Course summary
This Master's course in brain and cognitive development is designed to give you an understanding of the role of the child’s environment through the study of the impact of the family, communities and other social networks. You will explore the interaction of biology and social factors in the context of atypical developmental paths, such as those observed in:
- dyslexia
- autism
- other developmental disorders.
- The course combines Birkbeck’s strengths in biological, social and applied developmental research methods to provide you with an integrated understanding of child development.
- You will have the opportunity to attend research seminars and to meet and network with world-class researchers, both in the department and at other leading research centres and institutes at Birkbeck and in the Bloomsbury area.
- 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.
- ESRC funding may be available in conjunction with PhD study.
- psychologist
- counsellor
- researcher
- further education lecturer.
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.
Provider information
Birkbeck, University of London
Malet Street
Bloomsbury
London
WC1E 7HX
Course contact details
Visit our course pageBirkbeck Student Advice Service
0203 907 0700