Developmental Psychology

Why study Developmental Psychology at Dundee?

The MSc in Developmental Psychology draws upon the recognised expertise of numerous research-active staff, and addresses a broad range of material, including the scientific study of infancy and childhood, and typical and atypical development.

The School of Psychology has specialised equipment, dedicated laboratories and world class research facilities. These include EEG labs, many eye tracking systems, 2D and 3D movement tracking systems, and offsite fMRI access via the Clinical Research Centre at Ninewells Teaching Hospital. Learn more about our research facilities.

Every full-time MSc student in the department is entitled to use computer facilities available in the Psychology department and throughout the University. We provide access to all the basic software tools that you are likely to need for your MSc.

This course will enable you to:

• pursue and develop the advanced study of research methods in Psychology and in particular to address contemporary issues of epistemology, data collection, measurement and data analysis
• approach problems in research by critical evaluation of existing psychological paradigms and research literature and to apply this to current theoretical or applied issues in Psychology
• develop advanced research skills which will be relevant to policy and practice in the workplace
• develop and demonstrate advanced knowledge and skills in research design, methodology and statistical analysis
• develop and demonstrate a comprehensive knowledge and understanding of current research in a specialised field of experimental or applied Psychology
• engage in the analysis, synthesis, planning, execution and evaluation of research at an advanced level
• make an original contribution to scientific knowledge, methodology or practice in a research project either grounded in experimental psychology or in an applied area relevant to the learner's employment
• develop and practice dissemination and presentation skills to peers and to wider academic and professional audiences
• provide an advanced understanding of scientific issues in the chosen topic specialisation.

This course is aimed at:

• Psychology graduates wishing to enhance their knowledge of Developmental Psychology
• Graduates considering a professional training in a developmental field, such as Educational or Clinical Psychology
• Psychology graduates intending to progress to a PhD in Developmental Psychology

This course is also suitable for professionals working with children since many topics have obvious application to real-world problems (for example, attachment and its impact on behavioural and emotional development; nutrition and its role in cognitive development; the impact of marital breakdown on psychological development; etc)

We have a close postgraduate community with a diverse combination of nationalities. The School runs a Postgraduate seminar and a departmental seminar twice weekly throughout teaching semesters, with invited speakers to the seminars. These seminars are a great way to broaden your awareness of contemporary issues within the field of Psychology, to present your own work, and to network with other postgraduate students.

The School of Psychology also has its own facebook group, where you can find out more about their activities.