MA in Research Methods Developmental Psychology

1 Year On Campus Masters Program

Durham University

Program Overview

The MA in Research Methods (Developmental Psychology) at Durham University equips students with advanced skills in psychological research focused on developmental processes. It suits those aiming for research careers or doctoral studies in developmental or educational psychology.

Curriculum Structure:
Students study core modules such as Quantitative and Qualitative Research Methods in Psychology and Developmental Psychology, gaining a strong foundation in research design and data analysis. They also explore specialised topics like Cognitive and Social Development and Advanced Statistical Techniques. The program culminates in an independent Empirical Dissertation, allowing students to apply theoretical and methodological knowledge to developmental research.

Focus areas: "Developmental psychology, cognitive and social development, research methods, data analysis"

Learning outcomes: "Students develop expertise in designing, conducting, and analysing developmental psychology research with strong quantitative and qualitative skills."

Professional alignment (accreditation): Aligned with the British Psychological Society’s research standards and postgraduate training expectations.

Reputation (employability rankings): Durham University ranks highly in psychology and education research nationally and globally (QS, Guardian).

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

Students on Durham's MA in Research Methods (Developmental Psychology) gain practical skills through hands-on research apprenticeships and specialist methodological training. They have access to the Durham University Infant and Child Lab and other developmental research facilities. This experience is delivered through:

Software: Training in SPSS, R, and specialist tools like ELAN for behavioural coding.
Research Apprenticeship: A core module where you join a research team in the Department of Psychology.
Dissertation: An extensive independent research project on a developmental psychology topic.
Laboratories: Direct access to the Durham University Infant and Child Lab for research with young participants.
Methods Training: Advanced, hands-on instruction in both quantitative and qualitative developmental research methods.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of the MA in Research Methods (Developmental Psychology) at Durham University are equipped with advanced methodological and statistical skills for developmental research, making them strong candidates for PhD programmes or research psychologist positions. Typical roles include Research Assistant, Developmental Psychologist, Educational Psychologist Assistant, and Clinical Studies Coordinator. The course develops expertise in quantitative and qualitative analysis through hands-on research training:

Durham's Careers & Employability Service provides workshops, one-to-one guidance, and exclusive access to research-focused employer networks.
Graduates commonly enter academic, educational, or clinical research, with salaries beginning around £26,000 for research posts.
The course is ESRC-accredited and facilitated by the Durham Research Methods Centre and expert faculty in developmental science and cognitive neuroscience.
Long-term value comes from its methodological rigour and direct pipeline to further doctoral research or professional psychology roles.
Graduation outcomes include research posts in universities, schools, and policy agencies, and progression to PhD programmes.

Further Academic Progression:
Graduates may progress to PhD study in developmental psychology, cognitive neuroscience, or clinical and educational psychology specialisms.

Additional Information & Requirements

2:1 in Psychology or Psychology related subject (or equivalent).

USA- A Bachelors degree from an accredited university with a GPA of 3.3 or better out of 4.0.

India- A 3, 4 or 5-year Bachelors degree from an approved Indian university with a score of 60%-70% depending on the institution.

IELTS- 6.5 with no component under 6.0

TOEFL- 80 with no component under 20

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