1. University of York
  2. Program
  3. Masters
  4. MSc Developmental Cognitive Neuroscience

MSc Developmental Cognitive Neuroscience

1 Years On Campus Masters Program

University of York

Program Overview

The MSc Developmental Cognitive Neuroscience at University of York blends brain development with cognition, teaching students to use neuroimaging, experiments, and advanced analysis to study child and adolescent brain–behaviour change. It suits graduates from psychology, neuroscience, or biology who want careers in research on developing brains.

Curriculum Structure

In the single taught year, students take Brain Imaging Methods, Developmental Cognitive Neuroscience, and Statistics & Experimental Design to learn MRI/fMRI principles, neural maturation, and how to build rigorous experiments. They complete Current Topics in Developmental Cognitive Neuroscience, exploring real research on memory, attention, language, and social-brain development. The year ends with the MSc Research Project (Dissertation), where they run supervised empirical work on brain and cognitive development.

Focus Areas
“Brain development, child cognition, MRI/fMRI methods, neural maturation, experimental design, empirical developmental research”

Learning Outcomes:
“Understand neural and cognitive development; apply brain-imaging methods; design experiments; conduct and analyse empirical research; evaluate evidence in developmental neuroscience”

Professional Alignment (Accreditation):
Aligned for progression to PhD or clinical-research pathways; not a licenced clinical practitioner qualification.

Reputation (Employability Ranking/Stat):
REF 2021 Psychology Ranking places York Psychology among the UK’s best for producing high-quality developmental neuroscience research, supporting strong postgraduate research employability.

 

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

Students gain practical research skills through hands-on projects in York's dedicated psychology labs, focusing on educational applications and child development research. This applied learning is central to the programme, with key experiential components including:

  • Research Project: Conducting an empirical dissertation using the department's specialised facilities.

  • Laboratories: Access to York's baby and child development labs for observational research.

  • Software: Training in statistical packages like R for data analysis.

  • Professional Development: Curriculum designed to provide British Psychological Society (BPS) Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership.

  • Specialist Facilities: Use of the York Neuroimaging Centre for educational neuroscience research where relevant to projects.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of the MSc Developmental Cognitive Neuroscience at University of York acquire advanced research skills and theoretical knowledge to pursue careers as cognitive neuroscientists, research scientists, clinical researchers, and data analysts:

  • The university’s Careers and Employability Service offers CV workshops, interview preparation, and links to research institutes and healthcare providers.

  • Around 80% of graduates secure employment within 15 months, with salaries ranging from £28,000 to £38,000 depending on sector and experience.

  • The program partners with the York Neuroimaging Centre and other interdisciplinary research groups for hands-on learning.

  • Graduates develop expertise in neuroimaging techniques, developmental disorders, experimental design, and statistical analysis.

  • The course prepares students for roles in academia, healthcare, and industry focused on understanding brain development and disorders.

Further Academic Progression: Graduates can progress to PhD research, postdoctoral roles, or clinical training pathways in neuropsychology or cognitive neuroscience.

Program Key Stats

£32,900 (Annual cost)
Rolling


No
No

Eligibility Criteria

2.7
3 or 4 Years

N/A
N/A
N/A
6.5
87
2:2

Additional Information & Requirements

Career Options

  • Educational Psychologist (with further training)
  • Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENCO)
  • Learning Mentor
  • Educational Researcher
  • School Counsellor
  • Education Policy Advisor
  • Youth Worker
  • Child Development Specialist
  • Academic Support Officer
  • Family Support Worker
  • Education Consultant

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