Course overview
This course combines psychological theory and application to the study of cognitive functioning, its development through childhood and ageing, and the cognitive deficits encountered across the lifespan.
While studying with us, you'll draw on theory from multiple perspectives including cognitive, biological, clinical, health, educational, and social psychology, along with neuropsychology, neuroscience, and gerontology.
This course will:
- Improve your understanding of neuropsychological disorders and cognitive development.
- Demonstrate how this understanding informs the development and application of new real-world techniques for improving the assessment of cognitive functioning.
- Develop your understanding of the diagnosis of cognitive deficits, delivery of support and intervention, training in education, gerontology and clinical implications.
- Provide an advanced understanding of quantitative and qualitative research methods.
On this course you'll be taught and supervised by subject experts at the forefront of current research, actively publishing in their areas of expertise. This gives you the opportunity to learn from experts who collaborate across the NHS, industry, and charities to improve educational, developmental, clinical, and health outcomes.
We offer high-quality, research-led teaching and you’ll be actively encouraged to engage in ongoing research. Much of this research is collaborative with government departments, research councils, the NHS and industry.
We offer a lively learning environment with modern facilities for teaching and research, which aims to produce graduates equipped with current knowledge and the ability to apply this knowledge to different populations.
We have over 70 members of academic, research and support staff. The School is renowned for high quality research, much of it in collaboration with government departments, research councils, the NHS and industry.
The School of Psychology has excellent facilities to support your learning and allow you to participate and conduct novel research. We have dedicated computer laboratories, EEG and fNIRS equipment for measuring the brain's electrical activity, the human appetite research unit with its state-of-the-art facilities and exceptionally well-resourced libraries, giving you access to contemporary research outputs within the discipline.
In addition to this there is a wide range of other specialised equipment to support research and teaching. We offer a lively learning environment with modern facilities for teaching and research and a comfortable student lounge. The School of Psychology’s size and range of activities combine to provide a varied and exciting environment in which to study and work.
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Course details and modules
The course offers a unique combination of advanced training in research methods and systematic reviewing.
Modules are designed to explore research-led applied perspectives in neuropsychology, development, and ageing.
While studying your masters you’ll also have the opportunity to carry out a substantial research project, closely supervised by experts in the field. This project will not only develop your research skills to an advanced level, but also allow you to focus on your own area of interest.
Course structure
The list shown below represents typical modules/components studied and may change from time to time. Read more in our terms and conditions.
Year 1 compulsory modules
| Module Name | Credits |
|---|---|
| Advanced Research Issues in Psychology | 15 |
| MSc Research Project | 60 |
| Current Themes in Neuropsychology and Neuroscience | 15 |
| Neurotypical and Diverse Development | 15 |
| Systematic Review | 30 |
| The Psychology of Ageing and Dementia | 15 |
| Advanced Research Methods | 30 |
Learning and teaching
The course incorporates a range of teaching methods including workshops, presentations, problem solving approaches and small group discussions alongside traditional lecture and seminar formats.
We expect our students to spend the remainder of their study time in independent learning, guided by reading lists and assessments.
As part of ongoing developments within the course we are increasing the level of co-creation within our modules, allowing you to focus on aspects of particular interest supported by our academics. The School offers many opportunities for you to engage with contemporary neuropsychology and cognitive sciences, including attending seminars by guest speakers and by volunteering for short-term research posts.
There are a number of volunteering opportunities to get involved in with such as our Peer Mentoring Scheme, PsychU (widening access for schools). Other examples incude our School magazine 'Psynapse', course representation and the Leeds University Union Psychology Society. All these volunteering activities are HEAR (Higher Education Achievement Record) recognised, meaning that a certificate is issued at graduation. Find out more about our societies.
Language and literacy support for international students
We provide weekly Academic Language and Literacy sessions for all our international students. We can also provide 1-2-1 consultations with our Language Centre for more tailored support, where needed. These sessions have been very well received by our current students.
On this course, you’ll be taught by our expert academics, from lecturers through to professors. You may also be taught by industry professionals with years of experience, as well as trained postgraduate researchers, connecting you to some of the brightest minds on campus.
Assessment
You’ll be assessed through innovative forms of assessment such as group work, short reports, individual and group presentations, research and clinical protocols, case studies, systematic reviews and research projects alongside exams and essays to develop your skills, with increasing emphasis on authentic, flexible and co-created assessments as we develop our course in line with the University of Leeds’s new student education strategy.
This range of assessments is designed to assess your understanding and application of psychology. You'll also develop your essential workplace skills, engage with central aspects of the discipline to analyse and synthesise contemporary research-based knowledge, presenting it in a coherent manner in a variety of formats. Using this range of assessment methods allows us to use tasks that are suitable for the learning outcomes of specific modules, and to keep you enthused and excited by the approaches employed.
Applying
Entry requirements
A bachelor degree with a 2:1 (hons) in psychology or a discipline containing a substantial amount of psychology and research methods training. In addition, successful applicants will normally have at least a UK upper second class grade or equivalent in research methods-related modules taken as part of their undergraduate degree.
English language requirements
IELTS 6.5 overall, with no less than 6.0 in any component. For other English qualifications, read English language equivalent qualifications.
Improve your English
International students who do not meet the English language requirements for this programme may be able to study our postgraduate pre-sessional English course, to help improve your English language level.
This pre-sessional course is designed with a progression route to your degree programme and you’ll learn academic English in the context of your subject area. To find out more, read Language for Science (6 weeks) and Language for Science: General Science (10 weeks).
We also offer online pre-sessionals alongside our on-campus pre-sessionals. Find out more about our six week online pre-sessional and our 10 week online pre-sessional.
You can also study pre-sessionals for longer periods – read about our postgraduate pre-sessional English courses.
How to apply
The ‘Apply’ link at the top of this page will take you to information on applying for taught programmes and to the University's online application system.
If you're unsure about the application process, contact the admissions team for help.
Application deadline
International applications - 31st July 2027.
The MSc in Cognitive Development and Disorders is a very popular programme. We strongly encourage you to apply as soon as possible to have the best chance of securing an offer.
Read about visas, immigration and other information in International students. We recommend that international students apply as early as possible to ensure that they have time to apply for their visa.
Please see our How to Apply page for information about application deadlines.
Admissions policy
University of Leeds Admissions Policy 2026
This course is taught by
Contact us
School of Psychology Taught Postgraduate Admissions Team
Email: psyc-admissions@leeds.ac.uk
Fees
UK: £14,700 (Total)
International: £33,900 (Total)
Read more about paying fees and charges.
For fees information for international taught postgraduate students, read Masters fees.
Additional cost information
There may be additional costs related to your course or programme of study, or related to being a student at the University of Leeds. Read more on our living costs and budgeting page.
Scholarships and financial support
If you have the talent and drive, we want you to be able to study with us, whatever your financial circumstances. There may be help for students in the form of loans and non-repayable grants from the University and from the government. Learn more about Masters funding.
Scholarships are also available to help fund your Masters. Find out more and check your eligibility below:
International support
International students may be eligible to apply for our Psychology International Excellence Scholarship, which supports international students to fulfil their academic potential, and contribute to the social and cultural diversity of our student community.
Career opportunities
This course was designed to be versatile and opens up a range of career paths for our graduates.
It is highly suitable for students wishing to pursue a research-oriented path, as the MSc course forms a sound basis for further PhD study.
The wide coverage of cognition and its development in healthy and clinical groups supports paths into careers including clinical and educational psychology.
Top 10 most targeted for 10+ years
by the UK’s leading employers
Careers support
The School of Psychology organises several careers events throughout your time at Leeds. You’ll also have a personal tutor, who can offer support and guidance about careers, as well as having access to a wide range of psychology specific careers events held in the School.
At Leeds, we help you to prepare for your future from day one.
Our Careers Service has the global expertise and sector-spanning industry partnerships that, combined, go wel beyond simply helping you get a job. They provide you with the resources you need to upskill and achieve the future you aspire towards – even in the face of lightning-paced change.
Dedicated Employability Team – meet with our qualified careers consultants and specialist employability and placements officers, on hand to help you choose the right path and develop the skills to get there. They can support with CV and cover letter writing, LinkedIn profile building, mock interviews and navigating AI: get confident with tailored advice and techniques.
Employability and networking events – get involved in a full range of events, including careers fairs and specialist industry talks with employers who are actively recruiting. You’ll also benefit from mentoring and a supportive careers community, helping you make connections, build your network, and shape your journey as a future professional.
Skills training – we embed transferable skills training in all our programmes to support your transition to the workplace. Gain expertise employers value, such as communication, problem-solving and research and data analysis.
MyCareer system – access a dedicated portal where you can book careers appointments, view helpful resources and browse vacancies and events. Access digital tools, including LinkedIn support, video interview preparation, plus global job market and visa guidance. We also offer pre‑arrival support to help you prepare for career planning in the UK and make the most of your time with us.
Exclusive opportunities – bring your enterprise to market with our award-winning business advice service, Spark. Apply for vacancies only available to our students. And hone your skills further with Leeds University Union, home to volunteering opportunities and over 300 clubs and societies.