MSc Development, Disorders and Clinical Practice

The MSc Development, Disorders and Clinical Practice at University of York combines theory and applied clinical training to help students understand neurodevelopmental disorders (like autism, dyslexia, ADHD) and how to assess and support affected individuals. It suits psychology or related-degree holders who want to work in child development, educational support, clinical assessment, or prepare for further training or research.

Curriculum Structure

In the taught year, students take Neurodevelopmental Disorders, learning about developmental language disorders, dyslexia, ADHD, autism, and dyscalculia — focusing on cognitive, behavioural and biological aspects. Through Clinical Practice in Developmental Disorders, they practice diagnostic interviewing, observation, formulation, and early therapeutic or educational intervention planning. Alongside, Research Design and Statistics and Clinical Research Methods provide training in empirical research methods, data analysis and assessment techniques relevant to developmental disorders. The year ends with an Empirical Project (Dissertation), where students carry out original research — for instance on language, learning, neuro-development, or mental-health outcomes in children. 

Focus areas (string):
“Neurodevelopmental disorders, clinical assessment, child development, developmental neuroscience, research methods, intervention & support for children with disorders”

Learning outcomes (in a string):
“Understand cognitive-developmental disorders in context of typical development; assess and diagnose developmental disorders; apply evidence-based interventions; design and conduct rigorous research; communicate findings to clinicians, educators or researchers.”

Professional alignment (accreditation):
Designed for roles in clinical, educational or research settings focusing on children — a strong foundation for further training or doctoral study in developmental, educational, or clinical psychology. 

Reputation (employability rankings):
The Department of Psychology at York is ranked among the top UK institutions for research quality (8th overall in UK, and 2nd for output quality in the latest REF).