MSc Diploma Certificate Psychological Research Methods (Child Development)

The study of children’s development is central to our comprehension of human behaviour and cognition. Working with and doing research with children takes a particular and specialised set of skills. Measures that we make must take into account the developmental level of the children involved if they are to be valid and accurate.

Course Overview:
This programme provides research methods training primarily for Psychology graduates interested in pursuing a research career in developmental psychology including preparation for a PhD in the child development area. This MSc is taught by our expert team of psychologists specialising in early childhood development. The course covers a range of topics from social and cognitive development, to autism and other atypical developmental issues, to the health psychology of infant feeding practices. Teaching is grounded in practice with input from social psychologists, health psychologists, neuropsychologists and primatologists. The research placement enables you to gain direct experience tailored to your career aspirations and the dissertation allows extensive research into a chosen aspect of child development.

This MSc will also be attractive to professionals working with children including teachers and social workers as part of continued professional development. It would also provide valuable training for graduates from allied disciplines like Education and Sociology wishing to pursue PhDs. The Psychology Division has excellent contacts with a wide range of professional bodies allowing research placement and dissertation choices in schools, nurseries, special needs units and child protection. We also have our own in-house playgroup facility which has an enrolment including groups of infants, toddlers and pre-school children.

Period of Study:
Full time: two semesters for Diploma, 12 months for MSc. Part time: four semesters for the Diploma, 24 months for MSc. This programme begins in September

Career Opportunities:
The course is designed for those going on to do further research in developmental psychology and careers where knowledge of developmental research is beneficial. The research placement enables you to gain direct experience tailored to your career aspirations and the dissertation allows extensive research into a chosen aspect of child development.