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University of Nottingham Malaysia

Course overview

The Master of Science in Developmental Disorders at the University of Nottingham Malaysia (UNM) is a specialised programme designed to provide advanced knowledge and practical expertise in understanding and addressing developmental disorders. Ranked 62nd globally for Psychology (QS World University Rankings by Subject 2024), UNM is celebrated for its groundbreaking research and excellence in teaching, combining theoretical foundations with hands-on experience in psychological assessment, diagnosis, and intervention strategies.

Students will gain in-depth insights into neurodevelopmental and behavioural disorders, alongside training in advanced research methods and practical skills for real-world applications. The programme covers critical topics, including the principles of assessment, therapeutic techniques, and educational interventions, preparing graduates to work effectively in clinical, educational, or research settings.

With a strong emphasis on research-led teaching, this MSc equips graduates with the analytical and problem-solving skills needed for careers in clinical psychology, educational psychology, or as research scientists.

 

Why Choose This Course?

  • Global Standards: Study a programme aligned with international benchmarks, providing a solid foundation for doctoral studies or global career opportunities.
  • Comprehensive Knowledge: Explore advanced topics on developmental disorders, focusing on their psychological, behavioural, and neurodevelopmental aspects under the guidance of experienced academics and clinical practitioners.
  • Hands-On Learning: Develop practical skills in assessment techniques, diagnostic processes, and therapeutic interventions to address real-world challenges in developmental disorders.
  • Innovative Research Opportunities: Learn cutting-edge research methods and tools, such as psychological assessments, enabling you to contribute to groundbreaking studies and advancements in the field.
  • Career-Focused Training: Prepare for diverse careers in clinical and educational psychology, research, or specialised roles in the healthcare and education sectors.

Course content

The course consists of 3 semesters (full-time). The autumn and spring semester include taught modules, and the research project will be done in the summer. Part-time students will complete half of the taught modules in the first year and the other half in the second year, and they will conduct their research project in the summer term of the second year. Teaching methods include workshops, lectures, seminars and research supervision, while assessment includes essays, research reports, literature reviews, case studies and presentations.

  • Neurodevelopmental Disorders ​
  • Childhood Clinical and Behavioural Disorders​
  • Developmental Disorders in Context
  • Psychological Assessment​
  • Advanced Methods in Psychology​
  • Professional Skills​
  • Research project

Entry requirements

All candidates are considered on an individual basis and we accept a broad range of qualifications. The entrance requirements below apply to 2025 entry.

An upper second-class honours degree (2:1) or international equivalent in Psychology or a related discipline. Some prior experience with quantitative research methods and/or statistics will usually be required.

Applicants with a second-class honours degree (2:2) or international equivalent will be considered on a case-by-case basis, depending on their profile of performance or work experience. Non-UK qualifications will be assessed against this standard.

Applicants must hold a degree from a recognised university. We welcome students from all academic backgrounds and consider a wide range of qualifications. For certain programmes, prior qualifications must be in related fields. As part of the admissions process, applicants may be invited to attend an interview if further evaluation is deemed necessary.

Eligibility can only be confirmed upon submission of a complete application.

IELTS (Academic):

6.5 (with no less than 6.0 in each element)

TOEFL (iBT):

90 (minimum 19 in Writing and Listening, 20 in Reading and 22 in Speaking)

PTE (Academic):

71 (with no less than 65 in each element)

MUET: Band 4.5
  • IELTS (Academic), TOEFL iBT, and PTE (Academic) test results must be less than two years old.
  • IELTS One Skill Retake is accepted.
  • IELTS Academic Online, TOEFL iBT Home Edition, and PTE Academic Online are not accepted.
  • MUET results are valid for five years from the release date.    

Learning and assessment

How you will learn

  • Lectures
  • Seminars
  • Tutorials
  • Workshops
  • Practical classes
  • Supervision

In addition to lectures, some modules have lab sessions, some have workshops and some drop in sessions. Each module is run with the aim of providing best learning experience for students and module objectives are achieved by devising the most appropriate delivery and assessment methods.

How you will be assessed

  • Coursework
  • Group coursework
  • Examinations
  • Dissertation
  • Presentation
  • Essays
  • Research project
  • Poster presentation
  • Portfolio (written/digital)
  • Reflective review

Modules are assessed by a combination of exams and coursework at the end of the relevant semester.

Fees

ResidencyFees
Malaysian studentsRM58,000 per programme
International studentsRM66,000 per programme

Funding

Find out about scholarships, financial assistance and specific research funding available to all malaysian and international students.

Scholarship funding

Your Global Education Starts Here

Why Join the University of Nottingham Malaysia?

  • Study at Malaysia’s No. 1 UK university*, the first and largest UK institution in the country
  • A founding member of the prestigious Russell Group of UK universities, we offer a world-class UK education with strong global recognition, impactful research, and academic excellence
  • 5-Star Rating for research excellence recognised by the Malaysian Research Assessment (MyRA) for world-class research achievements
  • Our graduates are consistently sought after by the top 100 global brands and earn up to 2x more** than the average graduate salary in Malaysia

*Based on student enrolment data from the Profile Book IPTS (MOHE) 2023.
**Based on the UNM Graduate Destination Survey (June 2023), with a national average salary of RM2,700.

Careers

This programme equips you with the skills and knowledge to accelerate your career and explore new paths in various industries. 

  • Clinical Psychologist
  • Educational Psychologist
  • Behavioural Therapist
  • Research Scientist
  • Neurodevelopmental Specialist

Are you ready to embark on an exciting career journey after graduation? At the University of Nottingham Malaysia, our Careers Advisory Service is here to support your career aspirations. We offer a range of professional services, including résumé writing assistance and interview preparation, to equip you with the tools needed to excel in today’s competitive job market. Contact careers@nottingham.edu.my to learn more.

This content was last updated on 30 May 2025. Every effort has been made to ensure that this information is accurate, but changes are likely to occur between the date of publishing and course start date. It is therefore very important to check this website for any updates before you apply.