Entry requirementsEntry Requirements The MSc is designed to be accessible to students who have a first degree in psychology or a related discipline. Interested candidates with other backgrounds are encouraged to contact the Programme Director in the first instance. In addition to the supporting documents requested on the application form, candidates are asked to submit a personal statement.
Academic titleMSc Psychological Research Methods
Course descriptionThe programme provides broad training in research methods and techniques as well as offering the chance to complete a specialist research dissertation chosen from a wide range of psychological specialisms. It provides a thorough grounding in research methods and analysis which acts as the foundation of a PhD (doctoral training programme but equally serves those seeking preparation to pursue a research-orientated career in a non-academic setting. The programme is intended for graduate psychologists or those who have studied or worked in related disciplines who wish to pursue a research-oriented career within psychology.
Learning Outcomes
The programme lays emphasis on the following outcomes:
* comprehension of the basic principles of research strategy and design, including an understanding of how to formulate researchable problems and an appreciation of alternative approaches to research;
* competency in understanding and applying a range of methods and research tools;
* skills in research management;
* understanding the significance of alternative epistemological positions that provide the context for theory construction.
How You Will Be Taught
Students take 120 credit points-worth of courses, including six compulsory core courses worth 60 credit points (10 credit points each course). The remaining 60 credits are obtained by selecting courses from a variety of option courses. In addition to the taught courses, students complete a dissertation on a substantive issue in psychology, normally involving empirical work.
All students take the core methodology courses covering topics which include: Methods of Data Collection, Basic and Advanced Statistical methods, Professional and Generic Research Skills, Research Concepts and Design. They also choose from a wide-ranging list of option courses to tailor the course to a particular area of interest such as Social or Developmental Psychology or Parapsychology.
In addition to the taught courses, students complete a research dissertation normally involving original empirical research. Supervisors are normally chosen from staff within Psychology and topic is negotiated between staff and student.