Developmental Psychology (research) (MSc)
The Developmental Psychology specialisation of the Research Master’s in Psychology offers a strong theoretical background to provide the varied knowledge-base needed for a thorough understanding of emotional and cognitive development across childhood and adolescence.
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Chiara Migliore
How would I describe your fellow students?
'When I started this master’s track, there were about ten people in the developmental psychology track. I believe this generated the ideal conditions to...
... build stronger connections. Throughout the programme, we spent a lot of time together, not only in lectures, workgroups and study sessions, but also to have fun and enjoy each other’s company.'
Javier Lafuente Fernandez
How would I convince someone who is unsure whether this master's specialisation is the right fit for them?
'I think that the developmental psychology track is a great option because it lets you focus on a lot of different...
... age groups and populations, where, honestly, the options are endless. As well, you will have classes with some of the leading researchers in the field, who are not only extremely qualified but also some of the nicest teachers I have encountered throughout my higher education career.' In the Developmental Psychology track, you will not only focus on behavioural aspects, but also on a lot of insight into how to include neuroscience and psychophysiology in your research toolbox.'
What does this master's programme entail?
The major aim of the programme is to understand the various neural, cognitive and behavioural changes that occur during development. The programme combines fundamental research using experimental behavioural, brain and longitudinal approaches to applied research which connects basic developmental research to domains of educational and clinical assessments and interventions.
Emotion, cognition, and their interaction, are manifested at various behavioural levels and in different brain systems. Hence, multi-method approaches are used to address the complex and dynamic interplay between emotion, cognition and the developing brain. Students will gain hands-on experience with various assessment procedures: self-report, behavioural observation, experimental manipulations, psychophysiological assessment (skin conductance, heart rate, cortisol, etc.), EEG, and fMRI.
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- A Research Master's degree will give you a great perspective on a future in research within the public or private sector.
- A Research Master's degree is the perfect way to preare for a PhD programme.
- Because only the most talented and motivated students will be admitted to the Research Master's track, you will be guaranteed to be challenged during your studies.
- Students who wish to pursue a career as scientist-practitioner / clinician may combine the research master with specific parts of the professional one-year master’s programmes in Child & Adolescent Psychology or in School Psychology to qualify for post-master psychotherapy training programmes.
Developmental Psychology: the right programme for you?
Are you interested in emotional and cognitive development during childhood and adolescence, including normal development and the development of psychopathology? Do you want to know how intelligent behaviour emerges over the course of early childhood and adolescence? How cognition and emotion interact and affect behaviour across development? How autism or deafness affects emotional development? How the brain develops to shape our mind, thoughts and behaviour? If you want answers to these questions, Developmental Psychology might just be the master's specialisation for you!
Do you want to pursue a PhD? This track is the ideal start for a PhD programme in Developmental Psychology.