MSc Developmental Psychology

1 Year On Campus Masters Program

University of Lincoln

Program Overview

The MSc Developmental Psychology at the University of Lincoln explores human development across the lifespan—from infancy through old age—using cutting-edge theory and research. It’s ideal for psychology graduates aiming to work in research, education, clinical settings or to complete a BPS-accredited qualification.

Curriculum structure:

Year 1 (Full-time, 1 year): In Advanced Research Methods in Psychology, students build strong methodological skills in multivariate analysis, qualitative methods and critical design. Brain, Behaviour and Lifespan Development introduces how genetic, neural and environmental factors interact to shape development. In Theories and Mechanisms in Developmental Psychology, they examine models of cognitive, social, and emotional development from infancy onward.
Simultaneously, they take Social and Emotional Development, learning about attachment, self-regulation, and social cognition, and study Evolution and Human Social Behaviour to understand how evolutionary theory informs developmental processes.

Focus areas:
“lifespan development; brain-behaviour relationships; social-emotional development; research methods; applied development”

Learning outcomes:
“understand and critique developmental theories; apply advanced research methods; design and conduct original empirical research; translate developmental science into practice; reflect on developmental processes across the lifespan.”

Professional alignment (accreditation):
This MSc is accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS) and counts for Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (GBC).

Reputation (employability rankings):
University of Lincoln is known for its research-led teaching; its developmental psychology lab, “Lincoln Infant and Child Development Lab,” is a specialised facility that enhances student training and employability in research, academia, education, and applied psychology.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

Students develop practical research skills through hands-on projects using the School of Psychology's specialist child development facilities. They have access to dedicated child observation suites and developmental research laboratories. This practical training is delivered through:

Child Observation Suites: Access to specialist facilities for developmental research
Research Project: A dissertation in child development
Developmental Laboratories: Use of dedicated child development research spaces
Technical Skills: Development of child assessment and research methodologies
Applied Focus: Practical training in developmental research methods

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of the University of Lincoln MSc Sport and Exercise Psychology program achieve strong outcomes for careers aiming to enhance athletic performance, wellbeing, and health through psychological principles. Typical roles include Sport Psychologist, Performance Consultant, Exercise and Health Coach, and Applied Researcher in sport and exercise contexts. The program offers practical training combined with research-led theory, preparing graduates for applied professional roles and further academic study.

Key employability and progression details:

University services provide personalised career mentoring, access to placement opportunities in professional sports clubs and health organisations, plus employability workshops focused on sport psychology practice.
Employment statistics show a high rate of graduate employment or further academic study within 15 months, with salaries competitive within sport science and health psychology sectors.
Partnerships with local sports clubs, NHS trusts, and community health organisations provide authentic applied practice settings and networking opportunities.
The program is aligned with professional development standards in sport and exercise psychology, aiding progression toward Chartered Sport and Exercise Psychologist status.
Graduates report gaining advanced applied skills in psychological assessment, intervention design, and wellbeing promotion, enhancing their employability in multidisciplinary environments.

Further Academic Progression: Graduates can pursue doctoral training (PhD or professional doctorate) in sport and exercise psychology or related fields to deepen research expertise and secure professional chartered status.