Psychology and Learning Disability

Program Overview

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Psychology and Learning Disability MSc

Overview

This Master’s course looks in detail at learning disability, neurodiversity, and autism from a psychological perspective. Studying contemporary practices, critical theories, and case studies, you’ll investigate how neurodivergent and learning disabled people can be best supported in healthcare, education, and workplace settings.

Eligibility

This course accepts UK, EU, and international students.

Course Highlights

• Join one of the few Master’s programmes to study learning disability, neurodiversity, and autism from a psychological perspective, as opposed to a nursing perspective
• Learn about the role that psychological methodologies and analytical techniques can have in the planning and delivery of learning support at an individual and organisational level
• Increase awareness and understanding in the sector and beyond, about the positive role of psychology and psychotherapy in the study of learning disability
• Complete an individual research project on a topic of your choice. Each year we present the Sue Buckley Award – named after our esteemed Emeritus Professor of Development Disability – for best project

Number 1 in the UK for Teaching

Our applied psychology courses are ranked first in the UK for teaching in the 2024 Postgraduate Taught Experience Survey (PTES)

Benefits of Distance Learning

• Work from anywhere, at your own pace, in your own time – with interactive online learning materials hosted on our virtual learning environment, Moodle, and available 24/7 on any device – find out how distance learning works
• Access to over 600,000 ebooks, 55,000 online journals, digital newspapers, and a postal loan service from our University Library – see all library support for distance learners
• Invitations to online forums where you can discuss your studies with other students and your lecturers
• Access to all student support services via email, phone, online chat, or video call

Key Information

Study Mode and Duration

• 2 years part-time

Start Date

• September 2025

Entry Requirements

Eligibility

This course accepts UK, EU, and international students.

September 2025 Start

UK Qualifications

• A good honours degree or equivalent in a relevant subject.
• Applicants with a professional qualification not at degree level may be accepted - each application is considered on an individual basis according to academic qualifications as well as professional qualifications and experience.

Non-UK Qualifications

If you're applying as an international student with a non-UK degree, you’ll need to show you meet the UK entry requirements listed above.

English Language Requirements

• English language proficiency at a minimum of IELTS band 6.5 with no component score below 5.5.

Course Costs and Funding

Tuition Fees (September 2025 Start)

UK, Channel Islands, and Isle of Man Students

• Year 1: £7,270
• Year 2: £3,630 (may be subject to annual increase)

EU Students

(including Transition Scholarship)

• Year 1: £7,270
• Year 2: £3,630 (may be subject to annual increase)

International Students

• Year 1: £7,270
• Year 2: £3,630 (may be subject to annual increase)
• University of Portsmouth graduates may receive a 20% alumni tuition fee discount.

Modules

Part-time

Year 1 Year 2

All modules on this MSc Psychology with Learning Disability course are core.

Critical Intellectual Disability Studies - 30 credits

In this module, you'll explore the perspectives behind Critical Disability Studies (CDS) and how society responds to them.

Critical Perspectives on Autism - 30 credits

Examine different theoretical perspectives on autism, the lived experiences of those with autism, and apply your knowledge to practical settings.

Neurodiversity Studies - 30 credits

Champion empowerment by exploring developmental and mental health conditions as fixed diagnoses and how these conditions are shaped by society.

Psychology and Learning Disability: Core Issues - 30 credits

Discover the key issues and perspectives in the psychology of learning disability through this module.

Psychology Project By Distance Learning - 45 credits

In this module, you'll strengthen your research skills by completing a research project.

Quantitative, Qualitative and Literature Based Research - 15 credits

This module provides the foundations for carrying out research projects using quantitative methods, qualitative methods, and literature-based methods.

How You'll Spend Your Time

We recognise that you'll probably be juggling more demands when you do your Master's degree, as you may be working or you may have family responsibilities.

Course Structure

One of the big benefits of being a part-time student and a distance learner, is that you can be flexible with your studies. You'll get the most from the course by attending as many live, online sessions as you can, but all the sessions are captured and uploaded to your virtual learning environment for you to view in your own time.

Career Development

Careers This Master’s Prepares You For

If you’re working in education or learning support, or if you’re already specialising in learning disability or developmental needs, this course will help you develop personally and professionally, introducing new ways to design and deliver services to individuals with developmental disability.

Career Planning

During your course, you'll have expert career support from your tutors and our Careers and Employability Centre – which you can access for up to 5 years after you graduate.

Supporting You

Master's study is more focused on independent learning than undergraduate study, but you'll get lots of support via video and phone from teaching and support staff to enhance your learning experience and help you succeed. You can build your personalised network of support from the following people and services:

Types of Support

Personal Tutor

Your personal tutor helps you make the transition to postgraduate study and gives you academic and personal support throughout your Master's.

Learning Support Tutors

You'll have help from a team of faculty learning support tutors. They can help you improve and develop your academic skills and support you in any area of your study.

Academic Skills Support

During term time, Faculty Academic Skills Tutors (AST) are available for bookable 1-to-1 sessions, small group sessions, and online sessions. These sessions are tailored to your needs.

Wellbeing and Mental Health Support

Our online Learning Well mini-course will help you plan for managing the challenges of learning and student life, so you can fulfil your potential and have a great student experience.

Disability Advice and Additional Support

If you require extra support because of a disability or additional learning need, our specialist team can help you.

Library Support

Library staff are available in person or by email, phone, or online chat to help you make the most of the University’s library resources. You can also request one-to-one appointments and get support from the faculty librarian for science.