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Developmental Science and Neurodiversity at Birkbeck, University of London - UCAS

Course options

2025 - 2026
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There are other course options available which may have a different vacancy status or entry requirements – view the full list of options

Course summary

The MA/MSc Developmental Science and Neurodiversity offers an exciting journey into understanding how humans grow and thrive. You will explore the amazing ways that both our biology and the world around us shape who we become, and how this knowledge can be used to improve children’s lives. You will also dive into the diverse experiences of children, including those who think and learn differently, and uncover the latest discoveries that are changing the way we support human development. Why choose this course?

  • Whether you are passionate about unlocking the secrets of a child's mind or eager to make a difference in the lives of neurodivergent individuals, this course offers you a vibrant and dynamic environment to fuel your curiosity and drive.
  • Our course modules cover everything you need to know about how humans develop, including genetics, neurodiversity and brain science.
  • The course is closely linked to Birkbeck’s world-class Centre for Cognitive and Developmental Neuroscience, with its Babylab and the first-ever ToddlerLab.
  • This course is ideal if you are a graduate of psychology or a related discipline, or an established practitioner or policymaker.
What you will learn This Master’s course is about helping you think critically. You will learn from leading experts about how we think, how our brains work, neurodiversity, and research happening all over the world. After completing the course, you could go on to a PhD, work in education, advance in a career supporting special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), or help shape policies and child development projects globally. Depending on your interests or career aspirations, you can choose to gain either an MA or an MSc. For the MA you will undertake a dissertation that explores and critically evaluates existing research in developmental science and neurodiversity. To gain an MSc, you will undertake a dissertation project in which you create, carry out and analyse your own unique research within the CBCD or our School of Psychological Sciences. How you will learn This MA/MSc Developmental Science and Neurodiversity is available to study full- or part-time, with classes held during the day. You will learn through engaging lectures and interactive seminars led by researchers from all over the globe. Highlights
  • As a student at the Centre for Brain and Cognitive Development, you will be able to attend weekly research talks, lab meetings and workshops, join research seminars and connect with world-class researchers.
  • Our course brings together expertise in brain science, biology, social studies and practical research methods to give you a well-rounded understanding of child development, with a focus on neurodiversity.
  • This is only one of a few courses worldwide which covers interdisciplinary perspectives including child development, behaviour, neuroscience, computer science and social sciences. You will also be exposed to recording methods such as fMRI, EEG, physiology, eye tracking, motion tracking, virtual reality and video.
  • In the 2023 National Student Survey, Birkbeck's School of Psychological Sciences ranked 5th in the UK for teaching.
  • We are consistently regarded as one of the top institutions teaching psychological sciences in the UK. In the 2021 Research Excellence Framework, and for the third time, we were ranked in the top ten universities in the UK.
Careers and employability Graduates can pursue career paths in psychology, health or social work, education and policy development. Possible professions may include:
  • psychologist
  • counsellor
  • researcher
  • further education lecturer
  • working with neurodiverse populations.
Some of our graduates have gone on to progress their studies further at PhD level or find employment in:
  • primary and secondary schools
  • NHS
  • charities focused on child development.

Modules

For information about course structure and the modules you will be studying, please visit Birkbeck’s online prospectus.

Assessment method

Five 2500-word coursework essays, presentations and one unseen examination. Advanced Quantitative Methods is assessed by statistics worksheets.

How to apply

International applicants

If English is not your first language or you have not previously studied in English, the requirement for this course is the equivalent of an International English Language Testing System (IELTS Academic Test) score of 6.5, with not less than 6.0 in each of the sub-tests. If you don't meet the minimum IELTS requirement, we offer pre-sessional English courses and foundation programmes to help you improve your English language skills and get your place at Birkbeck.

Entry requirements

A second-class honours degree (2:2) or above in psychology, cognitive science, education, behavioural sciences or relevant discipline. Relevant professional experience of childhood and development may also be considered. Applications are reviewed on their individual merits and your professional qualifications and/or relevant work experience will be taken into consideration positively. We actively support and encourage applications from mature learners.

English language requirements

If English is not your first language or you have not previously studied in English, the requirement for this programme is the equivalent of an International English Language Testing System (IELTS Academic Test) score of 7.0, with not less than 6.5 in each of the sub-tests and at least 7.0 in writing. If you don't meet the minimum IELTS requirement, we offer pre-sessional English courses, foundation programmes and language support services to help you improve your English language skills and get your place at Birkbeck.

Fees and funding

Tuition fees

England £12450 Year 1
Northern Ireland £12450 Year 1
Scotland £12450 Year 1
Wales £12450 Year 1
International £20340 Year 1

Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website .

Additional fee information

Students are charged a tuition fee in each year of their course. Tuition fees for students continuing on their course in following years may be subject to annual inflationary increases.
Developmental Science and Neurodiversity at Birkbeck, University of London - UCAS