Taught course

Brain and Cognitive Development

Institution
Birkbeck, University of London · School of Psychological Sciences
Qualifications
MAMSc
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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.

Months of entry

October

Course content

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 is designed for graduates from psychology and related disciplines who seek to deepen their understanding of cutting-edge contemporary research in developmental science, as well as established practitioners and policy-makers wishing to update their training. The Master's focuses on enabling you to reflect critically on existing knowledge.

This course is taught during the daytime, but please note that certain option modules are taught only in the evening.

Highlights

  • 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.
  • 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.
  • In the 2023 National Student Survey, Birkbeck's School of Psychological Sciences ranked 5th in the UK for teaching.
  • ESRC funding may be available in conjunction with PhD study.
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.

We offer a comprehensive careers service - Careers and Enterprise - your career partner during your time at Birkbeck and beyond. At every stage of your career journey, we empower you to take ownership of your future, helping you to make the connection between your experience, education and future ambitions.

Information for international students

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.

Qualification, course duration and attendance options

  • MA
    part time
    24 months
    • Campus-based learningis available for this qualification
    full time
    12 months
    • Campus-based learningis available for this qualification
  • MSc
    full time
    12 months
    • Campus-based learningis available for this qualification
    part time
    24 months
    • Campus-based learningis available for this qualification

Course contact details

Name
Student Advice Service
Email
studentadvice@bbk.ac.uk
Phone
+44 (0)20 3907 0700
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