Please note the course details apply to 2025 entry. Details for 2026 entry for our postgraduate courses will be published from mid-October 2025.
Clinical Neurodevelopmental Sciences MSc
Key information
Study mode:
Full time
Part time
Duration:
One year full-time, two years part-time, September to September
Credit value (UK/ECTS equivalent):
UK 180/ECTS 90
Application status:
Open
Start date:
September 2025
Scholarships available, see Fees & Funding section for more information. The overall aim of the programme is to develop a holistic understanding of the aetiology and clinical management of neurodevelopmental conditions across the lifespan, with a focus on the adult population. Face to face teaching will be complemented and supported with innovative technology so that students also experience elements of digital learning and assessment.
Key benefits
- Located at the heart of Europe’s largest institute for psychiatry, psychology and neuroscience.
- Compulsory clinical observation placement developing insight into clinical services.
- Access to large sets of clinical data from the world renowned Maudsley Hospital and Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience (IoPPN).
- Partnership of the Department of Forensic and Neurodevelopmental Sciences and the South London & Maudsley NHS Trust, we offer students an unrivalled opportunity to take classroom learning directly into a translational research setting.
- Learn from world-leading scientists at King’s College London.
- We utilize delivery methods that offer students a rich, exciting experience from the start. Face to face teaching will be complemented and supported with innovative technology so that students also experience elements of digital learning and assessment.
On this course, you’ll develop your understanding of 'neurotypical' brain development. This will help you understand the biological basis of neurodevelopmental disorders and the impact they have. At the same time, we’ll look at areas like intellectual disability and research methods. A real highlight of this course is learning how research can be applied to practice. To help you understand the latest advances in the field, we’ll discuss different brain imaging methods and basic genetics. And, for your research project, we’ll challenge you to look at a current issue in more detail. Many students on this course join us after completing their BSc – this is normally in psychology or another science. But, if you’re already working in the field, studying this course part time is a great opportunity to learn from experts and arm yourself with expertise for your role. If you’ve come straight from your degree, you might not have any practical experience yet. But, with a placement as part of the course, we can guarantee that you’ll spend time in a clinic that specifically deals with neurodevelopmental disorders. King’s is a joint lead on Autism Innovative Medicine Studies-2-Trials (AIMS-2-Trials), the world’s largest autism grant. As a student at King’s, you’ll work alongside the experts – and you might even decide to use the data for your dissertation project. By the end of the course, you’ll have an expert understanding of the theory, evidence, and practice behind neurodevelopmental disorders. We’ll also make sure you’re confident carrying out research that could move the field forward.
Base campus
Denmark Hill Campus
Home to the Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience.
Please note that locations are determined by where each module is taught and may vary depending on the modules you study.
Regulating bodies
King's is regulated by the Office for Students
UK applicants
Standard requirements
A minimum 2:1 undergraduate Bachelor’s (honours) degree
If you have a lower degree classification, or a degree in an unrelated subject, your application may be considered if you can demonstrate significant relevant work experience, or offer a related graduate qualification (such as a Masters or PGDip).
Programme-Specific Requirements
Medical degree, or a Bachelor’s degree with 2:1 Honours in a relevant subject such as Psychology, Neuroscience, Biology, Biomedical Sciences, or Mental Health Nursing.
Applicants with a professional qualification and some years of relevant work experience may be considered if they do not otherwise meet the academic entry criteria.
International applicants
Equivalent International qualifications
English language requirements
English language band:
D
To study at King's, it is essential that you can communicate in English effectively in an academic environment. You are usually required to provide certification of your competence in English before starting your studies.
Nationals of majority English speaking countries (as defined by the UKVI) who have permanently resided in this country are not usually required to complete an additional English language test. This is also the case for applicants who have successfully completed an undergraduate degree (of at least three years duration), a postgraduate taught degree (of at least one year), or a PhD in a majority English speaking country (as defined by the UKVI) within five years of the course start date.
For information on our English language requirements and whether you need to complete an English language test, please see our English Language requirements page.
Selection process
Applications must be made online using King's Apply, the Admissions Portal. A non-refundable application fee of £85 applies.
Personal statement and supporting information
You will be asked to submit the following documents in order for your application to be considered:
| Personal statement | Yes |
A personal statement is required. This can be entered directly into the online application form (maximum 4,000 characters) or uploaded as an attachment to the online application form (maximum 2 pages). |
|---|---|---|
| Previous Academic Study | Yes | A copy (or copies) of your official academic transcript(s), showing the subjects studied and marks obtained. If you have already completed your degree, copies of your official degree certificate will also be required. Applicants with academic documents issued in a language other than English, will need to submit both the original and official translation of their documents. |
| References | Yes | Two references are required with at least one academic. Professional references will be accepted if you have completed your qualifications over five years ago. |
| Other | Optional | You may also wish to include a CV (Resume) or evidence of professional registration as part of your application |
Teaching methods - what to expect
| Module name | Lectures (hours) | Seminars/tutorials (hours) | Field/lab/studio/supervised learning(hours) | Self-directed study(hours) | Total (hours) |
| Typical Brain Development and Neurodiversity | 33 | 20 | 247 | 300 | |
| Clinical Observation Placement | 25 | 30 | 245 | 300 | |
| Intellectual Disability and Forensic Aspects of ID | 33 | 267 | 300 | ||
| Research Methods and Statistics | 71 | 61 | 168 | 300 | |
| Dissertation | - | 17 | 583 | 600 |
Contact time is based on 24 academic weeks. Typically, one credit equates to 10 hours of work.
Location
Our course is primarily taught at the King’s College London Denmark Hill Campus.
Assessment
- Written Examinations
- Coursework
- Practical work
The primary methods of assessment for this course are written examinations, coursework and practical work. The study time and assessment methods typically give an indication of what to expect. However, these may vary depending upon the modules.
Regulating body
King’s College London is regulated by the Office for Students.
The study time and assessment methods detailed above are typical and give you a good indication of what to expect. However, they are subject to change.
Structure
Required modules
Students on this course are required to take:
Full time
Typical Brain Development & Neurodevelopmental Disorders (30 credits)
Intellectual Disability & Forensic Aspects of Neurodevelopmental Disorders (30 credits)
Clinical Observation Placement (30 credits)
Research Methods & Statistics (30 credits)
Dissertation (60 credits)
Part Time: Year 1 - Required Modules You are required to take the following modules:
Typical Brain Development & Neurodevelopmental Disorders (30 credits)
Intellectual Disability & Forensic Aspects of Neurodevelopmental Disorders (30 credits)
Clinical Observation Placement (30 credits)
Part Time: Year 2 - Required Modules You are required to take the following modules:
Research Methods & Statistics (30 credits)
Dissertation (60 credits)
Optional modules
There are no optional modules.
King’s College London reviews the modules offered on a regular basis to provide up-to-date, innovative and relevant programmes of study. Therefore, modules offered may change. We suggest you keep an eye on the course finder on our website for updates.
Please note that modules with a practical component will be capped due to educational requirements, which may mean that we cannot guarantee a place to all students who elect to study this module.
Employability
Our graduates are expected to further their academic career (e.g. apply for a PhD) or enter a career in areas such as clinical psychology, social work, occupational therapy or nursing with expertise in neurodevelopmental disorders.
Career destinations
Graduates from this course tend to apply their skills to:
- Further education – PhD or Clinical Doctorate
- Research assistant roles within the IOPPN and other institutes
- Assistant psychologist positions
Tuition Fees
UK:
Full time: £16,950 per year (2025/26)
Part time: £8,475 per year (2025/26)
International:
Full time: £40,000 per year (2025/26)
Part time: £20,000 per year (2025/26)
These tuition fees may be subject to additional increases in subsequent years of study, in line with King’s terms and conditions.
Deposit
If you receive an offer for this programme, you will be required to pay a non-refundable deposit to secure your place. Deposit payments are credited towards the total tuition fee payment.
The Home deposit is £500. The International deposit is £2000.
- If you receive an offer before March, payment is due by 20 March.
- If you receive an offer between 1 March and 20 May, payment is due within one month of receiving the offer.
- If you receive an offer between 21 May and 15 July, payment is due within two weeks of receiving the offer.
- If you receive an offer between 16 July and 10 August, payment is due within one week of receiving the offer.
- If you receive an offer from 11 August onwards, payment is due within three days of receiving the offer.
If you are a current undergraduate King’s student in receipt of the King's Living Bursary this academic year, you are not required to pay a deposit to secure your place on the programme. Please note, this will not change the total fees payable for your chosen programme.
Please visit our web pages on fees and funding for more information.
IOPPN Postgraduate Taught Scholarships
Scholarships of £5000 are available for this programme for 2025/26 entry, to support students with the financial commitments of postgraduate study. the scholarships are available for all full-time Home and International fee status students, with a deadline to apply of Friday 21 February 2025 click here to find out more.
Additional Costs
In addition to your tuition costs, you can also expect to pay for:
- Books if you choose to buy your own copies.
- DBS checks.
- Library fees and fines.
- Personal photocopies.
- Printing course handouts.
- Stationery.
- Travel costs for travel around London and between campuses.
- Graduation costs.
Funding
To find out more about bursaries, scholarships, grants, tuition fees, living expenses, student loans, and other financial help available at King's please visit the Fees and Funding section.
On this course, you’ll develop your understanding of 'neurotypical' brain development. This will help you understand the biological basis of neurodevelopmental disorders and the impact they have. At the same time, we’ll look at areas like intellectual disability and research methods. A real highlight of this course is learning how research can be applied to practice. To help you understand the latest advances in the field, we’ll discuss different brain imaging methods and basic genetics. And, for your research project, we’ll challenge you to look at a current issue in more detail. Many students on this course join us after completing their BSc – this is normally in psychology or another science. But, if you’re already working in the field, studying this course part time is a great opportunity to learn from experts and arm yourself with expertise for your role. If you’ve come straight from your degree, you might not have any practical experience yet. But, with a placement as part of the course, we can guarantee that you’ll spend time in a clinic that specifically deals with neurodevelopmental disorders. King’s is a joint lead on Autism Innovative Medicine Studies-2-Trials (AIMS-2-Trials), the world’s largest autism grant. As a student at King’s, you’ll work alongside the experts – and you might even decide to use the data for your dissertation project. By the end of the course, you’ll have an expert understanding of the theory, evidence, and practice behind neurodevelopmental disorders. We’ll also make sure you’re confident carrying out research that could move the field forward.
Base campus
Denmark Hill Campus
Home to the Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience.
Please note that locations are determined by where each module is taught and may vary depending on the modules you study.
Regulating bodies
King's is regulated by the Office for Students
UK applicants
Standard requirements
A minimum 2:1 undergraduate Bachelor’s (honours) degree
If you have a lower degree classification, or a degree in an unrelated subject, your application may be considered if you can demonstrate significant relevant work experience, or offer a related graduate qualification (such as a Masters or PGDip).
Programme-Specific Requirements
Medical degree, or a Bachelor’s degree with 2:1 Honours in a relevant subject such as Psychology, Neuroscience, Biology, Biomedical Sciences, or Mental Health Nursing.
Applicants with a professional qualification and some years of relevant work experience may be considered if they do not otherwise meet the academic entry criteria.
International applicants
Equivalent International qualifications
English language requirements
English language band:
D
To study at King's, it is essential that you can communicate in English effectively in an academic environment. You are usually required to provide certification of your competence in English before starting your studies.
Nationals of majority English speaking countries (as defined by the UKVI) who have permanently resided in this country are not usually required to complete an additional English language test. This is also the case for applicants who have successfully completed an undergraduate degree (of at least three years duration), a postgraduate taught degree (of at least one year), or a PhD in a majority English speaking country (as defined by the UKVI) within five years of the course start date.
For information on our English language requirements and whether you need to complete an English language test, please see our English Language requirements page.
Selection process
Applications must be made online using King's Apply, the Admissions Portal. A non-refundable application fee of £85 applies.
Personal statement and supporting information
You will be asked to submit the following documents in order for your application to be considered:
| Personal statement | Yes |
A personal statement is required. This can be entered directly into the online application form (maximum 4,000 characters) or uploaded as an attachment to the online application form (maximum 2 pages). |
|---|---|---|
| Previous Academic Study | Yes | A copy (or copies) of your official academic transcript(s), showing the subjects studied and marks obtained. If you have already completed your degree, copies of your official degree certificate will also be required. Applicants with academic documents issued in a language other than English, will need to submit both the original and official translation of their documents. |
| References | Yes | Two references are required with at least one academic. Professional references will be accepted if you have completed your qualifications over five years ago. |
| Other | Optional | You may also wish to include a CV (Resume) or evidence of professional registration as part of your application |
Teaching methods - what to expect
| Module name | Lectures (hours) | Seminars/tutorials (hours) | Field/lab/studio/supervised learning(hours) | Self-directed study(hours) | Total (hours) |
| Typical Brain Development and Neurodiversity | 33 | 20 | 247 | 300 | |
| Clinical Observation Placement | 25 | 30 | 245 | 300 | |
| Intellectual Disability and Forensic Aspects of ID | 33 | 267 | 300 | ||
| Research Methods and Statistics | 71 | 61 | 168 | 300 | |
| Dissertation | - | 17 | 583 | 600 |
Contact time is based on 24 academic weeks. Typically, one credit equates to 10 hours of work.
Location
Our course is primarily taught at the King’s College London Denmark Hill Campus.
Assessment
- Written Examinations
- Coursework
- Practical work
The primary methods of assessment for this course are written examinations, coursework and practical work. The study time and assessment methods typically give an indication of what to expect. However, these may vary depending upon the modules.
Regulating body
King’s College London is regulated by the Office for Students.
The study time and assessment methods detailed above are typical and give you a good indication of what to expect. However, they are subject to change.
Structure
Required modules
Students on this course are required to take:
Full time
Typical Brain Development & Neurodevelopmental Disorders (30 credits)
Intellectual Disability & Forensic Aspects of Neurodevelopmental Disorders (30 credits)
Clinical Observation Placement (30 credits)
Research Methods & Statistics (30 credits)
Dissertation (60 credits)
Part Time: Year 1 - Required Modules You are required to take the following modules:
Typical Brain Development & Neurodevelopmental Disorders (30 credits)
Intellectual Disability & Forensic Aspects of Neurodevelopmental Disorders (30 credits)
Clinical Observation Placement (30 credits)
Part Time: Year 2 - Required Modules You are required to take the following modules:
Research Methods & Statistics (30 credits)
Dissertation (60 credits)
Optional modules
There are no optional modules.
King’s College London reviews the modules offered on a regular basis to provide up-to-date, innovative and relevant programmes of study. Therefore, modules offered may change. We suggest you keep an eye on the course finder on our website for updates.
Please note that modules with a practical component will be capped due to educational requirements, which may mean that we cannot guarantee a place to all students who elect to study this module.
Employability
Our graduates are expected to further their academic career (e.g. apply for a PhD) or enter a career in areas such as clinical psychology, social work, occupational therapy or nursing with expertise in neurodevelopmental disorders.
Career destinations
Graduates from this course tend to apply their skills to:
- Further education – PhD or Clinical Doctorate
- Research assistant roles within the IOPPN and other institutes
- Assistant psychologist positions
Tuition Fees
UK:
Full time: £16,950 per year (2025/26)
Part time: £8,475 per year (2025/26)
International:
Full time: £40,000 per year (2025/26)
Part time: £20,000 per year (2025/26)
These tuition fees may be subject to additional increases in subsequent years of study, in line with King’s terms and conditions.
Deposit
If you receive an offer for this programme, you will be required to pay a non-refundable deposit to secure your place. Deposit payments are credited towards the total tuition fee payment.
The Home deposit is £500. The International deposit is £2000.
- If you receive an offer before March, payment is due by 20 March.
- If you receive an offer between 1 March and 20 May, payment is due within one month of receiving the offer.
- If you receive an offer between 21 May and 15 July, payment is due within two weeks of receiving the offer.
- If you receive an offer between 16 July and 10 August, payment is due within one week of receiving the offer.
- If you receive an offer from 11 August onwards, payment is due within three days of receiving the offer.
If you are a current undergraduate King’s student in receipt of the King's Living Bursary this academic year, you are not required to pay a deposit to secure your place on the programme. Please note, this will not change the total fees payable for your chosen programme.
Please visit our web pages on fees and funding for more information.
IOPPN Postgraduate Taught Scholarships
Scholarships of £5000 are available for this programme for 2025/26 entry, to support students with the financial commitments of postgraduate study. the scholarships are available for all full-time Home and International fee status students, with a deadline to apply of Friday 21 February 2025 click here to find out more.
Additional Costs
In addition to your tuition costs, you can also expect to pay for:
- Books if you choose to buy your own copies.
- DBS checks.
- Library fees and fines.
- Personal photocopies.
- Printing course handouts.
- Stationery.
- Travel costs for travel around London and between campuses.
- Graduation costs.
Funding
To find out more about bursaries, scholarships, grants, tuition fees, living expenses, student loans, and other financial help available at King's please visit the Fees and Funding section.
Application closing date guidance
We encourage you to apply as early as possible so that there is sufficient time for your application to be assessed and we may need to request further information from you during the application process.
The final application deadlines for this programme are:
· Overseas (international) fee status: 25 July 2025 (23:59 UK time)
· Home fee status: 25 August 2025 (23:59 UK time)
If the programme becomes full before the final application deadlines stated above, we will close the programme to further applications. Please note, you will not be eligible for an application fee refund if we are unable to process further offers because places are filled and we close the course before the final application deadline.
Key information
Study mode:
Full time
Part time
Duration:
One year full-time, two years part-time, September to September
Credit value (UK/ECTS equivalent):
UK 180/ECTS 90
Application status:
Open
Start date:
September 2025
Contact us
Open days and events
Chat with current students and King's staff to find out about the courses we offer, life at King's and ask any questions you may have.
Explore more
Find out more about our King's accommodation
Discover your accommodation options and explore our residences.
Chat to students and staff
Chat to current students and staff to find out about life at King's.
Connect with a King’s Advisor
Want to know more about studying at King's? We're here to help.
Learning in London
King's is right in the heart of the capital.