Developmental Psychology MSc

Lancaster University

Concerned with the study of how humans change over time, our Developmental Psychology master's programme provides you with a rigorous and detailed understanding of the discipline. The expertise gained from this course will give you the advantage in any career.

Through this programme you will develop advanced insight into psychology while gaining hands-on experience that will be hugely beneficial in any career. Home to one of the world’s largest centres for developmental psychology research, Lancaster specialises in infancy and childhood development and our department is one of the UK’s leading research groups in the discipline. In this setting you will benefit from the world-leading research being conducted by our staff, and our Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) recognised PhD-level research training.

Throughout the course, you will study five taught modules and one substantial research project. This will ensure you receive the breadth of skills and depth of knowledge to engage with a wide range of careers, or to progress into further research and study.

During the year, you will complete an in-depth compulsory module in developmental psychology, to develop your fundamental skills and expertise in the discipline, ensuring you graduate with a state-of-the-art understanding of the subject. In addition, you will extend and enhance your ability to analyse and interpret psychology data, and gain a high-level of advanced psychological research skills. A solid foundation in these skills will be invaluable as you progress into research or into specialist psychology roles, such as clinical or forensic psychology.

Within the degree programme, you will also be taught valuable vocational skills that will support your career aspirations in psychology and other fields, such as CV writing, interview skills, team work and presentation skills.

Alongside your study, you will undertake an independent research project, supervised by a member of our research-active staff. This dissertation will allow you to apply all that you have learnt to a dissertation topic of your choice. As well as developing your conceptual understanding, research design, data-analysis, and communication skills, this project will be an exciting learning experience that will give you the opportunity to prove your skills, interests, and enthusiasm. What you achieve in your project will be important evidence of your skills and knowledge in support of any applications you make after graduating.