Course overview
If you have an interest in pursuing careers in research in psychology and wider social science disciplines this course is for you. 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.
This 100% online course also allows you to engage in research autonomously at a distance while retaining access to psychological specialists through supervision.
* Subject to University approval
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 online asynchronous sessions focusing on methods and research practice. In addition to these sessions, you are expected to spend a significant number of hours working independently to develop your research thesis by 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.
Recognition or Prior Learning (RPL) will be considered for up to a maximum of 60 credits.
For international students, a minimum IELTS score of 6.5, with no individual score below 5.5 is also required.
For general information please see our overview of entry requirements
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.
Learning platform
Our virtual learning environment (VLE) is the platform you use to access your online course
Teesside University online learning courses are delivered through the Brightspace Learning Environment.
Here are some of the benefits.
- You can use it on your smartphone, tablet and computer.
- And you can use it anytime, so that you can plan your learning to fit your own schedule.
- It's easy to use and navigate.
- Modules are set out by topics and themes. You can use the progress bar to understand where you are in your modules, and appreciate your achievements.
- We support you to become familiar with your VLE, helping you to start learning quickly.
- You get feedback, help and guidance from tutors throughout your course through the VLE, and you can ask questions at any time.
- Our tutors use a live activity feed to keep you updated about your course.
- You can create a student profile, collaborate with other students and take part in online discussion forums.
