MSci Developmental Psychology

Key details

MSCI DEVELOPMENTAL PSYCHOLOGY

Start Year

2023

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. UEA’s School of Psychology has been ranked 14th overall for research quality in Psychology, Psychiatry and Neuroscience in the Times Higher Education REF 2021 Analysis.

The MSci Psychology programmes are designed to meet the needs of students who want to plan postgraduate study well in advance to enhance their academic and professional profiles.

Taking an integrated Master's year means that your research enthusiasm and interests developed over three years of study can be extended in an interconnected and coherent way.

About

The MSci programme provides a rigorous approach to the range of psychological sciences combined with the opportunity to specialise in a particular sphere of knowledge on human behaviour and experience.

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’re 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.

In your third and fourth years, you’ll enjoy access to our state-of-the-art laboratory facilities, including the developmental dynamics lab and a fully-immersive virtual reality suite. You’ll also have the opportunity to demonstrate all you have learned by implementing an individual research project of your own. Your specialist knowledge and skills will develop as you select specific options and engage in higher level research in years 3 and 4.

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UEA’s School of Psychology has been ranked 14th overall for research quality in Psychology, Psychiatry and Neuroscience in the Times Higher Education REF 2021 Analysis.

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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 be assessed across a range of assessments including essays, research reports, research proposals, projects and examinations. Assessments will include formative tasks and summative assessments. Whilst formative assessments are not given a mark, the detailed feedback from the formative assessments will help you with the summative assessments.

In the first year, your assessments will include a range of formative and summative tasks.

Structure

In your first year, you’ll study one 120 credit module. This will provide a firm foundation for developing your understanding of psychological theory and research with a focus on how this knowledge is applied within the ‘real world’. Teaching sessions are organised into six key themes – exploring learning, explaining behaviour, researching social interaction, questioning reality, understanding yourself and applications of psychology. You’ll also discover specific methods for the study of psychology, as you begin developing research skills and a critical perspective.

Teaching and Learning

You’ll be taught in a combination of smaller and larger groups. You’ll be given the knowledge and skills to establish your own position on exciting and intriguing psychological matters. The modules you take are designed by the teaching team to provide coherent coverage of the psychological sciences.

Our programmes promote psychology as a science and are all underpinned by a research methods route which runs throughout the course. You’ll be guided on pathways across the discipline rather than transported to a destination.

The first-year compulsory module is taught through a combination of lectures, seminars, small group work, and workshops. You’ll also spend time carrying out independent study, researching in UEA’s state-of-the-art library, and carrying out research projects in small groups.

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Assessment for Year 1

In the first year, your assessments will include a range of formative and summative tasks.

Compulsory Modules

INTRODUCTION TO PSYCHOLOGY

Code PSY-4008Y

Credits 120

The overall aim of the module is to provide you with an introduction to psychological theory and research, with a focus on how this knowledge is used and applied within the ‘real world’. Lectures and seminars will be organised into six key themes - constructing psychology, explaining behaviour, researching social interaction, questioning reality, understanding yourself and applications of psychology. Each theme will be team-taught across a 3-week block, with a selection of lectures from a range of perspectives in psychological science. Adopting this integrative approach, you will be able to see how each curriculum area within psychology contributes to our knowledge and understanding of human behaviour.

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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 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.

Assessment for Year 2

In the second year (depending on your module choices), your assessments may include a range of tasks such as formative work, short-answer essays, summative reports, case study analysis, 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.

PSYCHOLOGY IN CONTEXT

Code PSY-5027A

Credits 20

This module provides a deeper understanding of the broader philosophical issues which have shaped psychology and its relationship to wider society, and how these have unfolded within a historical context. 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 free will-determinism debate, reductionism and the nature and limitations of scientific enquiry in psychology). Chief among these issues are the assumptions around the scientific approach to knowledge within psychology which is brought to life through the distinction between qualitative and quantitative work. This will be applied directly as you 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.

EXPERIMENTAL PSYCHOLOGICAL ANALYSIS

Code PSY-5028A

Credits 20

You will develop your understanding of quantitative 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. It aims to develop your skills and confidence in using statistical software for the analysis of data.

ASSESSING AND ANALYSING INDIVIDUAL DIFFERENCES

Code PSY-5029B

Credits 20

You will further develop your understanding of quantitative 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; (v) multiple regression. It aims to develop your skills and confidence in using jamovi for the analysis of data. This module examines this in the context of 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. We then move onto the consideration of individual difference measurement and will explore and evaluate theories and psychometrics.

Optional A Modules

(0-20 credits)

APPLIED PSYCHOLOGY ROUTE A

Code PSY-5024B

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 topic areas 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-5025B

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.

Optional B Modules

(0-20 credits)

EDUCATIONAL PSYCHOLOGY

Code EDUB5012A

Credits 20

This module will provide you with an introduction to key areas of psychology with a focus on learning and teaching in education. By the end of the module you should be able to: - Discuss the role of perception, attention and memory in learning; - Compare and contrast key theories related to learning, intelligence, language, thinking and reasoning; - Critically reflect on key theories related to learning,intelligence, language, thinking and reasoning in the practical context; - Discuss the influence of key intrapersonal, interpersonal and situational factors on pupils learning and engagement in educational settings.

PSYCHOLOGY OF PHYSICAL ACTIVITY AND HEALTH

Code EDUP5007B

Credits 20

Develop your understanding of the key psychological correlates and consequences of health-enhancing physical activity and sedentary behaviour, exploring the theoretical underpinnings of this area of study.

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.

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Important Information

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

Assessment for Year 3

In the third year, your assessments will include your research project (which is 33% of your final year mark), and assessments linked to your module choices (which could be, for example, a research proposal, a briefing paper, an essay, or an examination).

Compulsory Modules

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.

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.

Optional A Modules

(40-60 credits)

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.

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.

PSYCHOLOGY OF MENTAL HEALTH

Code PSY-6024A

Credits 20

Good mental health and wellbeing are increasingly recognised as important societal aims. However, there is much debate about how we understand and discuss quite abstract terms like ‘mental health’ and ‘wellbeing’. The aim of this module is to help students make sense of this debate, regarding what we mean when we discuss ‘mental health’, primarily from a psychology perspective. The module will cover how mental health problems are conceptualised and categorised in lay and expert views, and by different mental health practitioners. It will cover how mental health conditions develop, and if so, how they can be remediated and prevented. We will also cover how to apply this knowledge to understand important contemporary mental health topics such as gender differences in mental health experiences, student mental health and how to facilitate sustainable psychological functioning in the 21st century. A variety of perspectives will be presented across different levels of space (biological, psychological, social) and time (generational and cohort changes) and across different theoretical orientations (clinical, lived experience, research, systems modelling). Through these different approaches and perspectives, you will become an expert in understanding the psychology of mental health. You’ll learn through a mixture of lectures and seminars and self-directed study. Lectures include topics on the assessment, classification, causes and treatments of mental health conditions. Seminars include debates and discussion with individuals with lived experience of mental health conditions. You will be assessed through an essay on the topics covered throughout the module. The module will provide a good foundation for further postgraduate study and strong preparation for a career as a mental health practitioner. You will also gain useful practice in research, writing and presentation skills. Finally, it will help you understand your own mental health and what you can do to live a happy and meaningful life.

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.

CHILD DEVELOPMENT IN CONTEXT

Code PSY-6039A

Credits 20

In this module, you will explore early learning and development through an interdisciplinary lens, identifying the critical factors that enable children to thrive. You will evaluate contemporary ideas and research studies to understand how children’s early play experiences and social interactions shape their development, with a focus on the development of the brain, social-emotional skills, and cognitive abilities. You will also examine the influence of contextual factors such as family, culture, and school on children’s development, and consider prevention and intervention. Finally, you will explore different ways of disseminating evidence-based information to impact policy and practice.

PSYCHOLOGY OF GENDER

Code PSY-6040B

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.

Optional B Modules

(0-20 credits)

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 to which brain networks they are associated with, how they are modified as we age 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.

THE 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.

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.

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 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.

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.

PSYCHOLOGY OF GOOD AND EVIL

Code PSY-6036B

Credits 20

The module will consider the psychological aspects of destructive and benevolent behaviour. Classic and contemporary research will inform the understanding of the psychological processes that underpin the extreme detrimental and beneficial behaviours of individuals and groups. ‘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, heroism and social change

SCIENCE OF EMOTION

Code PSY-6038B

Credits 20

In this module, you will cover contemporary research and theoretical debates about the science of emotion.     Your learning objectives of this module will be to:     1) Understand the methodological and conceptual underpinnings of the scientific study of emotions.  2) Understand the state of research in a variety of topics related to social and affective neuroscience.  3) Understand why key debates in these topics are important for the discipline more broadly.     By the end of this module, you will have a mastery of the key topics and issues regarding the study of emotions  You will understand and be able to give an individual account of the important theoretical and empirical work.   You will develop an understanding of the neuroscientific techniques available to social and affective neuroscientists and the importance and limitations of these techniques. 

Optional C Modules

(0-20 credits)

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.

PSYCHOLOGY OF PHYSICAL ACTIVITY AND HEALTH

Code EDUP5007B

Credits 20

CREATIVE WRITING: INTRODUCTION (SPR)

Code LDCC5004B

Credits 20

FAMILIES AND THE LIFE COURSE

Code SOL-5002A

Credits 20

This module will explore the sociological concept of ‘family’ and how this is understood within a life course discourse. Specifically, this will examine how notions of ‘family’ have changed markedly from post war Britain. We will discuss the importance of the ‘family’ as a sociological construct and as an institution over which the Government relies greatly, but has very little direct control. We will examine how time has changed the structure of the family. We will examine the role that marriage/civil partnerships play in family life, and consider how the state understands single parent families, ‘blended families’, Lesbian and gay families, and families that foster/adopt. One of the key theses affecting all families is ‘transitions’ and this will be explored as a concept through the life course. We will also consider the role that family plays for older adults during their later years, and the impact that this has on the state’s role. We will look at gender and the family, and ethnicity and family in modern Britain. Finally, we will consider ‘intimacy’ within family life, particularly in relation to relationships, sex and notions of ‘belonging’, as well as violence and abuse.

THE 21ST CENTURY FAMILY

Code SOL-6007B

Credits 20

This module specifically examines the concept of the family within the 21st century and discusses how it has changed as a structural form. Whilst families have generally become more diverse, there are still strong ‘normative’ ideologies present within society that can create significant tensions within individuals, families and communities. We will present research which explores a number of these tensions by examining: the role of fathers in family life; lesbian and gay families; the role of fostering and adoption; an examination of trans families through the life course; the experiences of ethnic minority families, and other contemporary issues.

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Important Information

Assessment for Year 4

In year 4, your assessments will include a dissertation of 40 credits, and assessments linked to your module choices such as a research proposal, critical reviews, or a pop article.

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.

PRACTICAL SKILLS FOR PSYCHOLOGICAL RESEARCH

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.

ADVANCED RESEARCH PROJECT

Code PSY-7016B

Credits 40

Optional A Modules

(20 credits)

FURTHER QUALITATIVE RESEARCH

Code PSY-7004B

Credits 20

The course offers an overview of foundational qualitative methods with a focus on gathering and analysing qualitative data, including experience of qualitative data collection and analysis.

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. It will provide a grounding in applied statistics which will both develop critical appraisal skills for reading research and enable you to undertake data analysis using the software..

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Important Information

Entry Requirements

A Levels

AAB - If you are taking an EPQ and three A-levels, we may offer you a one grade reduction on our advertised typical offer, if you achieve an A in the EPQ.

T Levels

Obtain an overall Pass including an A in the core of the T Level and a Distinction in the Occupational Specialism. Acceptable subjects are: Health and Science

BTEC

DDD excluding BTEC Public Services, Uniformed Services and Business Administration

Scottish highers

AAAAA

Scottish highers advanced

BBC

Irish leaving certificate

4 subjects at H2, 2 subjects at H3

Access course

Pass 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

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

UEA are committed to ensuring that Higher Education is accessible to all, regardless of their background or experiences. One of the ways we do this is through our contextual admissions schemes.

We welcome and value a wide range of alternative qualifications. If you have a qualification which is not listed here, please contact us via Admissions Enquiries.

Important note

Once enrolled onto your course at UEA, your progression and continuation (which may include your eligibility for study abroad, overseas experience, placement or year in industry opportunities) is contingent on meeting the assessment requirements which are relevant to the course on which you are enrolled.

International Requirements

We accept many international qualifications for entry to this course. View our International Students pages for specific information about your country.

INTO University of East Anglia

If you do not meet the academic and/or English language requirements for direct entry our partner, INTO UEA offers 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:

International Foundation in Business, Economics, Society and Culture (for Year 1 entry to UEA)

International Foundation in Mathematics and Actuarial Sciences (for Year 1 entry to UEA)

International Foundation in Pharmacy, Health and Life Science (for Year 1 entry to UEA)

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 5.5in all components) for year 1 entry

We also accept a number of other English language tests. Review our English Language Equivalencies for a list of example 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: 

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 International applicants. The annual intake is in September each year. 

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Course Reference Number: 6774241

MSci DEVELOPMENTAL PSYCHOLOGY