ObjectivesThis MSc programme is designed to provide you with theoretical and methodological expertise to carry out applied psychological research. It will enable you to make the links between theoretical and empirical issues to the practical application of psychology. The programme aims to provide you with the necessary knowledge and methodological tools to conduct independent empirical research and to formulate research questions in relation to applied psychology. The programme will also provide you with the skills necessary for research at PhD level. You will be required to complete four compulsory modules: Research Methods and Data Analysis; Research and Assessment in Context; Aspects of Experimental Psychology; and Research and Professional Skills; and four optional modules to be selected from the module catalogue for the current year of study. It is expected that at least two of the four will be in a related field. You will also be required to complete a dissertation comprising an original piece of empirical research within an area of psychology. Recently, our students have embarked on careers including: conducting research with teachers in China, teaching statistics to psychology students in Japan and teaching psychology at Higher Education institutions. Others have proceeded to PhD study at Surrey.
Academic titleMSc/PGDip in Child Developmental Psychology
Course descriptionMSc/PGDip in Child Developmental Psychology Module overview
Research Methods and Data Analysis
This module focuses on different qualitative and quantitative research methods such as discourse analysis, multiple sorting tasks, factor analysis, multiple regression and multidimensional scaling.
Research and Assessment in Context
This module provides students with the ability to critically assess research assessment techniques in specific contexts and enables them to apply these techniques appropriately. It provides an understanding of the historical and theoretical underpinnings to assessment and explores a range of techniques and methodologies.
Research and Professional Skills
This module provides students with practice-based skills that will transfer into working environments, to enable them to plan and manage a research project such as survey and questionnaire design, interviewing techniques, presentation skills and basic statistical techniques.
Aspects of Experimental Psychology
This module presents current methodologies and concepts in experimental psychology and equips students with the information to critically assess experimental research methods and findings, apply knowledge to their own research designs, interpret output and communicate results.
In addition, you will complete four optional modules which can be selected from those available for the current year of study. It is expected that at least two of the four will be in a related field.
You will also be required to complete an 80,000-10,000 word dissertation comprising of an original piece of empirical research within an area of applied psychology. The dissertation will be supervised by one of the Department's academic staff, and must be completed within the 11-month span of the Masters programme.
Typical entry requirements
Normally at least an Upper Second class honours degree in psychology from a UK university (or recognised equivalent overseas qualification). Applicants with other qualifications will be considered on an individual basis. For further details please contact the Programme Director.