Developmental Science and NeurodiversityMSc

Change and diversity are essential characteristics of the cognition, behaviour, and brains of children, adolescents, and adults. This MSc takes neurodiversity as a framework for understanding development across the whole human lifespan and how development varies between people. Embark on a unique opportunity to gain advanced training in how to characterise diversity and development, and how to study them with the latest research designs and statistical methods.

Course structure

Receive advanced training in understanding and analysing diversity and development using the latest research designs and statistical methods. This course provides a valuable framework for comprehending the factors that impact brain and behaviour across the entire population and lifespan. This includes understanding conditions like autism and ADHD as part of this variation, and recognising the necessity to acknowledge, appreciate, comprehend, and accommodate this diversity. You will have the chance to engage with a diverse group of researchers from the University of Birmingham's Centre for Developmental Science, professionals, and individuals with personal experience of neurodiversity. The option to select modules allows for combining an interest in development and diversity with advanced training in data analysis, neuroscience methods, and mental health.

• The course is highly distinctive - Take neurodiversity as the central framework for understanding development and diversity.
• Create your own pathway - Combine optional modules.
• Address challenging questions - Review the perspective that neurodiversity offers on understanding differences between various areas of life.

• Lectures and seminars - delivered by experts in the field
• Journal clubs - discuss important topics with your peers
• Workshops - support your development in specific topics and skillsets

The modules listed for this programme are regularly reviewed to ensure they are up-to-date and informed by the latest research and teaching methods.

Any optional module information listed for this programme is intended to be indicative, and the availability of optional modules may vary from year to year. Where a module is no longer available, we will let you know as soon as we can and help you to make other choices.

The course comprises of a series of taught core and optional modules. The core modules are designed to promote development of skills in experimental design, analysis, and scientific writing. Please note that the exact content and assessment in the modules may vary.

• Taught modules (20 credits each)– these include lectures, seminars, journal clubs and workshops.
• Research-based modules (20 credits each) – working on your own and/or in groups, you’ll enjoy regular supervision and directed research work.
• Assessments - these will include essays and reports, along with peer assessments, plus oral and poster presentations.

The following must be taken:

Students must select 40 credits from the following list:

Applicants who do not meet our requirement for a 2:1 in their final-year research project, but who have gained significant research experience in a relevant research setting will be considered on a case-by-case basis. A personal statement template is available to help you ensure your personal statement meets our requirements. Failure to include the requested information in the personal statement will result in delays to processing the decision on your application.

We charge an annual tuition fee. Fees for 2025 entry are above.

The fees quoted are for one year only. For those studying courses that are longer than one year, tuition fees will also be payable in subsequent years of your programme.

Paying your tuition fees

Tuition fees can either be paid in full or by instalments. You can check whether you are eligible for UK or international fees with our admissions team.

Learn more about postgraduate tuition fees and funding.

Postgraduate Masters Loan

To help with the cost of studies, this loan is available to all UK students. You can use this loan towards fees, maintenance or other costs at your own discretion. It’s available for all full-time, part-time and distance learning Masters programmes, as long as you don’t already have a Masters qualification (or equivalent).If you’re a student from Wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland, you can apply for Masters loans from your country’s government.

Scholarships

To help you afford your studies, we’ve put more than £33 million into student support and scholarships. We also offer a range of advice on searching for funding and managing your finances.

Birmingham Masters Scholarships

We want to welcome the brightest talent to our postgraduate community. That’s why our Birmingham Masters Scholarships award £3,000 to more than 300 students each year.

Select whether you are a UK student or an international student for relevant application deadlines.

We have put together some helpful information on the taught programme application process and supporting documents. Please read this information carefully before completing your application.

Careers Network

Get ready for tomorrow, with advice, guidance and opportunities at every step of your studies. From developing new skills to preparing for a PhD, our Careers Network can help you gain an advantage in the job market or advance in your field.

Whatever you plan to do after your degree, the Careers Network offers a range of events and support services including networking opportunities, career coaching, one-to-one guidance, careers fairs and links with leading graduate recruiters. We also offer subject-specific careers consultants and a dedicated careers website for international students.

Our bustling campus with its beautiful grounds, friendly community and excellent facilities will quickly make you feel at home. We offer you a huge variety of accommodation options in the UK’s second city, exciting activities to get involved in outside your studies, as well as all the support and advice you need.