Bournemouth University

What you'll study

This programme focuses on cognitive, behavioural and neural development and their assessment in children and adolescents. Teaching combines research-led lectures, practical workshops, case-based learning and supervised clinical practice. Core topic areas include:

• Foundations of developmental neuropsychology – brain development, neurobiological mechanisms, and theoretical models of cognitive and social development.
• Neuropsychological assessment – standardised cognitive testing, behavioural rating scales, interpretation of profiles, psychometric issues and report writing.
• Neurodevelopmental disorders and differential diagnosis – autism spectrum conditions, ADHD, intellectual disability, specific learning difficulties, acquired brain injury in childhood and communication disorders.
• Intervention and rehabilitation – evidence-based therapeutic approaches, cognitive rehabilitation, educational adaptations and family-centred practice.
• Research methods and statistics – quantitative and qualitative approaches, experimental design, longitudinal methods and preparing for independent research.
• Neuroimaging and cognitive neuroscience techniques – an introduction to structural and functional imaging, EEG/ERP and how these methods inform clinical formulation (taught at an introductory level appropriate for clinical practice).
• Clinical practicum and professional skills – supervised placement experience in clinical or educational settings, ethical and legal issues, multidisciplinary working and professional communication.

The programme culminates in a substantial research dissertation or a clinically focused project that applies research methods to a practical question in developmental neuropsychology.

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally expected to hold an undergraduate honours degree in psychology that confers eligibility for Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (GBC) of the British Psychological Society, or an overseas equivalent. A 2:1 honours degree is typically preferred, though candidates with a strong 2:2 and relevant clinical or research experience may be considered.

Relevant professional or voluntary experience with children, young people or neurodevelopmental populations is highly desirable. Applicants whose first language is not English will need to meet the university's English language requirements. Shortlisted applicants may be invited to an interview or to provide a sample of written work.

Career prospects

Graduates use the MSc as preparation for a range of clinical, educational and research roles. Typical career paths include:

• Research assistant or coordinator roles in developmental cognitive neuroscience and clinical research programmes.
• Clinical support roles within NHS services, paediatric neuropsychology teams, child and adolescent mental health services (CAMHS) and community neurodisability services.
• Educational psychology support, specialist teaching and advisory roles in schools and local authorities.
• Progression to doctoral-level clinical training (for those aiming to become chartered clinical or neuropsychologists) or to PhD study focused on developmental neuropsychology.
• Work with charities, advocacy organisations and private practice providing assessment, formulation and intervention planning for children and families.

The course develops transferable skills in assessment, report writing, research design, data analysis and multidisciplinary working valued across health, education and third-sector employers.

Why study at Bournemouth University

Bournemouth University provides an applied learning environment with strong links to local NHS services, schools and third-sector partners, enabling clinical placement opportunities and real-world case experience. Teaching is delivered by staff active in developmental and clinical research, so sessions are informed by contemporary empirical findings and practical clinical challenges.

Facilities supporting the programme include dedicated research laboratories and teaching spaces for assessment practice, access to specialist software for cognitive testing and data analysis, and structured support for dissertation research. The programme emphasises small-group teaching, close supervision during placements and preparation for professional communication with families and multidisciplinary teams.

Overall, the MSc offers a balanced pathway for graduates wanting both the clinical competence and research literacy needed to work with children and young people who have neurodevelopmental conditions, and to progress to further professional or academic training.