1.    Programme description

MSc Human Development: Genetics, Neuroscience and Psychology is specifically aimed at those pursuing a research career or professional career in educational, clinical and other professional settings. This interdisciplinary programme provides training in basic scientific and technological principles of modern research methods, and their application to understanding and improving human development. The programme is implemented at the International Centre for Research in Human Development (ICRHD).

The International Centre for Research in Human Development is also a member of multiple consortia and networks, including Twin Registries, TAGC (The Accessible Genetics Consortium), INRiCHD (International Network for Research in Child Health and Development). Our international research partners from world leading universities include: King’s College London; Goldsmiths, University of London; University of Sussex, Ohio State University, Laval University, Moscow State University and other.

Together with our partners, we promote research that is of direct relevance to clinical, educational, training and other types of practice – towards improving human development. With leading reputation, excellent infrastructure and extensive international links, TSU is a great place to be a student.

The programme is taught through lectures, seminars and workshops delivered by experts in the relevant fields. Assessment is through written and oral examination, coursework, presentations, research project, dissertation. Students may carry out the research project remotely supervised by our specialists.

Students can build individual study trajectories through interest-based electives, specialization and research projects in the following tracks: General; Early Child Development; Genetics, Bioinformatics and Neuroscience; Personalised Education: Diagnostics, Prevention, Correction, Talent and Creativity Fostering.

 Core Modules

• Interdisciplinary Study of Development

• Individual Differences

• Research Methods

• Behavioural Genetics

• Data Analysis

• Neuroscience and Cognitive Science

• Academic Writing, Publishing and Presenting

• Experimental Psychology

• Ethical, Legal and Societal Issues in Research

Options (students will choose 3 out of 6 options)

• Child Development Programmes

• Cognitive Technologies

• Bioinformatics

• Language and the Brain

• Aetiology of Developmental Problems

• Linguistics in the System of Natural Science

 2.    Programme objective

Students will develop a foundational knowledge of all aspects of human development, including biological foundations of individual differences, gene-environment processes, brain mechanisms, cognitive and other psychological processes. 

Students will acquire the principles and main aspects of data acquisition and analyses, and gain a good working knowledge of modern methods for scientific investigation of human development.  The design of the course aims to maximise students’ transferable skills, including training in publishing in leading academic journals, presenting at international conferences, and translating research to practice.

3. Career prospects

Top career destinations for this degree:

• Ph.D. in any of the programme disciplines or interdisciplinary research

• Educational practice, administration and policy making

• Science communication

• Industry (employment, diagnostics, training, data analysis etc.)

• Cognitive and neuro-technologies

Students on this programme are immersed in a world-class international interdisciplinary scientific environment, taught by leading experts in the fields.  The programme is relevant for educationalists, clinicians and policymakers – equipping them with sound understanding of cutting edge knowledge about human development.  The programme is also relevant for researchers – equipping them with theoretical understanding and methodology for interdisciplinary research into human development.  Students will benefit from active research environment and excellent infrastructure.

4. Programme Director: 

Programme Director: Yulia Kovas, Professor  of Genetics  and Psychology

• Director of the International Laboratory for Interdisciplinary Investigations into Individual Differences in Learning (InLab), Goldsmiths, University of London (UK);

• Director of the Laboratory  for Cognitive Investigations  and Behavioural Genetics  at Tomsk State University;

• Co-director of the International Centre for Research in Human Development at Tomsk State University (Russia).

5.    Programme facts

Programme name: Human Development: Genetics, Neuroscience and Psychology
Qualification: MSc in Psychology
Language: English
Tuition Fees (2018/19) is 234 000 RUB per year. A number of Competitive Studentships (budget places) are also available.

The International Centre for Research in Human Development and the International Network for Research in Child Health and Development may offer opportunities to complete short and longer term visits at our partner laboratories and Universities

Programme status: Full-time: 2 years. Campus based (intensive 2-3 week study/assessment sessions in September, December, February and  June in Year 1 & September, December & February in Year 2) + Distance learning elements, supported by Virtual Learning Environment

Entry requirements: Bachelor’s (BSc)/ Specialist degree in an appropriate discipline or an overseas qualification in a relevant subject. Students with other qualifications may also be admitted if they possess relevant experience in a field related to any of the programme disciplines.

English Language Requirements: If your education has not been conducted in the English language, you will be expected to demonstrate evidence of an adequate level of English proficiency.

Admission: Entrance examination: interview + exam in Psychology (material  will be provided  to the applicants)
You can get acquainted with Examination Guidelines& Information of the programme

Application dates

Overseas students: 15 January - 14 August 2018

Home students: 3 April - 14 August 2018

Programme contact details:

+7 3822 786 050 
 634050 Russia, Tomsk
Moskovskiy trakt,8 (build. 4), ground floor, room 015-023

Programme Manager: Daria Matsepuro E-mail: daria.matsepuro@mail.tsu.ru