ObjectivesThere are many psychology graduates in the UK, but few are qualified to conduct advanced research. Our programme is designed to equip you with the advanced skills which many academic, government and industrial employers now require. This was designed as a stand-alone masters programme suitable for those wishing to pursue a research career outside academia, and as the necessary research training for those wishing to take a PhD. Our programme is recognised by the Economic & Social Research Council (ESRC) and can been studied on a full-time or part-time basis.
Entry requirementsEntry requirements An honours degree recognised by the British Psychological Society or qualifications that are recognised as equivalent by the Society. Candidates with other qualifications may also be considered.
Academic titleMSc/PgDip Psychological Research Methods
Course descriptionGeneral programme structure
The programme covers the whole spectrum of psychological research skills and encompasses most research methods used by psychologists. It also gives you the opportunity to study, in depth, the methods that are particularly relevant to you.
We aim to equip you with high-level research skills and give you the opportunity to apply these skills in original psychological research.
Early in the programme, you will begin a substantial independent piece of research and continue this project throughout the year. Special emphasis is placed on practical research skills and communication - these are integrated in project work to achieve professional standards of psychological research.
If you study full time, the MSc programme lasts one year starting in late September, and involves attendance for at least two days a week over two 12-week teaching periods. Successful completion of the taught modules leads to the award of the postgraduate diploma.
If you complete the MSc programme on a part-time basis over two years, you will attend for one day a week over four terms.
Detailed programme structure
These taught modules may be taken as part of the four-year NewRoutePhD™ in Psychology.
-Theoretical & philosophical issues in human science research
-Experimental research methods
-Qualitative methodology & analysis
-Regression & related methods for human scientists
-Analysis of variance and related methods for human scientists
-Research in applied settings
-Theory & methods of discourse analysis
-Communication of research
-Covariance modelling for human scientists
-Web-based research
-Project
-Project planning and literature search
Learning and assessment
All modules are coursework assessed, using a range of assessment methodologies: essays; statistical exercises; presentation skills and a written dissertation on an independent piece of research.
Programme highlights
-The MSc is recognised by the ESRC as providing the training element of the four-year (1+3) PhD
-This recognition applies to both the full-time and part-time mode of attendance