Masters Degrees (Biological Psychology)

About the course

The MSc Psychological Sciences conversion course provides a post-graduate qualification enabling students from a range of backgrounds to gain Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership in Psychology of the British Psychological Society (BPS).

Moreover, the conversion course provides a sound knowledge of the diverse approaches to the study of behaviour encompassed within the core areas of psychology. Finally, the course emphasises the development of transferable knowledge, analytic expertise and research skills, which will be useful across the diverse areas of employment that attract psychology graduates and as a basis for further advanced study within the discipline (e.g. PhD, ClinPsyD, DEdPsy).

Aims

Psychology is defined as the study of mind and behaviour. Psychology is simultaneously a biological science and a social science, providing an exceptionally broad range of conceptual perspectives and empirical skills that will enable students to compete effectively in the workforce upon graduation.

The programme aims to provide students with:

Coverage of all of the requirements for Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership in Psychology within the British Psychological Society (BPS).

A comprehensive understanding, and critical awareness, of how the theories, methods, and research findings of psychology draw upon and contribute to the natural sciences and the social sciences alike.

A comprehensive and systematic understanding of knowledge, and a critical awareness of current issues relating to important concepts, theoretical issues, research findings, historical issues, recent advances, and research methods in psychology.

Comprehensive knowledge and systematic understanding of relevant concepts, theoretical issues, research findings, recent advances, and research methods in biological psychology, cognitive psychology, developmental psychology, individual differences, and social psychology that are critical for research in psychology.

The opportunity to acquire comprehensive knowledge and systematic understanding of a particular topic in psychology and to conduct an original empirical research project in that area.

The opportunity to acquire important transferable, advanced research skills (e.g. research design, data analysis, report preparation).

Course Content

Compulsory modules:

Conceptual and Historical Issues in Psychology
Developmental Psychology
Individual Differences
Social Psychology
Statistics in Psychology
Dissertation
Biological Psychology
Cognitive Psychology
Research Methods in Psychology
Psychology Research Methods in Practice
Research Methods
Biological and Cognitive Psychology

Typical Dissertations

The dissertation is an empirical report (maximum 12,000 words) that enables students to:
Integrate elements of their learning from different parts of the programme
Demonstrate their accumulated knowledge and systematic understanding of a topic
Show an ability to interpret primary source material
Develop an innovative approach to the subject
Work independently of others, consistent with BPS guidelines.

Teaching

Lectures and seminars provide students with in-depth knowledge of historical and contemporary perspectives in psychology.

Formative and summative essays provide reflection on historical and contemporary perspectives in psychology.

Statistics assignments, written research methods tests and laboratory reports will ensure proficiency in analytical skills - required to design research and interpret results.

Statistics assignment and lab reports will provide critical evaluation of the results of empirical research in psychology.

Formative summative essays, exams, and the dissertation will develop effective and critical written communication skills.

Individual meetings between students and dissertation supervisors will enable students to:

(a) Acquire knowledge concerning major theories and results of empirical studies that are relevant to the dissertation topic (including an understanding of the larger, real-world context within which the dissertation topic can be located); and

(b) Develop, analyse, and interpret theory-derived, testable hypotheses (and, perhaps, research questions) concerning links among the constructs to be studied in the dissertation.

Effective and critical written communication will be achieved via formative summative essays, exams, and the dissertation.

Assessment

Coursework essays – demonstration of systematic understanding, critical analysis, and written communication skills.

Examinations – demonstration of comprehensive understanding and written communication skills.

Quantitative reports – ability to analyse and interpret empirical evidence.

Oral presentations – demonstration of knowledge and understanding, critical analysis and oral communication skills.

Dissertation – ability to plan, critically review, execute and communicate an advanced piece of research.

Deadlines are distributed through the year, allowing time for constructive feedback.

Special Features

The MSc Psychological Sciences conversion course will provide a Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (GBC) in Psychology, as conferred by the British Psychological Society (BPS). This is an entry requirement for all postgraduate training programmes leading to chartered status and the vast majority of postgraduate programmes accredited by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) for registration as a practitioner psychologist.

There is a focus during the programme on developing students' sound knowledge of research methods and statistics - highly desirable skills in many areas of potential employment and so fundamental to the value added by the degree.

A wide range of options are available for students to pursue their own particular research interests (culminating in the dissertation) within the discipline.

Accreditation

BSc Psychology courses accredited by The British Psychological Society
The BSc Psychological Sciences programme at Brunel is accredited by The British Psychological Society.

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Developed for students who wish to develop a career in health or forensic psychology, this conversion course is open to anyone with a recognised undergraduate degree in any subject.

It covers the five core areas required for accreditation by the British Psychological Society, including the psychology of everyday life and cognitive and biological psychology.

Your studies will also involve the development of essential research skills, which ends with a piece of independent original research conducted under supervision.

Visit the website: https://www.beds.ac.uk/howtoapply/courses/postgraduate/next-year/applied-psychology-conversion#about

Course detail

• Learn on a unique conversion course that places particular emphasis on the specialist areas of health and forensic psychology, and will provide you with the knowledge and skills needed to develop a successful career
• Study the essential core topics of individual differences, developmental, social, cognitive and biological psychology
• Develop a deep understanding of how learning and memory can be applicable to our everyday lives
• Gain the skills and expertise necessary to use the qualitative and quantitative methodologies commonly used by professional psychologists
• Explore intellectual functions, the biological basis of behaviour and the effects of impairments on the mind
• Challenge yourself by studying how core knowledge in psychology can be applied in daily life to the specific areas of health, wellbeing and criminal behaviour
• Benefit from access to a wide range of departmental facilities, including expert advice and specialist software including SPSS, ATLAS, EEG and driver simulators.

Modules

• Advanced Research Methods (Applied Psychology) (PSY060-6) Compulsory
• Applied Psychology (PSY063-6) Compulsory
• Applied Psychology Dissertation Project (PSY064-6) Compulsory
• Biological And Neuropsychological Perspectives Of Behaviour (PSY061-6) Compulsory
• Cognition And Performance (PSY057-6) Compulsory
• Developmental Psychology (PSY058-6) Compulsory
• Personality, Intelligence And Assessments (PSY059-6) Compulsory
• Research Methods - Quantitative And Qualitative (PSY056-6) Compulsory
• Social Psychology (PSY062-6) Compulsory

Assessment

The assessment strategy reflects the academic rigor expected of a BPS accredited MSc degree.

The assessments are designed to test your academic knowledge, oral and written skills, use of literature using primary and secondary sources, critical analysis of ideas, connections made between theory, practice, real life situations and the understanding and application of professional values, including ethical issues as detailed by the BPS.

The ability to engage in research at a high level and to analyse data using advanced statistical techniques are assessed as these are important skills for psychologists and others in many employment settings. Communication skills are assessed through videotaped presentation of research proposals as these are very important in any career. The ability to analyse and understand issues and apply theory to practice are assessed through a number of units where student are required to produce academic reports, essays and reflective reports with a specific application of knowledge in mind.

Finally the important career skill of project management is assessed mainly through the research dissertation involving self-directed problem-based enquiry, managing time and reviewing.

Careers

Psychology is applicable in a range of everyday settings from shopping to work, but also in the NHS, the prison and probation service and more. Studying Applied Psychology will also develop a broad range of skills which you will find helpful in any work environment. You will:

• Be given an opportunity in the Applied Psychology unit to experience studying different subject areas within professional pathways of psychology such as clinical, counselling, education, health and forensic psychology.
• Develop skills for report writing specific to empirical research in psychology using both qualitative and quantitative methods
• Work individually or in groups to meet deadlines.
• Develop communication skills that enable you to summarise and present complex information, including the results of statistical analysis, to others.
• Develop skills on complex problem solving.

In order to achieve all of the above the Department of Psychology, Faculty of Health and Social Sciences and the wider University will support you with a range of subject specific talks given by professionals working in areas of psychology that require BPS chartered membership. These talks will provide you with information about how to achieve a career within these chartered membership pathways. For example, Health and Forensic Psychology. These career talks are an integrated part of your studies and are partly embedded in your curriculum.

Funding

For information on available funding, please follow the link: https://www.beds.ac.uk/howtoapply/money/scholarships/pg

How to apply

For information on how to apply, please follow the link: https://www.beds.ac.uk/howtoapply/course/applicationform

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This BPS-accredited conversion course is designed for graduates who wish to pursue a career in psychology but need to acquire the Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (GBC) of the British Psychological Society (BPS). You do not need to have studied psychology to be eligible for this programme. However, you should note that it is an intensive course and requires hard work and independent study outside the contact hours – full-time study IS full-time. We welcome applications from graduates with upper second class degrees who have either completed a degree in another subject or who have insufficient psychology in their degree to be eligible for GBC.

You will take modules at Masters level in core areas of psychology, as specified by the BPS. You will also take one option module in psychology from a selection available within the department. We offer a work experience in psychology module as an option for those who would like to gain valuable experience in the work place. The content of the curriculum of the MSc covers the core areas of psychology stipulated by the BPS for GBC. This consists of Cognitive Psychology, Developmental Psychology, History and Philosophy of Psychology, Individual Differences, Empirical Project, Psychobiology, Qualitative and Quantitative Research Methods, and Social Psychology. In all of the modules there is a strong emphasis on critical evaluation of theory and practice.

Course structure

The following modules are indicative of what you study on this course.

Core modules

• Developmental and Differential Psychology
• Fundamental Conceptual Issues in Psychology
• Project for Psychology MSc
• Biological and Cognitive Psychology
• Qualitative Research Methods
• Quantitative Research Methods
• Social Psychology and Applied Psychology
• Option module

Professional accreditation

This Masters programme is accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS) as conferring eligibility for the Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (GBC), provided the minimum standard of an overall pass mark of at least 50% is achieved. Students must also pass the empirical project element to be eligible for GBC. This is the first step towards becoming a Chartered Psychologist. Gaining GBC through the Psychology MSc will enable you to progress towards a career in psychology.

Career path

Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (GBC) is the first step towards becoming a Chartered Psychologist. It is the prerequisite for progression to Postgraduate professional training in psychology and subsequent registration as a Chartered Psychologist working in any of the fields of professional psychology – including clinical, counselling, educational, occupational, and health psychology. It is a requirement for Masters and Doctorate courses in Psychology that lead to professional qualifications such as Doctorates in Counselling, Clinical and Educational Psychology, and Masters courses in Organisational/Occupational Psychology.

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This BPS-accredited conversion course is designed for graduates who wish to pursue a career in psychology but need to acquire the Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (GBC) of the British Psychological Society (BPS). You do not need to have studied psychology to be eligible for this programme. However, you should note that it is an intensive course and requires hard work and independent study outside the contact hours – full-time study IS full-time. We welcome applications from graduates with upper second class degrees who have either completed a degree in another subject or who have insufficient psychology in their degree to be eligible for GBC.

You will take modules at Masters level in core areas of psychology, as specified by the BPS. You will also take one option module in psychology from a selection available within the department. We offer a work experience in psychology module as an option for those who would like to gain valuable experience in the work place. The content of the curriculum of the MSc covers the core areas of psychology stipulated by the BPS for GBC. This consists of Cognitive Psychology, Developmental Psychology, History and Philosophy of Psychology, Individual Differences, Empirical Project, Psychobiology, Qualitative and Quantitative Research Methods, and Social Psychology. In all of the modules there is a strong emphasis on critical evaluation of theory and practice.

Course structure

The following modules are indicative of what you study on this course.

Core modules

• Developmental and Differential Psychology
• Fundamental Conceptual Issues in Psychology
• Project for Psychology MSc
• Biological and Cognitive Psychology
• Qualitative Research Methods
• Quantitative Research Methods
• Social Psychology and Applied Psychology
• Option module

Professional accreditation

This Masters programme is accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS) as conferring eligibility for the Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (GBC), provided the minimum standard of an overall pass mark of at least 50% is achieved. Students must also pass the empirical project element to be eligible for GBC. This is the first step towards becoming a Chartered Psychologist. Gaining GBC through the Psychology MSc will enable you to progress towards a career in psychology.

Career path

Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (GBC) is the first step towards becoming a Chartered Psychologist. It is the prerequisite for progression to Postgraduate professional training in psychology and subsequent registration as a Chartered Psychologist working in any of the fields of professional psychology – including clinical, counselling, educational, occupational, and health psychology. It is a requirement for Masters and Doctorate courses in Psychology that lead to professional qualifications such as Doctorates in Counselling, Clinical and Educational Psychology, and Masters courses in Organisational/Occupational Psychology.

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Liverpool Hope MSc Psychology is designed as a conversion course and is accredited by the British Psychological Society. It offers graduates from other subjects the opportunity to start a new career in Psychology. In addition, the course is available to Psychology graduates who completed a Psychology degree which did not have accreditation from the British Psychological Society.

On successful completion of the course you will become eligible for Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (GBC) with the British Psychological Society (BPS). GBC is the first step towards becoming a Chartered Psychologist. Eligibility to GBC is the prerequisite for entry onto postgraduate and professional training courses offered by the BPS.

The course covers the key topics of Psychology such as Biological Psychology, Cognitive Psychology, Social Psychology, Developmental Psychology and Personality and Individual Differences and underpins these topics with research carried out in the Department. It has a strong component of Research Methods and Statistics which enables the successful candidates to design and conduct research not only in Psychology but also in other areas of social sciences.

The course is taught at Liverpool Hope’s Psychology Department. The Department is research active with increasing strength in Cognitive Psychology. As a Masters student of Psychology you will be directly involved in ongoing research projects as part of your learning experience.

Curriculum

The course consists of four 30-credit taught modules and an individual research project leading to the Research Dissertation (60 credits).

Brain and Mind (30 credits): Brain and Mind covers the topics in Biological Psychology, Cognitive Psychology and Cognitive Neuroscience including history of these areas. This includes psychobiological and cognitive explanations to behaviour and communication, perception, attention, memory, learning, thinking and emotion.

Individual and Group (30 credits): Individual and Group includes Developmental Psychology, Social Psychology and Personality/ Individual Differences including history. The module makes students familiar with theories of the development of psychological processes in evolution and lifelong learning.

Research Methods and Data Analysis 1 (30 credits): This module provides a comprehensive overview of a diverse range of quantitative and qualitative research methods and the necessary practical skills required for their application.

Research Methods and Data Analysis 2 (30 credits): This module introduces students to more advanced quantitative and qualitative methods, and builds upon Research Methods and Data Analysis 1.

Research Dissertation (60 credits): The dissertation module allows students to develop their own research project, including planning, designing, execution and presentation of research findings at postgraduate level. You will produce a report or publishable quality and format under supervision of an experienced member of the Psychology team.

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With 10 focused forensic psychology specializations such as Family Violence, Sex Offender Behavior, Cybercrimes, Terrorism, and Police Psychology, you can gain the expertise you need to drive positive change within the legal system.

Walden’s online Master of Science (MS) in Forensic Psychology degree can prepare you to apply new insights, skills, and perspectives to a variety of nonclinical roles in areas like cybercrimes, criminal investigative analysis and profiling, terrorism, and victim advocacy. Explore the biological, psychological, and social factors impacting criminal behavior. Evaluate psychological approaches and their effectiveness in dealing with offenders. Examine research methods used in forensic assessments, and learn to evaluate and enhance systems and programs aimed at forensic populations.

Why choose Walden for your master’s in forensic psychology?

• Focus on your interests. In addition to this forensic psychology degree’s General Program, which provides a broad overview of the field, you can choose from 10 specializations to help you tailor your degree to your personal and professional interests.
• Enjoy engaging coursework. Multimedia elements bring course content to life and allow you to understand criminal behavior on a deeper level. These include interactive case studies, podcasts, expert interviews, and our unique interactive learning community.
• Enhance your real-world knowledge. Your capstone or in-person field experience takes you beyond television crime drama and into the true workings of the criminal justice system.
• Learn from subject matter experts. Walden’s core faculty includes well-known authors and thought leaders in this exciting field.
• Earn credits toward your PhD. Apply up to half of your coursework to our PhD in Psychology program, saving you time and money should you choose to pursue your doctorate.

By earning your online master’s in forensic psychology at Walden, you can develop a stronger understanding of specific criminal behavior—and develop the expertise needed to make a difference within the criminal justice system. You can also make a positive impact on communities as well as the first responders and professionals who serve those communities.

Highlights

Through Walden’s master’s in forensic psychology degree program, you can:

• Gain familiarity with mental health issues surrounding many aspects of criminal behavior and applications within the criminal justice system.
• Compare, contrast, and evaluate psychological approaches as you determine their effectiveness in dealing with criminal offenders and understanding threat assessments associated with offender behavior.
• Increase your understanding of violence and threat assessment and translate this knowledge into practical skills that can help you mitigate offender risk in the field.
• Leverage the benefits of psychology to gain deeper insights into the criminal justice system as well as schools, colleges, businesses, and communities in order to create positive change.
• Acquire focused expertise through relevant specializations that allow you to align your studies with your personal and professional interests.
• Engage in exciting, interactive coursework that helps enhance your real-world knowledge of today’s criminal justice system.

Learning Outcomes

Graduates of this forensic psychology degree program will be prepared to:

1. Analyze the role of psychology within the legal system.
2. Promote social change through application of advanced psychological concepts and principles within forensic settings.
3. Analyze the principles of research design as applied to forensic psychology research.
4. Distinguish the professional roles and responsibilities that are unique to the practice of forensic psychology.
5. Explain relevant ethical codes (e.g., the APA’s Specialty Guidelines for Forensic Psychologists) used in forensic work settings.
6. Apply psychological theories relevant to criminal behavior in forensic psychology settings.
7. Explain the assessment elements (psychological assessment, risk assessment, psychological reports) used within forensic psychology settings.

Find detailed information for this program, including possible occupations, completion rate, program costs, and median student loan debt.

MS in Forensic Psychology Degree Specializations

Walden’s MS in Forensic Psychology allows you to choose the General Program or from a variety of specializations that focus on a specific population or subject. The programs of study for the General Program and specializations each consist of 10 courses.

Note on licensure: The MS in Forensic Psychology is not a licensure program and does not prepare an individual to become a licensed psychology professional.

• General Program 
• Criminal Justice Self Designed 
• Cybercrimes
• Family Violence 
• Legal Issues in Forensic Psychology 
• Military
• Police Psychology 
• Self Designed 
• Sex Offender Behavior
• Terrorism 
• Victimology

Career options

Statistics like this point to a growing need for nonclinical professionals who understand these forensic populations and others, including substance abusers, sex offenders, victims of violence, at-risk youth, and military veterans.

The MS in Forensic Psychology can help prepare you to work in a variety of positions, including:

• Case manager
• Program director
• Law enforcement, probation, or correctional officer
• Court liaison
• Expert witness
• Jury consultant
• Law enforcement advocate
• Researcher
• Victim advocate

 Career options may require additional experience, training, or other factors beyond the successful completion of this degree program.

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Are you intrigued by the study of people, interested in how the human mind works and hope to follow a career path related to these topics? This is an ideal conversion degree for graduates from any discipline who wish to develop their critical thinking, practical and research skills within the field of Psychology.

Delivered by dedicated academic staff with strong teaching and research profiles across the core areas of psychology, you will gain an advanced understanding of cognitive and developmental psychology, biological and social psychology, individual differences and research methods.

You will graduate from our MSc with the opportunity to acquire the Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership with the British Psychological Society – the first step towards becoming a Chartered Psychologist.

The timetable for the fulltime programme is 2 full days (9am- 5pm) per week on a Monday and Tuesday and for the part time programme is 1 full day per week (Tuesday for year 1/ Monday for year 2.) For more information on part time study please view this web-page: https://www.northumbria.ac.uk/study-at-northumbria/courses/psychology-dtppcy6/

When deciding on which programme to apply for, we would ask applicants to consider carefully the time commitments for the course taking into account work and any other personal commitments. For full time students we would expect a commitment of approximately 35 hours per week and for part time around 17.5 hours per week. (For both programmes these hours include hours of study on campus.)

Learn From The Best

Our staff are active researchers; passionate about their subject and dedicated to the discovery of new knowledge through innovative and exciting research projects. You will learn from those at the forefront of their fields. In fact, our strength in psychology research has significantly increased, with Northumbria ranked top 20 in the UK for research which has outstanding reach and significant impact on individuals and communities (REF 2014).

You will learn from dedicated academics with international backgrounds in research and experience in both higher education and industry. Current staff research projects include working memory, neurocognitive performance and function, psychobiological pathways and the psychobiology of stress and the nutritional influences on performance and mood.

Teaching And Assessment

You will develop a comprehensive knowledge of psychology, exploring social, developmental, cognitive and biological psychology, as well as individual differences, philosophies and research methods through discussion-based sessions, interactive lectures, tutorials and online discussions. Research workshops will allow you to enhance qualitative and quantitative methods competence, data collection and analysis. You will be encouraged to take responsibility for your own learning, demonstrating applied understanding and knowledge at the forefront of the discipline and learn to defend your work effectively to a wide range of audiences.

Assessment is varied, either seen-exam based or through written assignments such as laboratory reports, research article critiques, data analysis assignments, presentation or conventional essay format and through the production of a major research thesis.

Module Overview
PY0760 - Psychological Research Experience (Core, 20 Credits)
PY0761 - Psychological Data Analysis (Core, 20 Credits)
PY0762 - Biological and Social Psychology (Core, 20 Credits)
PY0763 - Cognitive and Developmental Psychology (Core, 20 Credits)
PY0764 - Individual Differences (Core, 20 Credits)
PY0765 - Research Philosophies and Planning (Core, 20 Credits)
PY0776 - MSc Thesis (Core, 60 Credits)

Learning Environment

You will learn in a professional research environment with access to state-of-the-art laboratories equipped with industry standard equipment. You will be able to collect and analyse your data using the most current software tools and will benefit from technology enabled learning with use of the eLearning Portal where electronic reading lists, lecture capture and online submission and feedback tools support your learning.

You will be immersed in an active research environment with access to Northumbria’s innovative research centres including The Brain Performance and Nutrition Research Centre and The Northumbria Centre for Sleep Research. You will have access to a designated working space for Master’s students and you will benefit from working with staff who are at the cutting-edge of their fields in innovative research areas.

Research-Rich Learning

Research is embedded into the structure of this degree, and from the very beginning you will experience a mix of research-led, research-tutored and research-based teaching. You will learn how knowledge in psychology is developed through research and how to design and carry out research studies using a range of methodologies. Developing your own advanced research skills and critical understanding, you will have the opportunity to work alongside active researchers at the forefront of research in the psychology fields. You will be encouraged to ask and explore innovative research questions, reflecting upon the research process and knowledge creation, culminating in the production of a research thesis.

Give Your Career An Edge

You will graduate from our MSc Psychology degree with the opportunity to acquire the Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership with the British Psychological Society – the first step towards becoming a Chartered Psychologist. Successful completion of the course will enable you to progress onto the Stage 1 phase in Forensic Psychology, Occupational Psychology, Health Psychology, and Sports and Exercise Psychology. In addition it enables you to pursue a pathway in Educational Psychology, Clinical Psychology, Counselling Psychology and academic research and teaching.

Your Future

The MSc Psychology has been designed with your end employability in mind. You will graduate equipped with the advanced research knowledge needed to progress onto Stage 1 Psychology Practitioner programmes, and where appropriate, continue onto to PhD level study, undertake further research or teaching. These are transferable skills desired by employers in fields not just related to psychology research. Previous graduates have secured specialist roles in management, advertising, marketing and human resources, with many moving into the public sector for careers in the police and prison services, health and social services or education.

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The MSc Psychology and PGDip Psychology are British Psychological Society (BPS) approved conversion courses. They are designed for graduates of any discipline whose first (i.e. undergraduate) degree is not recognised by the BPS.

- MSc Psychology is a 180-credit qualification which requires no previous experience or study of psychology.
- PGDip is a 120-credit qualification which requires that you have already completed 60 credits of study in psychology.

Successful completion of either qualification confers the Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (GBC) with the BPS.

The PG Dip and MSc students are taught together, with the MSc students taking their additional modules from term two onwards. This means that, assuming you meet the entry criteria for both courses, it's easy to transfer from one to the other at any point in the first term.

This course attracts a range of students including those who have recently completed an undergraduate degree in a subject other than psychology or a non-accredited degree and also applicants who have come from jobs in the public and private sector, who are looking for a career change.

Core modules:

Core modules may include:
Biological Psychology
Social Psychology
Developmental Psychology
Cognitive Psychology
Individual Differences
Historical and Conceptual Issues
Research Methods
Statistics
Psychology Research Project.

In addition, MSc Psychology students complete an extended essay focused on a topic of their choosing, as well as 20 credits of 'Contemporary Psychology' selected from a list of available option choices.

Specialist Psychological Essay (MSc only)
Contemporary Psychology (MSc only)

For more information visit http://www.ntu.ac.uk/psychologymsc

Facilities

The University has made significant financial investment in the Psychology Division over recent years upgrading accommodation, facilities and equipment used exclusively for the provision of our psychology courses and for research. We have a first class undergraduate teaching laboratory suite and a second teaching laboratory specifically catering for postgraduate students.

In addition there are specialist suites dedicated to particular areas of interest in psychology, including:

social interaction, group work and interviewing
computer gaming and cyberpsychology
eye-tracking
cognitive modelling and visual analysis
psychophysiology.

Alongside these are new flexible cubicles for student project work, a psychometric test bank library, and a technical workshop.

Delivery and assessment

The course provides lectures, seminars, tutorials and lab classes that facilitate the development of a course identity among students. All of the core modules on these courses are taught exclusively to MSc and PGDip Psychology students by experienced staff used to working with students from a wide variety of backgrounds and with varying skills and experiences. Further support is provided through a dedicated tutorial system. Tutorials provide an opportunity to discuss the course content, studying methods, careers and assessments in small groups.

You will be assessed in a variety of ways and on a modular basis; through examination (both seen and unseen exams are used), coursework (including essays, laboratory reports and literature reviews), oral presentation and via your research project.

Careers

With the Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (GBC) with the BPS secured, you will be eligible upon graduation to undertake further training as a professional psychologist (in areas such as clinical, forensic, educational, occupational, counselling, or sport psychology).

Alternatively you might choose to pursue an academic and/or research career in various areas of psychology (by working as a research assistant or associate or by completing a dedicated Research Methods Masters or studying for a PhD), or you may choose to exploit the transferable skills you have learned on the course to pursue a career outside of psychology.

Psychology qualifications tend to be very popular with all employers because you have to be able to write essays and reports, you have to have some basic mastery of research and data analysis, and because they assume you know quite a lot about people!

Scholarships

The MSc Psychology is included in the School of Social Sciences' competitive Masters Scholarship scheme. However as the Postgraduate Diploma in Psychology is not a full-time Masters course this course is excluded from the scheme. For more information please visit http://www.ntu.ac.uk/s3scholarships

Want to find out more? Come along to one of our postgraduate Open Evenings. For further details please visit: http://www.ntu.ac.uk/s3events

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The Psychology MSc is a conversion course aimed at graduate students whose first degree was in a (relevant) subject other than Psychology. The Psychology MSc provides knowledge and understanding of the core areas in psychology and confers eligibility for the Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (GBC) with the British Psychological Society.

WHY CHOOSE THIS COURSE?

-Confers eligibility for the Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership
-Gain entry to our BPS accredited masters programmes
-Study all of the main theoretical areas of psychology

WHAT WILL I LEARN?

Throughout the course there is an emphasis on developing transferable skills, such as IT, groupwork, communication, report-writing, numeracy and presentation skills.

These skills enable our graduates to secure employment in areas other than psychology. Throughout the course, you are encouraged to develop your own approach to study and to take responsibility for planning and developing your own your own learning.

The course will improve your knowledge of Psychology and put you in a position where you can go on to further psychological study or give your career a greater focus on psychology. The course is academically challenging and provides a comprehensive foundation of psychological theory and research, offering insights into behaviour from a variety of perspectives. During the course you will build the knowledge and skills necessary to fully appreciate the depth and breadth essential to the study of psychology. There are many opportunities for you to practise and apply these skills with an emphasis on increasing your confidence and competence.

On this course you will study all of the main theoretical areas of psychology including:
-Biological Psychology which explores the relationship between the brain, the body and behaviour.
-Social Psychology considers how an individual’s behaviour is affected by the presence of others.
-Cognitive Psychology looks at how people perceive, remember, think and solve problems.
-Developmental Psychology is the study of how peoples thinking and social behaviour changes with age.
-Individual Differences looks at how people differ from one another, for example in terms of their intelligence and personality.

You will also study contemporary issues and debates in psychology, ethics in psychology and applied areas of psychology including counselling, clinical, forensic, educational, sport, work and health psychology.

Research Methods outlines the research methods and statistical analyses that are used in psychological research. You will both learn about these and put these into practice.

You will also conduct an extensive piece of independent research on a topic of your choice.

HOW WILL THIS COURSE ENHANCE MY CAREER PROSPECTS?

Aimed at students seeking to enter employment as professional psychologists, the programme is a first step towards chartered status as a professional psychologist (GBC).

Successful graduates with GBC will have appropriate academic evidence for further study on our BPS accredited Masters’ degree programmes in Forensic Psychology, Forensic Psychology, and Crime, Occupational Psychology or Health Psychology, each of which are important stages in career development within these fields.

GLOBAL LEADERS PROGRAMME

To prepare students for the challenges of the global employment market and to strengthen and develop their broader personal and professional skills Coventry University has developed a unique Global Leaders Programme.

The objectives of the programme, in which postgraduate and eligible undergraduate students can participate, is to provide practical career workshops and enable participants to experience different business cultures.

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Sunderland's Psychology Department was rated top four in the UK for teaching excellence by the Sunday Times University Guide 2013.

Course overview

This course is a conversion course that is suitable for graduates who have not studied psychology as a first degree. Successful completion provides the Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership by the British Psychological Society, which is an essential first step towards becoming a chartered psychologist. It also supports careers where professional insights in human behaviour are valuable such as social work, public services, advertisement, general management and Human Resources.

This course provides in a compact form the same grounding in psychological science as a three-year undergraduate course but at a masters level of skill and knowledge. As a result, this conversion course is both challenging and demanding.

This course is not suitable if you have already studied psychology at undergraduate level. Instead, you may wish to consider MSc Psychological Research Methods. The course has three parts, consisting of:
a) the six core areas of psychology, which include social psychology, individual differences and developmental psychology, as well as cognitive psychology, biological psychology and conceptual and historical issues in psychology
b) qualitative and quantitative research methods and statistics
c) the Masters Project, which provides an opportunity for in-depth research into an area of psychology near to your personal interests and career aspirations. The research elements of the course are supported by Sunderland’s thriving Health Sciences and Well-being Research Beacon that explores many different aspects of mental health and health behaviours

At the end of the course, you could choose to undertake the further study that is required to become a chartered psychologist. Alternatively, your understanding of psychology will help you in sectors such as advertising, social work, public services, general management and Human Resources.

Course content

The course mixes taught elements with independent research and self-directed study. There is flexibility to pursue personal interests in considerable depth, with guidance and inspiration from Sunderland's supportive tutors. Modules on this course include:
-Everyday Motivations and Biases (30 Credits)
-Experimental Design and Analysis in Psychology (30 Credits)
-Non-experimental Design and Analysis in Psychology (30 Credits)
-Cradle to Grave: Stability and Change (30 Credits)
-Master Project (60 Credits)

Teaching and assessment

We use a wide variety of teaching and learning methods which include lectures, seminars, workshops and tutorials. The research aspects of the course are supported by Sunderland’s thriving research programme. Our tutors’ specialisms include social psychology and evolutionary psychology, and the University carries out research into health behaviours and mental health.

Compared to an undergraduate course, you will find that this Masters requires a higher level of independent working. There are around three hours of contact time a week.

Assessment methods are a combination of exams and coursework including essays, reports and seminar presentations.

Facilities & location

The University has specialist psychological and computer laboratories, plus dedicated space (the ‘sandbox’) for psychology students to develop ideas collaboratively. The course is based at the Sir Tom Cowie Campus at St Peter’s, on the banks of the River Wear and less than a mile from the seaside.

Our specialist facilities include:
-Cognitive Laboratory
-Visual Psychophysics Laboratory
-Linguistics Laboratory
-Computing Laboratory
-Multimedia and Games Research Room

University Library Services
The University boasts a collection of more than 430,000 books with many more titles available through the inter-library loan service. There are nearly 9,000 journal titles, mostly in electronic format. Each year the University invests around £1 million in new resources.

Learning environment
Sunderland offers a vibrant learning environment with an international dimension thanks to the presence of students from around the world. At the same time, the University is fully plugged into relevant industry organisations, with strong links and an exchange of ideas and people.

IT provision
When it comes to IT provision you can take your pick from hundreds of PCs as well as Apple Macs in the David Goldman Informatics Centre and St Peter’s Library. There are also free WiFi zones throughout the campus. If you have any problems, just ask the friendly helpdesk team.

Employment & careers

On completing this course you will be equipped to apply for the further postgraduate training that is required to become a chartered psychologist. There are nine types of psychology in which it is possible to become chartered: clinical, educational, forensic, occupational, counselling, sport & exercise and health psychology, as well as neuropsychology and teaching/researching in psychology.

As an example of salaries, clinical psychologists within the NHS typically have a starting salary of around £30,000, progressing up to more than £80,000 for higher level posts. Salaries in private hospitals and private practice will vary.

Equally, the course prepares you for employment in a broad range of sectors. The insights, rigour and methodology of psychology are valued in roles in management, advertising, marketing, Human Resources, the police force, the prison service, social care, health services and teaching.

In addition, a Masters degree will also enhance career opportunities within Higher Education and prepare you for further postgraduate studies.

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This MSc in Applied Psychology offers a broad curriculum in psychology as is designed for non-psychology graduates and graduates with non-accredited psychology degrees who wish to qualify for Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (GBC) with the British Psychological Society (BPS). In the most recent (2014-15) Destinations of Leavers from Higher Education (DLHE) survey, 100% of graduates from this course were in work or further study within six months.

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.

It's for graduates who have completed our University Certificate in Psychology for Graduates (By Distance Learning) course or who have obtained 60 credits in any combination of biological, cognitive, developmental, personality and social psychology and research methods (including statistics) with another institution.

It covers the British Psychological Society's GBC (Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership) curriculum and offers option modules in applied psychology.

Assessments are made through essays, practical reports, a dissertation and end-of-module examinations.

Professional accreditation

Successful completion of this British Psychological Society (BPS) accredited degree will make you eligible for Graduate Membership and Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (GBC).

Modular structure

The modules listed below are for the academic year 2016/17 and represent the course modules at this time. Modules and module details (including, but not limited to, location and time) are subject to change over time.

Year 1 modules include:
-Cognitive and Developmental Psychology (core, 30 credits)
-Dissertation (core, 60 credits)
-Further Research Methods (core, 10 credits)
-Individual Differences and Social Psychology (core, 30 credits)
-Research Methods and Biological Psychology (core, 30 credits)
-Forensic Psychology (option, 10 credits)
-Psychopathology (option, 10 credits)
-Work and Business Psychology (option, 10 credits)

After the course

This course is designed specifically for non-psychology graduates who have already obtained 60 credits in core areas of psychology and who wish to acquire Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (GBC) with the BPS before progressing to other postgraduate programmes in professional areas of psychology.

Timetable information

Full-time study requires two full days attendance per week in autumn and two-and-a-half days attendance per week in spring and submission of an MSc dissertation at the end of the academic year. Part-time study (over two years) requires one full day of attendance per week in the first part-time year and in autumn of the second part-time year and one-and-a-half days attendance per week in spring of the second part-time year and submission of an MSc dissertation at the end of the second part-time year.

Moving to one campus

Between 2016 and 2020 we're investing £125 million in the London Metropolitan University campus, moving all of our activity to our current Holloway campus in Islington, north London. This will mean the teaching location of some courses will change over time.

Whether you will be affected will depend on the duration of your course, when you start and your mode of study. The earliest moves affecting new students will be in September 2017. This may mean you begin your course at one location, but over the duration of the course you are relocated to one of our other campuses. Our intention is that no full-time student will change campus more than once during a course of typical duration.

All students will benefit from our move to one campus, which will allow us to develop state-of-the-art facilities, flexible teaching areas and stunning social spaces.

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The MSc in Psychology is a conversion programme that provides graduates in disciplines other than psychology with the opportunity to obtain the Graduate Basis for Chartered membership (GBC) with the British Psychological Society (BPS).

GBC allows you to pursue postgraduate training in applied areas of psychology associated with the Societies’ Divisions (e.g. Educational, Clinical Psychology etc). GBC is the first step toward gaining status as a Chartered Psychologist.

What will I study?

You will cover all the core areas of psychology as specified and required by the British Psychological Society for the accreditation of conversion courses.

You will examine the nature of personality and individual differences, including intelligence, developmental patterns and changes in social and cognitive abilities, interpersonal behaviour and the impact of social contexts on behaviour.

Exploring Cognitive Language and Biological Psychology, you will gain an understanding of the role of biology in underpinning behaviour and the nature of attention, perception, language and memory.

A research methods module will equip you with the ability to organise, analyse, interpret and report findings of research involving quantitative (numerical) data before you are introduced to approaches to qualitative research and analysis.

The programme concludes with a Masters dissertation in an area of psychology of particular interest to you. This will be supervised by a member of academic staff in the department.

How will I study?

Teaching methods follow a variety of formats from traditional style lectures to tutorials, seminars and workshops.

How will I be assessed?

Most modules are assessed by a mixture of examination and coursework though some are assessed solely by coursework.

Coursework assignments might be essays, research project reports, group presentations or the critical analysis of research papers.

Who will be teaching me?

Psychology is a rapidly growing department at Edge Hill University, currently with eighteen members of staff. The programme team are all research active, particularly in the areas of thinking and reasoning, work psychology, psychological aspects of substance abuse, counselling, close relationships and the functioning of working memory.

Members of the team have been published in major national and international peer reviewed journals such as The British Journal of Psychology, The Quarterly Journal of Experimental Psychology, The Journal of Experimental Psychology and Learning, Memory and Cognition, Cognitive Neuropsychology, Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery and Psychiatry, Psychological Review, and Human Perception and Performance.

What are my career prospects?

The programme is accredited with the British Psychological Society to provide eligibility for the Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (GBC).

There are two clearly identifiable career routes. Firstly, successful completion of this programme will open up a number of further postgraduate training and career opportunities, notably educational psychology, clinical psychology, work psychology, health psychology and teaching and research in further and higher education.

Secondly, you will be well qualified to enter a wide range of professions from advertising and the caring professions, through to personnel or teaching (further training required). The Psychology team at Edge Hill University has a strong record of research and encourages new graduates to register for higher degrees such as MPhil and PhD.

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The MSc Psychology is designed to confer Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (GBC) with the British Psychological Society (BPS). GBC is the form of professional accreditation that is required for many careers that you may pursue with a psychology degree, as well as for advanced professional training in psychology. This is a conversion course. You do not need an undergraduate psychology degree but you'll need an honours degree and 60 credits in psychology (FHEQ 6 or higher).

Key features

-Ensure you have the necessary qualifications for many types of further training in psychology, as well as for licensing as a professional psychologist.
-Participate in this one-year intensive programme. You’ll become eligible for Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (GBC), which normally requires a three year honours degree in psychology.
-Benefit from the expertise of the School of Psychology which has received national recognition for both its teaching and research activities, earning a rating of five in the 2001 Research Assessment Exercise and a score of 23 out of 24 in the last Teaching Quality Assessment. These qualities mark Plymouth as one of the top psychology departments in the UK.
-Obtain a background in the major theoretical approaches in all of the principal areas of psychology - biological, cognitive, social, developmental, and individual differences.
-Gain an understanding of a wide variety of research paradigms, including research methods and measurement techniques.
-Explore the newly refurbished laboratory and teaching space including electrophysiology (ERP), Functional Near Infrared Spectroscopy (fNIRS), virtual reality and eye‑tracking laboratories.

Course details

Drawing on Plymouth's existing British Psychological Society (BPS) accredited programmes, you’ll gain access to the curriculum essential for obtaining GBC, a critical step in becoming a chartered psychologist. The programme includes a number of opportunities for advanced study. You’ll learn through an exciting blend of lectures and regular interaction with staff and fellow students, as well as through independent reading and research. You’re challenged to investigate classic and contemporary issues in the field of psychology at an intensive and analytical level. A unique feature of this MSc is its incorporation of student-directed seminar groups, which employ various learning approaches, for example you may take part in small group discussions where you explore and critically analyse the literature relevant to a current issue of practical significance. You’ll develop and carry out an independent research project under the supervision of a member of academic staff.

The MSc dissertation is completed at the end of the academic year (August) and the degree conferred the following November.

Part-time study
Core modules
-PSYC502 Social and Individual Influences on Behaviour
-PSYC503 Psychology of Normal and Atypical Development
-PSYC506 Methods and Practice of Research in Psychology
-PSYC504 Cognitive Psychology
-PSYC505 Biological Psychology and Neuropsychology
-PSYC501 Project

Every postgraduate taught course has a detailed programme specification document describing the programme aims, the programme structure, the teaching and learning methods, the learning outcomes and the rules of assessment.

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Postgraduate funding (tuition fee and living cost loan) may be available from the Student Awards Agency for Scotland for those who meet the eligibility criteria.

Why choose this course?

-Applied emphasis, focusing on a variety of areas where knowledge of psychological theory and findings are a distinct advantage
-Opportunity to be taught by, and work closely with, active researchers. Access to our psychology research laboratories and teaching labs, described as ‘exemplary’ in our most recent independent subject review
-Professionally accredited by the British Psychological Society, conferring eligibility for Graduate Basis for Chartership (GBC)

The MSc Psychology is designed to introduce graduates of other disciplines to the fascinating field of psychology. Students will be provided with the opportunity to study those topics which will confer eligibility for Graduate Basis of Chartered Membership (GBC) with the British Psychological Society (BPS) as long as a minimum level of performance is achieved. Psychology is a rewarding and valuable area of study. As a student of psychology one gains a scientific understanding of mind, brain, behaviour, experience, and of the complex interactions between these. The programme provides training in the scientific method and the history and philosophy of science to students. Psychology applies a rigorous scientific methodology to biological, linguistic, philosophical, socio-cultural, and anthropological topics. It is thus an inherently multidisciplinary subject.

What you study

Psychology is the scientific study of the mind, brain, and behaviour. Psychology can be applied to a variety of real-life settings and is important to many careers and occupations. As part of the British Psychological Society (BPS) accreditation, the course covers the core areas of psychology over two terms of taught courses.

-Term 1 (September - December) introduces you to cognitive psychology, biological psychology, and individual differences.
-Term 2 (January - May) covers developmental psychology and social psychology.

In addition, a postgraduate course in Research Methods introduces you to quantitative and qualitative analytical techniques that provide you with the necessary skills to undertake your Masters project in the summer months (June - August).

Those exiting the course after successful completion of the taught component (i.e. Postgraduate Diploma) would be eligible for the award of Postgraduate Diploma (PGDip) Psychology.

How you learn and are assessed

An integrated programme of lectures, seminars, group discussion and lab work is used to enhance your understanding of the core areas of psychology. You will analyse how this knowledge is applied in real world settings and in a variety of occupations. Web-based learning provides a virtual learning environment that allows you to access teaching and library materials and to interact with staff and fellow students.

A combination of written submissions, presentations, laboratory reports and formal examinations are used throughout the course. The research project is written in the style of a scientific research article.

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The Master of Science in Experimental Psychology degree program at the College of Psychology provides students with a strong academic foundation in the theories and concepts of experimental psychology. Students are equipped with comprehensive skills in scientific inquiry and research methodology. These skills may prepare students for admission into a doctoral program in psychology or for career opportunities that include teaching and research in industrial, government, private consulting, health care, and community settings.

The college's Master of Science in Experimental Psychology degree program is offered on NSU's main campus.

Why Choose This Program?

• To develop mastery of advanced theoretical, statistical, and methodological foundations of experimental psychology
• To prepare for a professional career as a researcher and experimental psychologist
• To prepare for admission into a doctoral program in psychology

The M.S. in Experimental Psychology degree prepares students for research-focused doctoral programs as well as career opportunities that include teaching and research in industrial, government, private consulting, health care, and community settings.

Learning Outcomes

The successful M.S. in Experimental Psychology graduate is expected to:

1. Demonstrate knowledge of major concepts, theories, and supportive research in the four non-clinical foundational areas of experimental psychology (biological, cognitive, developmental, and social psychology) and in experimental design and analysis;
2. Apply research skills in at least one area of experimental psychology by carrying out an independent piece of research in at least one area of experimental psychology with collaboration from a faculty mentor;
3. Demonstrate the ability to write experimental reports using APA format and language of the discipline.

Curriculum

The Master of Science in Experimental Psychology degree program provides students with a strong academic foundation in the theories and concepts of experimental psychology. Through focused coursework and the experience of mentored independent research, students are equipped with comprehensive skills in scientific inquiry and research methodology. These skills may prepare students for admission into a doctoral program in psychology or for career opportunities that include teaching and research in industrial, government, private consulting, health care, and community settings.

Core Courses (12 credits)

• PSYC 5100 - Behavioural Neuroscience (3 credits)
• PSYC 5200 - Cognitive Psychology (3 credits)
• PSYC 5300 - Developmental Psychology (3 credits)
• PSYC 5400 - Social Psychology (3 credits)

Required Methodology Courses (9 credits)

• PSYC 5900 - Psychological Quantitative Methods I (3 credits)
• PSYC 5910 - Psychological Quantitative Methods II (3 credits)
• PSYC 5920 - Research Methods in Experimental Psychology (3 credits)

Thesis (6 credits)

• PSYC 6000 - Master's Thesis (3 credits, repeatable)

Career opportunities

Graduates of the M.S. in Experimental Psychology program can pursue doctoral education in subfields of experimental psychology or become leaders in a variety of professional positions and settings, including:

• Adjunct Professor
• Business / Government Agency
• Lab Manager
• Market Analyst
• Psychology Lecturer
• Research Project Manager
• Statistical Consultant

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