21Oct
PostgraduateCourse summary
The aim of the MSc Developmental Psychopathology is to provide advanced research training for those interested in pursuing careers in the field of research, developmental psychology, neurodiversity and clinical or educational psychology. The subject-specific and generic postgraduate training, provided by the course, enables you to develop the knowledge, skills and understanding required of a professional conducting research in neurodiversity, clinical, child development or other fields. Research training forms a key focus of the MSc course. In addition to providing training in basic research, the course aims to integrate research perspectives from the fields of developmental psychology, neurodiversity, clinical and educational psychology. This distinctive emphasis is reflected in the learning outcomes, structure and assessment of the course.
Modules
Core modules: Advanced Developmental Psychology Review teaches the skills to create and deliver literature reviews as well as providing analysis of key topics in the field of developmental psychology, including research skills, data handling, writing styles and methods of presentation. Critical Research Practice is fundamental to learning and provides the knowledge and skills required to design, conduct and communicate research in psychology, ensuring it is conducted ethically. This module also teaches the analytical skills needed to evaluate research findings. Research Design in Child and Clinical Psychology provides an introduction to the methods and design used in child and clinical psychology and offers practical training in the transferable skills relevant for professional and personal development. Current Issues in Developmental Psychology and Psychopathology provides in-depth knowledge of current theoretical stances and methodological issues within the fields of developmental psychology and neurodiversity. The aim is for you to gain a broad understanding of typical development and then consider different development pathways. Statistics for Psychology and the Behavioural Sciences teaches the core statistical methods that are commonly used across psychology and the behavioural sciences, as well as developing your confidence in identifying and applying appropriate statistical techniques. This module will also develop your ability for statistical programming. Advanced Statistics for Psychology and the Behavioural Sciences likewise provide an understanding of a set of advanced statistical methods that are used across psychology and the behavioural sciences and enable you to identify and apply appropriate statistical techniques. The Dissertation enables you to design, implement, analyse and finally discuss an empirical project relevant to your field of study, giving you the opportunity to apply the theoretical knowledge you have acquired and to gain experience of collaborating with other researchers and undertaking research and project management. The Department provides excellent support and opportunities for conducting a significant piece of independent research.
Assessment method
The course is delivered predominantly through a mixture of lectures, seminars and workshop classes. Lectures provide key information on particular topics in the area of typical and atypical development. Seminars are held in order for smaller group teaching to take place, with focused discussion on specific topics. Finally, practical and workshop classes allow students to gain direct experience, particularly in how to use statistical tools. The balance of this type of activity varies as a function of the module. This is a one year course, with students having a summer term to work on their dissertation- related activities. Students typically attend approximately 12 hours a week comprising lectures, tutorials and seminars. Outside timetabled contact hours, students are also expected to undertake their own independent study to prepare for their classes and broaden their subject knowledge, as well as completing their dissertation. Independent study is a key element to the course, with complex factors raised in lectures that do assume some prior knowledge of the topic area. The course is divided into three parts. One third, comprising three modules, is of subject specific topics related to developmental psychology and developmental psychopathology (with a focus on neurodevelopmental diversity). A further three modules focus on research skills, such as critical thinking abilities and statistical knowledge, that are necessary to understand developmental psychology and developmental psychopathology. The final third of the programme is the dissertation, which reflects on the culmination of learning and practical endeavours from throughout the course via the production of an independent and original body of research material. This is performed under supervision with a member of staff, with meetings varying in duration and frequency throughout the year as a function of the needs of the research project and the student. Assessment includes examinations, written assignments, and the completion of your dissertation.
How to apply
International applicants
If you are an international student who does not meet the requirements for direct entry to this degree, you may be eligible to take a pre-Masters pathway programme at the Durham University International Study Centre.
Entry requirements
2:1 in Psychology or Psychology related subject (or equivalent). If you are an international student who does not meet the requirements for direct entry to this degree, you may be eligible to take a pre-Masters pathway course at the Durham University International Study Centre.
English language requirements
Durham University welcomes applications from all students irrespective of background. We encourage the recruitment of academically well-qualified and highly motivated students, who are non-native speakers of English, whose full potential can be realised with a limited amount of English Language training either prior to entry or through pre-sessional and/or in-sessional courses. It is the normal expectation that candidates for admission should be able to demonstrate satisfactory English proficiency before the start of a programme of study, whether via the submission of an appropriate English language qualification or by attendance on an appropriate pre-sessional course. Acceptable evidence and levels required can be viewed by following the link provided.
English language requirements
https://www.durham.ac.uk/study/international/entry-requirements/english-language-requirements/
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
| England | £13600 | Year 1 |
| Northern Ireland | £13600 | Year 1 |
| Scotland | £13600 | Year 1 |
| Wales | £13600 | Year 1 |
| Channel Islands | £13600 | Year 1 |
| EU | £29900 | Year 1 |
| International | £29900 | Year 1 |
| Republic of Ireland | £29900 | Year 1 |
Additional fee information
The tuition fees shown are for one complete academic year of full-time study, are set according to the academic year of entry, and remain the same throughout the duration of the programme for that cohort (unless otherwise stated).
Sponsorship information
For further information see the course listing.
Provider information
Durham University
The Palatine Centre
Stockton Road
Durham
DH1 3LE