About Psychological Research Methods, MSc - at University of Winchester
Psychological Research Methods at Winchester aims to equip graduate students with advanced research skills in Psychology, as well as a number of important transferable skills appropriate to other professions. It provides the student with the opportunity to develop expertise equally in using quantitative and qualitative research tools, with a focus on their application to real-world psychological issues.
Entry requirements: Normally a first or second class honours degree in psychology or a related subject
Students admitted to the programme who have obtained an honours degree or equivalent in a related relevant subject will be offered an extended induction. This includes additional guidance and support in the form of, for example, reading lists and informal attendance of useful undergraduate modules.
If English is not your first language: Students whose first language is not English may be asked to provide evidence of English Language ability when applying. The requirement for admission is a minimum score of 6.5 in IELTS (International English Language Teaching System) including a minimum score of 6.5 in Academic Writing or an equivalent qualification.
Application process: UKPASS (full-time applicants only) or Direct Entry Application Form (part-time applicants only)
Programme ContentThe programme also gives students the opportunity to develop intellectual and practical skills along with the ability to analyse and communicate complex ideas and creatively plan and manage an independent postgraduate research project in Psychology. It will equip students with necessary skills to undertake further doctoral study.
The MSc programme is designed to meet the requirements of the ESRC (Economic and Social Research Council) for the first year of postgraduate training, as detailed in their publication Postgraduate Training Guidelines Fourth Edition 2005. These guidelines specify that students should gain, by the end of their first year of postgraduate study, knowledge of a range of general historical, theoretical and philosophical issues underlying the discipline of Psychology; awareness of ethical and legal issues; how psychological research is communicated; and bibliographical and computing skills, including methods of literature searching in Psychology. They should have a critical awareness of the advantages and disadvantages of a number of key quantitative (including psychometric) and qualitative methods of data collection and analysis.
Consistent with the ESRC guidelines, students also acquire a number of generic and transferable skills related to methods of data collection and analysis, and the research process, which equip them for a variety of employment opportunities.
Building on the requirement to include psychometric training, the Department of Psychology hopes to offer all students on the programme the opportunity for training in the use of psychometric tests, such that students would attain the standard required for the British Psychological Society Level A Certificate of Competence in Occupational Testing. This qualifies holders to use ability and aptitude tests and would be useful for those interested in working in applied settings, such as Human Resources, where testing and assessment is commonplace.
Study centres on the core of quantitative and qualitative methods of data collection and analysis. In addition, students examine the theoretical and philosophical issues that underpin psychological research, as well as some of the contemporary, practical aspects of conducting research in Psychology. Lastly, students choose from a number of optional modules.
ModulesCore modules include:Empirical Dissertation
Psychological Research in Practice
Psychometrics: Theory and Practice
Qualitative Methods in Psychology
Quantitative Methods in Psychology
Students may choose from optional modules, such as the following:
Cognitive Science
Developmental Science
The Individual and Contemporary Society
AssessmentConsonant with our teaching practice, and the range of psychological skills that students will develop, a wide variety of forms of assessment are used, including, research proposals, practical reports, and assessed presentations. There is only one formal examination. Students on the Masters programme also complete a substantial independent research project.
CareersThe MSc programme would be an essential step for anyone wishing to embark on further postgraduate work in Psychology, such as a PhD, or intending to pursue a research-based Psychology career. The British Psychological Society (BPS) Level A Certificate of Competence in Occupational Testing would be a useful qualification for those interested in working in applied settings, such as Human Resources, where testing and assessment is commonplace.
