MA/MSc Brain and Cognitive Development

Program Overview

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The Master's in Brain and Cognitive Development at Birkbeck University provides a comprehensive understanding of the interplay between biological and social factors in child development, with a focus on atypical developmental paths. Combining research methods from various disciplines, the program emphasizes critical reflection and offers opportunities to engage with world-class researchers. Graduates pursue careers in psychology, research, education, and policy development, supported by Birkbeck's Careers and Enterprise service.

Program Outline

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Degree Overview:

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Master's in Brain and Cognitive Development

This program aims to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the role of a child's environment in their cognitive development. It focuses on the interplay between biological and social factors, particularly in atypical developmental paths like dyslexia, autism, and other developmental disorders. The program is designed for graduates from psychology and related disciplines who want to deepen their understanding of cutting-edge research in developmental science. It also caters to established practitioners and policymakers seeking to update their training. The Master's program emphasizes critical reflection on existing knowledge in the field.

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Key Features:

• Combines Birkbeck's strengths in biological, social, and applied developmental research methods.
• Provides an integrated understanding of child development.
• Offers opportunities to attend research seminars and network with world-class researchers.
• Ranked 5th in the UK for teaching in the 2023 National Student Survey.
• Ranked in the top ten UK universities for research in the 2021 Research Excellence Framework.
• Two days a week, plus some evenings, October to July (Full-time)
• One day a week, plus some evenings, October to July (Part-time)

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Outline:

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Course Structure:

• 180 credits total, comprising:
• Eight compulsory modules (15 credits each)
• One 10,000-word dissertation (60 credits)

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Compulsory Modules:

• Academic Skills for PG Students
• Advanced Quantitative Methods
• Child Development in a Global Context
• Critical Book Review
• Current Research in Brain and Cognitive Development
• Developmental Cognitive Neuroscience
• Genetics of Development
• Qualitative Methods

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Dissertation:

• A piece of empirical research or advanced quantitative analyses supervised by experienced staff.

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Assessment:

• Assessment Methods:
• Five 2500-word coursework essays
• Presentations
• One unseen examination
• Advanced Quantitative Methods assessed by statistics worksheets

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Assessment Criteria:

• The program uses various methods to assess student learning, including coursework, presentations, examinations, and dissertations.
• Specific criteria for each assessment method are outlined in the module descriptions.
• The program emphasizes critical thinking, research skills, and the ability to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world situations.

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Teaching:

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Teaching Methods:

• A combination of lectures, tutorials, project supervision, and independent learning.
• Lectures provide an overview of specific topics.
• Seminars offer in-depth exploration of specific topics with fellow students and require preparatory study.
• Project supervision provides guidance and support for individual research projects.
• Independent learning allows students to deepen their understanding through self-directed study.

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Faculty:

• The program is taught by experienced staff with expertise in brain and cognitive development.
• Faculty members are actively involved in research and publish regularly in leading journals.
• Students have access to a named Personal Tutor for pastoral support.

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Unique Approaches:

• The program combines biological, social, and applied research methods to provide a holistic understanding of child development.
• It emphasizes critical reflection on existing knowledge and encourages students to engage with cutting-edge research.
• The program offers opportunities to network with world-class researchers and participate in research seminars.

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Careers:

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Potential Career Paths:

• Psychologist
• Counsellor
• Researcher
• Further education lecturer
• Positions in psychology, health, social work, education, and policy development.

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Career Support:

• Birkbeck offers a comprehensive Careers and Enterprise service to support students in their career journey.
• The service provides guidance on career planning, job applications, and interview skills.

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Other:

• The program is open to students with a second-class honours degree (2:2) or above in psychology, cognitive science, education, behavioural sciences, or a relevant discipline.
• Relevant professional experience in childhood and development may also be considered.
• Applications are reviewed on their individual merits, and professional qualifications and relevant work experience are taken into consideration.
• The program actively encourages applications from mature learners.
• Students with previous university studies may be eligible for credit transfer.

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Academic year 2024–25, starting October 2024 Part-time home students: £6,075 per year Full-time home students: £12,150 per year Part-time international students: £9,915 per year Full-time international students: £19,830 per year Academic year 2024–25, starting October 2024 Part-time home students: £6,270 per year Full-time home students: £12,540 per year Part-time international students: £10,575 per year Full-time international students: £21,150 per year