Become critical consumers, producers, and communicators of evidence and data. Develop advanced research skills valuable to any sector that puts a premium on evidence-based decision-making. Choose your own areas of interest and personalise your learning experience.
Overview
In this course, programme modules are structured to progressively build the core competencies in research and research methods. Students have the flexibility to personalise their learning experience by applying these skills to their own areas of interest, including psychological wellbeing, child development, memory, addiction, neurodiversity and more. Please note we try to accommodate student interests so they are aligned with staff research expertise.
Our graduates aspire to undertake doctoral post-graduate study and employment in a range of professions allied to Psychology and the Social Sciences. For those who would like to progress towards becoming a chartered psychologist, this course provides a rigorous preparation for the additional postgraduate research and professional training that are necessary for chartered status. Please note, the British Psychological Association does not accredit research methods programmes in general, nor this MSc.
Why us?
- The School of Psychology was awarded an Athena Swan Bronze Award in 2021, in recognition of its commitment to supporting and transforming gender equality
- One module involves students working as research assistants on live, ongoing research projects with staff or with external partners
- Staff regularly collaborate with students with the aim to co-publish joint research projects
- A blended approach to ensure that students of all confidence and competency-levels have learning opportunities suited to their learning preferences
- Opportunity for professional development through activities like CV writing and mock interviews.
Course structure
Teaching methods include lectures and seminars to present and consolidate core content, as well as independent tasks with guided group feedback, group work to build professional skills, and one-to-one feedback on formative tasks. There is also opportunity for professional development through activities like CV writing and mock interviews.
Assessment methods have an applied focus. Written coursework includes development of research proposals, critique of existing literature and methodologies, as well as personal reflections on professional skill development. An exam assesses competencies in advanced quantitative research methods and analyses, while a portfolio of guided tasks is used to assess professional skill development and competencies in advanced qualitative methodologies. The main assessment of the programme is the project report, a thesis based on the student’s empirical work.
Facilities
The School of Psychology is based in the Murray Library on City Campus, close to the city centre and a three-minute walk from the University metro station.
You’ll find a range of specialist laboratories and excellent library resources here.
Career ready
Our graduates aspire to undertake doctoral post-graduate study and employment in a range of professions allied to Psychology and the Social Sciences.
Career options
At the end of this course you will be able to make a strong application for doctoral programmes that lead to chartered status as a psychologist. There are nine types of psychology in which it is possible to become chartered: clinical, educational, forensic, occupational, counselling, sport and exercise and health psychology, as well as neuropsychology and teaching and researching in psychology.
Equally, the course prepares you for employment in a broad range of sectors due to the transferable skills learned. Expertise in research methodology is highly valued in management, advertising, marketing, human resources, the police force, the prison service, social care, health services and teaching.
Graduates have secured opportunities for further study on research degrees including funded PhD studentships and BPS chartered PhD programmes such as Clinical Psychology. Our graduates also have successful careers in public and private-sector organisations including the NHS, civil service, police service, and further education.
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