Entry requirementsIt is suitable if you have an undergraduate degree in psychology, or a degree that includes a large component of psychology.
Academic titleMSc/PgDip/PgCert Psychological Research Methods
Course descriptionYou build on your previous training in research methods and statistics and develop your understanding of current methodological debates and advances in psychology.
The course provides a balance of training in qualitative and quantitative methods and you develop specialist interests to meet your needs.
Your dissertation allows you to go on to carry out future research as part of a PhD. You can also go on to research careers in areas of the private or public sector such as healthcare or education.
You study a range of research methods including
• experimental design
• multivariate statistical analysis
• use of computer software to generate experiments and analyse data
• biographical research
• case study
• ethnography
• media analysis
You can take some modules individually as short courses or combine them towards an MSc, postgraduate diploma or postgraduate certificate.
If your current qualifications do not meet the British Psychological Society’s requirement for graduate basis for registration (GBR) you may still be eligible to enrol on this course. Please contact us for more information.
If you want to pursue a career in psychology which requires GBR you may first wish to take our Graduate Diploma in Psychology.
Our staff are currently involved in research areas including
• death, dying and bereavement
• autism
• health psychology
• belief, religion, forgiveness and mental health
• language comprehension and production (psycholinguistics)
• prejudice and discrimination
• forensic psychology
• stress and coping
• cognitive development
• cognition and emotion
• discursive psychology
• computer mediated communication
Associated careers
You learn how to carry out independent research, consider the research problem and associated ethical issues, and then choose a suitable approach. The skills and knowledge you gain are in demand by many organisations.
Previous SSRM graduates have found careers including
• staff nurse for BMI General Healthcare – Thornbury Hospital, Sheffield
• research administrator – Graduate Centre, Sheffield Hallam University, Sheffield
• high executive officer – Department for Education and Employment, Sheffield
• trainee probation officer – National Probation Service, Nottingham
Course content
Modules
• qualitative research methods (two modules) • psychological theory and psychological research • research designs in psychology • quantitative research methods (two modules) • survey design and analysis (two modules)
You may also take a module from elsewhere in the University.
Some modules have prerequisites, which you must satisfy before you can take them. This usually means evidence of study in a related subject at a lower level.
To gain MSc level you must complete a 12,000–15,000 word dissertation, which requires you to conduct a research investigation.