ObjectivesThis ESRC approved course is designed to prepare graduates in Psychology (or closely related disciplines) for a PhD degree; for research or related careers in academic or applied psychological disciplines (for example, clinical, forensic, educational, occupational, or counselling psychology); or for careers in which data handling and analytical skills are of relevance.
The course offers a choice of two awards. The MSc award has a taught focus, while the MRes award places a greater accent on independent research, although the innovative course structure means that students need not decide about their own personal focus until the end of Term One.
If you can’t decide which route to take yet, don’t worry! The innovative structure of the course means you don’t have to decide until the end of your first term with us. Either way, students on the MRes / MSc Psychological Research Methods will be taught a range of skills necessary to realise their potential as independent researchers in various fields of psychology (or related disciplines).
Entry requirementsYou will need an undergraduate degree (minimum 2.1) in Psychology or a closely related discipline; or other recognised equivalent qualification.
Applicants whose undergraduate degree is a 2.2 will also be considered.
Applicants without such qualification will also be considered but will be required to demonstrate how their experiences would enable them to study this course at HE M Level in their Personal Statement.
English language requirements for international students are the IELTS 6.5 (min writing score 6.0)/TOEFL 560 (min writing score Five) or TOEFL iBT 83 (min writing score 24).
Academic titleMSc Psychological Research Methods
Course descriptionCourse content
Term one
In term one, all students will complete the following five taught modules:
* Research Design and Analysis 1 (RDA1)
* Psychometrics 1 (Psyc 1)
* Qualitative Research Design and Analysis 1 (QRDA1)
* Research and Professional Skills
* Option 1 (from a list of topics reflective of staff research interests)
Term two
MSc:
In term two, students pursuing an MSc award will complete the following five taught modules:
* Research Design and Analysis 2 (RDA2)
* Psychometrics 2 (Psyc 2)
* Qualitative Research Design and Analysis 2 (QRDA2)
* Mixed Methods
* Option 2 (from a list of topics reflective of staff research interests)
MSc students must also complete a specialist psychological essay on a methodological issue (worth 20 credits) and an empirical research project (worth 60 credits).