MSc Developmental Science (Part Time)
Key Details
- Attendance
- Part Time
- Award
- Degree of Master of Science
- Course Length
- 2 years
- Course Start Date
- September 2024
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Course Overview
Combining research methodology training with in-depth study at the cutting edge of the field, our Developmental Science Master’s programme will give you real, nuanced insight into developmental psychological science with one of the UK’s largest groups of developmental psychologists.
On the MSc Developmental Science, you’ll advance your skills in one of current psychology’s most fundamental areas. A tailored research placement will see you gain and further hone your research skills.
The course is ideal if you are a high-calibre graduate of psychology or a related discipline, looking to develop the specific methodological and analytical skills essential to developmental science.
This is great preparation for a PhD in developmental or educational psychology, or for a career with a significant research element.
The MSc in Developmental Science combines research methods training with holistic in-depth study of the subject. You’ll gain hands-on experience of key research methods such as eye-tracking, EEG, NIRS, and other experimental techniques used for working with infants and children. Facilities include the state-of-the-art Developmental Dynamics laboratory.
You’ll attain an in-depth understanding of human development and develop the skills needed to prepare research proposals and undertake your own original research, analysis, and synthesis. In addition, you’ll acquire transferable skills in oral and written communication, and in the analysis of complex data sets.
One of our programme’s key strengths is the opportunity to experience modern psychological research methods firsthand. This includes a research placement, tailored to the specific skills you need to further your research goals.
The programme’s core modules give solid grounding in the subject’s key areas. Optional modules can be chosen according to your specific interests.
The course builds onto a substantial piece of Master’s research, undertaken with the supervision of active researchers in the field. Take a look at the School of Psychology’s webpage to find a researcher who works on the topic that interests you.
Study and Modules
Structure
In your first year of the Developmental Psychology programme, you'll learn about the different aspects of human development, from typical to atypical. You'll also explore the challenges of working with a wide range of ages and the impact this has on research. In your research project, you'll gain hands-on experience in research methods used with children, in our state-of-the-art Developmental Dynamics Laboratory.
You'll also have the opportunity to take optional modules that complement your studies and interests.
The research placement is a great way to gain hands-on experience and valuable contacts. The type of placement is flexible, giving you an individualized chance to gain experience that enhances your career plans. Previous placements have included visiting UK or international research labs, working in special schools or clinical settings, applied research in museums, and the Ministry of Justice.
You’ll also plan and prepare meetings with your supervisor for your project in Year 2.
Compulsory Modules
Optional A Modules
(Min Credits: 20, Max Credits: 40)Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring, review and update of modules. Where this activity leads to significant (but not minor) changes to programmes and their constituent modules, the University will endeavour to consult with students and others. It is also possible that the University may not be able to offer a module for reasons outside of its control, such as the illness of a member of staff. In some cases optional modules can have limited places available and so you may be asked to make additional module choices in the event you do not gain a place on your first choice. Where this is the case, the University will inform students.
Teaching and Learning
You’ll experience a wide range of teaching methods, including lectures, seminars, workshops, and research placements, and the hands-on use of state-of-the-art research equipment.
Independent study
Your schedule will include timetabled classes, private study, completion of coursework assignments and preparation for sessions.
Assessment
Assessment is through coursework, including critical reviews and research proposals.
Structure
You'll be introduced to the techniques and programming skills used in psychology data collection and analysis. You'll learn how to conduct systematic reviews and meta-analyses. You'll use E-Prime to construct experiments, and you'll learn about PsychoPy and running online experiments using Gorilla.
The dissertation is your opportunity to carry out a piece of independent research on a topic of your choosing. This is your chance to go into greater detail in an area that interests you.
Here are some examples of topics from previous years:
- Toddlers' word learning
- Infant temperament and later screen time
- Moral development in children
- Visual cognition and infant habituation: A computational modeling study
- Understanding poor sleep in infants at risk for ASD
Compulsory Modules
Optional A Modules
(Credits: 20)Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring, review and update of modules. Where this activity leads to significant (but not minor) changes to programmes and their constituent modules, the University will endeavour to consult with students and others. It is also possible that the University may not be able to offer a module for reasons outside of its control, such as the illness of a member of staff. In some cases optional modules can have limited places available and so you may be asked to make additional module choices in the event you do not gain a place on your first choice. Where this is the case, the University will inform students.
Teaching and Learning
You’ll learn through a variety of approaches, including lectures, seminars, workshops, research placements, and hands-on use of cutting-edge research equipment. You’ll also complete a major independent research project under expert supervision.
Assessment
You’ll be assessed based on your coursework, which includes critical reviews, research proposals, and a research project.
Entry Requirements
- Degree Classification
- Bachelors degree - 2.1 or equivalent
- Degree Subject
- Psychology or related degree (eg. medicine, neuroscience or biological science)
- English Foreign Language
Applications from students whose first language is not English are welcome. We require evidence of proficiency in English (including writing, speaking, listening and reading):
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IELTS: 7.0 overall (minimum 6.5 in all components)
Test dates should be within 2 years of the course start date.
We also accept a number of other English language tests. Review our English Language Equivalencies for a list of qualifications that we may accept to meet this requirement.
If you do not yet meet the English language requirements for this course, INTO UEA offer a variety of English language programmes which are designed to help you develop the English skills necessary for successful undergraduate study:
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- Intakes
This course is open to UK and International applicants. The annual intake for this course is in September each year
Additional Information or Requirements
Admissions Policy
Our Admissions Policy applies to the admissions of all postgraduate applicants.
Fees and Funding
Tuition fees for the Academic Year 2024/25 are:
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UK Students: £8,250 (full time)
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International Students: £21,200 (full time)
If you choose to study part-time, the fee per annum will be half the annual fee for that year, or a pro-rata fee for the module credit you are taking (only available for Home students).
We estimate living expenses at £1,023 per month.
Further Information on tuition fees can be found here.
Scholarships and Bursaries
The University of East Anglia offers a range of Scholarships; please click the link for eligibility, details of how to apply and closing dates.
Course Related Costs
Please see Additional Course Fees for details of course-related costs.
How to Apply
Applications for Postgraduate Taught programmes at the University of East Anglia should be made directly to the University.
To apply please use our online application form.
FURTHER INFORMATION
If you would like to discuss your individual circumstances prior to applying, please do contact us:
Postgraduate Admissions Office
Tel: +44 (0)1603 591515
Email: admissions@uea.ac.uk
International candidates are also encouraged to access the International Students section of our website.
Employability
After the Course
This Master’s degree will give you advanced training in developmental science research methods. It’s the ideal preparation for a PhD in developmental or Educational Psychology, or a career with a significant research component.
Careers
A degree at UEA will prepare you for a wide variety of careers. We've been ranked 1st for Job Prospects by StudentCrowd in 2022.
Example of careers that you could enter include:
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Research associate
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The third sector
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Government setting
Discover more on our Careers webpages.