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Postgraduate study
Psychology

Psychology MSc

Our MSc Psychology is designed to enable graduates from disciplines other than psychology to develop subject-specific knowledge and the practical and professional skills related to the discipline as well as further developing general transferable cognitive, intellectual and academic skills.

 

Course overview

Accredited

You gain a deep understanding of the scope of the discipline through active learning experiences to consider how psychological concepts can be applied in practice. Research training will also be provided which allows you to undertake your own research, under supervision, in the field of psychology and prepare you for professional development as academic or practitioner psychologists.

Top reasons to study this course
> Study this course and you may be eligible for a £2,500 Sir Keith Skeoch postgraduate scholarship.
> Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership with the British Psychological Society.
> Your teaching team work includes research experts from the Centre for Applied Psychological Science, giving you topical and upcoming insights into psychology.
> Build up your general interest in psychology to specialise on your own piece of research.

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Course details

Course structure

Core modules

Applied Qualitative Research Methods

In this module students will develop the requisite skills needed to analyse, conduct and assess qualitative research within the applied psychology setting. It will also provide students with an understanding of key theoretical approaches in designing qualitative research projects as well as practical experience in transcribing and analysing qualitative data.

Students will examine the philosophical roots of qualitative methods and how these can be used to collect psychological evidence. At the end of the module students will be in a position to carry out a major research project using qualitative methods.

Biological and Social Psychology

The module is divided into two halves: biopsychology and social psychology. Biological, neurological and social explanations for a series of identified psychological topics are explored, as well as introducing the concept of evolutionary explanations for human behaviour and the scientific approach to the study of our social behaviour.

Development, Cognitive Processes and Disorders

This module introduces students to key concepts and theories in development and cognitive psychology and is delivered in two parts. In the first half, competing perspectives, contemporary debates, historical perspectives and applied topics within developmental psychology will be studied using a lifespan perspective.

In the second half, a range of cognitive processes will be discussed in relation to both healthy and disordered functioning, drawing evidence from experimental psychology, neuropsychological case studies and cognitive neuroscience perspectives.

Introduction to Psychology: Classics to Contemporary

Psychology is a fascinating discipline and covers a broader range of topics than many people realise, from language through personality to mental health and wellbeing and even what love is. Despite the breadth it is a relatively new science and still, as a result, leads to there being many misconceptions amongst the general public.

In this module you will learn about the discipline from its conception to current knowledge and how to dispel some of these myths. The module will cover the breadth of psychology to underpin more in-depth study of psychology. It covers the five core theory areas of the British Psychological Society curriculum; cognitive psychology, social psychology, developmental psychology, biological psychology and individual differences, in addition to historical and conceptual issues.

The module is divided into sections devoted to each of these areas and has an additional section introducing the history of the discipline. It provides you with a solid level of psychological literacy for you to develop further and will teach you about the foundations of the discipline.

Psychology Project

This module considers the principles of evidence-based practice and facilitates the development of research skills, project management and writing up for publication. In this module students will conduct a self-initiated research project which will be allocated a research supervisor.

Psychopathologies and Individual Differences

You develop your knowledge of psychopathologies and individual differences in psychology, and an in-depth, critical understanding of these areas along with the necessary skills to distinguish between theories and critically evaluate them. In addition, the module also develops your understanding of and skills with psychometric tests.

Quantitative Research in Psychology

This module focuses on building confidence and competence in designing psychological research using a range of methodological techniques. Students will examine the philosophical roots of quantitative methods, consider psychological research as a process, discuss practical, ethical and methodological issues in research and engage in practical exercises to foster skills in empirical data analysis, interpretation and report writing.

The goal of this module is to provide students with the applied methodological and statistical proficiency required to effectively evaluate the research of others and produce rigorous research of your own.

 

Modules offered may vary.

 

How you learn

You engage in full cohort lectures with seminars, workshops, lab classes in smaller groups. E-learning, group discussions, critical evaluations, data analysis, data collection, peer review will also be an integrated aspect of teaching and learning across the programme.

The course aims are effectively mapped to learning outcomes which are assessed across the modules. Professional skills are addressed by consideration of ethical issues in both research and practice. Research, knowledge and cognitive skills are addressed through a focus on the application of theory to practice and the development of critical thinking and analytical skills.

Research training is a core component of the programme and is embedded throughout the curriculum. As well as underpinning module content across the course, specific research methods and analysis modules enable you to develop knowledge and skills in the application of a range of both quantitative and qualitative research methodologies, culminating in the production of an independent research project at the end of the course. The development of personal and transferable skills is embedded throughout the course via a range of assessments.

Cross-cultural understanding is promoted throughout the curriculum and embedded within core modules to enable you to examine how this contributes to the development of psychological theory and concepts, as well as the implications for research and practice.

Modules are based on the communication of current topic knowledge and the research which underpins this knowledge. As they are delivered by staff experienced in the relevant areas, many lecturers include their own research within their teaching, as well as introducing you to specific research methodologies which are particular strengths of the team.

Technology Enhanced Learning (TEL) is supported through the University’s Virtual Learning Environment, which adheres as a minimum to the University’s Threshold Quality Standards. Modules include electronic submission, assessment and feedback. A range of learning resources are provided by Student & Library Services.

How you are assessed

Assessments are innovative and varied and the assessment strategy contains a broad range of assessments including: exams, essays and critical reviews, research proposals and reports.

Reflective practice is also encouraged to allow you to identify progress and achievements, as well as areas for future development. The sequencing and form of assessments across the modules enables you to receive feedback on key transferable skills which you can use to enhance future assessments.

Modules include formative assessments which provide feedback which you can use to develop your summative assessments. Some modules adopt a formative assessment strategy where you engage in and receive feedback on activities completed during classes each week, whilst others adopt an approach whereby you submit a piece of formative assessment closely aligned to the summative assessment and receive specific feedback on how to develop the work. Formative feedback is provided in a range of modes, including verbal, written, tutor and peer feedback.

 

Entry requirements

Applicants should have:
A minimum of a 2:2 honours undergraduate degree in any discipline.

International students:
International students should have the equivalent of a 2:2 undergraduate degree in any discipline and a minimum overall IELTS (Academic) score of 6.5 with 6 in each component (or approved equivalent).

For general information please see our overview of entry requirements

International applicants can find out what qualifications they need by visiting Your Country

 

Employability

Career opportunities

Successful completion of the MSc provides you with Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (GBC) with the BPS, which is an essential first step in a rewarding career in psychology. The skills and knowledge you develop on this course are particularly suited to further postgraduate training to become a chartered psychologist in any area of psychology. You can also enter a broad range of careers including health and social welfare, the probation service, the prison service, the police, voluntary organisations and the public sector as well as more business related roles.

You develop the employability skills that employers are looking for, such as team working and communication. You can also develop your employability skills through Volun-tees, which offers volunteering opportunities and helps you develop a wider range of opportunities with voluntary/community organisations. You also have access to an award-winning careers service which works with regional and national employers to advertise graduate positions, in addition to providing post-graduation support for all Teesside University alumni.

 

Information for international applicants

Qualifications

International applicants - find out what qualifications you need by selecting your country below.

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Useful information

Visit our international pages for useful information for non-UK students and applicants.

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Professional accreditation

The British Psychological Society (BPS)

Successful completion of the MSc provides you with the Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (GBC) with the British Psychological Society (BPS).

Full-time

2024/25 entry

Fee for UK applicants
£7,365 a year

More details about our fees

Fee for international applicants
£17,000 a year

More details about our fees for international applicants

  • Length: Full-time - September start (1 year); January start (16 months including a summer break)
  • Start date: September or January
  • Semester dates

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Part-time

2024/25 entry

Fee for UK applicants
£820 for each 20 credits

More details about our fees

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Get in touch

UK students

Email: ssshladmissions@tees.ac.uk

Telephone: 01642 738801


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International students

Email: internationalenquiries@tees.ac.uk

Telephone: +44 (0) 1642 738900


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