Master of Psychology

Release time: 2020-03-16 11:35

Master of Psychology

More about this course

Take the first step to becoming a chartered psychologist with this accredited postgraduate degree in applied psychology. It's been specifically designed for non-psychology graduates and graduates with non-accredited psychology degrees.

Assessment

You’ll be assessed with essays, practical reports, end-of-module examinations, and a 12,000-word dissertation.

+Cognition Psychology (core, 20 credits)

Module summary

Students will develop their understanding of key theories in cognitive psychology. Students' ability to think critically about these theories, especially in the context of empirical evidence will be facilitated. Research skills will be developed

by running a cognitive psychology experiment and presenting these findings in a research report.

Syllabus

Topics will be drawn from: attention, imagery, judgement, decision making, perception, semantic memory, working memory, face recognition and language comprehension.

Balance of independent study and scheduled teaching activity

Students will gain core knowledge and understanding of the topics through lectures, but deeper understanding, evaluation and skill development will be promoted through directed study of recommended reading material, seminars, and online resources.

Learning outcomes

On successful completion of this module, students will:

1) possess systematic in-depth knowledge and critical awareness of a range of core topic areas and related research in cognitive psychology;

2) be able to summarise and evaluate critically theoretical developments in cognitive psychology accounting for empirical evidence.

3) be able to investigate cognitive psychology phenomena using suitable subject relevant research methods and report findings in line with APA guidelines;

Assessment strategy

Summative assessment consists of (1) two hour unseen exam which addresses all subject areas and learning outcomes 1 and 2 (70%) and (2) a lab report (30%) which addresses one subject area and learning outcome 3. Formative assessment consists of one assessment in which students generate a plan to answer two essay questions.

+Developmental Psychology (core, 20 credits)

Module summary

The first aim of this module is to develop students’ systematic understanding of theories of cognitive and social development throughout the lifespan. The second aim is to facilitate students’ ability to think critically about these theories, especially in the context of empirical evidence. A third aim is to develop students’ skills in locating primary sources, and to read, understand, critically evaluate and accurately communicate the relevant information.

Syllabus

Topics will be drawn from: development of language, development of theory of mind, development of memory, understanding the fantasy-reality distinction, education and development, risk and resilience, attachment and parenting, identity, self and gender development.

Balance of independent study and scheduled teaching activity

Learning outcomes

On successful completion of this module, students will:
1) possess systematic in-depth knowledge and critical awareness of a range of core topic areas and related research in developmental psychology;
2) have comprehensive knowledge and critical awareness of a range of different research methods used in developmental psychology;
3) be able to summarise and evaluate critically theoretical developments in developmental psychology in the light of empirical evidence.
4) be able to investigate psychological development using appropriate methodologies and present research findings in line with discipline-specific expectations and requirements.

Assessment strategy

Summative assessments will take the form of an extended essay (50%) and a research report (50%). Both will address all learning outcomes. Formative assessment consists of a series of in class tests and a presentation.

+Enneagram-Individual Differences (core, 20 credits)

Module summary

This module provides students with systematic understanding of key theories of individual differences in the areas of personality, intelligence, motivation and emotion. It also develops students’ comprehensive understanding of how these topics can be scientifically investigated using appropriate research methodologies and foster students’ skills in the development of academic argument and critical evaluation in these core areas of psychology.

Syllabus

Topics will be drawn from: personality, individual differences, intelligence, emotion, motivation.

Balance of independent study and scheduled teaching activity

Students will develop their knowledge and understanding of the subject areas and related topics through lectures and directed independent study. Deeper understanding, evaluation and skill development will be promoted through directed study of recommended reading material and online resources.

Learning outcomes

On successful completion of this module students will:
1. Have in-depth knowledge and understanding of key theories of individual differences and the extent to which they provide a comprehensive account of different aspects of human behaviour;
2. Have a critical understanding of the potential strengths and limitations of methods of psychological assessment and measurement;
3. Be able to critically evaluate key concepts, theories and empirical work and debate the comparative merits of different types of explanation and methodology.
4. Be able to investigate individual differences using appropriate methodologies and present research findings in line with discipline-specific expectations and requirements.

Assessment strategy

Summative assessment consists of an extended piece of coursework. Formative assessment consists of a series of in class tests throughout the module.

+Psychobiology (core, 20 credits)

Module summary

This module provides students with a systematic understanding of the theory and research relating to the role of biological mechanisms in behaviour, including an evaluation of the use of animal experiments in psychology, and a critical examination of the behavioural and environmental context of psychobiology and different levels of psychobiological analysis.

Syllabus

Psychobiological topics will be drawn from: Neurochemistry and neurophysiology of nerve transmission; behavioural genetics; psychoneuroendocrinology. Psychopharmacology. Biological aspects of learning, memory, motivation and emotion, sleep and arousal. Evolutionary explanations of behaviour. Neuropsychology, cortical localisation of function, biological basis of psychological abnormalities. Sensory systems and conditions.

Balance of independent study and scheduled teaching activity

A series of formal teaching sessions will encompass lectures, workshops and seminar sessions and students will also be required to carry out independent learning, generally in the form of background reading and engagement with web-based learning materials.

Learning outcomes

On successful completion of this module, students will:
(1) have an in-depth understanding of the biological mechanisms of behaviour;
(2) critically discuss different methodologies used in biological psychology;
(3) incorporate the biological mechanisms of behaviour and related phenomena into psychological and evolutionary accounts of behaviour, drawing on relevant theory and empirical research.
(4) hands on experiences in how to conduct an experiment and write a report on it.

Assessment strategy

This module is assessed by:

1), a 2-hour seen exam which addresses all subject areas and assessment criteria (70%).
2), lab report addresses practical session & practice research methods that has been learnt (30%).

+Research Methods (core, 20 credits)

Module summary

This module is introduces students to methods of psychological investigation and to develop their ability to design such investigations, to understand the ethical implications of the methods used, and to assess the data collected. Each of these aims is associated with general competencies that are highly valued in employment settings (e.g., communication, numeracy, critical thinking). The module also aims to facilitate integration of students’ knowledge and understanding of research methods with their knowledge and understanding in core areas of psychology, e.g. cognitive or developmental psychology) and to provide students with a firm foundation for their Master’s level project.

Syllabus

This module allows students the opportunity to learn about, and develop their skills in, psychology research.

The syllabus includes an introduction to the nature and purposes of research in psychology; and different approaches to research design, including the match between research design and research questions. We will explore different methods for gathering data in psychology; core research design concepts and issues; and research ethics for psychologists.

We will also explore the reporting of research studies, including how to structure of a research report; how to write and format each section; and APA style for scientific writing.

The syllabus includes coverage of different ways of both summarising and presenting data quantitative; using data analysis software; and using statistics to draw inferences about populations from research samples. We will cover analyses for between and within participants research designs with two conditions; analyses for between and with participants research designs with more than two conditions; analysis of relationships between variables using correlation and regression; the analysis of data in simple contingency tables.

Finally, the syllabus will include coverage of qualitative methods (e.g., interviews, observation, and examination of secondary data sources) and simple text analysis. We will also discuss the reporting and evaluation of qualitative research.

Balance of independent study and scheduled teaching activity

The module is delivered through a variety of teaching and learning methods. Lectures will deliver core research methods, report writing, and data handling material to students (e.g., key concepts, calculations, data presentation formats) and provide a framework for further reading and independent study. Workshops provide an opportunity for students to seek clarification of concepts and processes covered in the lectures and to check or their understanding of these concepts and processes through a range of discussions and practical exercises. SPSS workshops enable students to develop competency in the use of this software.

Learning outcomes

On successful completion of this module, students will be able to:

1. Critically discuss general concepts and principles associated with the design of, implementation of, and data analysis within, a range of different approaches to research in psychology;
2. Demonstrate an awareness of the BPS Code of Human Research Ethics (2014) and how this is implemented in the design and conduct of psychological research;
3. Describe, analyse and interpret both quantitative and qualitative data using appropriate methods and tools, for example specialist statistical or qualitative analysis software.

Assessment strategy评估策略

The module will be assessed by one piece of coursework and two examinations. The coursework will be a collection of Psychology Research Exercises based around research design, research ethics, and report writing. This assessment is linked to material covered in the first part of the module. The Quantitative Methods Examination will assess students’ conceptual understanding of quantitative analysis techniques, as well as their ability to appropriately design, describe and interpret quantitative analysis of data. . The Qualitative Methods Examination will focus on students’ understanding of methods of data collection, and analysis for qualitative research.

+Social Psychology (core, 20 credits)

Module summary

This module provides students with systematic understanding of theory and research relating to social cognition, social identity, and social behaviour.

Syllabus

Topics will be drawn from: attitudes, social influence, conformity and obedience, pro-social behaviour, group processes, intergroup relations, and self and identity.
Students will conduct a study/experiment in social psychology and present the findings in appropriate ways

Balance of independent study and scheduled teaching activity

Learning outcomes

On successful completion of this module students will:
1. Have in-depth knowledge and understanding of key theories relating to social cognition, self and identity, and social behaviour and the relationship between individuals, society and culture;
2. Be able to investigate social psychological phenomena using appropriate methodologies and present research findings in line discipline-specific expectations and requirements;
3. Be able to critically evaluate key concepts, theories and empirical work and debate the comparative merits of different types of explanation and methodology.

Assessment strategy

Summative assessment consists of a seen exam (of two hours) addressing all subject areas (50%) and a research report on an area of social psychology (50%). Formative assessment consists of a series of in class tests throughout the module.

+Dissertation (core, 60 credits)

Module summary

This module supports the process of planning, carrying out, and writing up an independent empirical research project in any area of psychology.

Prior learning requirements

Research Methods

Syllabus

This module consists of supervision of empirical research projects and there is no taught syllabus. However, support workshops will be provided that will cover: 1. Requirements, time-scale and planning, 2.Ethics and ethical applications.

Balance of independent study and scheduled teaching activity

Supervision meetings and independent learning will be the main focus of this module.

Learning outcomes

On successful completion of this module students will be able to:

1. Plan and execute, using independent judgement, a piece of original empirical research relevant
to any area of psychology
2. Demonstrate innovation and originality of thought with respect to empirical research
3. Select, carry out and interpret research findings using either quantitative or qualitative analysis techniques to an advanced level of capability
4. Critically interpret and place their own research within a relevant context of psychological research
5. Write a project dissertation in a research paper format suitable for publication as a journal article
6. Be able to argue their research ideas and empirical findings through presentation of a research poster and question-and-answer session.
7. Demonstrate critical understanding of the role of empirical research in the academic and professional development of psychology, including epistemology and ethics of research

Assessment strategy

This module will be assessed by a dissertation reporting on a piece of empirical research and a poster presentation on the research. A project proposal and ethics form, which will not be assessed, must be submitted, and ethical clearance is required prior to data collection.