Psychology | Developmental Psychology

The master’s specialisation in Developmental Psychology will help you understand how certain behaviours and cognitive functions relate to a person’s psychological and biological constitution and the development of the brain. The cognitive-biological orientation of this programme is unique in Europe. You’ll study the most recent developmental theories and research findings. And you’ll learn to apply various diagnostic and research tools in the clinical field and developmental research.

The programme consists of three theoretical courses (6 ECTS each) and two practical courses (2 ECTS each):

• Theoretical course 1: Development of Perception, Attention and Action
• Theoretical course 2: Development of Higher-Order Cognition 
• Theoretical course 3: Social emotional development 
• Practical course 1: Bridging Research and Practice in Developmental Psychology 
• Practical course 2: Neuropsychological testing in development 

In addition to the theoretical modules and practicals in periods 1 to 3, two additional courses run in parallel throughout this part of the programme: 1) Professional Skills & Mentoring and 2) Academic Skills & Research Proposal. These courses complement the core curriculum by focusing on students’ professional development, mentoring, academic and research skills, and preparation for their research project and master’s thesis.

The themes of the Developmental Psychology specialisation are closely linked to research of our staff. They include, for example: 

• typical and atypical (ADHD, autism) development of executive control, attention, memory, language and number processing
• cognitive training in typical and atypical development
• life-span social-emotional development in healthy people and in autism

This close link between education and research offers you many opportunities to participate in ongoing research. You will also have access to various instruments to measure behaviour (observational environments, questionnaires and neuropsychological tests) as well as brain imaging techniques (EEG/ERP). This provides you with the opportunity to develop both clinically and scientifically relevant skills. The group has access to excellent lab facilities (eye movement equipment, EEG, fMRI) and mobile EEG equipment for measurements at schools and other organisations.

During the master's programme, you will complete a Master's Thesis Research Project, giving you the opportunity to develop your own research question and gain hands-on experience in conducting research.

The project can take two forms:

Research Project and Field Project

When you choose this form, you work in a team of 4–6 students on a Research Project, while each student develops and answers their own research question. Depending on the project, this may involve collecting and analysing data, conducting a systematic literature review, working with an existing dataset, or developing a computational model. You will also complete an individual mster's thesis and oral inquiry based on your own research. The research project is combined with a Field Project, where you work on a practical challenge provided by an external stakeholder. You translate the challenge into a concrete assignment, use scientific knowledge and relevant data, and develop an evidence-based recommendation. 

Advanced Research Project

The Advanced Research Project offers a more intensive research experience. You work in a team of up to 3 students, with each student developing their own research question in close collaboration with an academic staff member. You will carry out the full empirical research cycle: from formulating the research question and designing the study to collecting original data, analysing and interpreting the results, and reporting of your research in your thesis. Your master's thesis is expected to reach a publishable standard. You will also complete an individual oral inquiry alongside your master's thesis.

Both formats provide you with valuable experience in designing, conducting and communicating research, while allowing you to develop your own academic interests.

Thesis topics

Students have covered the following topics:

• Autism and prenatal testosterone levels, University of Cambridge
• Comparing physical cognition in Great Apes, Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology, Leipzig
• Social cognition change in 12 to 21 year olds, Kings College London                         
• The influence of negative emotions on day dreaming in children, Maastricht University
• Executive functions and creativity in children, University of Edinburgh