Developmental Psychopathology

Entry requirements

2:1 in Psychology or Psychology related subject (or equivalent).

Months of entry

September

Course content

The aim of the MSc Developmental Psychopathology is to provide advanced research training for those interested in pursuing careers in the field of research, developmental psychology, neurodiversity and clinical or educational psychology.

The subject-specific and generic postgraduate training, provided by the course, enables you to develop the knowledge, skills and understanding required of a professional conducting research in neurodiversity, clinical, child development or other fields.

Research training forms a key focus of the MSc course. In addition to providing training in basic research, the course aims to integrate research perspectives from the fields of developmental psychology, neurodiversity, clinical and educational psychology. This distinctive emphasis is reflected in the learning outcomes, structure and assessment of the course.

Course structure

Core modules:

Advanced Developmental Psychology Review teaches the skills to create and deliver literature reviews as well as providing analysis of key topics in the field of developmental psychology, including research skills, data handling, writing styles and methods of presentation.

Critical Research Practice is fundamental to learning and provides the knowledge and skills required to design, conduct and communicate research in psychology, ensuring it is conducted ethically. This module also teaches the analytical skills needed to evaluate research findings.

Research Design in Child and Clinical Psychology provides an introduction to the methods and design used in child and clinical psychology and offers practical training in the transferable skills relevant for professional and personal development.

Current Issues in Developmental Psychology and Psychopathology provides in-depth knowledge of current theoretical stances and methodological issues within the fields of developmental psychology and neurodiversity. The aim is for you to gain a broad understanding of typical development and then consider different development pathways.

Statistics for Psychology and the Behavioural Sciences teaches the core statistical methods that are commonly used across psychology and the behavioural sciences, as well as developing your confidence in identifying and applying appropriate statistical techniques. This module will also develop your ability for statistical programming.

Advanced Statistics for Psychology and the Behavioural Sciences likewise provide an understanding of a set of advanced statistical methods that are used across psychology and the behavioural sciences and enable you to identify and apply appropriate statistical techniques.

The Dissertation enables you to design, implement, analyse and finally discuss an empirical project relevant to your field of study, giving you the opportunity to apply the theoretical knowledge you have acquired and to gain experience of collaborating with other researchers and undertaking research and project management. The Department provides excellent support and opportunities for conducting a significant piece of independent research.

Information for international students

If you are an international student who does not meet the requirements for direct entry to this degree, you may be eligible to take a pre-Masters pathway course at the Durham University International Study Centre.

Fees and funding

For further information see the course listing.