Developmental Psychopathology in Education and Child Studies (Research)

Degree: Master of Science in Developmental Psychopathology in Education and Child Studies
Mode of Study: Full-time
Duration: 2 years
Start date: September and February
Language of instruction: English
Location: Leiden
Croho/isat code: 60159
Share |

The Research Master’s programme in Developmental Psychopathology in Education and Child Studies at Leiden University is designed to teach students to independently derive a research question from the existing insights in the discipline of Education and Child Studies and, through conducting scientific research, contribute to the development of new fundamental theoretical insights or well-grounded practical theories, which have the primary aim of advancing the Educational Sciences as an academic discipline. The programme is concluded with the preparation of an article which, in terms of its level, would be ready for submission to a refereed international scientific journal.

The Research Master’s programme trains students for functions in the public or private sector in which advanced research skills and substantial practical research experience are among the qualifications required (research agencies or research departments in businesses or governmental organisations). At the same time the programme is a solid preparation for functions or educational courses in which scientific research is performed for an academic dissertation and doctoral degree.

Prof. Vedder

“In situations with cultural tensions, education is put to the test.”

“Both everyday child rearing and learning, as well as research into these practices become particularly exciting and challenging when we encounter problems. It is then that our knowledge about normal upbringing and learning are put to the test, and that we are forced
to explore solutions.

My research focuses on the education of immigrant children. All kinds of knowledge and rules which work well for Dutch children may not be effective for children from other cultures. Moreover, working in multicultural settings can be extra demanding because of intergroup tensions and efforts to accentuate cultural differences. If success is to be assured, support is needed, also from research. Together with my students, I try to see what problems educators and
children are faced with in multicultural settings. An example is the ‘Talent Centre’, a joint venture between my research group and a large multicultural secondary school in The Hague. We support the school and parents to develop students’ talents.

We also stimulate our own students to acquire intercultural competencies. An important challenge in this respect is the opportunity to carry out research abroad. Educational Sciences in Leiden is a study which has an excellent international reputation, rooted in a high quality research programme and a stimulating research environment.”