Department of Psychology
Child Development: Early Years Research and Practice
MSc and Postgraduate Diploma
The study of children’s development is central to our comprehension of human behaviour and cognition. Working with and doing research with children takes a particular and specialised set of skills. Measures that we make must take into account of the developmental level of the children involved if they are to be valid and accurate.
Programme Objectives
This programme provides research methods training primarily for Psychology graduates interested in pursuing a research career in developmental psychology including preparation for a PhD in the Child Development area. This MSc has a set of core modules in Psychological Research Methods along with modules with a particular focus on applied developmental psychology. Unlike the Psychological Research Methods course, this allows specialisation in child development in terms of the course-work that is carried out and overlap of interest across modules. Specifically the dissertation, literature critique and research placement will all be within the developmental area, whereas the PRM requires a spread of topics. This MSc will also be attractive to professionals working with children including teachers and social workers as part of continued professional development. It would also provide valuable training for graduates from allied disciplines like Education and Sociology wishing to pursue PhDs. The department has excellent contacts with a wide range of professional bodies allowing research placement and dissertation choices in schools, nurseries, special needs units, and child protection. We also have our own in-house playgroup facility which has an enrolment including groups of infants, toddlers and preschool children.
Entrance Requirements
Consideration is given to candidates with a first or second class single or joint Honours degree in Psychology (or closely allied discipline).
English Language Requirements
If English is not your first language, you must provide evidence of your proficiency such as a minimum IELTS score of 6.5 (minimum 6 in each skill) or TOEFL 577/233/90 (Paper/Computer/Internet)
Research and teaching rating
The Department has an outstanding record of success in both teaching and research. We have an international reputation for research and have achieved the highest rating "Excellent" for Teaching Quality. The Department also has full "1+3" and "+3" ESRC recognition status as an accredited training outlet.
Funding
Further information on possible sources of funding.
Modes of Study
Full time: two semesters for Diploma, 12 months for MSc
Part time: four semesters for the Diploma, 24 months for MSc
Programme Start Date
September
Enquiries to:
Linda Cullen
Postgraduate Secretary
Department of Psychololgy
University of Stirling
Stirling FK9 4LA
+44 (0)1786 467640
Email: lc32@stir.ac.uk
Structure and content
Psychological Research Methods I and II (PRMP01 and PRMP02)
• A series of seminars given by members of the Department based upon and illustrating their own areas of research expertise. In each seminar, or pair of related seminars, a researcher introduces a topic or problem area, and invites the group to consider methods of investigation and/or analysis of this topic. The session ends with the researcher presenting an account of how the topic or problem was tackled in his or her own research programmes.
Child Development: Early Years Research and Practice (PRMP21)
• A series of participatory seminars with Developmental Psychologists in which a range of developmental topics is covered. These include: attachment and disorders of attachment in infancy as well as the health psychology of infant feeding practices; children’s body perception and eating disorders; cross cultural differences in cognition; assessing language and communication development in the infancy and preschool years; social cognition development in preschool children; the social and cognitive characteristics of Autistc Spectrum Disorders; and the cognitive function of children with ADHD.
Advanced Quantitative Methods (HPSP03)
• This module concentrates on the philosphy of using statistics, together with practical advice concerning the use of statistical packages. Later sessions will introduce techniques for multivariate statistics. There is an emphasis on both underlying theory and on developing practical skills in the use of relevant statistical software (e.g. SPSS).
Key Skills for Psychology Researchers (PRMP04)
• This module consists of a combination of lectures, tutorials and seminars designed to provide training in a variety of academic skills, from giving good talks to designing effective posters. Sessions are provided by both the Department and by the Stirling Graduate Research School.
Research Dissertation Project (PRMP05)
• A research project conducted and reported to publishable standard in a 12,000 word (maximum word limit) dissertation in the style of an original research article. The project, supervised by a member of staff, represents a major part of the final MSc assessment.
Research Placement (PRMP08)
• Students spend four weeks working with an established research group (either within or external to the University), or another relevant organisation. The Research Placement offers the opportunity to develop skills and establish links with other departments, institutions or industries. The research placement should be in a professional context relating to children.
Qualitative Research Methods (HPSP03)
• This module provides a broad but solid grounding in qualitative methodology. There is an opportunity for students to explore different approaches and techniques, including qualitative data analysis. N.B. This course runs in the Spring Semester. If you plan to carry out fieldwork for your dissertation project, please see the course co-ordinator about alternative options as soon as possible (there may be an alternative qualitative methods course available in the Autumn).
