Psychological Studies
Programme structure
The MSc in Psychological Studies programme consists of a series of eight core courses: two in Research Methods (20 credits each) and six others (10 credits each), plus a research project (60 credits). You will also need to complete two optional courses (10 credits each) totalling 180 credits. Additional course elements include attendance at six research project sessions throughout the academic year; you will also be allocated a supervisor to advise you with the general conduct of your research.
Core courses
Research Methods 1
20 credits at masters level 11 (SCQF)
This course aims to: introduce students to a range of psychological experimental paradigms, introduce students to qualitative research design; data collection and analysis methods, work in small groups to complete a mini-project using qualitative research methods, to develop students’ competence in statistical techniques, use of statistical packages and to write two individual and independent research reports, 2500 words each in length.
Assessment - Two 2,500 word research reports
Research Methods 2
20 credits at masters level 11 (SCQF)
This course aims to assist students to: develop students awareness of psychological experimental paradigms, introduce students to quantitative research design, data collection and analysis methods, work in small groups to complete a mini-project using quantitative research methods, extend students’ competence in statistical techniques and use of statistical packages
and to write two individual and independent research reports, 2500 words each in length.
Assessment - Two 2,500 word research reports
Developmental Psychology
10 credits at masters level 11 (SCQF)
This course aims to assist students to: promote an understanding of the developmental changes experienced from infancy to adolescence, promote a critical evaluation of the main theoretical perspectives on how development occurs, engage students in the debates surrounding the roles of nature and nurture in development, emphasise the particular methodological complexities associated with research in this area, review critically empirical evidence relevant to each of the areas discussed.
Assessment – 1 hour unseen exam
Conceptual and Historical Issues in Psychology
10 credits at masters level 11 (SCQF)
This module provides an extensive and detailed understanding of the development of historical and conceptual issues in psychological research, meeting the requirements of the Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (GBC) of the British Psychological Society (BPS). It will review the history of Psychology in the 19th and 20th centuries and discuss this in the context of major schools of thought in Psychology. Students will be able to summarise and evaluate historical debates and relate these issues to present day research. Students will be able to summarise and evaluate the varying systems and theories which still inform modern Psychology.
Assessment – 1 hour unseen exam
Cognitive Psychology
10 credits at masters level 11 (SCQF)
The aims of this course are to: provide participants with an overview of the key principles, theories, methods and research in classical and contemporary cognitive psychology, promote an understanding of the interrelationships between different aspects of cognition, critically review contemporary research on cognition and its development.
Assessment – 1 hour unseen exam
Physiological Psychology
10 credits at masters level 11 (SCQF)
This module provides a broad-based understanding of classic and contemporary theory and research in the Physiological Psychology covering the core curriculum of the Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (GBC) of the British Psychological Society (BPS) including, the development of the nervous system; the role of genetics and the emergence of behaviour; adolescent brain development; genetic determinants of behaviour; ageing; and vision.
Assessment – 1 hour unseen exam
Social Psychology
10 credits at masters level 11 (SCQF)
This module provides a broad-based understanding of classic and contemporary psychological theory and research in the Social Psychology covering the core curriculum of the Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (GBC) of the British Psychological Society (BPS). Following the course, students will have a critical understanding of the principle theories, principles, and concepts in social cognition, attribution, attitudes, group process and intergroup relations. Students will have a critical awareness of how to apply their knowledge of theory to experimental and 'real-life' problems in this subject area as well as being able to independently research and reflect on these issues.
Assessment – 1 hour unseen exam
Individual Differences
10 credits at masters level 11 (SCQF)
This course aims to provide participants with the opportunity to evaluate current theoretical and methodological approaches to individual differences within psychology.
Assessment – 1 hour unseen exam
Options
Students have a choice of one of the two following options. Please note that options may be subject to change.
Advanced Qualitative Methods
10 credits at masters level 11 (SCQF)
This course aims to prepare students to design, select, execute and evaluate a range of qualitative methods suited to different aspects of psychological enquiry.
Assessment – 3000 word practical lab
Atypical Development
10 credits at masters level 11 (SCQF)
The aims of this course are to:
provide an understanding of the abilities of children whose development is in some way atypical.
examine the origins of different forms of atypical development and investigate the psychological and social impact for children.
Assessment – 2,500 case study
Clinical Psychology
10 credits at masters level 11 (SCQF)
The aims of this course are to:
Develop a critical awareness of the distinction between concepts of abnormality and normality and to appreciate the moral and political dimensions inherent in these distinctions.
Promote a critical understanding of the main theoretical models involved in diagnosis and intervention
Promote understanding of psychological therapies and how these relate to the different theoretical models
Describe and evaluate research methods suited to the study of clinical psychology and to critically engage with these
Develop a critical awareness of systems of classification and diagnosis and the implications for research and intervention inherent in this.
Assessment – 1 hour unseen exam
Educational Psychology
10 credits at masters level 11 (SCQF)
The aims of this course are to:
Promote a critical understanding of current theory and practice within Educational Psychology.
Examine the core functions of a psychologist working in the educational context with particular emphasis on assessment, intervention and consultation.
Promote a critical understanding of psychological theories that underpin Educational Psychologists’ practice.
Develop an understanding of research methods used in educational psychology and evaluate these critically.
Assessment – 3,000 word Essay
Health Psychology
10 credits at masters level 11 (SCQF)
This course aims to examine the role of health psychology in exploring the function of behaviour, attitudes and beliefs in shaping health, illness and healthcare.
Assessment - Design of evidence based health promotion campaign – 3000 words
Professional Skills
10 credits at masters level 11 (SCQF)
Through lectures, workshops and tutorials, develop a professional understanding of and raise the level of those skills required when working within the broad framework of psychology and when seeking entry to the profession.
Assessment – Portfolio of assigned work
Perception and Visual Cognition
10 credits at masters level 11 (SCQF)
This course will provide the student with a critical appreciation of the processes involved in human visual processing, provides a theoretical background of important issues in perception and relates the theoretical issues to our practical experience of how we perceive the world.
Assessment – 1 Hour unseen exam
Current Issues in Psychology
10 credits at masters level 11 (SCQF)
The aims of this course are to: acquaint the students with applications of Psychological theory in areas such as education, business, social policy and the treatment of psychological disorders especially those affecting children. To encourage critical evaluation of psychological theory in the context of important applications for social policy, for psychological health, for education and for business and industry.
Assessment – 3,000 word essay