Course description
Our MA in psychology is a new course designed to offer advanced study in psychology with an emphasis on both research excellence and critical writing skills. Following two semesters of academic study, students write a stand-alone literature review in an area of psychology that particularly appeals to them. This may be an idea or theory that the graduate is already developing, or may be in an area that they become interested in during the course. An academic supervisor will help students to develop their ideas and hone their writing skills, providing support for the literature review. Students can choose to follow a general programme or specialise in the following areas by choosing particular options in semesters one and two. MA Psychology routes:
-Experimental Consumer Psychology
-Cognitive Neuroscience
-Clinical and Health
-Language and Development
-Applied Psychology
During the first two Semesters, content modules are split between core research foundation courses providing an in depth knowledge of how psychological experiments are designed, carried out, analysed and written up, as well as a focus on evaluating scientific research and writing with an appropriate scientific style, and courses offering a variety of subject matters that students can choose from. The optional content modules provided give students the choice to follow a general MA in psychology or, by choosing particular options, focus in one of the five areas listed above. Courses are taught by the highest calibre research academics and we provide an excellent teaching and learning environment through the use of innovative teaching tools, media and environments. Some courses integrate both undergraduate and graduate classes and so provide a rich and vibrant atmosphere for learning and social interactions.
The MA in psychology is especially recommended to graduates who want to*:
* pursue a career in psychology-related humanities, the healthcare professions and social-sciences such as scientific journalism, business management, occupational psychology, marketing and medical care;
* give their CV an additional boost;
* explore a particular area of psychology in detail through researching and writing a literature review.
*This course is not appropriate for students wishing to progress onto academic research via a PhD.
Content and Structure
This course consists of taught components along with a literature review. Semesters one and two involve both core modules and a selection of content modules. During the second semester, students work, with the support of an academic supervisor, to identify a theory, model or research question that they wish to explore through their review. This is then completed during the third semester.
Core modules for Semester 1: Issues in Qualitative and Quantitative Analysis + 3 Options.
Core modules for Semester 2: Project Proposal, Communicating Research in Psychology, Advanced Statistics + 1 Option.
Students choose four optional content modules based on their areas of interest, which will determine which of the previously mentioned streams they will follow. The actual modules are subject to some variation annually but a representative selection would include: Psychological research in consumer science, cognition and brain, biological bases of psychological disorders, laterality, cognitive neuroscience of language, clinical neuroscience, vision and action.
Teaching, Learning and Assessment
Teaching occurs via lectures, seminars and tutorials given by research experts in the School. All teachers are actively engaged in research programmes. Assessment methods include written exams, essays, oral presentations and a research thesis.
Literature Review
The thesis is the key component allowing the student to demonstrate their learning, knowledge and understanding. Each student focuses on a specific research question or theory and, along with their supervisor, they will develop their ideas, review the relevant literature and write a thesis
