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Developmental Science and Neurodiversity

MA, MSc

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Key information

Key information for 2026-27

Start date:
September 2026
Study route:

  • One year full-time, on campus

  • Two years part-time, on campus

Status:
Fully approved
Location:
Birkbeck Campus, Central London
Awarding body:
University of London
Study options:
Full-time | Part-time | On campus

Course overview

This MA or MSc Developmental Science and Neurodiversity offers you an exciting journey into understanding how humans grow and thrive. You will have the chance to explore the amazing ways that both our biology and the world around us shape who we become, and how this knowledge can be used to improve children’s lives. You will also dive into the diverse experiences of children, including those who think and learn differently, and uncover the latest discoveries that are changing the way we support all kinds of human development.

  • Why choose this course?
    • Whether you are passionate about unlocking the secrets of a child's mind or eager to make a real difference in the lives of neurodivergent individuals, this course offers you a vibrant and dynamic environment to fuel your curiosity and drive.
    • Our course modules cover everything you need to know about how humans develop, including genetics, neurodiversity and brain science. 
    • The course is closely linked to Birkbeck’s Centre for Cognitive and Developmental Neuroscience (CBCD). This world-class research centre, with its Babylab and the first-ever ToddlerLab, offers you a welcoming and inspiring place to work on your dissertation.
    • This course is ideal if you are a graduate of psychology or a related discipline and are seeking to deepen your understanding of cutting-edge contemporary research, or if you are an established practitioner or policymaker wishing to update and expand your training and knowledge. 

  • What will I learn?

    This master’s course is about helping you think critically. You will learn from leading experts about how we think, how our brains work, neurodiversity, and research happening all over the world. 

    After completing the course, you could go on to a PhD, work in education, advance in a career supporting special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), or help shape policies and child development projects globally.

    Depending on your interests or career aspirations, you can choose to gain either an MA or an MSc. For the MA you will undertake a dissertation that explores and critically evaluates existing research in developmental science and neurodiversity, allowing you to develop a deeper understanding of the field. To gain an MSc award, you will undertake a dissertation project in which you will get the chance to create, carry out and analyse your own unique research within the CBCD or our School of Psychological Sciences.

  • How will I learn?

    This developmental science and neurodiversity course is available to study full- or part-time, with classes held during the daytime and evening. You will learn through engaging lectures and interactive seminars led by researchers from all over the globe.

  • How often will I attend classes?

    Full-time: Two days a week, during the daytime and evening, September to July.

    Part-time: One to two days a week, with classes in the daytime and evening, September to July.

  • Course disclaimer

    Birkbeck makes all reasonable efforts to deliver educational services, modules and programmes of study as described on our website. In the event that there are material changes to our offering (for example, due to matters beyond our control), we will update applicant and student facing information as quickly as possible and offer alternatives to applicants, offer-holders and current students.

    Most of our courses are taught in the evenings, however some of our courses offer a daytime timetable. Where there is an option to attend daytime teaching sessions, this is stated in the How will I learn? section.

More highlights

  • As a student at the Centre for Brain and Cognitive Development (CBCD), you will be able to attend weekly research talks, lab meetings and workshops. You will also have opportunities to join research seminars and connect with world-class researchers, both at Birkbeck and other leading research centres in the Bloomsbury area and internationally.
  • Our course brings together Birkbeck’s expertise in brain science, biology, social studies and practical research methods to give you a well-rounded understanding of child development, with a special focus on neurodiversity.
  • This is only one of a few courses worldwide which covers a wide range of interdisciplinary perspectives, including child development, behaviour, neuroscience, computer science and social sciences. You will also be exposed to diverse recording methods, such as fMRI, EEG, physiology (EMG, heart rate), eye tracking, motion tracking, virtual reality and video. 
  • In the 2023 National Student Survey, Birkbeck's School of Psychological Sciences ranked 5th in the UK for teaching.
  • We are consistently regarded as one of the top institutions teaching psychological sciences in the UK. In the 2021 Research Excellence Framework, and for the third time, we were ranked in the top ten universities in the UK.
  • ESRC funding may be available in conjunction with PhD study.

Modules and Teaching

School of Psychological Sciences

One of the oldest academic schools of psychology in the UK, and a world-leading centre of innovative psychological research and training.

Visit the school

Entry requirements

A second-class honours degree (2:2) or above in psychology, cognitive science, education, behavioural sciences or relevant discipline.

Relevant professional experience of childhood and development may also be considered.

We welcome applicants without traditional entry qualifications as we base decisions on our own assessment of qualifications, knowledge and previous work experience. We may waive formal entry requirements based on judgement of academic potential.

On your application form, please list all your relevant qualifications and experience, including those you expect to achieve.

Apply now to secure your place. The earlier you apply, the sooner your application can be considered, and you can enrol. You do not need to have completed your current qualification to start your application.

  • What are the English language requirements?

    If English is not your first language or you have not previously studied in English, our usual requirement is the equivalent of an International English Language Testing System (IELTS Academic Test) score of 6.5, with not less than 6.0 in each of the sub-tests. We also accept other English language tests.

    If you don't meet the minimum English language requirements, please contact us or see our international study skills page for more details about how we can help.

    Visit the International section of our website to find out more about our English language entry requirements and relevant requirements by country.

  • What are the visa and funding requirements?

    If you are not from the UK and you do not already have residency here, you may need to apply for a visa.

    The visa you apply for varies according to the length of your course:

    • Courses of more than six months' duration: Student visa
    • Courses of less than six months' duration: Standard Visitor visa

    International students who require a Student visa should apply to study on our courses full-time as these qualify for Student visa sponsorship. If you are living in the UK on a Student visa, you will not be eligible to enrol to study part-time courses at Birkbeck (with the exception of some modules).

    As a Student visa student, you should also apply to study on campus only, as online and flexible options of study (if they are available for your course) may affect the conditions of your visa.

    For full information, read our visa information for international students page.

    Please also visit the international section of our website to find out more about relevant visa and funding requirements by country.

    Please note students receiving US Federal Aid are only able to apply for in-person, on-campus programmes which will have no elements of online study.

  • Credits and accredited prior learning (APL)

    If you have studied at university (or have an HND or Foundation Degree), you may have accumulated credits. It may be possible to transfer these from your previous study to Birkbeck or another institution.

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Fees

MA: One year full-time or two years part-time, on campus, starting in September 2026

Academic year 2026-27

Part-time home students: £6,375 per year
Full-time home students: £12,750 per year
Part-time international students: £10,425 per year
Full-time international students: £20,850 per year

MSc: One year full-time or two years part-time, on campus, starting in September 2026

Academic year 2026-27

Part-time home students: £6,555 per year
Full-time home students: £13,110 per year
Part-time international students: £11,115 per year
Full-time international students: £22,230 per year

Students are charged a tuition fee in each year of their course. Tuition fees for students continuing their course may be subject to annual inflationary increases. For more information, please see the Fees Policy.

Discover the financial support available to you to help with your studies at Birkbeck.

Birkbeck's campus is located in the historic and vibrant Bloomsbury area of central London - named one of the best places to live in London 2025 by The Times.

Careers and employability

Graduates can pursue career paths in psychology, health or social work, education and policy development. Possible professions may include:

  • psychologist
  • counsellor
  • researcher
  • further education lecturer
  • working with neurodiverse populations.

Some of our graduates from this course have gone on to progress their studies further at PhD level. They have also found employment in:

  • primary and secondary schools
  • NHS
  • charities focused on improving child development.

We offer a comprehensive careers service - Careers and Enterprise - your career partner during your time at Birkbeck and beyond. At every stage of your career journey, we empower you to take ownership of your future, helping you to make the connection between your experience, education and future ambitions.

Student support

Birkbeck offers study, learning and wellbeing support to undergraduate and postgraduate students to help them succeed.

Our Learning Development Service provides a lively programme of free weekly workshops building essential academic skills - from writing and critical thinking to maths and referencing - offering flexible sessions, practical tips, and online resources to boost your skills and confidence.

Our Disability and Mental Health Service can support you if you have disabilities, specific learning differences, mental health conditions or neurodivergence, by providing practical support to help you achieve your academic potential.

Our Counselling Service aims to support you with any emotional and psychological difficulties that are affecting your experience and engagement with your studies at university. It is a free, non-judgemental and confidential service which consists of a consultation process followed by time limited counselling contact.

Find out more about the full range of student services we offer at Birkbeck.

How to apply

You apply directly to Birkbeck for this course, using the online application link.

You will need to prove your identity when you apply. Find out more about how to apply.

  • When should I apply?

    You are strongly advised to apply now, to ensure there are still places left, and to give you enough time to complete the admissions process, to arrange funding and to enrol.

    You don't need to complete your current programme of study before you apply - Birkbeck can offer you a place that is conditional on your results.

Related courses

Study routes for Developmental Science and Neurodiversity (MA, MSc)

Please select a study route below to continue your application.

Please note that international students who require a Student visa to study in the UK can only apply for full-time, on campus routes.

Starting in September 2026

Full-time

Part-time