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 was rated grade 5A in the most recent Research Assessment Exercise and as Excellent in teaching.
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
Programme Directors:
Dr. Gwyneth Doherty-Sneddon
Dr. Christine Caldwell
Programme Contact:
Dr. Gwyneth Doherty-Snedon
Programme Director
Tel: +44 (0) 1786 467653
Email: gds1@stir.ac.uk
Programme Secretary:
Linda Cullen
Postgraduate Secretary
+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 practise (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.
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.
Advanced Statistical Methods (PRMP03)
• The classes will concentrate on the philosophy of using statistics, together with practical advice concerning the use of statistical packages. Later sessions will introduce techniques for multivariate statistics and structural equation modelling. There is an emphasis on practical tasks, often making use of specialist computer packages.
Qualitative Data Analysis (ASRP15)
• This module is delivered by the Department of Applied Social Science. The module aims to provide a broad but solid grounding in qualitative research methodology. There is an opportunity to explore different approaches and techniques, including qualitative data analysis.
Research Placement (PRMP08)
• Students spend four weeks working with an established research group, often outside Stirling University. The Research Placement offers the opportunity to establish links with other departments, institutions or industries. The research placement should be in a professional context relating to children.
Research Dissertation Project (PRMP05)
• A research project conducted and reported to publishable standard in a 15,000 word dissertation. The project is supervised by an individual member of staff and will be on a topic within developmental psycholology. It represents a major part of the final MSc assessment.
