University home > Unit and programme catalogues in 2015/16 > Programme catalogue > Faculty of Life Sciences > School of Psychological Science > Research Methods in Psychology (MSc) > Specification
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Programme code | 7PSYC005T |
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Programme type | Postgraduate Taught Degree |
Programme director(s) |
Casimir Ludwig
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Faculty | Faculty of Science |
School/department | School of Psychological Science |
Teaching institution | University of Bristol |
Awarding institution | University of Bristol |
Mode of study | Full Time |
Programme length | 1 years (full time) |
Alternatively, completion of this programme can lead to the application of psychological knowledge and research skills elsewhere, such as in industry or in education. Attainment of this knowledge will be assessed via unit-related essays, by formal written examination and on the basis of oral presentations.
Programme Intended Learning Outcomes | Learning and Teaching Methods |
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Methods of Assessment | |
Preparation of essays and coursework will allow students to demonstrate critical evaluation of current research, advanced scholarship in the discipline, a capacity to critique theories and research methods, and where necessary propose new hypotheses: that is, demonstrate M Level ability as described in the QAA framework for higher education qualifications in England, Wales and Northern Ireland (2008). |
Programme Intended Learning Outcomes | Learning and Teaching Methods |
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Seminars that require prior reading and preparation, class and individual work with computer workstations, some student-led seminars. Exercises designed to increase understanding of the practical and theoretical issues involved (e.g. visits to laboratories, statistical exercises, literature search tasks). Writing unit-related essays and a dissertation. Conducting statistical exercises. Contribution to a dedicated programme website. Development of advanced computer skills relevant to the discipline. Concise oral presentations within seminars. Oral presentation of results of experimental work to an academic audience. Dealing with questions in such a forum will teach students about the need for complex decision-making in unpredictable situations
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Methods of Assessment | |
Unit-related essays and examinations on most units. A dissertation which must be concerned with a topic within Psychology. A range of examination styles will be utilised including traditional methods. Preparation of coursework and essays will allow students to demonstrate critical evaluation of current research, advanced scholarship in the discipline, a capacity to critique theories and research methods, and where necessary propose new hypotheses: that is, demonstrate M Level ability as described in the QAA framework for higher education qualifications in England, Wales and Northern Ireland (2008). |
Programme Intended Learning Outcomes | Learning and Teaching Methods |
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Practical skills (including use of computing packages) are developed throughout the programme. Seminars that require prior reading and preparation, class and individual work with computer workstations, some student-led seminars. Exercises designed to increase understanding of the practical and theoretical issues involved (e.g. visits to laboratories, statistical exercises, literature search tasks). Writing unit-related essays and a dissertation. Conducting statistical exercises. Contribution to a dedicated course website. Development of advanced computer skills relevant to the discipline. Concise oral presentations within seminars. Oral presentation of results of experimental work. Dealing with questions in such a forum will teach students about the need for complex decision-making in unpredictable situations its intensity and numerous demands. |
Methods of Assessment | |
Unit-related essays and examinations on most units. A dissertation which must be concerned with a topic within Psychology. A range of examination styles will be utilised including traditional methods. Preparation of coursework will allow students to demonstrate critical evaluation of current research, advanced scholarship in the discipline, a capacity to critique theories and research methods, and where necessary propose new hypotheses: that is, demonstrate M Level ability as described in the QAA framework of higher education qualifications in England, Wales and Northern Ireland (2001). |
Statement of expectations from the students at each level of the programme as it/they develop year on year.
Level M/7 - Postgraduate Certificate |
Students must demonstrate an acceptable level of knowledge concerning quantitative and qualitative research methods, and they must also demonstrate competence in the use of statistical methods. |
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Level M/7 - Postgraduate Diploma |
In addition to the above, students need to demonstrate an understanding of more complex analytical techniques. They also demonstrate acceptable levels of knowledge and understanding of practical and theoretical issues relating to the design and execution of a piece of research in psychology. |
Level M/7 - Postgraduate Masters |
In addition to the above, students will be required to design and carry out novel research under the supervision of an active researcher, plus its subsequent presentation in written form. It is anticipated that some of this work will be at a level that is suitable for publication in scientific literature. |
The intended learning outcome mapping document shows which mandatory units contribute towards each programme intended learning outcome.
For information on the admissions requirements for this programme please see details in the postgraduate prospectus at http://www.bristol.ac.uk/prospectus/postgraduate/ or contact the relevant academic department.
For further details, please contact Professor Peter Rogers, School of Experimental Psychology: Tel: +44 (0)117 9288541, Email: Peter.Rogers@bristol.ac.uk http://www.bristol.ac.uk/expsych/courses/postgraduate/ Please contact the Postgraduate Administrator: Charlotte.Powell@bristol.ac.uk
Unit Name | Unit Code | Credit Points | Status | |
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Psychological Statistics and Research Tools | PSYCM0041 | 20 | Mandatory | TB-1 |
Generic Research Skills | PSYCM0038 | 20 | Mandatory | TB-1 |
Neuropsychological Analysis Tools | PSYCM0044 | 20 | Mandatory | TB-2 |
Dissertation | PSYCM1000 | 60 | Mandatory | AYEAR |
Communicating Science | PSYCM0042 | 20 | Mandatory | TB-2 |
Apprenticeship in Psychological Research | PSYCM0043 | 20 | Mandatory | TB-1 |
Select one unit from the following: | ||||
Theory and Practice in Neuropsychological Research | PSYCM0039 | 20 | Optional | TB-2 |
Advanced Consciousness and Psychology | PSYCM0047 | 20 | Optional | TB-2 |
Advanced Psychology of Language | PSYCM0052 | 20 | Optional | TB-2 |
MSc in Research Methods in Psychology | 180 |
The pass mark set by the University for any level 7(M) unit is 50 out of 100.
For detailed rules on progression please see the Regulations and Code of Practice for Taught Programmes and the relevant faculty handbook.
All taught masters programmes, unless exempted by Senate, must allow the opportunity for students to exit from the programme with a postgraduate diploma or certificate.
To be awarded a postgraduate diploma, students must have successfully completed 120 credit points, of which 90 must be at level M/7.
To be awarded a postgraduate certificate, students must have successfully completed 60 credit points, of which 40 must be at level M/7.
An award with Merit or Distinction is permitted for postgraduate taught masters, diplomas and certificates, where these are specifically named entry-level qualifications. An award with Merit or Distinction is not permitted for exit awards where students are required to exit the programme on academic grounds. An exit award with Merit or Distinction may be permitted where students are prevented by exceptional circumstances from completing the intended award.
The classification of the award in relation to the final programme mark is as follows:
Award with Distinction*: at least 65 out of 100 for the taught component overall and, for masters awards, at least 70 out of 100 for the dissertation. **Faculties retain discretion to increase these thresholds.
Award with Merit*: at least 60 out of 100 for the taught component overall and, for masters awards, at least 60 out of 100 for the dissertation. Faculties retain discretion to increase these thresholds.
* The MA in Law has separate regulations for awarding distinction and merit.
** For the award of Distinction, the Faculty of Engineering requires at least 70 out of 100 for the taught component overall and, for masters awards, at least 70 out of 100 for the dissertation.
All taught masters programmes, unless exempted by Senate, must allow the opportunity for students to choose, or be required, to leave at the postgraduate diploma or certificate stage.
To be awarded a postgraduate diploma, students must have successfully completed 120 credit points, of which 90 must be at level M/7.
To be awarded a postgraduate certificate, students must have successfully completed 60 credit points, of which 40 must be at level M/7.
Please note: This specification provides a concise summary of the main features of the programme and the learning outcomes that a typical student might reasonably be expected to achieve and demonstrate if he/she takes full advantage of the learning opportunities that are provided.
University of Bristol,
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Tyndall Avenue,
Bristol, BS8 1TH, UK
Tel: +44 (0)117 928 9000