ObjectivesThis course is suitable as preparation for undertaking a PhD in psychology, and for further psychology training (eg in clinical psychology); it also meets the requirements for employment or promotion within an academic or non-academic research-based organisation in the public, private or voluntary sectors.
Entry requirementsYou are normally expected to have a good Honours degree in psychology or a related discipline. You may be invited to an interview. You will need fluent written and spoken English to study at postgraduate level. If your first language is not English, an attainment of at least IELTS 6.5 or equivalent must be demonstrated. The University offers pre-sessional summer programmes if you need to improve your English before starting your course.
Academic titleMSc Psychological Research Methods
Course descriptionIntroduction
This course is an ideal opportunity for graduates and professionals to develop expertise in both qualitative and quantitative approaches to psychological research, and can be used as a stepping-stone to professional training in psychology. Completion of the course will equip graduates to conduct academic and/or applied psychological research professionally and in a wide variety of settings. Established professionals could undertake the whole course, or take individual modules, for continuing professional development purposes.
Course Content
The course will provide an awareness of appropriate methodological concepts, theoretical approaches, and critical, analytical, and research skills, all of which will enable you to carry out original research of high quality in psychology. An important consideration is the facilitation of personal development enabling you to gain the ability to direct and manage research projects, your own future learning, and your career development requirements. The course covers the range of quantitative and qualitative methods, techniques, and statistical analyses used in psychological research; it also addresses theoretical, historical and philosophical issues; and involves the advanced use of computer packages such as SPSS, AMOS and ATLAS.
Core modules:
- Advanced Methods for Collecting and Analysing Qualitative Data
- Advanced Methods for Collecting and Analysing Quantitative Data
- Collecting and Analysing Qualitative Data
- Collecting and Analysing Quantitative Data
- Project (triple module)
- Psychological Research in Context
You also choose one option which provides the opportunity to widen your knowledge and skills by taking a module from other suitable Masters courses (for example, the Professional Presentation Skills module).
Teaching and Assessment
A variety of assessment methods both test your knowledge and allow you to become competent, at an advanced level, in a range of research-related skills such as use of appropriate computer applications, interpretation of research findings, evaluation of published research, literature reviews, research reports suitable for publication, and conference-style presentations. Assessment may also include exams.