with parents, teachers and specialised centres for working with children and adolescents;
• ability to assist students in solving problems related to their behaviour, relationships with peers, teachers and parents, and professional orientation;
• attitude towards working in a multidisciplinary team with other professionals to develop programmes for children with specific educational needs, prevention and work on behavioural problems of children at risk;
• ability to formulate research problems and develop them in experimental research in the field of developmental psychology.
• attitude in compliance with professional standards and ethics and their application.
Graduation:
Completion of studies takes place by defending a master’s dissertation or passing a state exam upon earning the required number of credits.
The graduation process complies with the NBU Standard for Educational and Qualification Degree Completion.
Occupation and possible positions:
Graduates pursue careers in educational institutions such as kindergartens and schools, specialised children's institutions such as homes for children deprived of parental care and children with mental and physical disabilities, non-profit organisations dealing with initiatives related to child and adolescent development.
Department :
Cognitive science and Psychology