Programme And Module Handbook
 
Programme Specification


Date Specification Approved 15/11/2020
College College Life and Env Sci
School School of Psychology
Department School of Psychology
Partner College and School
Collaborative Organisation and Form of Collaboration
Qualification and Programme Title M.Sci. Psychology and Psychological Research Full-time
Programme Code 8250
Delivery Location Campus
Language of Study English
Length of Programme 4 Year(s)
Accreditations This programme has no outside accreditations
Aims of the Programme "The programme aims to provide a broad, fundamental and practical education in the discipline of psychology which is informed by staff research interests and requirements for careers in psychological research. This is achieved by (i) covering approaches to the study of psychology which range from the observations of basic neural mechanisms to the analysis of complex human relationships including those in an applied setting, (ii) interpreting contemporary empirical findings from a series of different theoretically grounded perspectives and (iii) establishing theoretical and practical bases for careers in psychological research. The programme involves: (i) coverage of the core areas of psychology, that is biological, cognitive, developmental, personality and individual differences, and social psychology, (ii) training in research methods leading to competence in research design, data collection, analysis, statistics, interpretation and report writing, (iii) in depth study of optional specialised topics which are at the cutting edge of research, (vi) advanced specialist training in theoretical and practical aspects of psychological research and (v) transferable skills. Students are thus equipped with discipline-specific knowledge to appreciate and critically evaluate theory, research findings and their applications; to undertake independent, supervised research and to acquire transferable, employment related skills. On completion of the programme students have the skills and necessary preparation for both professional training and further academic study."
Programme Outcomes
Students are expected to have Knowledge and Understanding of: Which will be gained through the following Teaching and Learning methods: and assessed using the following methods:
The principal, theoretical underpinnings and approaches to the modern, empirically based study of psychology.
The existing scholarship in psychology and how to relate it to pure and applied problems within the discipline.
The range of influences on psychological functioning and how they are conceptualised across the core areas.
The key issues dealt with by the five core areas of psychology, that is, in biological, cognitive, developmental, social psychology and individual differences.
The different methodologies of psychological investigation including the use of both quantitative and qualitative methods.
How to carry out an extensive piece of independent empirical research including how to: define a research problem, formulate testable hypotheses, choose appropriate methodologies, plan and carry out a study efficiently, discuss findings in terms of previous research, evaluate limitations of methodologies and analyses employed.
The theoretical and practical use of a variety of psychological tools including specialist software, laboratory equipment and psychometric instruments.
For Diploma of Higher Education (at least 240 credits of which 100 must be at level 2 or above) 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, apply
For Certificate of Higher Education (at least 120 credits at Level 1 or above) 1, 2, 3 apply.
A more limited number of specialised areas of psychology at a deeper level, which are at the cutting edge of research.
How to maximize professional development in research careers by addressing ethical and legal issues in research, exploitation of research findings, applying for research grants & studentships, project management.
How to communicate research results in the most effective way according to different presentation modes (e.g. written vs. oral presentations, academic poster presentations)
Specialised knowledge of psychological research at an advanced level.
1-4: Tutorials, lectures, seminars, practicals, experiment workshops, research projects, private directed study embedded in all parts of the course.
5: Lectures and practicals in research method modules, experiment workshops, Year 3 research project.
6: Practicals in research method modules, experiment workshops, Year 3 research project.
7: Practicals in research method modules, experimental workshops, Year 3 research project.
8: Same as 1 - 5.
9: Same as 1 - 3.
10: Lectures, seminars and private directed study at Years 3 and 4, Year 3 research project and Year 4 work placement.
11: Lectures, seminars, workshops, research projects.
12: Lectures, tutorials, seminars, workshops, research placement, research projects.
13: Student-lead discussions in seminars, lectures and private directed study at Years 3 and 4.
1-4: Essays, class tests, examinations, written reports and oral presentations of practicals, workshops, and research projects, non-essay coursework in Year 3 (research proposals, discussion minutes, media reports), discussion leading in Year 4.
5: Class test, examination, written report and oral presentation of practicals, workshops and research projects.
6: Written report and oral presentation of practicals, workshops and research projects.
7: Written report and oral presentation of practicals, workshops and research projects.
8: Same as 1 - 5.
9: Same as 1 - 3.
10: Essays, class tests, examinations, written reports and oral presentations of research projects, non-essay coursework in Year 3 (research proposals, discussion minutes, media reports).
11: Course work (e.g., research proposals, CVs), mock interviews, examination, written reports and oral presentations of research projects.
12: Reports of workshops, practicals, research placements and research projects in various formats (written reports, oral presentations, poster presentations).
13: Coursework essays, examination, reports of research seminars (Year 4)
Students are expected to have attained the following Skills and other Attributes: Which will be gained through the following Teaching and Learning methods: and assessed using the following methods:
To be able to communicate effectively with psychologists and non-psychologists in written reports, seminar presentations and informal discussion.
Use of computers for word processing, data management, and statistical analysis and use the internet as a learning, research and communication tool.
To retrieve and organise primary source material, viewing it analytically and subjecting it to critical evaluation, integrating different perspective on issues and problems, prior to drawing conclusions.
To undertake self directed study and project management in order to meet desired objectives
To work productively with others on tasks involving psychology while also developing the necessary skills to work independently.
A working knowledge of issues relevant to undertaking research (e.g. advanced literature search, research proposal, performing in interviews etc). Ability to debate in discussion sessions and seminars.
To complete research experiments from initiation through to presentation and potential submission for publication
To be able to demonstrate mastery of the knowledge and understanding outlined above by being able to retain, recall, explain, apply and critically evaluate body of knowledge without access to externa materials.
This information is to be supplied This information is to be supplied