Masters Degrees in History of Psychology, United Kingdom

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.

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.

• Social Change and Influence 
• Crafting Research: Linking Theory and Methods
• Dissertation 
• Qualitative Research Methods
• Quantitiative Research Methods
• 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 
• Psychology of Men and Masculinities

Funding

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.

Social psychology research

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:

• Social and behavioural consequences of AIDS/HIV (ESRC)
• Cross-national studies of the social and psychological determinants of pro-environmental attitudes and behaviours (EU)
• The 16–19 initiative project on the political and economic socialisation of 16–19 year olds (ESRC)
• Monitoring and modelling consumer perceptions of food-related risks (MAFF)

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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This is the only course in the UK to offer a combination of transpersonal, psychoanalytic and critical approaches to psychology. You will explore ways of understanding the self as an open, evolving project that develops through interaction. This reflects developments at the leading edge of psychology, drawing upon insights from the history of human exploration of the self.

You will explore the relationship between psychology and cultural studies, philosophy, theology and social science. We provide the opportunity to develop your skills in research methods, including exploring the use of language and the construction of meaning in real-world situations, and ethnographic approaches.

You will gain a unique perspective on mind, self and society, whether you are working as a counsellor, a social worker, a psychologist, or in a related profession. We also welcome those who simply wish to explore this unique subject, and its insights into what makes us human.

- Research Excellence Framework 2014: 40% of our research in the Psychology unit was judged to be world leading or internationally excellent.

Visit the website http://courses.leedsbeckett.ac.uk/interdiscpsychology

Mature Applicants

Our University welcomes applications from mature applicants who demonstrate academic potential. We usually require some evidence of recent academic study, for example completion of an access course, however recent relevant work experience may also be considered. Please note that for some of our professional courses all applicants will need to meet the specified entry criteria and in these cases work experience cannot be considered in lieu.

If you wish to apply through this route you should refer to our University Recognition of Prior Learning policy that is available on our website (http://www.leedsbeckett.ac.uk/studenthub/recognition-of-prior-learning.htm).

Please note that all applicants to our University are required to meet our standard English language requirement of GCSE grade C or equivalent, variations to this will be listed on the individual course entry requirements.

Careers

Our course will prepare you for a wide range of careers. You will gain expertise which can be applied to professions including research, education, counselling, art therapy, life coaching, health and social care, human resources and working in media. Individual modules can be taken within the Continuing Professional Development Programme, or counted towards UKCP and BACP training hours.

- Clinical Psychologist
- Counsellor
- Educational Psychologist
- Occupational Psychologist

Careers advice:
The dedicated Jobs and Careers team offers expert advice and a host of resources to help you choose and gain employment. Whether you're in your first or final year, you can speak to members of staff from our Careers Office who can offer you advice from writing a CV to searching for jobs.

Visit the careers site - https://www.leedsbeckett.ac.uk/employability/jobs-careers-support.htm

Course Benefits

Our course is highly flexible - we will base your learning around your interests and personal development needs. There is the option of studying individual modules if you are looking to focus on a particular area of interest relevant to you or your career, and negotiated assessments are available for all modules, with an Independent Project module tailor-made for your needs such as a voluntary placement or work related research.

Modules may count towards British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) or UK Council for Psychotherapy (UKCP) training hours. Our University offers an extensive volunteering programme, giving you the opportunity to participate in work experience in your area of choice and in countries such as France, Germany or the Czech Republic.

Our teaching team is diverse, consisting of academics and researchers including Professor Brendan Gough, and Dr Steven Taylor - who are world renowned and are at the forefront of critical and transpersonal/ integrative psychology. A Chartered Psychologist is a member of the course team, and we welcome applications if you are training as a Psychologist or Psychotherapist.

Core Modules

Contemporary Psychoanalytic Approaches
Explore the developments in psychoanalysis that have occurred since the pioneering work of Freud and the first generation of psychoanalysts by studying the work of Melanie Klein and British Object Relations, and the Structuralist psychoanalysis of Jacques Lacan and his followers.

Critical Methodologies
Develop your understanding of ideas, concepts and practices of research within Interdisciplinary Psychology, in order to support both your exploration of specific research and case studies, and your own independent research project.

Foundations of Psychoanalysis
Explore the origins, first figures, foundational concepts and theories of the psychoanalytic enterprise, in particular the ideas and practice of Sigmund Freud.

Independent Project
Demonstrate your autonomous learning, originality in the application of knowledge, and research techniques and methods to produce either a 15,000 word dissertation, critical literature review, or practice-based portfolio.

Mindfulness-Based Approaches
Understand a variety of theoretical and practical approaches to the study of mindfulness within contemporary psychology, psychotherapy, and a range of contemplative/spiritual traditions, including cross-cultural perspectives.

Transpersonal Psychology
Gain an overview of transpersonal psychology theory and practice, including the exploration of 'spiritual' or 'awakening' experiences, unusual states of consciousness, and the concept of 'enlightenment'.

Central Problems in Psychology
Explore key concepts used in critical and transpersonal psychology and psychoanalysis, critically examining how different perspectives may use these concepts in both similar and distinctive ways.

"We're breaking lots of boundaries and investigating areas including philosophy, sociology, anthropology, theology, film and literature... We look at how all these areas impinge on psychology. There's not really any other course like it in the country."
- Dr Steve Taylor, Senior Lecturer

Facilities

- Library
Our libraries are two of the only university libraries in the UK open 24/7 every day of the year. However you like to study, the libraries have got you covered with group study, silent study, extensive e-learning resources and PC suites.

- Interpersonal Skills Suite
We have plenty of private rooms for you to try out your counselling, interviewing and focus group techniques. They come equipped with recording facilities so you are able to reflect on and improve your skills.

Find out how to apply here - http://www.leedsbeckett.ac.uk/postgraduate/how-to-apply/

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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.

Course content

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.

Modules

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

Core modules
-DEVELOPMENTAL AND DIFFERENTIAL PSYCHOLOGY
-FUNDAMENTALS OF PSYCHOLOGY
-PROJECT FOR PSYCHOLOGY MSC
-PSYCHOBIOLOGY AND COGNITIVE PSYCHOLOGY
-QUALITATIVE RESEARCH METHODS
-QUANTITATIVE RESEARCH METHODS
-SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY AND CONCEPTUAL ISSUES IN PSYCHOLOGY

Option module
You will choose an option from Masters level courses within the Department of Psychology, subject to availability and timetable constraints. A practice-based option module is Work Experience in a Psychological Setting for MSc students. Other options may change each year, but currently include: Individual Differences: Health, Stress and Disease; Cognitive Rehabilitation: Applications and Interventions; and Psychology Literature Project (critically evaluating the literature on a chosen topic).

Associated careers

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.

Professional recognition

This course is accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS).

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This MSc gives students a grounding in the nature, history, content and context of psychoanalytic theory, as used by practising psychoanalysts. It provides a comprehensive introduction to current psychoanalytic thinking, rooted in the history and development of ideas and with attention to the application of psychoanalytic ideas to other fields.

Degree information

Students learn about the medical and cultural context in which psychoanalysis began, through to contemporary clinical and theoretical perspectives. The teaching programme has a firm basis in the works of Sigmund Freud, but represents the breadth of the British psychoanalytic traditions, as well as major international contributions, the interface with the arts, and how psychoanalysis fits in with modern science.

Students undertake modules to the value of 180 credits.

The programme consists of four core taught modules (120 credits) and a conceptual research dissertation (60 credits).

Core modules
-Fundamentals of Psychoanalytic Theory
-Major Schools of Psychoanalysis
-Core Psychoanalytic Theory
-Applications of Psychoanalysis

Please note:
Students accepted on to the Foundation Course at the Institute of Psychoanalysis in London can request to be assessed on the Foundation Course's theoretical lecture material by UCL as part of the Foundation Course Optional Pathway. This assessment will count as one module of the MSc Theoretical Psychoanalytical Studies programme.

Those given approval can choose to register for the 99PSGFC1 Foundation Course MSc module, in place of the PSYCGT13 Applications of Psychoanalysis module.

Dissertation/report
All students undertake an independent research project which culminates in a dissertation of 10,000–12,000 words.

Teaching and learning
The programme is delivered through a combination of lectures, seminars and tutorials. The various seminar series are organised by experienced psychoanalysts or academics who are experts in the field concerned. Student performance is assessed through unseen written examination, coursework in the form of essays, and the dissertation.

Careers

This MSc provides a very good background to formal clinical training in psychoanalysis, adult or child psychotherapy or counselling and nearly half of our graduates pursue these options. A similar number continue with their academic studies either at UCL or elsewhere, often registering for a PhD in either psychoanalytic theory or empirical research. Some graduates progress to the Doctorate in Clinical Psychology, often at UCL which has the largest programme in the UK.

Top career destinations for this degree:
-Support Worker, Turning Point
-Clinical Psychology, California School of Professional Psychology
-Research Degree: Division of Psychol and Lang Sci, University College London (UCL)
-Lecturer, Kingston University and studying PhD Philosophy, Kingston University
-Systems Psychologist, Tavistock and Portman NHS Foundation Trust

Employability
This programme acts as a springboard especially for further clinical or theoretical training in the field (although it is not itself a clinical qualification). The teaching is organised and provided by eminent academics and psychoanalysts with international reputations. The option to take the Institute of Psychoanalysis Foundation Course, part of which counts towards the degree, helps with that career path. Many other able students go on to research posts in the unit or with our large network of clinical research collaborators in London and around the world.

Why study this degree at UCL?

The Psychoanalysis Unit is a thriving academic centre for psychoanalytic research, with its own MPhil/PhD programme alongside the MSc. It has affiliations with the International Psychoanalytic Association, the Institute of Psychoanalysis, the Anna Freud Centre, the Menninger Clinic, and leading scholars at Yale and Harvard Universities. The unit is based within UCL's Division of Psychology & Language Sciences which undertakes world-leading research and teaching in mind, behaviour and language.

Our work attracts staff and students from around the world, creating an outstanding and vibrant environment. Opportunities for graduate students to work with world-renowned researchers can exist in all areas of investigation, from basic processes to applied research. The division offers a supportive environment including numerous specialist seminars, workshops, and guest lectures.

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This course is for anyone with a clinical or academic interest in psychoanalysis. It covers the history and development of major psychoanalytic traditions and is highly relevant to contemporary social, political and cultural debates.


Why study MA Psychoanalysis at Middlesex?

Middlesex University was one of the first universities in the UK to teach psychoanalysis at graduate level, and our world-renowned Centre for Psychoanalysis is testament to a long-standing reputation in this field of research.

The Centre facilitates individual and collaborative research into psychoanalysis. It provides a focus for the scholarly activity of its members; hosts international conferences, seminars and workshops; provides a productive work environment for many visiting scholars in the field; and develops research projects with colleagues from the European Union, the Middle East, Russia and Latin America.

During the course you will examine the unconscious mind in everyday life and in relation to mental illness and human suffering. You will expand your critical and analytical skills in a productive atmosphere, enhanced by high-level group and individual tutorials.

Course highlights:

- Based at our Hendon campus you will benefit from our excellent student facilities, and be taught by academics and clinicians who are actively pursuing innovative research in the field.
- The School of Health and Education has a lively research culture lead by internationally-recognised researchers. Our purpose-built science building houses some of the best and most up- to-date psychology specialist postgraduate computer, laboratory and library study facilities for teaching and research in the UK.

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The MPhil in History and Philosophy of Science and Medicine is a full-time 9-month course that provides students with the opportunity to carry out focused research under close supervision by senior members of the University. Students will acquire or develop skills and expertise relevant to their research interests, as well as a critical and well informed understanding of the roles of the sciences in society. Those intending to go on to doctoral work will learn the research skills needed to help them prepare a well planned and focused PhD proposal. During the course students gain experience of presenting their own work and discussing the issues that arise from it with an audience of their peers and senior members of the Department; they will attend lectures, supervisions and research seminars in a range of technical and specialist subjects central to research in the different areas of History and Philosophy of Science and Medicine.

The educational aims of the programme are:

- to give students with relevant training at first-degree level the opportunity to carry out focussed research in History, Philosophy of Science and Medicine under close supervision;
- to give students the opportunity to acquire or develop skills and expertise relevant to their research interests;
- to enable students to acquire a critical and well informed understanding of the roles of the sciences in society; and
- to help students intending to go on to doctoral work to acquire the requisite research skills and to prepare a well planned and focussed PhD proposal.

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

Course detail

The MPhil course is taught by supervisions and seminars and assessed by three research essays and a dissertation.

The topics of the essays and dissertation should each fall within the following specified subject areas:

1. General philosophy of science
2. History of ancient and medieval science, technology and medicine
3. History of early modern science, technology and medicine
4. History of modern science, technology and medicine
5. History, philosophy and sociology of the life sciences
6. History, philosophy and sociology of the physical and mathematical sciences
7. History, philosophy and sociology of the social and psychological sciences
8. History, philosophy and sociology of medicine
9. Ethics and politics of science
10. History and methodology of history, philosophy and sociology of science, technology and medicine

Format

The MPhil seminars are the core teaching resource for this course. In the first part of year these seminars are led by different senior members of the Department and focus on selected readings. During the rest of the year the seminars provide opportunities for MPhil students to present their own work.

Students are encouraged to attend the lectures, research seminars, workshops and reading groups that make the Department a hive of intellectual activity. The Department also offers graduate training workshops, which focus on key research, presentation, publication and employment skills.

The MPhil programme is administered by the MPhil Manager, who meets all new MPhil students as a group in early October, then sees each of the students individually to discuss their proposed essay and dissertation topics. The Manager is responsible for finding appropriate supervisors for each of these topics; the supervisors are then responsible for helping the student do the research and writing needed for the essays and the dissertation. Students will see each of their supervisors frequently; the MPhil Manager sees each student at regular intervals during the year to discuss progress and offer help and advice.

Supervisions are designed to provide students with the opportunity to set their own agenda for their studies. The supervisor's job is to support the student's research, not to grade their work – supervisors are formally excluded from the examination process.

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

Learning Outcomes

By the end of the course, students will have:

- Knowledge and Understanding -

- developed a deeper knowledge of their chosen areas of History, Philosophy of Science and Medicine and of the critical debates within them;
- acquired a conceptual understanding that enables the evaluation of current research and methodologies;
- formed a critical view of the roles of the sciences in society.

- Skills and other attributes -

By the end of the course students should have:

- acquired or consolidated historiographic, linguistic, technical and ancillary skills appropriate for research in their chosen area;
- demonstrated independent judgement, based on their own research;
- presented their own ideas in a public forum and learned to contribute constructively within an international environment.

Assessment

- A dissertation of up to 15,000 words. Examiners may request an oral examination but this is not normally required.
- Three essays, each of up to 5,000 words.

Students receive independent reports from two examiners on each of their three essays and the dissertation.

Continuing

The usual preconditions for continuing to the PhD are an overall first class mark in the MPhil, a satisfactory performance in an interview and agreement of the PhD proposal with a potential supervisor.

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

Funding Opportunities

- Rausing Studentships
- Raymond and Edith Williamson Studentships
- Lipton Studentships
- Wellcome Master's Awards

Please see the Department's graduate funding page for more information: http://www.hps.cam.ac.uk/studying/graduate/funding.html

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

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This programme explores the histories of science, technology and medicine (HSTM) through a wide range of case studies, from the emergence of professional scientific disciplines such as physics and biology, to the growth of `Big Science' in the Cold war era, to the complex history of the National Health Service. We focus on the integrated understanding of HSTM through consideration of sites, institutions, and schools of thought and practice, and pay particular attention to how scientists and medics have communicated with non-specialist audiences.

The taught course consists of lectures, seminars and tutorials. Reflecting CHSTM¿s established research strengths, studies focus on nineteenth- and twentieth-century cases. Students will gain experience in historical essay-writing before researching and writing an extensive dissertation on a specialised topic, supervised by experienced researchers.

This MSc is appropriate for students from any disciplinary background. It works both as an advanced study course for students with undergraduate experience in HSTM, and as a conversion route for students from other backgrounds (often in the sciences, but also including general history, social policy, and other fields).

The HSTM pathway is the most appropriate for students who have wide-ranging interests across the field, or are interested in the histories of the physical sciences or the life sciences in particular. If you wish to focus on biomedicine or healthcare, you may prefer the Medical Humanities pathway. If you are particularly interested in contemporary science communication or policy, you should consider the parallel Science Communication MSc programme.

Aims

-To explore the histories of theories, practices, authority claims, institutions and people, spaces and places, and communication in science, technology and medicine, across their social, cultural and political contexts.
-To provide an opportunity and open access to study particular topics of historical and contemporary significance in depth encourage and support the development of analytical skills in understanding the changing form and function of science, technology and medicine in society.
-To encourage and support the development of transferable writing and presentational skills of the highest standard, and thereby prepare students for further academic study or employment.
-To provide a comprehensive introduction to research methods in the history of science, technology and medicine, including work with libraries, archives, databases, and oral history.
-To enable students to produce a major piece of original research and writing in the form of a dissertation.

Teaching and learning

Teaching includes a mixture of lectures and small-group seminar discussions built around readings and other materials. We emphasise the use both of primary sources, and of current research in the field. Most students will also visit local museums and other sites of interest to work on objects or archives. All students meet regularly with a mentor from the Centre's PhD community, a designated personal tutor from among the staff, and, from Semester 2, a dissertation supervisor. Progression is developed through the Faculty's online-delivery Electronic Graduate Training Programme.

Coursework and assessment

Assessment is mostly based on traditional essay-format coursework submission. The HSTM pathway includes one examination based on a precirculated paper. All MSc students undertake a research dissertation (or optionally, for Medical Humanities students, a portfolio of creative work) counting for 60 of the 180 credits.

Career opportunities

Many of our students go on to PhD research in related areas, or to careers in fields including museums, libraries and archives; teaching; technical authorship and editing; science policy work; research administration; journalism and the media.

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This is an advanced professional development programme for psychology and social science graduates and professionals. Through this programme you will undertake analysis of issues appertaining to the care and progression of individuals with developmental disabilities. You will assess different types of interventions and will have the opportunity to engage with disability service providers and users. You will gain detailed knowledge and understanding of:

• definitions and epidemiology of intellectual disability
• cognitive, communicative and social characteristics of people with intellectual disabilities
• biological, social and environmental causes of intellectual disability
• behaviour analysis
• challenging behaviour and other special needs
• ideology, policy and service development
• definition and measurement of service quality
• the relationships between service organisation and quality
• research methodology and basic statistical analysis

Course structure

Coursework is taught through a mixture of web-based resources, directed reading, videos, lectures, seminars and practical sessions, supported by a number of workshops, where you work with skilled professionals and have the opportunity to share ideas and experiences with fellow students. You will also undertake practical work placements which are assessed by written reports as well as having the opportunity to complete a piece of original research with your Research Project.

Modules

The following modules are indicative of those offered on this programme:

• Social psychology of intellectual and developmental disabilities
• Behaviour analysis and intervention
• Service issues in intellectual and developmental disabilities
• Research methods

Knowledge and understanding

You will gain knowledge and understanding of:

• definitions and epidemiology of intellectual disability
• cognitive, communicative and social characteristics of people with intellectual disabilities
• biological, social and environmental causes of intellectual disability
• behaviour analysis
• challenging behaviour and other special needs
• ideology, policy and service development
• definition and measurement of service quality
• the relationships between service organisation and quality
• research methodology and basic statistical analysis 

Transferable skills

You will gain the following transferable skills:

• communication: the ability to organise information clearly and respond to written sources
• numeracy: if you are doing the statistical element of the research methods module, you will make sense of statistical materials and integrate quantitative and qualitative information. You will also become familiar with ways of summarising and presenting data
• information technology: the ability to produce written documents, undertake online research
• working with others: the ability to work co-operatively on group tasks both within the virtual learning environment and during the residential workshops
• improve your own learning: the ability to explore your strengths and weaknesses, time management skills and review your working environment
• problem-solving: the ability to identify and define complex problems, explore alternative solutions and discriminate between them.

Dynamic centre of expertise

This programme is taught by the University's renowned Tizard Centre. An annual seminar series runs at which staff or guest lecturers present the results of research or highlight recent developments in the field of social care. The Jim Mansell Memorial Lecture invites public figures or distinguished academics to discuss topics that could interest a wider audience. The Centre also publishes the Tizard Learning Disability Review (in conjunction with Emerald Publishing) to provide a source of up-to-date information for professionals and carers.

The Tizard Centre provides consultancy to organisations in the statutory and independent sectors, both nationally and internationally, in diversified areas such as service assessment, person-centred approaches, active support and adult protection..

Careers

Our postgraduate courses improve employability prospects for both those with established careers and new entrants to the field. Many of our students already work with people with intellectual and developmental disabilities in professional, management or supporting capacities.

Our programmes support their continuing professional development and enhance their opportunities for career advancement. Other students, who are at the beginning of their careers, move on to a range of professional roles in health and social care including working as psychologists in learning disability or behavioural specialists in community learning disability teams; service management of development roles; clinical psychology training or a PhD.

Career destinations include working as a consultant behaviour analyst, carer co-ordinator, service care manager, special needs teacher, quality officer, ABA tutor and research assistant in various health care organisations such as Dimensions UK Ltd, Care Management Group, Consensus Support Services, Mencap and Ambitious About Autism.

Why study at the University of Kent

We offer inspirational teaching and supervision alongside first-class library and IT facilities. You also benefit from our high-impact research in all subjects. Whatever you are looking to study, Kent provides a dynamic and challenging environment for your postgraduate studies.

• Kent was awarded gold, the highest rating, in the UK Government’s Teaching Excellence Framework
• Kent is ranked 21st in the Times Higher Education (THE) ‘Table of Tables’ 2017
• Kent is ranked 25th in the Complete University Guide 2018
• Kent is ranked 22nd in the Guardian University Guide 2018
• 37% of our academics are from overseas and we have students representing 148 nationalities
• In the most recent research rankings, 97% of research at Kent was found to be of international quality (REF 2014)
• Kent is ranked 17th in the UK* for research intensity and research output (REF 2014)
• Find out more: https://www.kent.ac.uk/courses/postgraduate/why-kent/

* of 122 universities, not including specialist institutions

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