Entry requirements

An upper second-class honours degree or equivalent in a relevant subject. Applicants with a professional qualification not at degree level may be accepted - each application is considered on an individual basis according to academic qualifications as well as professional qualifications and experience.

English language proficiency at a minimum of IELTS band 6.5 with no component score below 5.5.

Months of entry

September

Course content

Overview

This Master’s course looks in detail at learning disability, neurodiversity and autism from a psychological perspective. Studying contemporary practices, critical theories and case studies, you’ll investigate how neurodivergent and learning disabled people can be best supported in healthcare, education and workplace settings.

Whether you're currently working with people with learning disabilities or you've recently graduated and you're looking to get started in this field, this MSc Psychology and Learning Disability degree is designed to provide you with the skills and knowledge to develop your career and become a specialist.

It’s a part-time, distance learning course, which allows you the flexibility to fit your studies around work commitments. In Year 1, you’ll study modules that cover the core issues, and in Year 2 you’ll focus on your own research project with support from our expert tutors.

Course highlights

Join one of the few Master’s programmes to study learning disability, neurodiversity and autism from a psychological perspective, as opposed to a nursing perspective
Learn about the role that psychological methodologies and analytical techniques can have in the planning and delivery of learning support at an individual and organisational level
Increase awareness and understanding in the sector and beyond, about the positive role of psychology and psychotherapy in the study of learning disability
Complete an individual research project on a topic of your choice. Each year we present the Sue Buckley Award – named after our esteemed Emeritus Professor of Development Disability – for best project

Careers and opportunities

If you’re working in education or learning support, or if you’re already specialising in learning disability or developmental needs, this course will help you develop personally and professionally, introducing new ways to design and deliver services to individuals with developmental disability.

Previous students who were already in professional roles during the course have progressed to senior management positions, academic posts and doctoral level study.

If you have a British Psychological Society (BPS) accredited BSc in Psychology, you could apply to do a taught doctorate in areas such as Educational Psychology (EdPsychD) or in Clinical Psychology (ClinPsychD) once you've successfully completed your Master’s.

Graduates of this course have gone onto roles such as:

Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) co-ordinator
SEND teacher
Student services officer
Enablement Leader
Support worker
Community care worker

Graduates of this course have gone on to work for:

Schools
Academy trusts
Local education authorities
Healthcare

Career planning

During your course you'll have expert career support from your tutors and our Careers and Employability Centre – which you can access for up to 5 years after you graduate.

You'll benefit from:

Networking events
1-to-1 appointments
CV and cover letter advice
Interview preparation and practice
Workshops to enhance your employability skills
Recruitment events including the Student and Graduate Opportunities Fair
Support starting your own business

Fees and funding

https://www.port.ac.uk/study/masters-and-postgraduate-taught/fees-and-funding

Qualification, course duration and attendance options

MSc
part time
24 months
- Online learningis available for this qualification

Course contact details

Name: Admissions Team
Email: admissions@port.ac.uk

Phone: 023 9284 5566

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Psychology and Learning Disability (Distance Learning)