Developmental Science and Neurodiversity
Entry requirements
A second-class honours degree (2:2) or above in psychology, cognitive science, education, behavioural sciences or relevant discipline.
Relevant professional experience of childhood and development may also be considered.
Applications are reviewed on their individual merits and your professional qualifications and/or relevant work experience will be taken into consideration positively. We actively support and encourage applications from mature learners.
Months of entry
October
Course content
The MA/MSc Developmental Science and Neurodiversity offers you an exciting journey into understanding how humans grow and thrive. You will have the chance to explore the amazing ways that both our biology and the world around us shape who we become, and how this knowledge can be used to improve children’s lives. You will also dive into the diverse experiences of children, including those who think and learn differently, and uncover the latest discoveries that are changing the way we support all kinds of human development.
Why choose this course?
- Whether you are passionate about unlocking the secrets of a child's mind or eager to make a real difference in the lives of neurodivergent individuals, this course offers you a vibrant and dynamic environment to fuel your curiosity and drive.
- Our course modules cover everything you need to know about how humans develop, including genetics, neurodiversity and brain science.
- The course is closely linked to Birkbeck’s Centre for Cognitive and Developmental Neuroscience (CBCD). This world-class research centre, with its Babylab and the first-ever ToddlerLab, offers you a welcoming and inspiring place to work on your dissertation.
- This course is ideal if you are a graduate of psychology or a related discipline and are seeking to deepen your understanding of cutting-edge contemporary research, or if you are an established practitioner or policymaker wishing to update and expand your training and knowledge.
What you will learn
This Master’s course is about helping you think critically. You will learn from leading experts about how we think, how our brains work, neurodiversity, and research happening all over the world.
After completing the course, you could go on to a PhD, work in education, advance in a career supporting special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), or help shape policies and child development projects globally.
Depending on your interests or career aspirations, you can choose to gain either an MA or an MSc. For the MA you will undertake a dissertation that explores and critically evaluates existing research in developmental science and neurodiversity, allowing you to develop a deeper understanding of the field. To gain an MSc award, you will undertake a dissertation project in which you will get the chance to create, carry out and analyse your own unique research within the CBCD or our School of Psychological Sciences.
How you will learn
This MA/MSc Developmental Science and Neurodiversity is available to study full- or part-time, with classes held during the day. You will learn through engaging lectures and interactive seminars led by researchers from all over the globe.
Highlights
- As a student at the Centre for Brain and Cognitive Development (CBCD), you will be able to attend weekly research talks, lab meetings and workshops. You will also have opportunities to join research seminars and connect with world-class researchers, both at Birkbeck and other leading research centres in the Bloomsbury area and internationally.
- Our course brings together Birkbeck’s expertise in brain science, biology, social studies and practical research methods to give you a well-rounded understanding of child development, with a special focus on neurodiversity.
- This is only one of a few courses worldwide which covers a wide range of interdisciplinary perspectives, including child development, behaviour, neuroscience, computer science and social sciences. You will also be exposed to diverse recording methods, such as fMRI, EEG, physiology (EMG, heart rate), eye tracking, motion tracking, virtual reality and video.
- In the 2023 National Student Survey, Birkbeck's School of Psychological Sciences ranked 5th in the UK for teaching.
- We are consistently regarded as one of the top institutions teaching psychological sciences in the UK. In the 2021 Research Excellence Framework, and for the third time, we were ranked in the top ten universities in the UK.
- ESRC funding may be available in conjunction with PhD study.
Graduates can pursue career paths in psychology, health or social work, education and policy development. Possible professions may include:
- psychologist
- counsellor
- researcher
- further education lecturer
- working with neurodiverse populations.
Some of our graduates from this course have gone on to progress their studies further at PhD level. They have also found employment in:
- primary and secondary schools
- NHS
- charities focused on improving child development.
We offer a comprehensive careers service - Careers and Enterprise - your career partner during your time at Birkbeck and beyond. At every stage of your career journey, we empower you to take ownership of your future, helping you to make the connection between your experience, education and future ambitions.
Information for international students
If English is not your first language or you have not previously studied in English, the requirement for this course is the equivalent of an International English Language Testing System (IELTS Academic Test) score of 6.5, with not less than 6.0 in each of the sub-tests.
If you don't meet the minimum IELTS requirement, we offer pre-sessional English courses and foundation programmes to help you improve your English language skills and get your place at Birkbeck.
Qualification, course duration and attendance options
- MA
- part time24 months
- Campus-based learningis available for this qualification
- full time12 months
- Campus-based learningis available for this qualification
- MSc
- full time12 months
- Campus-based learningis available for this qualification
- part time24 months
- Campus-based learningis available for this qualification
Course contact details
- Name
- Student Advice Service
- studentadvice@bbk.ac.uk
- Phone
- +44 (0)20 3907 0700