ObjectivesThe MSc in Social Psychology is an advanced level social psychology programme where practical applications and action implications are fully integrated into theoretical discussions. It draws on the teaching experience and research expertise of a large number of social psychologists, all of whom are actively engaged in research. The programme aims to provide students with an awareness of the historical and philosophical background of social psychology and an in-depth knowledge of contemporary theoretical and methodological approaches to the discipline. This advanced level social psychology programme, which has ESRC recognition for research training, is concerned with the scientific study of how we think about, influence and relate to one another. It deals, amongst other topics, with the study of how individuals and groups interact to construct and maintain identities and how these are related to societal change. In the last Research Assessment Exercise, the Department was awarded a 5 grade.
Entry requirementsTypical entry requirements Normally at least an Upper Second class honours degree in psychology from a UK university (or recognised equivalent overseas qualification)
Academic titleMSc/PGDip in Social Psychology
Course descriptionMSc/PGDip in Social Psychology Module overview
Students will be required to complete two compulsory core-content modules and five compulsory research-oriented modules.
Core-content Modules
Social Change and Influence
This module provides an advanced understanding of current theories of social change and influence in social psychology.
Self, Identity and Cognitive Processes
This module introduces students to current advances in theories of identity and self-concept from a social psychological perspective.
Compulsory Research-oriented Modules
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.
Structural Equation Modelling
This module introduces students to the philosophy and techniques of structural equation modelling, allowing the experience of trying out modelling techniques on real data sets.
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.
Doing Social Psychological Research
This module exposes students to a range of methods, techniques and tools to empower them to make informed choices about how to conduct their own empirical research.
Crafting Research Linking Theory and Methods
This module aims to enable students to link theoretical and empirical questions to social issues and to provide them with an in-depth understanding of the practical applications and action implications of social psychological theories and empirical findings.
In addition, students will complete one additional module of their choice selected from the module catalogue.
Students will also be required to present a dissertation comprising an original piece of empirical research within any area of social 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.