Course description
Full-Time study
Introduction
The School of Psychology at Keele is strong in research, rated 4 in the 2001 Research Assessment Exercise. The principal areas of research strength in the school are:
• Cognitive and Neuropsychology
• Social Psychology
• Applied Psychology
This course aims to build on our research expertise by providing structured research training in psychological research methods so that
those successfully completing the course can proceed to undertake psychological research. This may be in the form of a PhD, or may form
a first stage of graduate training for those wishing to proceed to a professional career in psychology. The course has ESRC recognition as a research training programme for Psychology PhD students (1+3 awards).
Course Structure and Content
In order to obtain a Masters degree, students are required to obtain 180 credits, including a 60-credit dissertation. The course modules are set out below. Credit value for each module is given in brackets.
Course Modules
Core Modules (total 90 level 4 credits)
• Theory and Methodology in Psychology (20)
• Research Design and Process (20)
• Quantitative Data Analysis II (advanced) (20)
• Qualitative Data Analysis (20)
• Research Apprenticeship in Psychology (10)
Special Option Modules (30 level 3 credits)
Special option topics in Psychology: students must select two modules from the range of level 3 (UG) modules available
Project and Dissertation (60 level 4 credits)
Students may select any appropriate topic in psychology providing that specialist supervision is available from the School of Psychology. It is normally expected that psychology students will undertake an empirical dissertation, designing, conducting, and reporting on an original piece of psychological research using appropriate design, methods, and data analysis strategies.
Assessment
The course is assessed through coursework, verbal presentation of research, unseen examination and independent research written up as a final dissertation (15,000-20,000 words). The pass mark in each module is 50% (40% for level 3 modules), and all modules must be passed to obtain the MSc.
A distinction will be awarded for exceptional performance (broadly an overall average of 70% or more including 70% in the dissertation).