This course is recognised by the Economic and Social Research Council within the University's Doctoral Training Centre.

The MSc Psychology Research Methods is part of The University of Nottingham's ESRC Doctoral Training Centre, one of only 21 such centres in the UK.

The course is approved by the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) as the first part of a ‘1+3’ postgraduate training programme leading eventually to a PhD.

Programme aims

This course provides a broad education in psychological research methods. Specifically, it:

• provides students with an understanding of the range of research methods, both qualitative and quantitative, that are used in psychological research
• helps students to critically evaluate psychological research methods and various forms of data used in psychological research
• provides the opportunity to focus on the student's own research interests
• provides the opportunity to develop skills in literature searching and reviewing
• examines the professional skills required of an advanced researcher
• provides practical training in doing psychology-related research

Key facts

• The course can constitute the first year (first two years part-time) of a `1+3` PhD programme in Psychology or Applied Psychology, in line with ESRC postgraduate training guidelines. The course has gained recognition for the receipt of ESRC studentships on a `3` year and three year basis (full-time and part-time).
• Teaching within the Institute is informed by current research. We believe that research and teaching should be developed and delivered to help students and staff make a difference in the real world.

Course details

The MSc Psychology Research methods is based on two taught semesters of full-time study, from late September to mid June, plus the summer period, ending in September, when an empirical research project is undertaken. The course can also be based on two years of part-time study.

Part-time students on this course are taught alongside full-time students and the choice of modules (and therefore the timetable) is flexible and a matter for agreement between student and course director. In all cases, part-time students can access a wide range of teaching and learning facilities remotely via the student portal.

Structure

The course structure is hierarchical, progressing from generic skills relating to research and career development, through the knowledge and skills commonly required for effective psychological research, to those more specifically and particularly related to each student's chosen area of study. The final demonstration of their acquired knowledge and skills is the empirical research project, with a research management report. The project is written up as if for publication in a refereed scientific journal and forms an bridge into their PhD studies.

Portfolio

The final demonstration of your acquired knowledge and skills is the empirical research project, with a research management report. The project is written up as if for publication in a refereed scientific journal and forms an obvious bridge into your PhD studies.

Teaching methods

Course teaching involves lectures, seminars, workshops, tutorials, peer discussion groups, dissertation work, and project work. The taught semesters comprise modules on generic research and personal development skills, social sciences and psychology research skills, general and advanced research methods, and research methods specific to individual students chosen areas of psychological research. As with outlines for all University degrees these details are provisional and may be subject to change.

Modules

In order to complete the MSc Psychology Research Methods, you will be required to study on 40 credits associated with the Doctoral Training Centre:

You will be required to study the following core modules:

• Psychological Research in Context
• Professional Skills
• Research Internship
• Advanced Methods in Psychology
• Empirical Research Project (Psychology)

Please note that all module details are subject to change.