Psychology at UEA
Find out more about studying Psychology at UEA, and browse our other courses.
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Key Details
Our Developmental Science Master’s programme offers deep insights into developmental psychology. You'll learn from one of the largest groups of developmental psychologists in the UK.
The MSc combines research methods training with holistic in-depth study of the subject. You'll learn key research methods, including eye-tracking, EEG, NIRS, and other techniques for studying infants and children. Facilities include the state-of-the-art Developmental Dynamics laboratory.
A key strength of the programme is its hands-on experience with modern psychological research methods. This includes a research placement. Both help you gain skills for your research and employment goals. The course leads to a substantial Master’s research project. You’ll work on this with support from active researchers.
This course is perfect for top graduates in psychology or related fields. These include medicine, neuroscience, and biological sciences. Take a look at the School of Psychology’s webpage to find a researcher who works on a topic that interests you. This is great preparation for a PhD in developmental or educational psychology. It can also lead to a research-related career. Possibilities include work in national government, development organisations, or data management and processing.
Find out more about studying Psychology at UEA, and browse our other courses.
Find out moreYou can complete this programme in one year full-time or two years part-time. You’ll complete two required modules, two optional modules, and a dissertation.
You’ll study a range of topics in developmental psychology, covering both typical and atypical development. You’ll examine the challenges of working with participants of different ages. This will also influence your research strategy. In your research project, you’ll learn skills for working with children. You can choose to work in our advanced Developmental Labs or in schools.
You’ll learn techniques and programming skills for collecting and analysing psychological data. You’ll learn to conduct systematic reviews and meta-analyses. You’ll use E-Prime to build experiments. You’ll also learn about PsychoPy and running online experiments with Gorilla.
The dissertation lets you do independent research on a topic you choose. You can explore the area that interests you the most in detail.
Examples of research topics from previous years include:
Finally, gain real-world experience and build valuable connections through an external placement. This flexible placement helps you gain experience that can boost your career. Past placements have included visits to research labs in the UK and abroad, as well as work in special schools, museums, and the Ministry of Justice.
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
You’ll experience different teaching methods: lectures, seminars, workshops, and research placements. You’ll also get hands-on experience with state-of-the-art research equipment.
Independent study
Your schedule will include classes, private study, coursework, and session prep. You’ll also complete a major independent research project under expert supervision.
Assessment is by coursework, including critical reviews, research proposals, and a research project.
This Master’s degree gives you advanced training in Developmental psychology research methods. It's ideal preparation for a PhD in Developmental or Educational Psychology or a research-focused career.
Examples of careers that you could enter include:
Discover more on our Careers webpages.
UK and International fee-paying students. Choose UK or International above to see relevant information. The entry point is in September each year.
Bachelors degree - 2.2
Psychology or related degree (eg. medicine, neuroscience or biological science)
Our Admissions Policy applies to the admissions of all postgraduate applicants.
UK and International fee-paying students. Choose UK or International above to see relevant information. The entry point is in September each year.
Bachelors degree - 2.2 or equivalent
Psychology or related degree (eg. medicine, neuroscience or biological science)
Applications from students whose first language is not English are welcome. We require evidence of proficiency in English (including writing, speaking, listening and reading):
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 meet the English language requirements for this course, our UEA International Study Centre offers a variety of English language programmes which are designed to help you develop the required English skills.
Our Admissions Policy applies to the admissions of all postgraduate applicants.
Tuition fees for the Academic Year 2026/27 are:
UK Students: £9,250
International Students: £23,850
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 £1,136 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.
Please see Additional Course Fees for details of course-related costs.
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.
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.
Developmental Science starting September 2026 for 1 year