Masters Degrees in Social Psychology

Why do we become attached to a particular person? How do relationship dynamics change over time? Does objectifying women lead to their mistreatment? When is gender made relevant in and for politics? What does it mean in practice to support someone with autism, and how can we assess support? Does self-modesty differ between cultures? How does economic inequality affect self-perception? What identities are invoked in interview interactions?

In this taught programme in Social Psychology you will enhance your knowledge and understanding of the theories, concepts and methodological tools that constitute social psychology’s distinctive perspective. You will be guided and supported in exploring the social psychological literature. You will be given rigorous training in qualitative and quantitative analyses. You will have diverse opportunities to build your own research experience, through seeking and implementing research-based answers to questions in the field or in the literature. You will participate in our unique problem based approach to providing empirical answers to social psychological questions.

In short, you will learn to think like a social psychologist, and you will learn to do social psychology.

You will benefit from being part of a growing group of friendly, enthusiastic social psychologists working within a vibrant department, in a lovely city. You will benefit from our expertise in working in different cultures, in the field, and with mixed methods. You will also benefit from the breadth and strength of the interdisciplinary academic community at Edinburgh, for example, by having the opportunity to select option courses, attend research seminars across different disciplines, take part in the social psychology reading group or in discursive psychology and conversation analysis data sessions.

Programme structure

You will undertake the following:

Core courses (worth 90 credits in total):

• Univariate Statistics and Methodology using R (10 credits)
• Multivariate Statistics and Methodology using R (10 credits)
• Qualitative Methodologies in Psychological Research (10 credits)
• Psychological Research Skills (20 credits)
• Research Methods for Social Psychology (10 credits)
• Problem-based social psychological research (10 credits)
• Current Topics in Social Psychology (10 credits)
• Critical Social Psychology (10 credits)

Option courses worth 30 credits in total:

• Chosen from a wide range of courses relevant to Social Psychology from Psychology or other disciplines, as approved by the Programme Director

And a Dissertation in Social Psychology (60 credits)

Learning outcomes

The overall aim of this programme is to advance your understanding of how social questions can be addressed using social psychology, and to provide you with the conceptual and research tools to do so.

More specifically, on successful completion of this programme, you will be able to:

• think as a social psychologist in seeking understanding of and solutions to practical and theoretical problems
• address the challenges of researching individuals embedded in their social worlds
• understand epistemological issues in social research
• understand key theories and concepts in social psychology
• conduct rigorous independent social psychological research drawing on the range of social psychological approaches and methodologies
• evaluate published research in social psychology
• make well-informed contributions to discussions about social issues

On completion you will also:

• have acquired wider research skills, including giving conference talks, making poster presentations, writing research proposals, knowledge exchange and writing for a lay audience
• be prepared for a range of career paths including PhD work, or the wide variety of careers in which it is valuable to be able to conduct sound social research or evaluation

Career opportunities

The programme will provide relevant preparation for a range of career paths, including:

• undertaking a PhD in Social Psychology or in a related field, possibly leading to an academic career
• undertaking a Professional Doctorate/Masters training programme in Clinical or Health Psychology
• a wide variety of careers where it is valuable to be able to conduct sound social research, or to develop and evaluate practices and policies relating to social behaviour or thinking; such as policy development in education, health, and social care or in areas surrounding marketing; such as opinion-generating, fostering multiculturalism and equality, and communication skills. 

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Our MSc Social Psychology programme looks at a range of topical social issues through the lens of social psychological theories. It is concerned with the scientific study of how we think about ourselves and other people, and how we influence and relate to one another.

PROGRAMME OVERVIEW

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.

PROGRAMME STRUCTURE

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.

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.
-Social Change and Influence
-Crafting Research: Linking Theory and Methods
-Dissertation
-Qualitative Research Methods
-Preparation for Academic Research in Psychology
-Intergroup Relations
-Social Cognition
-Conducting Health Psychology Research
-Chronic Conditions
-Psychological Aspects of Health Care
-Maintaining Health Throughout the Lifespan
-Aspects of Experimental Psychology
-Ergonomics and Human Factors
-Inquiry and Design
-Psychological Neuroscience: Electrophysiology
-Psychological Neuroscience: Psychophysics & fMRI
-Key Questions in Environmental Psychology: People and Place
-History and Social Psychology
-Psychology of Sustainable Development
-The Self and Relationships
-Morality and Emotions

EDUCATIONAL AIMS OF THE PROGRAMME

-To provide students with theoretical and qualitative/quantitative methodological expertise to conduct social psychological research by training them in the informed and systematic conduct of basic and applied research involving the critical reading of theories and empirical findings
-To provide students with an in depth knowledge of contemporary theoretical and methodological approaches to the discipline
-To enable students to link theoretical and empirical questions to social issues and to provide them with an in depth understanding of the practical applications and action implications of social psychological theories and empirical findings
-To provide students with the skills to evaluate possible interventions in a variety of social domains
-To offer opportunities to develop the basic interpersonal, technical and creative skills required for the effective analysis and formulation of problems into research questions and, where appropriate, testable hypotheses

PROGRAMME LEARNING OUTCOMES

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
-Of contemporary theoretical and methodological approaches to social psychology
-Of the practical applications and action implications of social psychological theories and empirical findings
-Of the principles of research design
-Of quantitative and qualitative techniques and strategies to manage and analyse psychological data
-Of ethical considerations when undertaking research and framing interventions

Intellectual / cognitive skills
-To critically assess and comment on sources of research relevant to social psychology
-To critically evaluate the contributions and limitations of social psychological theories and research methods in addressing social problems
-To evaluate actual and potential psychologically informed interventions in a variety of social domains
-To design, conduct and evaluate social psychological research
-To apply insights from social psychological theory and research to other domains of psychology

Professional practical skills
-Communicate work in a professional manner for academic and non-academic audiences in written and verbal formats
-Apply problem solving techniques to social and psychological topics effectively
-Use effective learning strategies
-Analyse and interpret social psychological theoretical analyses and quantitative and qualitative empirical evidence in a competent and critical manner

Key / transferable skills
-Communicate theories and methods in relation to social psychology by oral and written means
-Use information technology effectively
-Manage own personal development

GLOBAL OPPORTUNITIES

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.

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The MSc in Social and Applied Psychology gives you the opportunity to sample a range of modules from our Group Processes and Developmental programmes as well as other modules related to social and applied psychology.

*This course will be taught at the Canterbury campus*

Key benefits

- Much of our social psychology research is co-ordinated through the Centre for the Study of Group Processes (CSGP), the largest research group in this area in Europe. The Centre attracts a stream of major international social psychology researchers, who regularly visit to work with our staff and are officially affiliated to the Centre.The Social Psychology group also includes the co-editor of Group Processes and Intergroup Relations (Abrams).

- Social psychology research at Kent is funded by a variety of British and international sources, currently and recently including ESRC, British Academy, Leverhulme, Age Concern, European Commission, European Science Foundation, Home Office, Equality and Human Rights Commission, Nuffield, and Joseph Rowntree Foundation, as well as government departments such as the Department for Communities and Local Government and the Department for Work and Pensions.

- All of our taught Master’s (MSc) programmes have been recognised by the UK Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) as meeting the nationally recognised criteria for preparation training for PhD research.

Visit the website: https://www.kent.ac.uk/courses/postgraduate/75/social-and-applied-psychology

Course detail

This programme considers how social psychology can be applied to a wide range of social problems and answer key questions such as: How are attitudes formed and developed, and how do they relate to behaviour? What are the key motives that affect people’s reactions to the social world? What social psychological processes are implicated in the form and content of language and communication?

Our teaching and research covers the psychology of intergroup behaviour, group decision and performance, attitudes and persuasion, organisational psychology, social cognition, children’s self-concept and social attitudes, and cross-cultural questions, relating social psychological research in these areas to social problems. Course tutors include academics and experts who work in the media, the health service and other applied settings.

Purpose

You will gain a thorough grounding in research methods, and conduct a project in an area of social/applied psychology that interests you. The programme is taught by the School’s outstanding research group in social psychology.

Course structure

The programme consists of 4 compulsory modules and 2 option modules.

Core modules include:

• Advanced Statistics and Methodology
• Current Issues in Social and Applied Psychology I: Theory
• Current Issues in Social and Applied Psychology II: Applications
• Dissertation

You also select two from a choice of the following:

• Advanced Topics in Intergroup Relations
• Advanced Topics in Cognitive Development
• Advanced Developmental Social Psychology
• Advanced Topics in Group Processes
• Developmental Psychology in Professional Practice
• The Psychology of Eyewitness Testimony
• Advanced Topics in Developmental Psychopathology

Assessment is mainly by coursework assignment (4-6,000-word essays), examination (for the Advanced Statistics and Methodology module only), plus the dissertation.

Careers

Our postgraduate students commonly go into the fields of health, teaching or further education. For instance, many of our graduates take up roles as assistant psychologists in the NHS with a view to becoming a professional clinical or forensic psychologist. Upon completing our Master’s courses, graduates have also pursued doctoral study and academic careers at higher education institutions.

How to apply: https://www.kent.ac.uk/courses/postgraduate/how-to-apply/

Why study at The University of Kent?

- Shortlisted for University of the Year 2015
- Kent has been ranked fifth out of 120 UK universities in a mock Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) exercise modelled by Times Higher Education (THE).
- In the Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2014, Kent was ranked 17th* for research output and research intensity, in the Times Higher Education, outperforming 11 of the 24 Russell Group universities
- Over 96% of our postgraduate students who graduated in 2014 found a job or further study opportunity within six months.
Find out more: https://www.kent.ac.uk/courses/postgraduate/why/

Postgraduate scholarships and funding

We have a scholarship fund of over £9 million to support our taught and research students with their tuition fees and living costs. Find out more: https://www.kent.ac.uk/scholarships/postgraduate/

English language learning

If you need to improve your English before and during your postgraduate studies, Kent offers a range of modules and programmes in English for Academic Purposes (EAP). Find out more here: https://www.kent.ac.uk/courses/postgraduate/international/english.html

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This Masters will examine when and why humans develop social relations with other individuals or social groups, and the psychological consequences of these social relations- http://www.gold.ac.uk/pg/msc-psychology-social-relations/

The programme offers a social-developmental psychology training that will advance the careers of anyone who's interested in the people professions – diverse careers related to education, work, health, government and non-profit organisations.

Humans have a fundamental ‘need to belong’ and form relationships. Positive relationships lead to higher well-being, personal development and well-functioning societies, whereas a lack or dysfunctional relationships lead to poor psychological well-being, unhealthy development and conflict or violence within society.

The programme will teach you about the different psychological approaches to studying social relations in children, adolescents and adults, drawing from different areas of study within psychology (eg social and personality psychology, developmental psychology, educational psychology, clinical psychology, social neuroscience).

These approaches are relevant to anyone interested in understanding social relations between individuals (ie families and friendships) and social groups within a variety of settings (eg schools, the workplace, social movements). The programme will also introduce different strategies aimed at improving social relations between individuals and groups (eg intergroup contact, bullying interventions, mentoring schemes).

Research methods training

The programme will offer ESRC recognised research methods training, which will be useful for students wishing to pursue doctoral training or work in careers where such skills will be appreciated by employers in private and public sectors.

Diverse career opportunities

Given the importance of social relationships for motivation and well-being and given societal issues that arise out of social and racial inequalities and conflicting cultural values, this programme will offer useful insights for diverse careers related to counselling, education, businesses, and government/non-profit organizations. Moreover, you will benefit from conducting research in cosmopolitan London, where diverse socio-cultural groups co-exist in relative harmony.

Contact the department

If you have specific questions about the degree, contact Dr Madoka Kumashiro or Professor Adam Rutland or Val West.

The programme is made up of a total of 180 credits, comprised of:

-four core modules (totalling 135 credits)
-a core optional module (15 credits)
-two other optional modules (totalling 30 credits)

Core modules

The core modules will include:

-Critical Issues in the Psychological Study of Social Relations
-Statistical Methods
-Research, Design and Analysis
-Independent Research Project of your choice, supervised by leading experts in the field

Core optional modules:
You select one of the following core optional modules which focus on child relationships, adult close relationships, or group relations:

-Social-Moral Development
-Self and Relationships
-Social Psychology of Social Problems

Optional modules:
Two other optional modules may be selected from a range offered in the Department of Psychology, including the remaining core optional modules listed above. Other possible modules include

-Qualitative Research Methods*
-Organisational Behaviour and Health
-Psychology and Education
-Addictive Behaviours
-Investigative Forensic Psychology

*If you wish to fulfil the criteria for an ESRC-DTC approved MSc, you will be required to take as an option Qualitative Research Methods, which is taught by the London Social Science (Goldsmiths-Queen Mary, University of London) ESRC Doctoral Training Centre.

Skills

The programme will:

develop your knowledge and understanding of psychological approaches and common psychological methods for studying social relations in children and adults
enable you to develop a thorough knowledge of psychological theories and interventions in relation to improving social relations in a range of social settings
equip you with transferable knowledge and skills required to undertake psychological research, including the design, implementation and interpretation of studies and communication of outcomes

Careers

As a graduate of this programme you'll be able to use your knowledge of social relations in the workplace. This will help you advance your career in a wide variety of settings (including clinical, health, educational and work organisations) that involve human relationships, at both the individual and group level.

With the help of the tutors, you'll also be encouraged to work with one or more of the many organisations (private, public, or third sector) available in greater London for your independent research project, which will help you establish a professional network.

Funding

Please visit http://www.gold.ac.uk/pg/fees-funding/ for details.

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This Master’s programme is designed for those who want to pursue a postgraduate route in psychology that will develop their professional and psychological research skills and knowledge.

Modules in health and social psychology will explore how we apply psychology to real-world issues such as health promotion, environmental behaviour and prejudice.

Course Overview

This new MSc in Applied Social and Health Psychology aims to develop the student into a professional and employable psychological researcher. Through a novel and exciting mix of hands-on workshops (Applied Research, Ethics and Analysis), lecture and seminar debate (Psychology and Health, Applying Social Psychology), exploration of up-to-the minute issues (Society and Psychology) and working with academic staff in a research team (Professional Research Skills) the ability to develop postgraduate-level skills is built into this course.

The research opportunities offered to students by the programme team within this Master’s programme involve a focus on tackling important research areas of relevance to today’s environmental, political and social world, at a local and global level, providing our graduates with the skills and knowledge to go into further study (e.g., PhD) or into employment.

Modules

Indicative modules and content include:
-Society and Psychology
-Professional Research Skills
-Psychology and Health
-Applying Social Psychology
-Applied Research, Ethics & Analysis
-Applied Research Dissertation

Key Features

The Masters in Applied Social and Health Psychology will provide graduate students or those with relevant experience the opportunity to develop a range of higher-level research, evaluation, and professional skills which can be applied to a broad range of specialisms within and beyond Psychology.

Students will pursue specialist modules in the areas of health psychology and social psychology, and have the opportunity to complete a research dissertation in a specialist area of applied psychology. A particular strength of this course is the opportunity to work closely with academic members of staff on real research projects through the Professional Research Skills module and to receive mentoring in the development of applied research and professional skills.

The ultimate aim of this programme is to develop a well-rounded and competent psychological researcher who has developed a critical understanding of a wide range of applied research techniques, and who is able to apply this knowledge and associated skills discerningly to appropriate applied psychology questions of relevance to the wider social and health agendas.

The programme is structured around the coherent development of a diverse range of applied research skills and knowledge in Psychology, clearly building upon the existing practical skills base and academic expertise within the Psychology team.

Assessment

Assessments for this programme have been specifically designed to enable students to demonstrate a broad range of academic, research and professional skills. There are no exams for this programme, with students being assessed through a variety of different formats including class-based practical research skills assessments, written essays, a portfolio of professional competencies, research proposals and oral presentations. For part two of the Master’s programme students will complete their own research dissertation and submit a written thesis alongside a professional presentation of their research.

Career Opportunities

Psychology graduates are valued by a range of sectors due to the strong set of transferable and critical thinking skills developed through psychology programmes. As such, the higher level academic and professional skills developed through the addition of a Master’s level qualification will clearly produce a highly attractive graduate to both psychology fields and other sectors. These will include the ability to:
-Exercise initiative and personal responsibility in the production and management of workload
-Engage in teamwork and to reflect upon this process
-Present work to both academic and lay audiences in an appropriate manner
-Engage in independent learning required for continuing professional development
-Present work appropriately through different media to a high standard

Graduates from this programme will be in a strong position to pursue further academic research pathways in the form of PhD study or academic research assistantship roles. Additionally, the skill set developed from this Master’s programme will also make them highly attractive candidates for employment and professional career opportunities in non-academic organisations such as government agencies, voluntary sector organisations, the NHS, or in a range of private sector businesses involving project management and evaluation skills.

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Our Psychology Department is one of the top 10 psychology departments in the UK (REF 2014). You will be taught by a dynamic group of world-class psychologists whose areas of expertise span a broad range, including researchers and practitioners. We provide high quality supervision and teaching, and you will benefit from the friendly and supportive atmosphere in the Department, as evidenced by student feedback available on our website.

This MSc course will equip you with knowledge of cutting-edge developments and issues in applied social psychology, as well as an array of analytical, methodological and communication skills, important for those progressing to a PhD as well as for those looking for jobs in applied settings in commercial and governmental organizations.

See the website https://www.royalholloway.ac.uk/psychology/coursefinder/mscappliedsocialpsychology.aspx

Why choose this course?

- Our Department ranks among the best in the UK for research (rating in the top ten in the UK in the 2014 REF) and teaching (highest rating ‘excellent’ for teaching quality).

- You will develop an enhanced understanding of the subject area through an exciting mix of seminars, lectures and research conveyed by our friendly and accessible staff, who are all involved in cutting edge research.

- You will benefit from high quality lectures that combine theory, research, and application, providing you with insight into topical issues and the latest research in applied social psychology.

- Some of the lectures are delivered by applied psychologists in the field, providing you with insights into the real jobs that await our graduates.

- You will have the opportunity to complete an innovative research project under the supervision of a leading academic in the relevant field.

Department research and industry highlights

Example research projects of our academic staff:
- Wrath of God: Religious primes and punishment.
- Can values reduce prejudice against Muslims even when national identification is high?
- Monetary donations following humanitarian disasters.
- Recalling and recognizing faces of other-races: A behavioural and eye movement study.

Example relations with the industry:
- Laureus Sport for Good Foundation; developing an assessment tool on well-being of youth.
- Relations with care homes helping patients with Multiple Sclerosis.
- Hospitals for a clinical trial test and intervention to help people with back pain.

Course content and structure

You will study seven core units, including the Social Research Project:

Core course units:
Psychology in Applied Settings
In this unit you will:
- develop an enhanced understanding of the link between research and practice

- be equipped with research skills relevant to research in applied settings and implementation of research findings in the practice of psychologists

- participate in specialist seminars on applied psychology topics such as forensic and educational psychology

- take part in interactive discussions of all relevant issues guided by the tutor taking any given session.

- Multicultural Existence
This unit will introduce you to the social psychology of multicultural existence and familiarise you with existing theories and current research on this topic. You will be trained to apply your knowledge to the analysis of real-life examples of multicultural existence.

- Adjustment and Well-Being
This course will introduce you to theory, empirical findings, and applications regarding adjustment and well-being (happiness and self-fulfillment).

- Advanced Techniques in Social and Behavioural Research
You will explore many of the key research techniques that are used in social, health, and developmental research. You will develop an advanced understanding of current techniques within these areas and how to employ these techniques, and be able to evaluate and critique them.

- Social Research Project
You will be provided with the possibility to carry out an original piece of research on a topic of your interest within the broad area of applied and social psychology. You will be given the necessary support during the conception, conduct and writing up of your research

- Topics in Psychological Science
The aim of the unit is to stimulate an interest in topical research findings from a wide range of research areas relevant to psychology. You will develop the skills of presentation, evaluation, interpretation and discussion of original research findings.

- Statistics for Research
You will be provided with an overview and basic understanding of advanced statistical methods used in psychology and neuroscience research, including hands-on experience applying these methods to specific problems. The unit will provide a methodological foundation if you wish to pursue research in disciplines allied to the MSc course.

On completion of the course graduates will have:
- an advanced knowledge of social psychology and its application
- strong research skills in social and applied psychology
- experience in transferable skills that are highly sought after in the job market, such as oral presentations, oral and written communication, and project planning.

Assessment

Assessment is carried out by a variety of methods including coursework, different types of presentations, examinations and a dissertation.

Employability & career opportunities

Our graduates are highly employable and, in recent years, have entered many different psychology-related areas, including careers in human relations and organizational psychology. Our graduates are currently working for organizations such as community associations, NGO’s, organizational psychology firms, and consultancy firms. This course also equips you with a solid foundation for continued PhD studies.

How to apply

Applications for entry to all our full-time postgraduate degrees can be made online https://www.royalholloway.ac.uk/studyhere/postgraduate/applying/howtoapply.aspx .

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The track Work and Organizational Psychology concentrates on sciencebased solutions to human problems in work and organizational settings. It aims to understand how to achieve each of the following objectives: optimizing performance, improving processes and relationships, enhancing fairness and equity, and increasing subjective well-being.

The European Network of Work and Organizational Psychology (ENOP) developed a reference model and standards for a curriculum in Work & Organizational Psychology. According to the ENOP model, the main areas to be considered are Work, Organizational and Personnel Psychology. The track Work and Organizational Psychology adheres to these standards as far as possible, and offers a study program that deals with the most important topics in Work & Organizational Psychology at the individual, task, group and organizational level.

The program

Work and Organizational Psychology is a field with both a strong scientific base and an applied orientation. Thus, the program connects psychological theory and application whereby theoretical concepts are shown to lead to useful interventions. In each of the areas of Work, Organizational and Personnel Psychology, the program seeks to develop two types of knowledge and skills: explanatory and intervention.

Explanatory refers to theory devoted to the explanation of (the context of) human behavior and to diagnostic skills in work, organization, and personnel fields. This will prepare you to assess, diagnose, explain, and interpret phenomena and processes in the areas of work, organizations and personnel.

Intervention refers to change theory and intervention skills in work, organizational and personnel settings. This will prepare you to plan, implement, monitor, and evaluate changes and interventions to improve behaviors, situations, and social processes in the fields of work, organizations, and personnel. This type of knowledge also prepares you to design new models, methods, and tools. The two types of knowledge and skills will be integrated as much as possible within the various courses.

Career Perspective Social Psychology

With an MSc in Social Psychology, you can work in positions at an academic level in research, communication, policy, consulting, human development and organization development in private, semi-private or governmental organizations. With this MSc, you are able to conduct theoretical and applied research to advance scientific knowledge in the areas of social, economic and work and organizational psychology. You are also able to contribute to many applied fields, because you will be able to develop tools and interventions to solve practical problems in the areas of social, economic and work and organizational psychology and to research the effectiveness thereof.

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Overview

The MSc in Social & Community Psychology prepares psychology graduates for the next stage of their career in research or applied areas of social and community psychology.

Keele has a vibrant, well-established and ever-expanding community of researchers in aspects of social and community psychology, combining tradition and innovation. Students will benefit from their expertise across a wide range of areas including experimental social psychology, group dynamics, cyberpsychology; and critical social psychology, qualitative, participatory and arts-based research approaches. MSc students are made to feel part of this research culture both through the formal modules and through involvement in research seminars and meetings.

- Career destinations:
Many of our MSc graduates go on to take up positions in the workplace or register for a PhD in psychology.

See the website https://www.keele.ac.uk/pgtcourses/socialandcommunitypsychology/

Course Aims

The programme provides taught content and research training in a range of areas in social & community psychology, building on areas of staff research expertise. Strengths include critical social psychology, qualitative, participatory and arts-based research approaches; community-based action research; experimental social psychology, group dynamics, and cyberpsychology.

Course Content

The programme addresses written and communication skills, independent learning skills, data analysis, critical reflection and critical evaluation. Our students benefit from a wide range of support including accessible academic staff with a wide range of expertise, laboratory and other research space, study space, and access to IT and research tools.

List of Module Titles:
- Advanced Study in Social & Community Psychology (30 credits)
- Contemporary Research in Psychology (15 credits)
- Advanced Research Skills & Design (15 credits)
- Qualitative Research Methods (15 credits)
- Advanced Quantitative Statistics (15 credits)
- Research Apprenticeship in Psychology (15 credits)
- Dissertation (75 credits)

Teaching & Assessment

The course is of one year duration for full time and two years for part-time.

The course is assessed through written coursework, unseen examination, verbal presentation of research, and independent research written up as a dissertation.

Additional Costs

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.

Scholarships

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/

Closing Date

30th June 2016

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Psychology at Kent offers a supportive, dynamic and diverse environment for creative research and learning.

During your research, you are supported by a panel including a main and secondary supervisor. Your supervisors are individually selected for you based on their compatibility with your research interests. Typically, you meet with your supervisors more frequently at the initial stages of research than during the phases of data collection and analysis.

You receive training in research-specific and broader ‘transferable’ skills, including academic writing, career management and presentation skills. You also have the opportunity to train for an advanced teaching qualification (ATAP). The Advanced Statistics and Methodology module from our taught MSc programme is available for doctoral students that have not already completed an advanced statistics and methods course.

During term-time, our research groups hold weekly meetings to discuss ongoing work, and weekly seminars also take place featuring external speakers. Numerous data analysis and research methods workshops are available (recent examples include structural equation modelling; hierarchical linear modelling; meta-analysis; EPrime experimental software), as well as individual training opportunities.

Visit the website https://www.kent.ac.uk/courses/postgraduate/79/social-psychology

The School of Psychology

Kent's School of Psychology supports research in a number of areas, including: social psychology; developmental psychology; forensic psychology; cognitive psychology; existential psychology; personality and motivation.

We conduct both basic and applied research in several areas, and we are highly regarded as a leading European centre for postgraduate research. We have a long-established international reputation in social psychology, and this is complemented by our strengths in cognitive, developmental and forensic psychology. The School attracts excellent visiting scholars and postgraduate students from both within the UK and overseas.

Study support

- Postgraduate resources

The School has excellent facilities for both laboratory and field research, including advanced laboratory and teaching facilities. Resources include:

- three fully equipped colour video laboratories for face-to-face group research, together with ten satellite laboratories connected via remote-control CCTV and two-way audio links

- 58 research laboratories, all containing networked computers

- a further 80 PCs available exclusively to Psychology students, including a designated MSc computer-networked room providing full email and internet access

- shared offices and a personal, networked computer for research students

- a full range of computer-based experiment generators and productivity software installed on all the School’s systems

- an upgraded laboratory suite with equipment for digital sound and vision recording

- four Brain Vision EEG labs (including one for simultaneous TMS & EEG, and one portable EEG system)

- two trans-cranial direct current electrical stimulators (GVS, Magstim)

- Neuroconn tDCS/tACS electrical stimulator with facilities for simultaneous EEG

- Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) PowerMAG Research 100 High Frequency Stimulator

- two Tobii eye-trackers (Tobii X120 & Tobii T60 XL portable)

- one Arrington eye-tracker

- a suite equipped with Bio-Pac recorders to allow for a range of physiological measures to be taken during stressful and other tasks

- specialist laboratories equipped for face processing and vision research

- CRS ColorCal II Colorimeter/Photometer

- CRS Audiofile for synchronized audio-visual presentation

- numerous PC and Mac labs to run behavioural experiments

- Mirror Stereoscopes for dichoptic presentation and stereo vision research

- immersive virtual reality lab (including integrated eye-tracker)

- a social cognition laboratory

- creation in 2010 of the Kent Child Development Unit and research team focusing on how children learn about their world, about other people and about the language they hear around them.

- Dynamic publishing culture
Staff publish regularly and widely in journals, conference proceedings and books. Among others, they have recently contributed to: Journal of Experimental Social Psychology; Journal of Personality and Social Psychology; Child Development; Clinical Psychology Review. Details of recently published books can be found within the staff research interests.

- Researcher Development Programme
Kent's Graduate School co-ordinates the Researcher Development Programme for research students, which includes workshops focused on research, specialist and transferable skills. The programme is mapped to the national Researcher Development Framework and covers a diverse range of topics, including subjectspecific research skills, research management, personal effectiveness, communication skills, networking and teamworking, and career management skills.

Careers

Our postgraduate students commonly go into the fields of health, teaching or further education. For instance, many of our graduates take up roles as assistant psychologists in the NHS with a view to becoming a professional clinical or forensic psychologist. Upon completing our Master’s courses, graduates have also pursued doctoral study and academic careers at higher education institutions.

The programmes we offer help you to develop general critical, analytic and problem-solving skills that can be applied in a wide range of settings.

Find out how to apply here - https://www.kent.ac.uk/courses/postgraduate/apply/

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The Master’s program in Social Psychology focuses on both individual and group behavior in formal and informal social contexts. It studies how people behave in their social surroundings and what influences this behavior. Particularly problems related to consumer behavior, work and organizational behavior and decision making in social, economic and organizational contexts are important themes in this Master’s program. Related to these themes, two separate tracks have been formed, both with its own focus and study program:

•Track Economic Psychology
•Track Work and Organizational Psychology

Career Perspective Social Psychology

With an MSc in Social Psychology, you can work in positions at an academic level in research, communication, policy, consulting, human development and organization development in private, semi-private or governmental organizations. With this MSc, you are able to conduct theoretical and applied research to advance scientific knowledge in the areas of social, economic and work and organizational psychology. You are also able to contribute to many applied fields, because you will be able to develop tools and interventions to solve practical problems in the areas of social, economic and work and organizational psychology and to research the effectiveness thereof.

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The MSc Social and Organisational Psychology is one of only a few Masters programmes in the UK which is provided by researchers working at the cutting-edge of both social psychology and organisational psychology. The programme is taught by a successful and dynamic group of social and organisational psychologists who, individually and collectively, enjoy a world-class reputation (http://psychology.exeter.ac.uk/research/groups/seorg/). You will not only benefit from the friendly and supportive atmosphere, but also from high quality teaching and supervision, an exciting and international seminar series and extra-curricular activities and workshops.

The Masters programme will equip you with an array of skills which will enable you to function as an effective PhD student or as a professional researcher or practitioner in social psychology and organisational psychology. The programme forms part of the Economic and Social Research Council South West Doctoral Training Centre - a hub of world-class social science research (http://www.exeter.ac.uk/doctoralcollege/fundedcentres/swdtc/).

Research Apprenticeship

The research apprenticeship is an important feature of the programme. It will help you develop your research skills by working alongside experienced researchers and/or practitioners and writing up the research in the form of a dissertation. Although teaming up with a researcher within the department is generally advised, it is occasionally possible to engage in research apprenticeships with organizations or people outside of the University provided suitable co-supervision is established. Some of our past/current research partners include Microsoft, IBM, Rentokil, the MoD, the NHS, the Met Office, the Chartered Institute of Personnel Development and Lane4 consultancy.

Programme structure

The programme is made up of five compulsory modules. The list of modules may include the following; Advanced Statistics; Behavioural Science Research Skills; Advances and Methods in Social and Organisational Psychology; Research Apprenticeship and Current Research Issues in Social and Organisational Psychology

The modules listed here provide examples of what you can expect to learn on this degree course based on recent academic teaching. The precise modules available to you in future years may vary depending on staff availability and research interests, new topics of study, timetabling and student demand.

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Overview

The overall aim of the course is to provide students with a structured introduction to undertaking research in social and developmental psychology, and in particular:
- to provide students with the opportunity to study at an advanced level substantive topics at the forefront of current research and theorising in social and developmental psychology;
- to enable students to acquire the skills necessary for undertaking independent research in social and developmental psychology;
- to prepare students for research at the doctoral level or its equivalent in other professional contexts.

See the website http://www.graduate.study.cam.ac.uk/courses/directory/blpympsdp

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the programme students should have:
- A command of current research in specific areas of social and developmental psychology;
- The skills necessary to conduct independent research and practical experience of their use;
- Knowledge of the methodological, philosophical and ethical issues in psychological research;
- The ability to situate their own research within current developments in the field.

Continuing

MPhil students who would like to continue to the PhD may apply to do so.

However, candidates should be aware that successful entry onto the MPhil does NOT guarantee
acceptance for the PhD. Every application will be considered on it's merits and must compete with all other applicants for a place on the PhD programme.

Successful applicants will need to achieve a final mark of at least 70% in their MPhil in order to meet the condition of entry.

Teaching

Students attend lectures during the first and second terms. Social psychology lectures focus on fundamental concepts in social cognition, personality and individual differences, gender, and social representations. Developmental psychology lectures focus on child development and adjustment in changing family and social contexts, developmental psychopathology, children and the law, and gender development.

- Feedback
Submitted work is marked by two internal examiners who give feedback to the students. All submitted marks are moderated by the course director who has an overview of the entire cohort.
In addition, supervisors will give feedback on their research projects during supervision sessions.

Assessment

- Thesis
A thesis, of not more than 15,000 words in length, on a subject approved by the Degree Committee.
A viva is usually only required for borderline (pass/distinction or pass/fail) students.

- Essays
Two essays, one of no more than 4,000 words and one of no more than 5,000 words on topics falling within areas of study to be prescribed by the Degree Committee for the Faculty of Biology.
An exercise of approximately 3,000 words in length, consisting of a critical appraisal of a research paper specified by the Degree Committee.
Course-work as prescribed by the Degree Committee on subjects falling within the fields of statistical and research methods.

- Practical assessment
All students are required to complete assessments for statistical and research methods modules where they are available.

Funding Opportunities

There are no specific funding opportunities advertised for this course. For information on more general funding opportunities, please follow the link below.

General Funding Opportunities http://www.graduate.study.cam.ac.uk/finance/funding

Find out how to apply here http://www.graduate.study.cam.ac.uk/courses/directory/blpympsdp/apply

See the website http://www.graduate.study.cam.ac.uk/courses/directory/blpympsdp

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The overall aim of the course is to provide students with a structured introduction to undertaking research in social and developmental psychology, and in particular:

- to provide students with the opportunity to study at an advanced level substantive topics at the forefront of current research and theorising - in social and developmental psychology;
- to enable students to acquire the skills necessary for undertaking independent research in social and developmental psychology;
- to prepare students for research at the doctoral level or its equivalent in other professional contexts.

Visit the website: http://www.graduate.study.cam.ac.uk/courses/directory/blpympsdp

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the programme students should have:

- A command of current research in specific areas of social and developmental psychology;
- The skills necessary to conduct independent research and practical experience of their use;
- Knowledge of the methodological, philosophical and ethical issues in psychological research;
- The ability to situate their own research within current developments in the field.

Format

Students attend lectures during the first and second terms. Social psychology lectures focus on fundamental concepts in social cognition, personality and individual differences, gender, and social representations. Developmental psychology lectures focus on child development and adjustment in changing family and social contexts, developmental psychopathology, children and the law, and gender development.

Assessment

- A thesis, of not more than 15,000 words in length, on a subject approved by the Degree Committee.

- Two essays, one of no more than 4,000 words and one of no more than 5,000 words on topics falling within areas of study to be prescribed by the Degree Committee for the Faculty of Biology.

- An exercise of approximately 3,000 words in length, consisting of a critical appraisal of a research paper specified by the Degree Committee.

Continuing

MPhil students who would like to continue to the PhD may apply to do so.

However, candidates should be aware that successful entry onto the MPhil does NOT guarantee
acceptance for the PhD. Every application will be considered on its merits and must compete with all other applicants for a place on the PhD programme.

Successful applicants will need to achieve a final mark of at least 70% in their MPhil in order to meet the condition of entry.

How to apply: http://www.graduate.study.cam.ac.uk/applying

Funding Opportunities

There are no specific funding opportunities advertised for this course. For information on more general funding opportunities, please follow the link below.

General Funding Opportunities: http://www.2016.graduate.study.cam.ac.uk/finance/funding

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Social, Health and Organisational Psychology

Project-X parties organized via Facebook. Unhealthy eating habits. Workplace bullying. Although a wide range of issues, the same rule applies to all of them: it comes down to the way in which people affect each other's behavior. In this Master’s programme, you study human behavior and behavior change in a social, health, or organisational context.

Tracks

During this Master’s programme, you will choose between the following three tracks:
-Social Influence: about the social influence of behavior and attitude change
-Health Promotion: about improving health-related behavior
-Work and Organisation: about the functioning and well-being of individuals and teams in organisations

This Master’s programme connects closely to our research programmes Social-cognitive and Interpersonal Determinants of Behavior, Health Psychology: Self-regulation, and Work and Organisational Psychology. Connecting theory and practice is essential in our master. You will develop theory-driven interventions by means of the PATH model (Problem-Analysis-Test-Help).

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How can psychology contribute to solving conflicts between groups, to a better environment, or health?

The programme Applied Social Psychology concerns the relationship between the everyday behaviour of 'normal' individuals and its large-scale influence of that behaviour on society and organisations. You can choose one of the specializations or compose your own programme within ASP.

The social psychologist studies, explains and influences behaviours 'in the street' and in groups, in companies and organisations, on the internet and in large crowds.

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