What you will study
You will cover all areas of Psychology required by the BPS. This will include extensive training in research skills and you will be encouraged to develop a critical and analytical approach to psychological models, theories and methodologies. You will conduct practical research exercises and produce a research-based dissertation in an area of psychology of interest to you (subject to supervisor availability).
Full time MSc
You will study three core modules: Cognition and Biological Psychology, The Person in Psychology, and Methods and Statistics for MSc Psychology. In addition, you will study one further optional module from the list below.
Core modules
Psychology Dissertation
60 credits
The dissertation project will be based on a critical literature review addressing complex and contradictory evidence and will usually require carrying out an empirical study using one or more methodologies of data collection such as experiments, observation, psychometric testing, surveys and questionnaires, interviews and field studies. In all cases, the dissertation will involve the analysis of quantitative and/or qualitative data, as well as the presentation and critical evaluation of research findings. Through independent study and meetings with a project supervisor, the dissertation project will allow you to better understand the role of research methodologies, theoretical considerations and ethical issues in psychological research.
Methods and Statistics
30 credits
This module is a core module in the MSc Child Psychology and MSc Psychology fields. The module introduces you to the essentials of psychological experimentation and to a range of analysis techniques making use of basic and more advanced (eg. multivariate) methods. Both experimental and correlational methods are considered along with appropriate techniques of data analysis (eg. analysis of variance and multiple regression). Both theoretical and practical aspects of experimentation are discussed. The laboratory workshops combine formal teaching with sessions involving hands-on activities. Core factual material is provided via Canvas with workshops being used to explain key concepts and techniques. The module provides an essential introduction to practical work in psychology, in particular for the MSc dissertation project.
The Person in Psychology
30 credits
The content of the module will examine a broad range of key theories and empirical research in social, individual and developmental psychology. This core module will allow students to explore current theory and practice in psychology across range of topics that focuses on the person in psychology. In consideration of the social, individual, (human abilities and personality attributes) and developmental areas of enquiry, the scientific approach and the notion of measurement is fundamental.
Cognition and Biological Psychology
30 credits
This module provides a broad overview of the key areas that comprise contemporary cognitive psychology and looks at the relationship between physiology and behaviour. It includes memory, attention, language, reasoning, cognitive neuropsychology and introduces the principles of perceptual processes. The module also introduces the neuroanatomical structures and physiological functions that are considered important in regulating behaviour, and then moves on to examine in detail the ways in which such biological substrates contribute to specific psychological processes and behaviours. In addition the module will consider the ways in which various kinds of physiological dysfunction can impact on behaviour and cognition, and the biological bases of perception and motivation (eg. eating). Topics and issues that are currently attracting considerable research interest will be explored in detail.
Optional modules (choose one)
Psychology of Film and Art
30 credits
"Creating new circuits in art means creating them in the brain too".
Gilles Deleuze
The aesthetic experience relates not only to natural beauty but also to works of art which can be seen as cultural manifestations of the human mind. For centuries artists have used a varied number of media—from pigments to pixels—to evoke a multitude of perceptions and sensory effects able to trigger powerful rational and emotional responses. Psychology of art and film is a young field of study and encompasses a multitude of branches of psychology. The module will broadly focus on the question: If beauty is in the eye of the beholder, what is it about the human experience that enables us to appreciate it? The focus will be on art in the form of paintings, films, photography and ‘installations'.
The module will be divided in three core areas: I. The ‘self‘: cognitive aspects modulating the aesthetic experience; II. The ‘environment': social and cultural aspects modulating the aesthetic experience; and III. Workshops: include talks by invited artists/lecturers and independent visits to museums, galleries and cinemas.
Applications of Psychological Research
30 credits
This module provides students with the opportunity to identify and address real-world issues that can benefit from research input by psychologists. Students will gain an appreciation of the challenges of conducting research in professional settings. They will gain 50 hours of work experience in a placement to identify and/or apply psychological research findings in a chosen context under the supervision of a workplace supervisor. In addition, 10 seminars will be held at the University where case studies and examples from current placements will be used to complement the learning objectives. Students will be required to contribute and draw examples of their experiences in their workplace and how this informs research in their specific placements.
It is expected that students will arrange their own work placements; their suitability will be discussed and agreed upon with the module leader and/or the course director. In the absence of an external placement, students will be offered a work placement in the Department of Psychology. Here they will contribute to a current programme of research relevant to their studies.
The nature of the work will usually be determined in part by the focus of the postgraduate programme that a student is following. For example, students of child/developmental psychology may choose to collect data or implement research-led practice in local nurseries and schools; students of clinical psychology may evaluate the efficacy of procedures adopted by local rehabilitation services; and students on the Masters in Behavioural Decision Making are likely to choose a placement in organisation that monitors behavioural change.
Please note: where appropriate, students will need to ensure they have CRB checks in place and, if collecting data in the workplace, that appropriate ethical approvals are in place prior to collecting data.
The workplace activity is intended to extend students' independent research skills in relevant contexts as well as enhancing future employability.
Advanced Developmental Psychology
30 credits
This is an optional module for Level 6 students who wish to expand their knowledge about child development. The module will cover a broad range of issues in developmental psychology including both examples of typical and atypical development, such as reading development and dyslexia, children's relationships and bullying, language in typical and atypical populations, sensory impairment, children's understanding of number and dyscalculia, children with Williams Syndrome, among other themes. The module will involve a combination of keynote lectures, interactive lectures and guided independent study during which current theories, methodologies and research will be discussed and critically evaluated. In addition, transferable skills will be fostered through student led interactive discussions and tasks.
Critical Social Psychology
30 credits
This module explores the nature and origins of social knowledge and critically evaluates the basis for claims to ‘absolute reality'. The module will be of interest to students who wish to examine contemporary beliefs and assumptions about the world on a range of political, philosophical, psychological and moral issues. In the second semester, earlier theoretical knowledge is applied to the study of collective memory (the memory of people across generations) – a foundational form of social knowledge involved in the construction of identity. The study of social/collective memory raises some political issues. For example, in the aftermath of conflict, competing versions of the past are often a barrier to reconciliation. Understanding the nature and content of collective memory therefore becomes important. You should have an interest in the history and politics of conflict including human rights although detailed historical knowledge is not a pre-requisite. Course material comprises film and television documentary, which will broaden and deepen existing knowledge of 20th century events.
Advanced Issues in the Psychology of Thinking
30 credits
This module will explore the psychology of higher cognitive processes, such as thinking, reasoning, judgement and decision-making. The module will encourage students to evaluate critically whether human thinking is rational, and the normative models with which that rationality is measured. It will also introduce students to quantitative models of these processes. Finally the module will introduce students to applications of cognitive psychology research, especially in terms of judgement and decision making in areas such as politics, sports, economics and health.
Psychology of Health and Well Being
30 credits
The module will engage you with the main themes of contemporary health psychology and positive psychology with a particular focus on theory, research, intervention, and application. You will gain an understanding of the importance of psychological processes in the experience of health and illness, and explore the role of behaviour and emotion in current trends of mortality and morbidity. In addition, you will gain an understanding of the role of positive emotions, optimism, spirituality, flourishing relationships, and community engagement in promoting health, well-being, and happiness. You will also become aware of the crucial roles health psychology and positive psychology have to play in the development and evaluation of physical and psychological health promotion interventions.
Neuropsychology and Neuro-rehabilitation
30 credits
There are two main streams in this module: Part I - Neuropsychology. The module will place a particular emphasis on understanding the effects of brain activity on cognitive and social aspects of human behaviour (and vice-versa). In addition, the module will address the effects of brain injury and neurological impairments with a view to understand models of normal cognitive and social functioning. Video material will be used to illustrate clinical cases when available. Part II – Neuro-rehabilitation. The module will introduce you to modern techniques for the diagnosis of neurological disorders and their neuropsychiatric implications. Interventions for the treatment and management of neurological disorders will be evaluated. Your effort and engagement will be essential for a successful and rewarding experience. This will include active participation in lectures and the reading of the indicated material.
Psychotherapeutic Psychology and Mental Health: from Theory to Practice
30 credits
This module examines how psychology is applied in psychotherapeutic work in mental health contexts. It is relevant to students who are interested in Counselling Psychology, Clinical Psychology, psychotherapy, counselling and/or in mental health service provision more generally.The module begins with a consideration of how common forms of psychological distress and disorder are conceptualised within mainstream classification systems. After psychotherapeutic approaches are placed in historical context, the module considers the theory and practice of various psychotherapeutic approaches. Attention is given to how specific mental health issues can be addressed in therapy, how therapy can respond creatively and ethically to diversity issues, and how therapeutic impact or effectiveness might best be evaluated. By completing this module, students will develop a critical understanding of the nature of psychotherapeutic practice and of some key aspects of its complexity and challenges. The module will consider the principles and challenges of psychotherapeutic practice but students will not engage in any form of psychotherapeutic practice during the module, nor will it qualify them to do so afterwards. However it will help inform students' decision-making about careers in the psychotherapeutic and mental health fields.
