ObjectivesThis MSc programme is designed to provide you with expertise of psychological research methods appropriate for the behavioural sciences. The aim is to provide you with the skills necessary for formulating research questions, conducting empirical research and analysing and reporting research results. The programme will also provide you with the skills necessary for research at PhD level. You will be required to complete seven compulsory modules and one additional module of your choice selected from the module catalogue. You will also be required to present a dissertation comprising 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 eleven month span of the Masters programme.
Entry requirementsTypical 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.
Academic titleMSc/PGDip in Research Methods in Psychology
Course descriptionMSc/PGDip in Research Methods in Psychology Module overview
Research Methods and Data Analysis
This module provides students with a background in the philosophy underlying research methods and the skills to assess qualitative and quantitative research effectively.
Research and Professional Skills
This module provides students with advanced knowledge and understanding of different research strategies through the teaching of practice-based skills that will transfer into working environments.
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.
Structural Equation Modelling
This module provides students with an understanding of the philosophy underlying psychological research using covariance structure modelling techniques.
Psychometrics
This module acquaints students with the essential principles of Classical Test theory as well as Item Response theory. It provides an understanding of the concept of Validity as applied to psychological assessment and enables students to understand the basic principles of Test construction. It also covers the contribution of psychometrics to psychological theory.
Classics in Psychology
This module discusses classic papers that shaped the way experimental psychologists think about behaviour. Students will read the original seminal papers, discuss their significance and the research subsequently initiated.
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.