MSc Accounting and Finance (OGAF) by Research
Abertay University's MSc Accounting and Finance (OGAF) by Research is designed to p...
PhD Developmental Psychology and Language Learning
Dundee
INTAKE: Feb, June & Oct
Program Overview
Abertay University's PhD in Developmental Psychology and Language Learning is a comprehensive program designed to explore the intricate relationship between psychological development and language acquisition. This interdisciplinary program combines insights from developmental psychology and linguistics to prepare students for advanced research and professional roles.
Curriculum: The curriculum of the PhD program is carefully structured to provide a deep understanding of developmental psychology theories and language learning processes. Core courses cover topics such as cognitive development, language acquisition, psycholinguistics, and research methodologies. The program encourages students to engage in interdisciplinary coursework, allowing for a holistic perspective on the intersection of psychology and language learning.
Research Focus: The program's research focus centers on advancing knowledge in developmental psychology as it relates to language learning. Students delve into research areas such as early language development, language disorders, bilingualism, and the impact of psychological factors on language acquisition. The program encourages original research projects that contribute to the broader understanding of how psychological development influences language learning across various stages of life.
Industry Engagement: Abertay University recognizes the practical applications of developmental psychology and language learning in various industries. Students have opportunities for industry engagement through research collaborations, internships, and projects with organizations involved in education, language development interventions, and technology-enhanced learning. This industry engagement ensures that graduates are not only well-versed in theory but also have practical insights applicable to real-world contexts.
Global Perspective: The program embraces a global perspective, acknowledging the universal aspects of developmental psychology and language learning while also considering cultural variations. Faculty members bring diverse international experiences to the program, and students are encouraged to explore cross-cultural studies, engage in international research collaborations, and contribute to the global discourse on developmental psychology and language learning.
Location
Dundee
Score
IELTS 6.5
Tuition Fee
£ 13750
PhD Entry Requirements
Academic Qualifications: Prospective PhD applicants are expected to hold a taught Masters degree in a relevant subject area. The university typically requires a minimum of 65% as the standard for academic performance in the completed Masters program.
English Language Proficiency:
- IELTS Requirement: An overall IELTS score of 6.5 or 7.0 is required, with no individual band score falling below 6.0.
- TOEFL Requirement: A minimum overall score of 92 on the TOEFL is accepted, with no sub-score in any section falling below 20.
- PTE Requirement: A minimum overall score of 62 with no individual score below 59.
Students must provide:
- Academic marksheets & transcripts
- Letters of recommendation
- A personal statement - SOP
- Passport
- Other supporting documents as required by the university.
Work experience: Some PhD courses may require relevant work experience in the field.
It is important to note that meeting the minimum entry requirements does not guarantee admission, as the university considers factors such as availability of places and competition for the program. Additionally, some courses may have higher entry requirements or additional selection criteria, such as interviews or portfolio submissions.
Abertay University offers several types of scholarships for international Ph.D. students, each with its own criteria and benefits.
Merit-Based Scholarships: Awards based on academic excellence, research potential, and achievements. Merit-based scholarships aim to attract high-achieving students to contribute to the university's research community.
Research-Specific Scholarships: Some scholarships are dedicated to students undertaking research in specific fields. These may align with the university's strategic research priorities or emerging academic disciplines.
Partnership Scholarships: Collaborative initiatives between Abertay University and external partners may result in specific scholarships. These aim to strengthen ties with organizations, industries, or governments.
Graduates of Abertay University's PhD in Developmental Psychology and Language Learning program are equipped with a unique skill set that opens up diverse and impactful career opportunities. The intersection of developmental psychology and language learning prepares them for roles that contribute to education, research, and interventions aimed at enhancing language development across different stages of life.
Educational Psychologist: PhD holders can pursue careers as educational psychologists, working in schools, colleges, or educational institutions. They apply their expertise in developmental psychology to support students' psychological well-being, assess learning needs, and provide interventions to enhance language development.
Language Development Researcher: Graduates may choose to become language development researchers, contributing to academic institutions or research organizations. They engage in groundbreaking research projects, publish findings, and advance the theoretical understanding of language development and its connection to psychological factors.
Intervention Specialist for Language Disorders: Those interested in clinical applications can work as intervention specialists for language disorders. They design and implement interventions to support individuals with language disorders, collaborating with healthcare professionals and educators to improve communication skills.
Bilingual Education Consultant: With a focus on bilingualism, graduates can become consultants in bilingual education. They provide expertise to educational institutions on effective strategies for teaching languages, supporting bilingual learners, and promoting language development in multicultural settings.
Language and Cognitive Development Consultant: PhD holders may work as consultants specializing in the intersection of language and cognitive development. They provide insights to educational institutions, language learning programs, and technology-enhanced learning initiatives to optimize cognitive and linguistic growth.
Early Childhood Language Specialist: Those passionate about early childhood development can specialize as early childhood language specialists. They work in early education settings, implementing language-rich environments and activities to foster optimal language development during crucial developmental stages.
Educational Technology Advisor: Graduates can explore careers as educational technology advisors, leveraging their knowledge to enhance language learning through digital platforms. They collaborate with edtech companies to develop language-focused educational tools and resources.
Language Assessment Specialist: Those with an interest in assessment can become language assessment specialists. They design and implement language assessments, evaluating language proficiency and identifying areas for improvement in educational or clinical settings.
Speech and Language Therapist: PhD holders can pursue roles as speech and language therapists, working in healthcare settings. They assess and treat individuals with communication disorders, applying their understanding of both developmental psychology and language learning.
Professional Development Trainer for Educators: Graduates can become professional development trainers for educators. They provide training sessions to teachers, equipping them with effective strategies for fostering language development and addressing psychological factors that impact learning.
Academic Language Advisor for Higher Education: Those interested in higher education can work as academic language advisors. They support students in higher education settings, offering guidance on academic language skills, writing, and effective communication in academic contexts.
Language Program Director: With leadership skills, graduates may take on roles as language program directors. They oversee language development programs, design curriculum, and implement strategies to enhance language learning outcomes.
Public Policy Analyst in Education: PhD holders can contribute to education policy by becoming public policy analysts. They engage with government bodies, educational institutions, and non-profit organizations to advocate for policies that support effective language learning and developmental psychology practices in education.
Continuous Professional Development: Remaining continuous learning, graduates can attend conferences, workshops, and industry events. They can also contribute to the academic and professional community through publications, presentations, and participation in discussions, establishing themselves as thought leaders in the dynamic fields of developmental psychology and language learning.
