.JPG)
Course overview
It fosters confidence and competence in research methods, statistical techniques, project planning, preparation and management, bridging the gap between completing an undergraduate programme and embarking on a PhD by easing the transition from taught work to greater research autonomy.
You develop a solid grounding in research methodologies and practice within the psychological area of your choice and are prepared for independent work.
You study the latest literature and methods, and develop the skills and abilities essential for a professional research career - including preparing for written and oral presentations of their scholarly practice.
Course details
Course structure
Core modules
Applications of Qualitative Methods in Psychology
You explore key qualitative frameworks designed to gather rich, high-quality data on social phenomena using a range of interviewing and elicitation techniques.
Applied Quantitative Research Methods
You study a range of methods including experimental and non-experimental, lab-based and survey-based methods as well as focussing on statistical techniques and software used to answer questions from gathered data.
You produce a written thesis of your research project. Guidance on the format, structure and content of the thesis is provided in a project handbook. Following submission of the thesis, you discuss your research experience through a short viva voce examination.
Professional Research Skills in Social Research and Enquiry
You focus on professional issues in research practice, from initial ideas and project planning to preparing for publication and dissemination.
Modules offered may vary.
How you learn
You learn through lectures, seminars, workshops and lab sessions. In addition to taught sessions, you are expected to spend a significant number of hours working independently to develop your research thesis through collecting, manipulating, analysing and interpreting data, and synthesising it into a defensible body of scholarly work.
To support the thesis process, you have a substantial allocation of time with a relevant subject expert as your supervisor. The supervisor’s role is to act as an advisor, mentor and critical friend through the process of designing and carrying out a substantive piece of scholarly activity.
How you are assessed
Assessment types include psychological report writing, presentations, proposals, a thesis and a final viva examination.
Formative work includes workbooks, activities, statistical exercises and the chance to undertake viva practice.
Entry requirements
A minimum of a 2:2 honours undergraduate degree in psychology or closely aligned discipline.
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
This course is designed to help you prepare for future doctoral research and to support you into research related positions such as market researcher, clinical and pharmaceutical trials manager, data scientist, science communicator, social, government/NGO and policy researcher, research assistants/officers and academic roles in social science departments.
Information for international applicants
Qualifications
International applicants - find out what qualifications you need by selecting your country below.
Select your country:
Useful information
Visit our international pages for useful information for non-UK students and applicants.