Masters degrees in Qualitative Psychology explore non-statistical methodologies to research psychological behaviour within natural settings, attempting to understand the ways in which people give meaning to their experiences.
Related subjects include Research Methods in Psychology and Social Psychology. Entry requirements typically include an undergraduate degree in a relevant Psychology subject.
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.
The following modules are indicative of what you study on this course.
Core modules
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.
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.
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.
The following modules are indicative of what you study on this course.
Core modules
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.
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.
Visit our website for more information on fees, scholarships, postgraduate loans and other funding options to study Research Methods in Psychology at Swansea University - 'Welsh University of the Year 2017' (Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2017).
This master's degree in Research Methods in Psychology aims to provide an opportunity to research and learn about a wide range of topics in psychology; from basic learning and cognition, to neuropsychology, and to applied topics in clinical and educational psychology.
Performance:
- One of four Psychology departments to achieve a 100% 4* rating (maximum score possible) for the reach and significance of its work in the Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2014. Based on this measure Psychology at Swansea was ranked 14th (out of 82) in the UK
- Top third ranking for UK Psychology Departments (2016 Complete University Guide)
- Joint 12th UK ranking for Psychology (Graduate prospects)
Teaching and Employability:
- High-level training in advanced research methods and skills
- Exciting opportunities to conduct basic and applied research projects in a wide range of areas.
- Unique mix of small-group teaching in seminars, workshops, and practical sessions, as well as a diverse range of assessment methods and access to staff and other one-to-one teaching support from demonstrators for technical subjects.
- International student mentor to all international/overseas fee-paying Psychology students
- Opportunity to gain funding for Ph.D. places, and to gain access to professional training courses in Clinical Psychology and Educational Psychology
This MSc in Research Methods in Psychology provides students with high-level training in advanced research methods and skills, and offers exciting opportunities to conduct basic and applied research projects in a wide range of areas.
Research Methods in Psychology students learn to use a range of research tools, such as databases, statistical software, and computer programmes.
By the end of this training, students on the Research Methods in Psychology course will have acquired a wide range of practical research skills to apply in any context where human behaviour is important. They will have gained practical knowledge of the nature and limitations of the scientific method and the main alternatives, and knowledge of the general historical, theoretical, and philosophical issues underlying psychological and behavioural science.
Modules on the Research Methods in Psychology MSc typically include:
Generic Research Skills
Computing Skills
Empirical Projects
Philosophy of Psychology
Special Research Skills
Statistical Methods
Qualitative Methods
Dissertation (MSc Research Methods)
The full-time Research Methods in Psychology course, which will last one year, will normally involve attending the University for two full days a week (Monday and Tuesday). The part-time course, which lasts two years, will normally involve attending the University one full day a week.
The Research Methods in Psychology course is suitable for:
- Anybody with an interest in developing a career in research, either in psychology, or social and health sciences, or those wishing to apply research skills in the private sector.
- Students who wish to pursue further professional training in professional and applied areas of psychology have found the research training provided very helpful in developing this aspect of their skills portfolio.
Many of the College of Human and Health Sciences team are leaders in their specialist fields of research. They undertake novel and original research in a variety of areas, including clinical and health psychology, brain injury, sleep, cognition, neuroscience and developmental psychology.
The College of Human and Health Sciences has a vibrant postgraduate community with students drawn from a variety of backgrounds and nationalities. The College is known for its friendly, welcoming and supportive environment, which combined with its extensive facilities, state-of-the-art technology and superb beachside location, helps to ensure that students benefit from an exceptional student experience.
In addition, students have access to a wide range of excellent facilities and equipment for realistic workplace experiences.
The MSc in Psychology of Health & Wellbeing is designed to prepare psychology graduates for the next stage of their career relating to health and wellbeing – whether in an academic or applied setting.
Keele has a vibrant, well-established and ever-expanding community of researchers in the psychology of health and wellbeing. Students will benefit from their expertise across a wide range of areas including health promotion, health literacy, women’s health, ageing,positive psychology and wellbeing. Staff additionally have expertise in community health psychology, including community-based health promotion for marginalized groups and exploring the benefits of the arts for health and wellbeing. As part of this course students will also have the exciting opportunity to undertake some work experience within a health-related organisation in the local community. Career Destinations
Many of our MSc graduates go on to take up positions in the workplace, register for professional health psychology training or a PhD in psychology.
The MSc in Psychology of Health & Wellbeing is designed to prepare psychology graduates for the next stage of their career relating to health and wellbeing – whether in an academic or applied setting.
The course aims to:
Our MSc Psychology programmes are designed to foster a vibrant and collaborative peer culture amongst our MSc students. Several of our modules are shared by all four of our MSc psychology programmes. We also know it’s vital that you develop the advanced specialised skills you will need to pursue careers in your chosen fields. Throughout your MSc degree you are supported and encouraged to focus your work to help you conduct in-depth explorations of your specialist subjects and personal interests.
You will undertake a double weighted Advanced Study module in The Psychology of Health and Wellbeing (30 credits).
Using a guided independent learning approach, this module aims to deepen students’ knowledge and understanding of key concepts, theories and research evidence on the psychology of health and wellbeing and to develop their critical awareness of current issues and new insights in this area of psychological research. In addition, students are given the opportunity to apply their knowledge and gain valuable experience by undertaking some work within a health-related organisation in the local community.
All MSc Psychology undertake the following core modules designed to help you engage with the pluralistic nature of psychology and understand the broader field within which your specialised interest sits:
In addition to the core modules all students can tailor their research methods training to suit their needs and interests by choosing one of the following option modules:
Research is a key emphasis in our programmes and you will be supported by a specialist tutor in your chosen field to undertake original research as part of the Research Preparation (15 credits) and Dissertation (60 credits) modules.
For example, previous students have completed research on topics such as: motivations and barriers to participating in happiness-enhancing activities, the impact of arts interventions on the wellbeing of older adults and displays of compliance by clients in counseling sessions.
Each module has different prescribed learning activities, including formal lectures and seminars, discussions and consultation with staff. You should expect some lively debates and interesting discussions. Please be aware that you will be expected to contribute to the programme, in the form of advance reading (of which there is a substantial amount), preparing presentations and contributing to discussions in seminars, and bringing your own ideas to bear on the teaching material.
The programme is assessed through a range of formats including:
Full time and part time students all study together for the taught/seminar/class discussion elements of the programmes, but in certain modules part-time students have more extended deadlines to enable them to complete work without placing too much burden on them. Attendance is compulsory at all teaching sessions.
In order to obtain an MSc degree, every student is required to obtain 180 M level credits:
A Postgraduate Certificate is available for students who have completed 60 credits of their programme and a Postgraduate Diploma is available for students who have completed 120 credits of their programme. There are no restrictions on which modules need to be passed.
Apart from additional costs for text books, inter-library loans and potential overdue library fines we do not anticipate any additional costs for this postgraduate programme. Limited support is available for research-related expenses.
There are substantial scholarships available, please see this link: http://www.keele.ac.uk/studentfunding/bursariesscholarships/internationalfunding/postgraduate/
or
http://www.keele.ac.uk/studentfunding/bursariesscholarships/
31st May 2018
As an MSc Social Psychology student you will learn theories, methods, and empirical findings in the field of social psychology, which are relevant to current social issues.
These include: prejudice and discrimination; the relationship between moral judgement and emotions; the study of how individuals and groups interact to construct and maintain identities; and how these are related to social change and influence in contexts such as family systems and romantic dyads.
The programme aims to provide you with an awareness of the historical and philosophical background of social psychology, an in-depth knowledge of contemporary theoretical and methodological approaches and research findings, and the ability to conduct quantitative and qualitative research in the field.
This programme is studied full-time over one academic year and part-time students must study at least two taught technical modules per academic year. It consists of eight taught modules and a dissertation.
Example module listing
The following modules are indicative, reflecting the information available at the time of publication. Please note that not all modules described are compulsory and may be subject to teaching availability and/or student demand.
Occasionally, students receive financial support from industry through sponsorship, negotiated by individual students.
This would involve students undertaking research for their dissertation which would be of interest and value to industry or commerce, in return for which they will be given a grant by the commissioning company. In practice, though, most students are self-funded.
The social psychologists at the University of Surrey have an international reputation in research and teaching. Students on the MSc in Social Psychology are encouraged to participate in the School of Psychology’s ongoing activities, particularly research seminars.
The social psychologists at Surrey have undertaken research for the EU, UK research councils, government departments and agencies, industry and commerce, and the charitable sector. They have attracted a large number of research projects to the School, including:
The programme provides opportunities for students to develop and demonstrate knowledge and understanding, skills, qualities and other attributes in the following areas:
Knowledge and understanding
Intellectual / cognitive skills
Professional practical skills
Key / transferable skills
We often give our students the opportunity to acquire international experience during their degrees by taking advantage of our exchange agreements with overseas universities.
In addition to the hugely enjoyable and satisfying experience, time spent abroad adds a distinctive element to your CV.
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.
This unique programme accredited by the British Psychological Society aims to equip students to apply the scientific and theoretical principles and ideas of health psychology using a scholarly and critical approach, and to develop the practical skills and knowledge required for employment or research in the field.
The programme is regularly reviewed by an advisory board including world-renowned experts in health psychology. It provides a thorough grounding in theories, concepts and empirical findings central to current health psychology. Students are encouraged to develop their own area of specialisation, and are given formal training in quantitative and qualitative research methods.
Students undertake modules to the value of 180 credits.
The programme consists of eight core modules (120 credits) and a research dissertation (60 credits). Please see departmental website for more details.
Core modules
Optional modules
Dissertation/report
All students undertake an independent research project which culminates in a dissertation written up as a mock paper submission to the British Journal of Health Psychology.
Teaching and learning
The programme is delivered through a combination of lectures, seminars, class exercises, project work, training workshops, journal clubs and hands-on computer-based teaching on statistical analysis techniques. Assessment is through coursework (including critical reviews and essays), one unseen examination and the research project. Students are also offered a short work placement.
Further information on modules and degree structure is available on the department website: Health Psychology MSc
Many graduates of the programme continue with PhD studies, or find work as researchers or other positions allied to psychology, health, illness and healthcare delivery.
Recent career destinations for this degree
Employability
Given the academic nature of the programme, our students tend to do exceptionally well securing funded PhD studentships or clinical doctorates. As the focus of the MSc is on improving health care and delivery, many students also take up positions within the public or private healthcare sector.
Careers data is taken from the ‘Destinations of Leavers from Higher Education’ survey undertaken by HESA looking at the destinations of UK and EU students in the 2013–2015 graduating cohorts six months after graduation.
The Health Psychology MSc is run within the UCL Institute of Epidemiology and Health Care, which houses 13 research groups, of which two – the Health Behaviour Research Centre (HBRC), and the Psychobiology Group – provide direct support to the MSc.
The HBRC is one of the largest health psychology research groups in the UK, and undertakes research aimed at advancing understanding of behaviours that have a major impact on health, and contributing to the development of interventions to promote healthy lifestyles. The Psychobiology Group is a multidisciplinary group concerned with the pathways through which sociodemographic and psychosocial factors influence physical disease processes.
This environment provides students with unique networking opportunities, being taught by specialists in their field, and completing relevant placements in clinical, academic or policy-related settings. In addition, students are also encouraged to integrate themselves into the research groups and networks closely associated with the programme which can provide invaluable real-world research experience and potential collaborations with national and international leaders in health psychology and related disciplines.
The Research Excellence Framework, or REF, is the system for assessing the quality of research in UK higher education institutions. The 2014 REF was carried out by the UK's higher education funding bodies, and the results used to allocate research funding from 2015/16.
The following REF score was awarded to the department: Institute of Epidemiology and Health Care
81% rated 4* (‘world-leading’) or 3* (‘internationally excellent’)
Learn more about the scope of UCL's research, and browse case studies, on our Research Impact website.
School of Social Sciences- a nationally and internationally recognised centre for the study of engaged social science
