MSci Developmental Psychology

Key details

MSCI DEVELOPMENTAL PSYCHOLOGY

Start Year

2021

Attendance

Full Time

Award

Degree of Master of Sciences

UCAS course code

C84B

Entry Requirements

AAB

Duration (years)

Discover how children develop both cognitively and socially. On this programme you’ll combine a strong core of psychology studies with developmental perspectives on cognition and behaviour.

You’ll have access to excellent facilities and cutting edge equipment for teaching and research, and as you gain an in depth understanding of human psychology you’ll develop a range of key skills valued by employers.

You’ll benefit from research-led teaching in a balance of small and larger groups so you’ll really get to know your lecturers.

A tailored research placement within the Developmental Science group will see you gain and further hone your research skills.

About

On this course you’ll explore both typical and atypical cognitive development. That means you’ll cover issues such as autistic spectrum disorder, ADHD, Williams Syndrome, giftedness and developmental psychopathology. This course is ideal if you are interested in a career in child and adolescent psychology, educational psychology, teaching, child health and welfare, and parenting and family support services. The theoretical and research components of the degree will also give you a strong foundation for progressing to postgraduate study in developmental science.

You’ll be able to choose from a range of psychology programmes according to your interests, be they broad or specific. You’ll also have the chance to experience topics you may not have come across before. If you discover a new passion or interest during your first year, you’ll have the option to change to a different Psychology pathway, ensuring you’re on the right degree for you.

All of our programmes are accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS) for Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership.

Our MSci Development Psychology is ranked in the top 25 for Psychology by 'The Guardian 2021', and in the top 30 by 'The Complete University Guide 2022'.

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Motivating water-saving behaviour

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PsychX

PsychX is a range of extracurricular activities which we coordinate to enhance opportunities for learning, create greater interaction between students, and provide a focus for career conversations.

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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.

After the Course

Psychology graduates pursue a range of careers in a variety of sectors. The theoretical and research components of your degree will also provide you with a strong foundation for going on to postgraduate study, if you wish.

Throughout your degree you will meet and work with respected psychologists and business leaders in a variety of settings. You will also benefit from a range of additional training opportunities running in parallel with your degree programme. These are carefully designed to help maximise what you have to offer future employers. They include paid placement and internship opportunities, a business training residential event, and a range of career planning support mechanisms.

All our degree courses are accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS). This not only means they are respected by employers – it will also put you at an advantage if you choose to progress onto postgraduate study in order to become a psychologist.

The BSc Developmental Psychology focuses on how children develop both cognitively and socially. Advanced options explore normative and atypical development, making this programme ideal if you plan to develop a professional career working with children, or if you’d like to progress to postgraduate study in developmental science or education such as teacher training.

Career destinations

Career destinations related to your degree include:

Psychology
Legal and criminal justice
Social work and health care
Human resources and management
Education, research and consultancy
Marketing and advertising

Admissions Live Chat

Motivating water-saving behaviour

How simple group-based appeals can be used to increase water-saving behaviours.

LEARN MORE >

PsychX

PsychX is a range of extracurricular activities which we coordinate to enhance opportunities for learning, create greater interaction between students, and provide a focus for career conversations.

LEARN MORE >

Course Reference Number: 1545205

Assessment for Year 2

You’ll be assessed across coursework, reports, essays, projects, presentations, timed tests and examinations.

Compulsory Modules

COGNITIVE AND BIOLOGICAL PSYCHOLOGY

Code PSY-5017B

Credits 20

You will cover a wide range of core psychological topics on this module which are arranged into two distinct themes: Cognitive Psychology and Biological Psychology. Cognitive Psychology Theme: - Critically evaluate theories and discuss conflicting evidence within cognitive psychology. - Understand the practical implications of research in cognitive psychology. - Critically discuss recent progress in cognitive psychology. Biological Psychology Theme: - Describe and evaluate a range of methodological techniques which underpin the study of the human brain. - Demonstrate an understanding of the neurobiological basis of behaviour including vision, movement, language, learning, memory and emotion. - Critically discuss the neurobiological of some psychopathologies. By the end of this module you will have acquired advanced knowledge about how the mind is thought to be organised and how it operates (cognitive) and the neural systems that underpin the mind (biological).

SOCIAL AND DEVELOPMENTAL PSYCHOLOGY

Code PSY-5016A

Credits 20

The module runs across two core themes of psychology, Social Psychology and Developmental Psychology. The Social Psychology theme will consolidate and expand your knowledge of core areas of social psychological theory and research, namely; Social Perception (including person perception, attitudes, attribution), Inter-group Processes (including prejudice, inter-group conflict, social identification), Small Group Processes (including norms, leadership, decision-making, productivity), Social Influence (including conformity, obedience, majority and minority influence, the bystander effect), Close Relationships (including interpersonal attraction, relationships). The Developmental Theme will consider a range of concepts, issues and debates concerning social, emotional and cognitive development during infancy, childhood and adolescence. You will be encouraged to think critically about some key theoretical and methodological approaches. Recurrent themes include the influences of genes and environment; thought and language; typical and atypical development; social context and communication with children; and the relative roles of the individual and culture in development.

CONCEPTUAL AND HISTORICAL ISSUES AND INDIVIDUAL DIFFERENCES

Code PSY-5015Y

Credits 20

This module firstly considers individual differences and will explore and evaluate theories and findings, in the areas of differential psychology: scientific foundations of personality and intelligence, measurement and psychometrics. The module will build on the content from year 1 but will cover a diverse range of more advanced topics such as nature-nurture interplay, the biological basis of individual differences, emotional intelligence, personality and temperament and an insight into how Individual Differences is applied in real life settings. The spring semester we move onto an overview of the main ideas, people, approaches and methods that have shaped the discipline of psychology throughout its history. It will also help you to better understand contemporary psychology, its relationship to the sciences and humanities, as well as providing a context for the other modules that make up your psychology degree. The major schools of psychology and some of the key themes and debates that characterise the discipline will also be discussed (for example, the freewill-determinism debate, reductionism and the nature and limitations of scientific enquiry in psychology).

RESEARCH DESIGN AND ANALYSIS

Code PSY-5003Y

Credits 40

You’ll develop your understanding of quantitative and qualitative research methods. The module will enhance your understanding of statistical methods for drawing valid conclusions from numerical data through examination of (i) techniques for data screening and exploration; (ii) statistical significance, power and effect size (iii) parametric and nonparametric tests; (iv) analysis of variance models; (v) multiple regression. It aims to develop your skills and confidence in using SPSS for the analysis of data. You’ll also be offers the opportunity to develop your skills in relation to qualitative research design and analysis. You will become familiar with the theoretical, philosophical and methodological dimensions of qualitative psychology, building interviewing skills and exploring meaning through the analytical processes of grounded theory, narrative and discourse analysis.

Optional A Modules

(20 credits)

GENDER AND DEVELOPMENT

Code DEV-5001A

Credits 20

This interdisciplinary module will begin by exploring the various approaches to understanding gender and development, then introduces and explains a range of key concepts as the foundations of gender analyses. The module then applies these concepts in examining a selection of important relevant debates: gender analysis of economic growth, divisions of labour and incomes, land and property rights, environmental change, education and health policies, voice and empowerment, violence and religion.

INTRODUCTORY MICROECONOMICS

Code ECO-4005Y

Credits 20

Forming a foundation for subsequent economic modules, this module will introduce you to the fundamental principles, concepts and tools of microeconomics and show you how to apply these to a variety of real world economic issues. There is some mathematical content – you will be required to interpret linear equations, solve simple linear simultaneous equations and use differentiation. The module is primarily concerned with: 1) the ways individuals and households behave in the economy 2) the analysis of firms producing goods and services 3) how goods and services are traded or otherwise distributed – often but not exclusively through markets 4) the role of government as provider and/or regulator.

INTRODUCTORY MACROECONOMICS

Code ECO-4006Y

Credits 20

The aim of this module is to introduce students to the economic way of reasoning, and to apply these to a variety of real world macroeconomic issues. Students will begin their journey by learning how to measure macroeconomic aggregates, such as GDP, GDP growth, unemployment and inflation. The module will establish the foundations to conduct rigorous Macroeconomics analysis, as students will learn how to identify and characterize equilibrium on the goods market and on the money market. The module will also introduce students to policy-making, exploring and evaluating features and applications of fiscal and monetary policy. Students will grow an appreciation of the methods of economic analysis, such as mathematical modelling, diagrammatic representation, and narrative. The discussion of theoretical frameworks will be enriched by real world applications, and it will be supported by an interactive teaching approach.

MULTIDISCIPLINARY ECONOMICS

Code ECO-5011A

Credits 20

Considering solutions to real-world problems, this module is designed to provide an interdisciplinary perspective to economic analysis. It considers a wide range of different approaches to economic study, including: economic sociology, economic geography, economic philosophy, economic psychology and international political economy. With no prior economic or mathematical knowledge expected, it is suitable for students who want to explore pluralist economic perspectives. The chosen topics demonstrate how economic analysis improves our understanding of decision-making and assists in the design of public policy.

EDUCATIONAL PSYCHOLOGY

Code EDUB5012A

Credits 20

This module will provide you with an introduction to key areas of psychological knowledge with a focus on learning and teaching in education. This module builds on key psychological theories introduced in first year modules (e.g. Academic Development in Education and Educational Theory and Practice) and will help you to develop your knowledge of the application of psychological knowledge in education. It also links to modules such as Childhood, Youth and Transitions; Children, Special Educational Needs and Disability and Motivation in Education.

CREATIVE WRITING: INTRODUCTION (SPR)

Code LDCC5004B

Credits 20

Have you ever wondered what it means to write creatively? Or how you might articulate what Zadie Smith calls ‘your way of being in the world’? Together we’ll address these questions. You’ll explore the work of some of the finest writers in the world, while also receiving clear guidance on how you might bring shape to the promptings of your imagination. This module will get you writing prose fiction and/or poetry. While there is no single, authorised way to write, there are things worth knowing about. You’ll discover some of these things in class; others you’ll pick up through being alert to what you have read and the way in which it functions. The most important thing, however, is to discover your own way of doing things. What drives you to capture a certain moment, or tell a certain story in a certain way? That’s what we'll be aiming for. Along the way you’ll develop an understanding of the craft of writing – the technical nuts & bolts – while acquiring the disciplines necessary to being a writer - observation, drafting, and submitting to deadlines. You'll be guided through a series of themes and concepts that go to the heart of creative writing, from voice and structure, to imagery and form. You'll generate material throughout the course, both through guided exercises and private study. Very often you'll be asked to write about ‘what you know’, drawing on notebooks, memory, family stories, your sensory impressions. In prose you will go on to look at such things as character, dialogue, point-of-view, ‘showing’ versus ‘telling’, plotting, etc. In poetry, there will be an exploration of the possibilities of pattern and form, sound, voice, imagery, and rhythm. By the end of the course you’ll have developed a body of work to call your own and a sense of what it means and what it takes to write seriously.

THE MEANING OF LIFE

Code PPLP4062A

Credits 20

What is the meaning of life? This burning question is at the heart of philosophy. We will explore the ways in which philosophy can help us tackle it. We will investigate a diverse range of philosophical perspectives from different areas of philosophy each of which interprets the question in a slightly different way. We will look at the work of philosophers such as Ibn Sina (Avicenna), Patricia Churchland, Leibniz, Christine Korsgaard, Daniel Dennett, Martha Nussbaum, Confucius, Elizabeth Barnes, Immanuel Kant, Christine Swanton, Epicurus. We'll grapple with ideas that inform our understanding of ourselves and our place in the world. What, if anything, is ultimately of value in life? Is freedom to affect your future important, and do you have that freedom? Could you have a meaningful life in an artificial reality? Is there a reason you exist? Should you radically change the way you are living? What should be done about existential threats such as Climate Change? The module provides a firm foundation for your further studies, as these issues are at the heart of philosophy and also at the foundation of related disciplines, such as politics and economics.

APPLIED PSYCHOLOGY ROUTE A

Code PSY-5007Y

Credits 20

This module explores a range of applied topics in psychology e.g. psychology of mental health and well-being; psychology of antisocial and criminal behaviour; psychology of substance use. Within each topic area the key antecedents, correlates and consequences of a variety of behaviours across a range of populations will be considered. The module concludes with a review and suggestions for future developments in these fields.

APPLIED PSYCHOLOGY ROUTE B

Code PSY-5023Y

Credits 20

This module explores what psychology can contribute to our understanding of a range of everyday issues/problems/experiences. There is a developmental, cognitive/biological emphasis. There are 3 broad themes, namely: autism, offending, and society; sleep, health, and daily functioning; neuroscience of music, dance, and biophilia.

Admissions Live Chat

Open Days

Important Information

Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring and review of modules. Where this activity leads to significant change to a programme and modules, the University will endeavour to consult with affected students. 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. Availability of optional modules may be restricted owing to timetabling, lack of demand, or limited places. Where this is the case, you will be asked to make alternative module choices and you will be supported during this process.

Students will study 40 credits in each semester, in addition to the 40 credit year-long module

Assessment for Year 3

You’ll be assessed across coursework, reports, essays, projects, presentations, timed tests and examinations.

Compulsory Modules

DEVELOPMENTAL SCIENCE IN ACTION

Code PSY-6003A

Credits 20

How do infants learn to think? How do memory and language develop? How do we get data from young children, and how can we understand them? In this module you will learn how the human mind develops during infancy and childhood using examples from language development, memory and other areas of cognition. This will provide you with an understanding of how cognition is shaped by our early experience, and how we can study learning in children. You will gain both knowledge of the current theories of development, as well as hands-on experience with state-of-the-art tools in this area. You will approach these topics with a mix of lectures, seminars and practical classes that guide you towards being able to understand how babies learn to think, and and design your own developmental research.

RESEARCH PROJECT

Code PSY-6002Y

Credits 40

This module offers you the opportunity to demonstrate your independent research capabilities and competence through the development, design and performance of an empirical research project. Building from a foundation of the research methods modules in previous years, instruction on this module is mainly linked to supervision. Supervisors will offer guidance on the delineation of a researchable question, an awareness of ethics relating to your project; a comprehension of the appropriateness of the research design, managing the data collection process and the writing up of a report. The area of research, methodological approach and research context will be negotiated and agreed through supervision.

Optional A Modules

(40-60 credits)

FAMILY LIFE

Code PSY-6001A

Credits 20

In this module, you will consider the science of relationships and identify some of the critical factors that make and shape 'family' life. You will begin by deconstructing the concepts of 'relationships' and 'family' within their historical and cultural contexts. You will consider the different theoretical approaches utilised to understand and research relationships and family life. You will then explore specific topics such as relationships, parenting, marriage and divorce, before concluding with a consideration and evaluation of family and relationship research and policy.

PSYCHOLOGY OF RISK

Code PSY-6004A

Credits 20

Assessing risk has always been of great importance as individuals attempt to avoid negative outcomes under conditions of uncertainty. More recently there has been an attempt to make this assessment objective as a foundation for government policies and public information. However, there is often a gap between expert objective opinion and individuals’ opinions, which can be problematic, for example when attempting to persuade people to reduce their carbon footprint or cut down on unhealthy behaviours. This module examines ongoing research which seeks to explain the phenomena and theories that underlie the individual’s ability to gather and assess information about potential risks and their subsequent decisions. This includes defining risk, considering individual differences in risk perception and the influence of sources of risk information.

BRAIN AND COGNITION

Code PSY-6009A

Credits 20

In this module, you will undertake an extensive examination of various experimental approaches used in Cognitive Neuroscience. Using the examples of commonly studied cognitive functions, we will examine how they develop in infancy, how they are modified as we age, to which brain networks they are associated with, and how they are impaired by focal brain lesions. The goal of the course is to develop your critical thinking, research and presentation skills, enabling you to synthesize, evaluate, and debate current theory and data in the field.

SOCIAL PERCEPTION AND BEHAVIOUR: FROM INDIVIDUALS TO RELATIONSHIPS TO GROUPS

Code PSY-6014A

Credits 20

THIS MODULE IS RESERVED FOR PSYCHOLOGY STUDENTS. The module aims to enable students to comprehend, evaluate and compare the core topics and major perspectives in social psychological theory and research. The module will: - Introduce you to topic areas related to social perception in the context of individual, interpersonal, and intergroup processes, and highlight how these topics relate to everyday behaviour. - Assist you in formulating an appreciation of the strengths and limitations of key theoretical approaches discussed in this class. - Encourage you to adopt a constructively critical and creative approach. - Nurture intellectual enthusiasm for the subject matter within a supportive learning environment.

PSYCHOLOGY OF LANGUAGE

Code PSY-6015B

Credits 20

This module will survey psychological approaches to language, featuring discussions of experimental methods in psycholinguistic research and theoretical approaches to both language comprehension and production. More specifically, you will gain an understanding of the main theories of language comprehension and production, and how psycholinguistic research develops and tests theoretical questions concerning the nature of underlying representations and the mechanisms associated with language *processing*. Emphasis will be placed on a full understanding of the mapping between theoretical research questions, and the experimental methodologies and techniques used to advance our understanding of how language is processed in the adult human brain.

MAGICAL VISUAL WORLD

Code PSY-6018A

Credits 20

The world we live and act in is a creation of our mind. Our brain takes small samples of light and sound and cobbles together the rich world we experience. This module will develop your understanding of how we make sense of our visual and auditory world, how we put information together, and what we often miss. Throughout the module you’ll focus on both the behaviours (how do we remember an environment, recognise a friend's emotions, etc.) and the underlying neural activity that make these experiences possible, including how various brain regions interact and the type of information passed along neural pathways. In addition, you’ll cover the methods researchers use for empirical investigations (fMRI, clinical populations, eye tracking, etc.). You’ll be encouraged to critically evaluate current perspectives and design a study to help reveal how we understand our visual and auditory world.

PSYCHOLOGY OF GOOD AND EVIL

Code PSY-6019B

Credits 20

You will consider the psychological aspects of destructive and benevolent behaviour. Classic and contemporary research will inform the understanding of the psychological processes that underpin extreme detrimental and beneficial behaviours. You will examine empathy, altruism, anti-social and criminal behaviour on both the individual and group level, integrating social psychological theory with historical examples. 'Evil' elements such as cults, killing, power and control will be balanced by the second strand of the module concerning virtuous behaviour, compassion, empathy, solidarity and social change. Situational and personal factors that drive these behaviours will be considered.

NEURODEVELOPMENTAL DISORDERS

Code PSY-6022B

Credits 20

This module will develop your understanding of both typical and atypical development through a detailed introduction to theory and empirical research related to neurodevelopmental disorders. It will highlight how genetic, environmental, biological and cognitive factors interact to shape development and behaviour over time. You will be encouraged to critically evaluate classical and contemporary perspectives on the subject and invited to consider practical issues related to the identification of, and provision for, children demonstrating an atypical developmental trajectory.

FORENSIC PSYCHOLOGY

Code PSY-6023B

Credits 20

In this module we will explore areas of current interest and debate in the psychology of criminality, and in the relationship between psychology and the criminal justice system. We will consider the roles that psychologists play in understanding, detecting and treating criminal behaviour, and we will discuss the issues, methods, findings and implications of research in areas such as crime statistics, psychopathy, sex offending, serial murder, terrorism, offender profiling, eyewitness testimony, and the assessment and rehabilitation of offenders.

PSYCHOLOGY OF MENTAL HEALTH

Code PSY-6024A

Credits 20

This module seeks to understand the Psychology of Mental Health. This will cover how mental health problems are conceptualised and categorised, how they develop, and whether and if so how, they can be remediated and prevented. A variety of perspectives will be covered across different levels of understanding, (biological, psychological, social) and different theoretical orientations (clinical, lived experience, research). What are the Learning objectives? By the end of the module, you will have a better understanding of the following topics and their respective research approaches. 1. Mental health constructs and their conceptualisation You will learn about the different ways by which mental health conditions can be conceptualised and the advantages and disadvantages for different conceptualisations. 2. Assessment and classification of mental health conditions You will learn about the assessment and measurement of mental health conditions as well as the different classification systems used to organise and structure mental health constructs. 3. Causes of mental health conditions You will learn about the cause, set of causes, or manner of causation mental health conditions. This will cover different theories and models e.g. diathesis-stress, differential-susceptibility, developmental mismatch etc. that attempt to explain the causes of mental health conditions in terms of genetic, environmental and developmental processes. 4. Psychotherapy and psychological treatments You will learn about what psychotherapy is and how to evaluate its effectiveness. You will also learn about the different theories and models that attempt to explain how psychotherapy works. 5. Non-psychological and pharmacological treatments You will learn about different pharmacological treatments for mental health conditions. There will be a specific focus on what antidepressants medications are, the range of conditions they are prescribed for and how we measure their effectiveness. You will also learn about different neuropsychological theories and models that attempt to explain how they work to bring about psychological change. 6. Positive psychology, positive health and wellbeing You will learn about the historical development of the Positive Psychology movement and how a Positive Psychology perspective differs from Clinical Psychology, in terms of the constructs used and theoretical interventions. 7. Applied mental health topics You will learn about two applied topics relevant to a contemporary understand of mental health: Student mental health and Gender and mental health. 8. A systems-approach for understanding of mental health You will learn about how a Systems-informed approach to mental health can aid mental health understanding. This will cover how feedback processes can exacerbate or balance cognitive, emotional and behavioural processes associated with extreme psychological states.

CLINICAL NEUROPSYCHOLOGY

Code PSY-6025B

Credits 20

THIS MODULE IS RESERVED FOR PSYCHOLOGY STUDENTS. This module is suitable for students who aspire to utilise their psychological knowledge within careers which may involve contact with patients, carers, clinicians and people who experience neuropsychological deficits in adulthood. The module will enable you to apply fundamental knowledge from the fields of Neuropsychology, Neuroscience and Neuro-rehabilitation about biological and cognitive brain processes (such as perception, action, attention and memory) to neurological conditions. You will also develop evidence-based knowledge of symptoms and interventions for neurological conditions (such as head injury, dementia or stroke). Building from your knowledge of the brain and cognition you will extend your understanding of how basic neuroscience research can inform diagnosis, assessment and effective rehabilitation of neurological patients and people with neurological conditions.

BEING HUMAN: EVOLUTIONARY AND COMPARATIVE APPROACHES IN PSYCHOLOGY

Code PSY-6026A

Credits 20

THIS MODULE IS RESERVED FOR PSYCHOLOGY STUDENTS. By considering the development of the human mind and behaviour from an evolutionary perspective and by comparing humans with other animals this module will explore how the biological underpinnings of ‘human nature’ relate to thinking, motivation and social relationships. Everyday aspects of being human such as attraction, mate choice, parenting, emotion, cooperation and conflict will be used to investigate how behaviours have developed in response to the problems of survival. Around 50% of the module will be directly concerned with animal behaviour. The comparison of human and animal cognition and behaviours will raise questions about the uniqueness of human characteristics, the connections between psychological functioning across species and the relationship between people and animals. Your understanding of evolutionary and comparative psychology developed through the module will be shown to be related to many ‘real-world’ concerns ranging from sex and gender, through emotion and motivation to mental health issues.

PSYCHOLOGY OF GENDER

Code PSY-6029A

Credits 20

In this module you will critically explore gender in a range of everyday contexts. You will consider the role of psychology in understanding historical and contemporary issues involving gender and explore what alternative/inter-disciplinary approaches might offer.

PSYCHOLOGY OF SLEEP

Code PSY-6030B

Credits 20

In this module you will gain an understanding of how and why we sleep, and the importance of sleep for good health and daytime functioning. We will consider biological, psychological and social factors relating to sleep, including the mechanisms of healthy sleep, changes in sleep across the lifespan, and how sleep interacts with physical and mental health conditions to affect our wellbeing.

ENVIRONMENTAL PSYCHOLOGY

Code PSY-6031B

Credits 20

The environments in which we live not only shape and influence our lives, but human behaviours also have a profound impact on the natural environment. Drawing on psychological theories (e.g. from social and cognitive psychology), you will explore the interactions between humans and their environments in a range of specific contexts, such as navigating through cities, well-being in stressful environments, and everyday behaviours that relate to climate change. You will also consider how the application of psychology can help provide solutions to environmental problems, and how these solutions can be communicated with decision-makers in society.

Optional B Modules

(0-20 credits)

GENDER AND DEVELOPMENT

Code DEV-5001A

Credits 20

EDUCATIONAL PSYCHOLOGY

Code EDUB5012A

Credits 20

MEDIA, CULTURE AND LEARNING

Code EDUB6002B

Credits 20

You will critically consider the relationship between media and education, considering what effect the media has in shaping knowledge, what role education plays in supporting media narratives, and how media and education influence cultural and social issues. You will draw upon current social and cultural issues and explore how these issues are shaped and discussed through the intersecting narratives of media and education. You will consider and reflect on current topics that may include issues around gender, sexuality, religion, youth, class, and sport.

CREATIVE WRITING: INTRODUCTION (SPR)

Code LDCC5004B

Credits 20

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Open Days

Important Information

Compulsory Modules

ADVANCED RESEARCH PROJECT

Code PSY-7016B

Credits 40

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, as well as receive an introduction to PsychoPy and running online experiments using Gorilla. You will also learn about the Qualtrics Survey platform, for conducting online surveys. Additionally, you will have an opportunity to practice and develop your presentation skills. Your assessment will be essay based.

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.

Optional A Modules

(20 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.

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Entry Requirements

A Levels

AAB or ABB with an A in the Extended Project

BTEC

DDD Excludes BTEC Public Services, BTEC Uniformed Services and BTEC Business Administration

Scottish highers

AAAAA

Scottish highers advanced

BBC

Irish leaving certificate

4 subjects at H2, 2 subjects at H3.

Access course

Pass the Access to HE Diploma with Distinction in 36 credits at Level 3 and Merit in 9 credits at Level 3

European Baccalaureate

80%

International Baccalaureate

33 points

GCSE offer

You are required to have Mathematics and English Language at a minimum of Grade C or Grade 4 or above at GCSE.

Additional entry requirements

If you do not meet the academic and/or English requirements for direct entry our partner, INTO University of East Anglia offers guaranteed progression on to this undergraduate degree upon successful completion of a preparation programme. Depending on your interests, and your qualifications you can take a variety of routes to this degree:

Any International Foundation Course (for first year entry)

Alternative Qualifications

UEA recognises that some students take a mixture of International Baccalaureate IB or International Baccalaureate Career-related Programme IBCP study rather than the full diploma, taking Higher levels in addition to A levels and/or BTEC qualifications. At UEA we do consider a combination of qualifications for entry, provided a minimum of three qualifications are taken at a higher Level. In addition some degree programmes require specific subjects at a higher level.

Students for whom english is a 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):

IELTS: 6.0 overall (minimum 5.5 in all components)

We also accept a number of other English language tests. Please click here to see our full list.

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:

Interviews

Most applicants will not be called for an interview and a decision will be made via UCAS Track. However, for some applicants an interview will be requested. Where an interview is required the Admissions Service will contact you directly to arrange a time.

Gap year

We welcome applications from students who have already taken or intend to take a gap year. We believe that a year between school and university can be of substantial benefit. You are advised to indicate your reason for wishing to defer entry on your UCAS application.

Intakes

This course is open to UK and overseas applicants. The annual intake for this course is in September each year.

Admissions Live Chat

Motivating water-saving behaviour

How simple group-based appeals can be used to increase water-saving behaviours.

LEARN MORE >

PsychX

PsychX is a range of extracurricular activities which we coordinate to enhance opportunities for learning, create greater interaction between students, and provide a focus for career conversations.

LEARN MORE >

Course Reference Number: 1545205

MSci DEVELOPMENTAL PSYCHOLOGY