MSc Developmental Psychology

The MSc Developmental Psychology at University of Dundee offers an in-depth exploration of how cognitive, emotional and social functions evolve from infancy through childhood and adolescence. It is ideal for graduates wishing to work in educational or clinical settings or to pursue research into child development and developmental disorders.

Curriculum structure:
In the first phase, students complete core units such as Research Foundations (PY51001) and Developmental Psychology (PY51012), acquiring a strong methodological grounding and understanding of cognitive and social growth processes. 
In the next phase, students engage in specialised modules such as Developmental Psychopathology (PY40018) and Advanced Quantitative Methods (PY52007), which focus on developmental disorders and the advanced statistical techniques required to investigate them. 
Finally, students undertake the Research Dissertation (PY52004) or Research in Practice (PY50003), where they design and implement an original empirical study in a real-world or lab setting, integrating their theoretical and methodological learning. 

Focus areas:
"infant/child cognitive and social development, developmental psychopathology, quantitative and qualitative research methods"
Learning outcomes:
"Graduates will critically apply developmental theory, conduct advanced quantitative and qualitative research, and complete an independent empirical investigation in developmental psychology."
Professional alignment (accreditation):
The programme provides strong preparation for roles in assistant psychology, observation and intervention in child development services or further doctoral research, though it is not a practitioner-accrediting qualification for clinical psychology in the UK.
Reputation (employability rankings):
The University of Dundee is recognised for its research in developmental psychology with access to specialist labs (such as eye-tracking and EEG) and strong partnerships with education settings, which enhance graduate employability in research, education and health settings.