MRes - Research Methods in Psychology

I really enjoyed my time in Goldsmiths. The MSc was a well rounded academic pathway in the field of Neuropsychology and Cognitive Neuroscience. I also had the chance to apply these academic skills in a clinical placement alongside the course. I'll be further developing these skills on clinical training in September to follow a career path in Neuropsychology.

The CCN MSc at Goldsmiths provided a very solid and broad foundation to pursue my research career in academia, as well as giving me exposure to the clinical environment. I now apply these skills and knowledge almost every day in my current position in research. The experience at Goldsmiths and with my MSc supervisor was also absolutely instrumental in guiding the career choices I made after I graduated.

Goldsmiths was the catapult of my career. Thanks to the CCN MSc I started specializing in cognitive neuroscience and neuropsychology research. Enrolling in the program also allowed me to gain clinical experience through it's links to various hospitals in London. During my time enrolled in the CCN MSc, I became involved with my supervisor (Dr. Cocchini) with whom I went on to do my PhD. Her guidance throughout my MSc and my PhD provided me with all the building blocks for a future career in science. She connected me with my current employer and allowed me to collaborate with my current institution while completing my PhD. I will be forever grateful for Goldsmiths and my primary mentor Gianna!

I decided to attend Goldsmith‘s University of London primarily because of the academic reputation for my course, as it had a strong emphasis on clinical practice and research methods. I learned about the university while searching on the​ internet and then visited the official website to look at more information. I was truly impressed with the faculty profile and the course curriculum as it works exceptionally well with what I am seeking for in a program. Before coming to Goldsmiths, I had completed my Masters in Applied Psychology from St Agnes College, Mangalore, and was working as an Assistant Counselling Psychologist at Dhanya Doctor’s Chamber, Kochi, where I counselled patients and their families and had learned to administer and record several psychological tests used in clinical assessment. I found the course to be remarkably interesting as it deals with a vast variety of subjects such as Multivariate Statistical Methods, Research Design and Analysis, Professional Issues in Psychological Practice and Understanding and Treating Psychological Disorders. I am also looking forward to the clinical placement as its direct experience of working within clinical psychology and health service settings. I also liked the whole framework of the course and how everything that is taught is immediately uploaded on the VLE page. The college atmosphere is friendly and welcoming. I liked the diverse community that make up the student body on campus as there are so many people from various cities, states, and even countries. I also liked that there is a dynamic range of clubs and societies to take part in.

My initial days when I arrived in London were quite lonely as it was a new place and I was extremely nervous about the course and college. But soon after a few weeks, I made a lot of friends, learned the course structure and curriculum and also explored the city and realised how remarkable it is. Upon completion of this master’s program, I intend to pursue a Doctoral program in Clinical Psychology (DClinPsy) and practice as a clinical psychologist where I can be a positive influence in the lives of people struggling with psychiatric disorders.

Before coming to Goldsmiths, I was studying a Bachelors degree in Psychology. I enjoyed studying psychology a lot, and I found doing a research study fascinating. Also, I love playing music very much. I have been learning musical instruments for more than 15 years. So, I have always wanted to study something that is related to both music and psychology.

Unfortunately, there is not a course on music psychology in Hong Kong. Then I started searching for related courses in other places online and found that there are several Masters degrees in music psychology in the UK. I did not know which degree I like most at first. During the searching period, I participated in an experiment where the Gold-MSI (Goldsmiths Musical Sophistication Index) that developed by the professors at Goldsmiths was used. That was the time I know more about the MSc Music, Mind and Brain programme at Goldsmiths. And I found that the course at Goldsmiths are the most research-based. Besides learning about the cognitive and neuroscience aspects of musical behaviour, I could develop the practical skills necessary for doing a research from the other half of the modules. I finally decided to choose Goldsmiths as I think the course at Goldsmiths best suits me.

After studying here at Goldsmiths for five weeks, I find the course really interesting and it is what I want to learn. Although some modules are difficult, the professors are nice and they provided us refresher materials and additional readings to aid our learning. The learning environment is wonderful. There are a number of seminar series held by the Psychology Department where I could learn about the latest research in different fields of psychology. And there are abundant resources at the school library. As Goldsmiths is part of the University of London, I can use the resources at Senate House Library as well. Students are hardworking and have a passion in learning. I am so delighted to meet a lot of like-minded people at school in which we share our dreams and support each other.

More importantly, I think London is a great place to study. Not only would I be able to learn at school, but also from the activities held by different organizations in London. During my free time, I sometimes watch free concerts and join public lectures held by other universities or the British Psychological Society.