Psychology: Theory, Method and Applications

MSc

This course looks at the relationship between psychological theory, research methodology and its applications.

Campus Chester
Course MSc
Length We currently schedule the teaching for Wednesdays, which means that you only need to be in University one day a week, and students who are working are not too disadvantaged. The programme can be studied full or part time.
Start date October 2011

Why study this course?

This course will develop your skills and understanding, allowing you to work effectively in psychological research, or psychology-related occupations, and give you experience of conducting applied research in specific psychological areas.

 

Features:

This Master's programme can be seen as a "streaming" programme.

In Semester 1: it involves revisiting, reinforcing and elaborating some of the main topic areas of psychology.

In Semester 2: there are three themed modules of which you choose those which best fit your interest/needs (you also have the option of taking up to two modules on any other of our other MSc programmes)and in the third semester (over the summer period) you pick up a three module dissertation from one of your themes.

The course focuses on the interrelationship between theory, method and applications and how particular methods are applied in different research areas.

There are no examinations, and all modules are course-work assessed through practical-type reports. However, we are using the term "practical" in a broad sense in that this could be a typical quantitative/qualitative research report or a case study, presentation, paper review, book review, etc.

Therefore, it aims to hone and develop the kinds of skills you would require to either carry out psychological research (e.g. carry out a Ph.D.) or work in psychology related occupations.

This gives you an edge and allows you to differentiate yourself from other psychology graduates and put you in a better position to either apply for either a Ph.D. or a job in an occupation requiring the skills developed during the programme.

Next: Modules

Programme Structure:

Course modules for Psychology: Theory, Method and Applications.

Semester 1 -

Three compulsory modules:

  • Psychobiology

This module looks at the role of hormones, nerve cells and neurotransmitters in behaviour.

  • Cognitive and Behavioural Psychology

This module covers the development of cognitive psychology out of the behaviourist movement, current thinking in behavioural and cognitive psychology, and how this thinking can be applied to both normal and dysfunctional populations.

  • Social systems

This module focuses on the social psychological bases of behaviour within organisations.

Semester 2 -

Three optional modules:

  • Learning

This module gives an in depth appreciation of the developmental, social and cognitive factors which affect our ability to learn.

  • Health

Drawing upon abnormal and health psychology this module looks at how the individual influences his or her own health.

  • Animal Behaviour

This module takes a comparative stance to explore at behavioural processes in a variety of species.

Semester 3:

  • Research Dissertation

This module provides the opportunity to undertake a major independent piece of research.

(As an alternative to the above for semesters 1 and 2, students may substitute a maximum of two of the above modules for any other currently running MSc programme offered by the Department of Psychology.)

Next: Assessment

There are no examinations, and all modules are course-work assessed through practical–type reports.

Next: Careers

This course will develop your skills and understanding allowing you to work effectively in psychological research, or psychology-related occupations, and give you experience of conducting applied research in specific psychological areas.

Next: Entry requirements

Psychology graduates or graduates of other social sciences with a substantial component of psychology and some research methodology.

Beginning: Overview

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