ObjectivesThis ESRC approved course is designed to prepare graduates in Psychology (or closely related disciplines) for a PhD degree; for research or related careers in academic or applied psychological disciplines (for example, clinical, forensic, educational, occupational, or counselling psychology); or for careers in which data handling and analytical skills are of relevance.
The course offers a choice of two awards. The MSc award has a taught focus, while the MRes award places a greater accent on independent research, although the innovative course structure means that students need not decide about their own personal focus until the end of Term One.
If you can’t decide which route to take yet, don’t worry! The innovative structure of the course means you don’t have to decide until the end of your first term with us. Either way, students on the MRes / MSc Psychological Research Methods will be taught a range of skills necessary to realise their potential as independent researchers in various fields of psychology (or related disciplines).
Entry requirementsYou will need an undergraduate degree (minimum 2.1) in Psychology or a closely related discipline; or other recognised equivalent qualification.
Applicants whose undergraduate degree is a 2.2 and applicants without such qualification will also be considered but will be required to demonstrate how their experiences would enable them to study this course at HE M Level in their Personal Statement.
English language requirements for international students are the IELTS 6.5 (min writing score 6.0) or TOEFL 560 (min writing score 5)/TOEFL iBT 83 (min writing score 24).
Academic titleMRes Psychological Research Methods
Course descriptionCourse content
Term one
In term one, all students will complete the following five taught modules:
* Research Design and Analysis 1 (RDA1)
* Psychometrics 1 (Psyc 1)
* Qualitative Research Design and Analysis 1 (QRDA1)
* Research and Professional Skills
* Option 1 (from a list of topics reflective of staff research interests)
Term two
MRes:
In term two, students studying for the MRes will complete three taught modules only two of which must be drawn from the core research modules:
* Research Design and Analysis 2
* Psychometrics 2
* Qualitative Research Design and Analysis 2
The third module represents a free choice from all other available options. MRes students also complete an empirical research project (worth 100 credits).
Assessment
The course is assessed on a modular basis via examination, coursework (essay, laboratory report, literature review), oral presentation, research and project/dissertation work.
Resources and facilities
In 2000, the University spent approximately £300,000 upgrading the laboratory facilities that are exclusively used for the provision of psychology courses.
The facilities include: two teaching labs incorporating 20 personal computers with audiovisual presentation facilities; ten satellite labs with individual PCs.
Along with several further specialist facilities including: an eyetracker lab with SMI desktop eyetracker; a physiological recording lab - with three Biopacs; an EEG lab and ERP presentation equipment; a gaming lab; an audiovisual analysis lab (based on the Observer software) and a portable eyetracker.
Audiovisual studios are available which include recording and editing facilities using the latest recording technology.
Study routes
The course commences in September and will run for a full calendar year. Study will normally be on a full-time basis. Any students considering part-time study (over two years) should contact the course leader in the first instance (see contact details above).
Special benefits
The course has been designed to offer you the maximum flexibility and opportunity to tailor your research studies in relation to your own needs and future employment goals. You can choose to concentrate on a programme of primarily taught study (and to pursue an MSc award) or to have a greater focus on your own independent research (and to pursue an MRes award). It is certainly the only course we know of that allows you to get on board several months before you have to make such a decision, by which time our helpful tutors can help you to make the right decisions for you and for your future career aspirations.
Research opportunities
All students will be able to carry out an empirical research project with a research active member of staff. The course is designed specifically to prepare graduates in psychology or related disciplines for PhD, for research-related careers in academic or applied psychological disciplines, or for careers in which data handling and analytic skills are of relevance.
Accreditation
The MSc award is now an ESRC approved training programme in Psychological Research Methods.