About the MSc Psychological Research Methods course
This course is designed to prepare graduates in Psychology (or closely related disciplines) for a PhD degree; for research or related careers in academic or applied psychological disciplines (for example, clinical, forensic, educational, occupational, or counselling psychology); or for careers in which data handling and analytical skills are of relevance.
The course offers a choice of two awards. The MSc award has a taught focus, while the MRes award places a greater accent on independent research, although the innovative course structure means that students need not decide about their own personal focus until the end of Term One.
If you can't decide which route to take yet, don't worry! The innovative structure of the course means you don't have to decide until the end of your first term with us. Either way, students on the MRes / MSc Psychological Research Methods will be taught a range of skills necessary to realise their potential as independent researchers in various fields of psychology (or related disciplines).
Contact us
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Telephone: +44 (0)115 848 4460
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Please note the following information for applicants
MSc Psychological Research Methods course content
Term one
In term one, all students will complete the following five taught modules:
- Advanced Experimentation and Statistics One (AE&S1)
- Psychometrics One (Psyc One)
- Qualitative Research Design and Analysis One (QRDA1)
- Research and Professional Skills
- Possible choice of EEG or observational methods.
Term two
In term two, students pursuing an MSc award will complete the following five taught modules:
- Advanced Experimentation and Statistics Two
- Psychometrics Two (Psyc Two)
- Qualitative Research Design and Analysis Two (QRDA2)
- Mixed Methods
- Choice of 'Qualitative Research Design and Analysis Three' or 'Testing Psychological Theories with Structural Equation Modeling'.
MSc students must also complete a specialist psychological essay on a methodological issue (worth 20 credits) and an empirical research project (worth 60 credits).
Psychology resources and facilities
The University has made significant financial investment in the Psychology Division over recent years upgrading accommodation, facilities and equipment used exclusively for the provision of our psychology courses and for research. We have a state-of-the-art undergraduate teaching laboratory suite opened in 2006, and a further phase of development, opened in 2007, includes a second teaching laboratory specifically catering for postgraduate students.
In addition there are specialist suites dedicated to particular areas of interest in psychology, including:
- social interaction, group work and interviewing
- computer gaming and cyberpsychology
- eye-tracking
- cognitive modelling and visual analysis
- psychophysiology.
Alongside these are new flexible cubicles for student project work, a psychometric test bank library, and a technical workshop.
All students will carry out an empirical research project with a research-active member of staff. The course is designed specifically to prepare graduates in Psychology or related disciplines for a PhD, for research related careers in academic or applied psychological disciplines, or for any careers in which data handling and analytic skills are of relevance.
This course does not currently offer placements.
Entry requirements
- You will need an undergraduate degree (minimum 2.1) in Psychology or a closely related discipline; or other recognised equivalent qualification.
- Applicants whose undergraduate degree is a 2.2 will also be considered.
- Applicants without such qualification will also be considered but will be required to demonstrate how their experiences would enable them to study this course at Higher Education M Level in their Personal Statement.
- One academic or vocational reference is required.
English language entry requirements
See the English language entry requirements for courses at the School of Social Sciences and a full list of all English language qualifications accepted by the University.
Open days
The School of Social Sciences holds open events throughout the year. Come along and learn more about our courses, speak to programme leaders and find out about studying with the School. To find out more about these events visit the School of Social Sciences website.
Scholarships
The School of Social Sciences' Scholarship Scheme provides a number of awards to students on taught Masters courses.
How to apply
Click the Apply online button at the top of the page to complete your application.
As places are limited you are encouraged to submit your application as early as possible to avoid disappointment. The course starts in September 2012 so in order to receive enrolment materials in good time we advise that applications are submitted before the end of July 2012. Please allow additional processing time for international applications from countries that require a visa.
