MSc Developmental Science
Course options
Key Details
- Attendance
- Full Time
- Award
- Degree of Master of Science
- Course Length
- 1 year
- Course Start Date
- September 2025
Course Overview
Our Developmental Science Master’s programme will give you real nuanced insight into developmental psychological science with one of the UK’s largest groups of developmental psychologists.
The MSc combines research methods training with holistic in-depth study of the subject. You’ll gain hands-on experience of key research methods such as eye-tracking, EEG, NIRS, and other experimental techniques used for working with infants and children. Facilities include the state-of-the-art Developmental Dynamics laboratory.
One of the programme’s key strengths is the opportunity to experience modern psychological research methods firsthand. This includes a research placement, tailored to the specific skills you need to further your research goals. The course builds to a substantial piece of Master’s research, which you’ll undertake with the supervision of active researchers.
The course is ideal if you're a high-calibre graduate of psychology or a related discipline, looking to develop the specific methodological and analytical skills essential to developmental science. It's great preparation for a PhD in developmental or educational psychology, or for a career with a significant research element. Take a look at the School of Psychology’s webpage to find a researcher who works on a topic that interests you. You may pursue a career as a researcher in developmental science or work in national government, development organisations, or data management and processing.
Study and Modules
Structure
You can complete this programme in one year of full-time study, or over two years part-time. You’ll take two compulsory modules, complete a dissertation, and choose two optional modules.
You’ll study various topics in developmental psychology, in typical and atypical development. You’ll also consider the challenges of working with a wide age range of participants, and the impact this has on research. In your research project, you’ll gain hands-on skills in research methods used for working with children, either in our state-of-the-art Developmental Labs or in schools.
You’ll be introduced to the techniques and programming skills used in psychology data collection and analysis. You’ll learn to conduct systematic reviews and meta-analysis. You’ll use E-Prime to construct experiments, and cover PsychoPy and running online experiments using Gorilla.
The dissertation is your opportunity to carry out a piece of independent research on a subject of your choosing, to go into greater detail in the area that interests you most.
Examples of topics from previous years:
- Toddlers’ word learning
- Infant temperament and later screen time
- Moral development in children
- Visual cognition and infant habituation; a computational modeling study
- Understanding poor sleep in infants at risk for ASD
You’ll also study two optional modules that complement your studies and interests.
In addition, gain hands-on experience and valuable contacts through a placement in an external setting. The type of placement is flexible, giving an individualized chance to gain experience which enhances your career plans. Placements are highly flexible. Previous placements include visiting UK or international research labs, working in special schools or clinical settings, applied research in museums, at the Ministry of Justice … the options are diverse.
Compulsory Modules
Optional A Modules
(Credits: 40)Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring, review and update of modules. Where this activity leads to significant (but not minor) changes to programmes and their constituent modules, the University will endeavour to consult with students and others. It is also possible that the University may not be able to offer a module for reasons outside of its control, such as the illness of a member of staff. In some cases optional modules can have limited places available and so you may be asked to make additional module choices in the event you do not gain a place on your first choice. Where this is the case, the University will inform students.
Teaching and Learning
You’ll experience a wide range of teaching methods, including lectures, seminars, workshops, and research placements, and the hands-on use of state-of-the-art research equipment
Independent study
Your schedule will include timetabled classes, private study, completion of coursework assignments and preparation for sessions. You’ll also complete a major independent research project under expert supervision.
Assessment
Assessment is through coursework, including critical reviews, research proposals and a research project.
Entry Requirements
- This course is open to
UK and International fee-paying students. Choose UK or International above to see relevant information. The entry point is in September each year.
- Typical UK Entry Requirements
Degree classification
Bachelors degree - 2.2
Degree Subject
Psychology or related degree (eg. medicine, neuroscience or biological science)
- Admissions Policy
Our Admissions Policy applies to the admissions of all postgraduate applicants.
- This course is open to
UK and International fee-paying students. Choose UK or International above to see relevant information. The entry point is in September each year.
- Typical International Entry Requirements
Degree classification
Bachelors degree - 2.2 or equivalent
Degree Subject
Psychology or related degree (eg. medicine, neuroscience or biological science)
- English Foreign Language
Applications from students whose first language is not English are welcome. We require evidence of proficiency in English (including writing, speaking, listening and reading):
-
IELTS: 7.0 overall (minimum 6.5 in all components)
Test dates should be within 2 years of the course start date.
We also accept a number of other English language tests. Review our English Language Equivalencies for a list of qualifications that we may accept to meet this requirement.
If you do not yet meet the English language requirements for this course, INTO UEA offer a variety of English language programmes which are designed to help you develop the English skills necessary for successful undergraduate study:
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- Admissions Policy
Our Admissions Policy applies to the admissions of all postgraduate applicants.
Fees and Funding
Tuition fees for the Academic Year 2025/26 are:
-
UK Students: £8,825
-
International Students: £22,700
If you choose to study part-time, the fee per annum will be half the annual fee for that year, or a pro-rata fee for the module credit you are taking (only available for Home students).
We estimate living expenses at £1,136 per month.
Further Information on tuition fees can be found here.
Scholarships and Bursaries
The University of East Anglia offers a range of Scholarships; please click the link for eligibility, details of how to apply and closing dates.
Course Related Costs
Please see Additional Course Fees for details of course-related costs.
How to Apply
How to apply
Applications for Postgraduate Taught programmes at the University of East Anglia should be made directly to the University.
To apply please use our online application form.
Further information
If you would like to discuss your individual circumstances prior to applying, please do contact us:
Postgraduate Admissions Office
Tel: +44 (0)1603 591515
Email: admissions@uea.ac.uk
International candidates are also encouraged to access the International Students section of our website.
Employability
After the Course
This Master’s degree will give you advanced training in developmental science research methods. It’s the ideal preparation for a PhD in developmental or Educational Psychology, or a career with a significant research component.
Careers
Example of careers that you could enter include:
- Research associate
- The third sector
- Government setting
Discover more on our Careers webpages.