The aim of the MSc Neurodiversity and Development 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.
The course is divided into three parts. Three modules assess subject specific knowledge related to development (including neurotypical and neurodivergent). A further three modules assess research skills, including critical thinking abilities and statistical knowledge. The final part of the programme is the dissertation module, which culminates in the production of an independent and original body of research material under supervision from a member of staff.
Course structure
Year 1 modules
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 Neurodiversity and Development
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.
Dissertation
The Dissertation enables you to design, conduct and write-up an empirical project, applying the theoretical knowledge you have acquired. You will gain experience of collaborating with other researchers and undertaking research and project management. The Department provides excellent support for conducting a significant piece of independent research.
