MSc Developmental Science

This MSc in Developmental Science combines research methods training with in-depth study of the subject as a whole. It will allow you to gain hands-on experience knowledge of key research methods including such as eye-tracking, EEG, and other experimental techniques used for working with children.

You will attain an in-depth understanding of human development and also develop the skills needed to prepare research proposals and undertake your own original research, analysis and synthesis. In addition you will 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 first hand. This includes a research placement, tailored to the specific skills you need to further your research goals.

The programme’s core modules will give you a solid grounding in the subject’s key areas. Optional modules can be chosen according to your specific interests.

The course builds to a substantial piece of Master’s research, undertaken with the supervision of active researchers in the field. Before applying, we encourage you to contact our academics to discuss the topics you’re interested in researching.

About

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 science.

On the MSc Developmental Science you’ll advance your skills in one of current psychology’s fastest-moving and most fundamental areas. A tailored research placement will see you gain and further hone your research skills.

You can complete the course in one year full-time or over two years part-time. It is ideal if you are a high-calibre graduate in psychology or a related discipline who is looking to develop the specific methodological and analytical skills essential to developmental science.

This is a great choice if you are preparing for a PhD in the subject, or aim to pursue a career with a significant research element.

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Important Information

Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the courses listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the regular review of course programmes. Where this activity leads to significant (but not minor) changes to programmes, there will normally be prior consultation of students and others. Changes may for example consist of variations to the content and method of delivery of programmes, courses and other services, to discontinue programmes, courses and other services and to merge or combine programmes or courses. The University will endeavour to keep such changes to a minimum, and will inform students.

Assessment for Year 1

You’ll primarily be assessed through coursework, including critical reviews, research proposals and a research project.

Structure

You can complete this programme in one year of full-time study, or over two years part-time. You’ll take two compulsory modules, complete a dissertation, and have the choice of two optional modules.

Developmental Science

You will study various topics in cognitive neuroscience and early learning, in typical and atypical development. You’ll also consider the challenges of working with a wide age range of participants, and the impact this has on research. As part of your research project, you’ll have the opportunity to gain hands-on skills in research methods including eye-tracking, EEG, and other experimental techniques used for working with children.

Psychology Lab Skills

This module introduces the techniques and computer programmes used in psychology data collection and analysis. You will receive guided hands-on experience and acquire skills that you can put to use in your dissertation research. You will also learn how to conduct both systematic reviews and meta-analysis, gaining an understanding of how each technique can help you in your research. You’ll use E-Prime software to construct experiments, and have the option to learn MATLAB. You will also learn about the Qualtrics Survey platform.

Dissertation

Your dissertation is your opportunity to carry out a piece of independent research on a subject of your choosing. It also allows you to go into greater detail in the area that interests you most.

Examples of topics from previous years:

Toddlers’ word learning
Assistance dog for children with autism
Moral development in children
Visual cognition and infant habituation; a computational modeling study
Developmental origin of epistemic curiosity

Optional modules

You will choose optional modules to complement your studies and areas of interests. Exact modules offered will vary each year but usually include both quantitative and qualitative research options.

Research placement and professional skills

This optional module brings together our expert researchers and research organisations, along with our Careers Service, so that you gain both advanced practice knowledge and the skills you’ll need to increase your employability. In particular, you’ll have the opportunity to gain hands-on experience and valuable contacts by undertaking a placement in an external setting. Your module leader will help and guide you in your search for a suitable placement organisation. The type of placement is flexible, as long as you’re able to demonstrate that you’ll be utilising your research skills.

Teaching and Learning

Teaching

You’ll experience a wide range of teaching methods throughout the course, 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. You will also complete a major independent research project under expert supervision.

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Assessment for Year 1

You’ll primarily be assessed through coursework, including critical reviews, research proposals and a research project.

Compulsory Modules

DEVELOPMENTAL SCIENCE

Code PSY-7012A

Credits 40

This module provides a unique set of perspectives on human development, taught by researchers that are at the forefront of Developmental Science discoveries. You will study about early brain development and plasticity, the role of early environments, language acquisition and the role of motivation, in both typical development and in developmental disorders. You will gain the ability to tackle the research challenges posed by working with participants over a wide range of ages and mental abilities. During your research project you will gain hands on skills in Developmental Science methods used in the lab (including eye-tracking, EEG, NIRS) or in schools.

DISSERTATION

Code PSY-7001X

Credits 80

The dissertation element of the Master’s programme offers you the opportunity to demonstrate your ability to carry out an independent piece of research on a subject of your choice in greater detail than any taught element of the programme can offer. It allows you to develop and display your skills in independent research, and demonstrate your depth of knowledge of a particular area of research. The dissertation should draw from material from other modules within the Master’s programme.

PSYCHOLOGY LAB SKILLS

Code PSY-7015A

Credits 20

This module gives you an introduction to some important techniques and software programs used in psychology data collection and analysis. You will receive guided hands-on experience. These skills are useful for your dissertation research, and will enhance your CV for job applications. You will learn how to conduct both systematic reviews and meta-analysis, gaining an understanding of how each technique can help you in your research. You will use E-Prime software to construct experiments, and have the option to learn MATLAB. MATLAB is a widely used programming language for data analysis, modelling and writing experiments. You will also learn about the Qualtrics Survey platform, presenting data clearly and using references. Your assessment will be essay based.

Optional A Modules

(40 credits)

FURTHER QUALITATIVE RESEARCH

Code PSY-7004B

Credits 20

The course builds on coverage of qualitative methods in the Introduction to Social Sciences Research Methods module, where the focus is on developing critical analysis skills that cover a range of ways of gathering and analysing qualitative data.

FURTHER QUANTITATIVE RESEARCH AND STATISTICS

Code PSY-7005B

Credits 20

This module will provide teaching on quantitative research methods, data analysis and the use of statistical software (SPSS). It will provide a grounding in applied statistics which will both develop critical appraisal skills for reading research and enable you to undertake SPSS data analysis.

RESEARCH PLACEMENT AND PROFESSIONAL SKILLS

Code PSY-7014B

Credits 20

This module brings together UEA expert researchers, host research organisations and the careers service, offering you advanced knowledge of practical field and employability skills. In particular, the module provides the opportunity to gain hands on skills in real life settings. You will gain valuable employment skills and networks for your future career. You will seek placement organisations with Module leader help and guidance. The type of organisation can be flexible as long as you can demonstrate that you are using research skills. Placement admin and coordination takes place within the school.

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Important Information

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.

MSc DEVELOPMENTAL SCIENCE