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Developmental Neuroscience and Psychopathology, MRes
Delivered jointly by two globally renowned universities, this unique two-year full-time MRes offers a multidisciplinary grounding in developmental psychopathology with a strong emphasis on neuroscience.
Key information
Course type: MRes
Delivery mode: Campus-based
Study mode: Full-time
Duration: 2 years
Application status: Closed
Start date: September 2026
Location: Year 1: London (Anna Freud); Year 2: Yale University, USA
Funding available
Programme overview
The focus of this programme is on understanding the emergence of developmental psychopathology from multiple perspectives, drawing on neurobiological, cognitive, developmental, clinical and psychoanalytic perspectives. The first year is based in London and the second year based at Yale University in the USA.
You will develop an overview of developmental psychopathology, including a wide range of mental health disorders in childhood and adolescence (e.g., anxiety, autism, ADHD, psychosis, conduct disorder).
Practical training is given in statistical analysis (e.g., R), longitudinal data analysis, programming (Matlab, PsychoPy), and writing research proposals. Students acquire excellent research skills in statistical analysis and a grounding in neuroimaging methods, including fMRI and EEG, and expertise in critical evaluation of research.
About this programme
In the first year you will be primarily based at Anna Freud in King's Cross, London. The second year focuses on the completion of a substantial research project at Yale University. Already in your first year in London, you will be paired with an individual academic mentor at Yale. Mentors are experts in their field, and many are senior faculty members from the Yale Child Study Center or associated departments at Yale.
The two-year structure allows students to not only develop in-depth theoretical knowledge and research skills but also provides the opportunity to undertake a substantial piece of research under the mentorship of a leading Yale academic and their research lab.
Why you should study this programme
Interdisciplinary
Develop an overview of developmental psychopathology drawing on neurobiological, cognitive, developmental, clinical and psychoanalytic perspectives.
Taught by world-leading academics in the UK and USA
Delivered in partnership with UCL - ranked best in the UK for Psychology, Psychiatry and Neuroscience, and Yale University.
Practical training in research methods
Acquire excellent research skills in statistical analysis and a grounding in neuroimaging methods.
A solid career foundation
Progress to clinical training or research.
Entry requirements
The programme is particularly suitable for students with a strong academic background in psychology, medicine, genetics, neuroscience and related disciplines who have an interest in neuroscience and child development.
Applicants are not required to have extensive research experience, but some relevant research experience is essential. We are looking for applicants who demonstrate:
An excellent and relevant academic track-record
Relevant research experience
A clear rationale as to why you want to study Developmental Neuroscience and Psychopathology at graduate level at UCL
Consideration of where you would like to go professionally with your degree.
Teaching and modules
Year 1: Teaching
In the first year you will be primarily based at Anna Freud in King’s Cross, London. The teaching in the first year comprises nine mandatory modules, grouped into four themes as outlined below.
1. Neuroscience
This methods-based module introduces a number of key neuroimaging techniques, including fMRI and EEG, and considers their application in the context of developmental research. A second neuroscience module, Affective Neuroscience, explores how the brain processes emotion and how such processes may become disordered during development.
2. Research Methods
These modules are designed to equip you with a general knowledge of both quantitative and qualitative research methodologies as well as practical research skills including the use of the statistical analysis packages R and SPSS and how to develop and present an effective research application. Students will have the option to choose one of three statistics modules depending on ability and previous knowledge.
3. Development and Psychopathology
These two modules provide a foundation in theories of developmental psychopathology and cover the major psychological disorders of childhood. Skills in effective science communication are also covered which are essential for all scientists. The first module introduces a range of perspectives on developmental psychopathology, including cognitive behavioural, psychiatric, psychoanalytic and systemic approaches. The second module then explores in detail – through the lens of these different perspectives – major disorders of childhood, including anxiety, depression, autism, conduct disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder.
4. Psychoanalytic Thought
These two modules introduce students to key psychoanalytic ideas and their application to clinical practice.
Year 2: Research
The second year focuses on the completion of a substantial research project at Yale University. In your first year in London, you will be paired with an individual academic mentor in Yale. Mentors are experts in their field, and many are senior faculty members from the Yale Child Study Center or associated departments in Yale.
Projects are assessed by means of a research portfolio which comprises three elements: an oral presentation of your research ideas alongside a written proposal; a 15,000-17,000-word written dissertation; and a conference style poster. In the written thesis, you will be encouraged to consider your developmental psychopathology research question from at least two perspectives.
Previous projects have spanned a broad range of populations and methodologies and have included:
fMRI and social exclusion in autism
EEG, face processing and autistic and psychopathic traits
fMRI, stress and childhood maltreatment
Prenatal stress and ADHD: a translational model
Mentalization in adolescents: understanding addictions
Neurocognitive effects of cannabis and nicotine use in schizophrenia
fMRI: the biological basis of risk taking and reward
Effective attachment-based interventions for mothers in substance misuse treatment.
A number of formative workshops tailor-made to support the projects will be on offer during the year, including fMRI and EEG techniques, advanced research design, and a workshop focusing on integrating the different perspectives on developmental psychopathology. In addition, there are opportunities to attend ‘elective’ courses across Yale University. You will also have support from your research mentor, and the Deputy Programme Director in Yale.
Fees and funding
UCL tuition fees are payable per year of study. This is a two-year, full-time programme.
UK students (2026/27): £16,800 (published fees for year one)
International students (2026/27): £39,200 (published fees for year one)
Further information on UCL’s fees (including fee status, fee increases, fee schedules and additional costs) can be found on the UCL prospectus page.
For more information on funding your studies, visit our bursaries and scholarships page.
Additional costs
Travel costs, include travelling to Anna Freud/UCL regularly for teaching in the first year.
In the second year, costs in relation to Yale will include: visa processing costs, private health insurance and transport to Yale.
As part of the visa application process, and to be able to study in the USA, you will need to be able to demonstrate you have sufficient funds in your account to cover the costs of your studies whilst in the second year at Yale.
To find out more about what this entails, please email the programme team at DNPAdministrator@annafreud.org
You can find out more about accommodation costs on the UCL website.
Careers
Typically our students are interested in pursuing a research or clinical career. 100% of our graduates were in highly skilled work or further study within 15 months of completing the MRes Developmental Neuroscience and Psychopathology (Graduate Outcomes survey 2022–23).
A grounding in quantitative analysis and fMRI/EEG skills combined with a focus on clinical disorders during childhood make students particularly attractive as prospective PhD candidates and applicants to doctorates in clinical psychology. Students are encouraged to publish their research where possible.
Some students seek clinically relevant voluntary experience across both years, which is particularly helpful for those considering applications to doctoral programmes.
How to apply
This is a popular course and a small cohort is accepted each year, following a round of interviews. Applications may close early and ahead of the deadline indicated, so early applications are strongly encouraged.
When we assess your application we would like to learn:
what particularly attracts you to this programme
how your academic and professional background meets the demands of this rigorous programme
where you would like to go professionally with your degree.
Together with essential academic requirements, the personal statement is your opportunity to illustrate whether your reasons for applying to this programme match what the programme will deliver and to discuss and reflect on your experiences and learning.
Please note that you may submit applications for a maximum of two graduate courses (or one application for the Law LLM) in any application cycle.
There is an application processing fee for this course of £90 for online applications. Further information can be found on UCL's application fees page.
Apply now-
Programme guide
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Take a closer look at the UCL programme, including course content, teaching structure and entry requirements.
Programme FAQs
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Bursaries and scholarships
Anna Freud are committed to training a new generation of researchers and practitioners who wish to pursue a career in the field of child mental health.
