ObjectivesThe MSc in Psychological Research Methods, offered by the Institute in collaboration with the School of Psychology, provides training in the basic and advanced research skills necessary to carry out effective research in the psychological sciences. The course is approved by the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) as the first part of a ‘1+3’ postgraduate training programme leading eventually to a PhD. The course integrates an understanding of research design and strategy with personal development and employment-related skills.
Academic titleMSc Psychological Research Methods
Course descriptionPsychological Research Methods (MSc)
Duration: 1 year full-time or 2 years part-time
Course Content
In order to complete the MSc in Psychological Research Methods, you will be required to study the following modules:
Research and Personal Development Skills
Fieldwork and Consultancy Skills
Professional and Ethical Issues in Research and Practice
Psychological Research in Context
Personal and Professional Development
Research Methods Portfolio
Advanced Research Methods 1 and 2
Please note that all module details are subject to change.
Towards the end of the course, you will complete an individual empirical research project, under supervision, in your chosen area of work.
You will develop a research portfolio including: project proposal and ethics submission; project management report; research paper written as if for submission to a named peer-reviewed journal; and executive summary.
The project may be carried out within the Institute or in the School of Psychology.
Course Structure
The MSc in Psychological Research Methods is delivered on a full-time basis over one year, or part-time over two years. It commences in September each year.
The course comprises 180 credits, split across 120 credits’ worth of core and optional taught modules and a 60 credit empirical research project.
The course structure of the MSc in Psychological Research Methods is hierarchical, progressing from generic skills relating to research and career development, through the knowledge and skills commonly required for effective psychological research, to those more specifically and particularly related to your chosen area of study.
The final demonstration of your acquired knowledge and skills is the empirical research project, with a research management report. The project is written up as if for publication in a refereed scientific journal and forms an obvious bridge into your PhD studies.
Part-time students on this course are taught alongside full-time students and the choice of modules (and therefore the timetable) is flexible and a matter for agreement between student and course director. In all cases, part-time students can access a wide range of teaching and learning facilities remotely via the student portal.
Key facts
The course can constitute the first year (first two years part-time) of a `1+3` PhD programme in Psychology or Applied Psychology, in line with ESRC postgraduate training guidelines. The course has gained recognition for the receipt of ESRC studentships on a `3` year and three year basis (full-time and part-time).
Teaching within the Institute is informed by current research. We believe that research and teaching should be developed and delivered to help students and staff make a difference in the real world.
In the latest Research Assessment Exercise, the Institute was awarded a 5 (with Nottingham University Business School).
The wider School of Psychology was awarded 24/24 in the latest Teaching Quality Assessment, with a commendation for teaching.