MSc in Psychological Research Methods
Programme code: PSYT107
Duration: One year full-time. Starting in September of each year.
From September 2012 this programme can also be studied part time over two years
**Bursaries for 2012-13**
The Department of Psychology is delighted to announce six Taught Postgraduate Bursaries of £1500 each (by way of a reduction in tuition fees) between three of the department's taught postgraduate programmes.
Each bursary will be offered on a competitive basis and assessment will be based on:
• Academic performance as indicated by GPA and transcript
• Other relevant skills and knowledge (for example, programming courses outside the degree, or relevant work experience)
• Research activity (co-authoring papers, conference presentations, etc.)
• Personal statement. Please include information on why you want to do the particular course you have applied for, and how it meshes with your aspirations. (For the MSc in Psychological Research the personal statement should include some details about your research interests supported by reference to the literature.)
How to apply for a bursary
All applications for the above programmes received by the deadline for 2012-13 entry will be considered for a bursary. Please make your programme application here.
Decisions will be made for each programme by a panel review and applicants will be notified shortly after the deadline by email. The deadline for receiving applications for a bursary is Tuesday 1st May 2012.
For further information please contact Josie Cassidy.
Course Description
This course will allow you to develop a broad and comprehensive range of research skills and provide you with the opportunity to focus on selected methods in order to develop a high level of proficiency in their use. The course is suitable for both the first stage of a PhD and as a stand-alone qualification.
During your literature review and research project (which together make up 50% of course credit), you will work closely with a supervisor who is an international leader in their field. The department has strengths in theoretical and applied aspects of clinical, social, health, cognitive and developmental psychology and neuroscience (please see staff web pages for individual supervisors’ research interests). Students have further opportunities to pursue these specialist interests in other taught modules including the professional skills module where a large component of the assessment involves students writing a research proposal on a topic of their choice.
The MSc in Psychological Research also fulfils the requirements for the first year of the ESRC '1+3' research training programme.
The specific aims of the MSc are as follows:
- To provide expertise specific to research in psychology (e.g., an understanding of different methods of data collection and analysis in psychological research, practical experience conducting a piece of psychological research)
- To provide general research skills (e.g., bibliographic and computing skills, awareness of ethical and legal issues in research)
- To provide personal development and transferable professional skills (e.g., communication and dissemination skills, professional development).
Course content:
Research Methods in Psychology
Reviewing Psychological Research
Advanced Multivariate Statistics for Psychology
Professional Skills for Psychologists
Research Project in Psychology
Teaching:
- Small group seminars and workshops.
Assessment:
- Written coursework and research dissertation.
Entry requirements:
- Good Honours degree in Psychology or a related discipline.
English Language Requirements
A good command of the English language is essential for postgraduate study. If English is not your first language, you must provide evidence of your language ability. In all cases the English language test should have been taken within the preceding two years. Our standard English requirement is a minimum IELTS 6.5 (with no less than 6 in each part) – or equivalent (please see the link below for alternative acceptable qualifications). Additional evidence may be requested and judged at the discretion of the Course Director.
Acceptable English Language Qualifications
Postgraduate Open Days
Details of our Postgraduate Open Days can be found here.
Contact details:
Prospective applicants can request an application pack or make enquiries by contacting:
Josie Cassidy
Postgraduate Admissions Secretary
Department of Psychology
University of Sheffield
Western Bank
Sheffield, S10 2TP
UK
Tel: 0114 2226515
Fax: 0114 2766515
Email: j.cassidy@sheffield.ac.uk