COURSE CURRICULUM

The MSc in Developmental Science is a flexible postgraduate program that can be completed in one year full-time or over two years part-time. It focuses on understanding typical and atypical developmental psychology across the lifespan, with particular emphasis on the practical and methodological challenges of conducting research with children. Students take two compulsory modules, select two optional ones, and complete a research dissertation. The core curriculum includes the Developmental Science module, which covers topics such as early brain development, language acquisition, motivation, and the impact of environmental factors on development. Students gain hands-on experience with advanced research methods, including eye-tracking, EEG, and NIRS, either in state-of-the-art labs or school settings. The Practical Skills for Psychological Research module trains students in key technical competencies such as systematic reviews, meta-analysis, and experimental programming using E-Prime, PsychoPy, Gorilla, and Qualtrics. The program places strong emphasis on independent research, with the dissertation serving as an opportunity to explore a self-chosen topic in depth, building on knowledge and skills from earlier modules. Past dissertation topics have explored areas like toddlers’ word learning, infant sleep and risk for autism, and moral development. A distinctive feature of the course is the optional placement in an external setting, which allows students to tailor their practical experience to their career interests. These placements are highly individualized and can include work in UK or international research labs, special schools, museums, or even governmental organizations like the Ministry of Justice. This blend of theoretical learning, technical training, research experience, and real-world placement prepares graduates for a wide range of careers in developmental psychology, research, or applied practice settings, while also offering a strong foundation for further academic study.