MSc Developmental Science (Part Time)
Course options
Key Details
- Attendance
- Part Time
- Award
- Degree of Master of Science
- Course Length
- 2 years
- Course Start Date
- September 2023
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Course Overview
Combining research methodology training with in-depth study at the cutting edge of the field, our Developmental Science Master’s programme will give you real, nuanced insight into developmental 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.
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 of key research methods such as eye-tracking, EEG, NIRS, and other experimental techniques used for working with infants and 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, you are welcome to contact our academics to discuss the topics you’re interested in researching.
Study and Modules
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 choose two out of three optional modules.
In the first year, you'll study Developmental Science Theory and Methods in the Autumn semester, and one of the three optional modules provided in the Spring. We also advise you to get in touch with your dissertation supervisor to initiate the planning of your project that you will complete in year 2.
Developmental Science
You’ll 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 used for working with children, either in our state-of-the-art Developmental Labs or in schools.
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 as well as Research placement and professional skills.
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 (previous placements saw students spend time in another research lab or doing applied research at the Castle museum), as long as you’re able to demonstrate that you’ll be utilising your research skills.
Compulsory Modules
Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring, review and update of modules. Where this activity leads to significant (but not minor) changes to programmes and their constituent modules, the University will endeavour to consult with students and others. It is also possible that the University may not be able to offer a module for reasons outside of its control, such as the illness of a member of staff. In some cases optional modules can have limited places available and so you may be asked to make additional module choices in the event you do not gain a place on your first choice. Where this is the case, the University will inform students.
Teaching and Learning
You’ll experience a wide range of teaching methods 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.
Assessment
You’ll primarily be assessed through coursework, including critical reviews, research proposals and a research project.
Structure
You'll be introduced to the techniques and programming skills used in psychology data collection and analysis. You'll learn how to conduct systematic reviews and meta-analyses. You'll use E-Prime to construct experiments, and you'll learn about PsychoPy and running online experiments using Gorilla.
The dissertation is your opportunity to carry out a piece of independent research on a topic of your choosing. This is your chance to go into greater detail in an area that interests you.
Here are some examples of topics from previous years:
- Toddlers' word learning
- Infant temperament and later screen time
- Moral development in children
- Visual cognition and infant habituation: A computational modeling study
- Understanding poor sleep in infants at risk for ASD
Compulsory Modules
Optional A Modules
(Credits: 20)Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring, review and update of modules. Where this activity leads to significant (but not minor) changes to programmes and their constituent modules, the University will endeavour to consult with students and others. It is also possible that the University may not be able to offer a module for reasons outside of its control, such as the illness of a member of staff. In some cases optional modules can have limited places available and so you may be asked to make additional module choices in the event you do not gain a place on your first choice. Where this is the case, the University will inform students.
Teaching and Learning
You’ll learn through a variety of approaches, including lectures, seminars, workshops, research placements, and hands-on use of cutting-edge research equipment. You’ll also complete a major independent research project under expert supervision.
Assessment
You’ll be assessed based on your coursework, which includes critical reviews, research proposals, and a research project.
Entry Requirements
- Degree Classification
- Bachelors degree - 2.1 or equivalent
- Degree Subject
- Psychology or related degree (eg. medicine, neuroscience or biological science)
- English Foreign Language
We welcome applications from students whose first language is not English. To ensure such students benefit from postgraduate study, we require evidence of proficiency in English. Our usual entry requirements are as follows:
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IELTS: 7.0 (minimum 6.5 in each component)
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PTE (Pearson): 76 (minimum 67 in each component)
Test dates should be within two years of the course start date.
Other tests, including Cambridge English exams and the Trinity Integrated Skills in English are also accepted by the university. The full list of accepted tests can be found here: Accepted English Language Tests
INTO UEA also run pre-sessional courses which can be taken prior to the start of your course. For further information and to see if you qualify please contact intopre-sessional@uea.ac.uk
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- Intakes
This course is open to UK, EU and International applicants. The annual intake for this course is in September each year.
Fees and Funding
Tuition fees for the Academic Year 2023/24 are:
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UK Students: £7,850 (full time)
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International Students: £19,800 (full time)
If you choose to study part-time, the fee per annum will be half the annual fee for that year, or a pro-rata fee for the module credit you are taking (only available for Home students).
We estimate living expenses at £1,023 per month.
Further Information on tuition fees can be found here.
Scholarships and Bursaries
The University of East Anglia offers a range of Scholarships; please click the link for eligibility, details of how to apply and closing dates.
Course Related Costs
Please see Additional Course Fees for details of course-related costs.
How to Apply
Applications for Postgraduate Taught programmes at the University of East Anglia should be made directly to the University.
To apply please use our online application form.
FURTHER INFORMATION
If you would like to discuss your individual circumstances prior to applying please do contact us:
Postgraduate Admissions Office
Tel: +44 (0)1603 591515
Email: admissions@uea.ac.uk
International candidates are also encouraged to access the International Students section of our website.
Employability
After the Course
On this Master’s degree programme, you’ll gain advanced training in developmental science research methods. It’s the ideal preparation if you’re interested in studying for a PhD in developmental science or Educational Psychology. It will also be of great benefit if you’re planning, or already pursuing, a career with a significant research component.
Careers
A degree at UEA will prepare you for a wide variety of careers. We've been ranked 1st for Job Prospects by StudentCrowd in 2022.
Examples of careers you could enter include:
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Research associate
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The third sector
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Government setting