ObjectivesThe University of the West of England is recognised nationally and internationally as one of the leading centres for education in psychology. Teaching in this area was rated as excellent in the latest Quality Assurance Agency review. Undergraduate programmes in psychology have a long history, a high reputation and are accredited by the British Psychological Society as providing Graduate Basis for Registration. MSc courses in Health Psychology and Professional Doctorates in Health Psychology and Counselling Psychology complement the provision in Research Methods. The School of Psychology has run a Certificate in Counselling Skills since 1988 and a Diploma in Professional Studies Counselling since 1993. The DPS Counselling is accredited by the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy as providing a professional qualification in counselling
Entry requirementsApplicants normally have one of the following: -an honours degree awarded by a UK institute of higher education of at least lower second status, in a relevant subject -other qualifications deemed equivalent by the Programme Leader
Academic titleMSc Research Methods in Psychology
Course descriptionContent
The MSc programme carries 180 M Level credits. Each 20 credit module is designed to have 200 hours of personal study time, while 10 credit modules involve 100 hours of personal study time.
Research Design and Experimental Methods (20 credits)
The Research Design and Experimental Methods module includes a range of research designs and paradigms used in psychology, for example the use of experimental software and psycho-biological data. Both a critical appreciation and practical application of these methods will be examined.
Advanced Statistics in Psychology (20 credits)
The Advanced Statistics in Psychology module includes bi-variate and multivariate statistical analysis used in psychology. This module will include an introduction to advanced analytical procedures such as advanced regression and structural equation modelling.
Qualitative Methods (20 credits)
The Qualitative Methods module includes a range of qualitative approaches used in psychology. This module aims to develop critical appreciation of different qualitative methods and analyses such as thematic analysis, discursive analysis and grounded theory approaches.
Psychometrics (20 credits)
The Psychometrics module includes both the theoretical basis of psychometric assessment and the practical application. This module will equip students with the skills of designing and administering tests, interpreting test scores and providing feedback to respondents.
Interviewing (10 credits)
The Interviewing module provides training in practical aspects of interviewing. This includes the designing and developing interview schedules and conducting interviews in research settings.
Surveys (10 credits)
The Survey module provides training in the use of surveys in psychological research. This includes issues surrounding developing questions, sampling and collection of survey data in face-to-face, by postal and internet settings.
Research Process (10 credits)
The Research Process module is designed to equip students with the practical skills necessary to generate research questions, search and review literature effectively, identify and apply for sources of funding, work within an framework of research governance and ethics and disseminate research findings through a variety of means such as presentations, posters and articles in scientific and lay media.
Research as Dynamic Interaction (10 credits)
The Research as Dynamic Interaction module encourages the student to reflect critically on the process on the 'individual as researcher' and the role of scientific research. It investigates the epistemological and cultural bases of research practice in psychology.
The MSc dissertation module (60 credits)
The dissertation module allows students to carry out a substantial piece of research linking to current School expertise. A Postgraduate Diploma will be awarded to students who do not undertake the research project.
Assessment
Modules are generally assessed by a wide range of techniques, including seminar presentations, essays, and examination. The dissertation module culminates in a written report of your research.