Developmental Science MSc

This unique programme seeks to enhance your understanding of key theoretical and practical issues about typical and atypical development in children and young people and provides an opportunity for intensive advanced training in Developmental Science.<br/><br/>You will learn how key topics in Developmental Science can be addressed using research techniques from several inter-related disciplines such as:<br/><br/><br/>- Developmental Psychology<br/><br/><br/>- Cognitive Psychology<br/><br/><br/>- Computational Science<br/><br/><br/>- Neuroscience<br/><br/><br/>- Linguistics<br/><br/><br/>**Key research areas**<br/><br/>The programme aims to equip you with the skills required to conduct independent scientific research that addresses key issues in developmental science.<br/><br/>Your MSc culminates in a research dissertation in a core research area: an original, publication-quality piece of research, undertaken in close collaboration with researchers in the relevant group.<br/><br/>The core research areas of our department are social psychology, cognitive neuropsychology, individual differences, psychology of language and human development.<br/><br/>Psychology is rated 3rd in the UK by Times Higher Education for the quality and breadth of the research using the latest Research Excellence Framework (REF 2021).<br/><br/>**What will I learn?**<br/><br/>You will take courses on the theoretical and methodological aspects of developmental science and conduct an original research dissertation in one of these areas.<br/><br/>You will also receive thorough training in advanced academic skills and research methods within psychology, including a comprehensive coverage of statistical modelling and research design using the R statistical language.<br/><br/>**Is this MSc for me?**<br/><br/>This programme provides an understanding of advanced topics, methodologies and issues in the area of developmental science, as well as research design and management. You can flexibly choose optional courses to customise your learning in areas you are most passionate about.<br/><br/>It provides excellent preparation for further research and knowledge of developmental psychology, whether you choose to pursue this in a professional career or further academic research. As this programme is research focused, it would not be a good option if you are looking for a clinical programme. However, if you would like to get advanced research training before embarking on a clinical path, then it would be a good fit.<br/><br/>**Reputation, relevance and employability**<br/><br/>The University of Edinburgh has a long tradition of research expertise in developmental psychology. Our large Psychology department is home to academics leading research in the field.<br/><br/>You will benefit from the breadth and strength of the interdisciplinary academic community at Edinburgh, having the opportunity to select option courses and attend research seminars across different disciplines.<br/><br/>Our students’ research projects are often published in academic or professional journals.<br/><br/>Our programme has an excellent reputation amongst employers and further research opportunities. Many of our graduates have gone onto PhD training and academic careers and advanced professional training in psychology.<br/><br/>We maintain close contacts with professional organisations such as British Psychological Society (BPS).<br/><br/>**Find out more about our community**<br/><br/>The School of Philosophy, Psychology and Language Sciences is home to a large, supportive and active student community, hosting events and activities throughout the year which you can join. As a postgraduate student, you will have access to a range of research resources, state of the art facilities, research seminars and reading groups.