MSc — 2025 entry Psychology (Conversion)

This module aims to introduce biological psychology and provide the foundation for understanding the biological bases of psychological processes and disorders. In this module we will focus on the organization and function of the human nervous system, from the cells that form the brain and their fundamental functions, the processes by which those communicate, and the systems that allow us to sense and move. We will cover relevant topics in the history of neuroscience and ethics, neuroanatomy, psychopharmacology, neurodevelopment, sensory systems and motor control and the biological causes of brain disorders. Workshops on research methods will provide you with an understanding and hands-on experience with the tools available to measure and modulate brain function and an opportunity to develop teamwork skills. Tutorial sessions will aid your understanding of the theory and allow you to consolidate knowledge by engaging with quizzes and activities.  

Social Psychology investigates how our cognitions (thought processes), affective states (feelings and emotions) and behaviours are related to the social world. This module will introduce you to key concepts, theories, methods, and findings in Social Psychology. The course covers core BPS curriculum in social psychology. Through successful completion of this module, students will develop an understanding of Social Psychological topics including: attitudes and behaviours change, social influence, emotions, prejudice and discrimination of minority groups.      

This module provides students with an advanced knowledge of designing research in a particular field of psychology, in preparation for developing their own dissertations. The module will cover all aspects of research design, including literature reviews, forming hypotheses, ethical conduct, and study design, both quantitative and qualitative.

  This module teaches you the main theories and empirical evidence in developmental psychology. It also enables you to demonstrate your prior knowledge of Jamovi and statistical techniques gained in first semester and supports you in further modules that require written research reports, such as your dissertation. In this module we will critically evaluate empirical research and theoretical knowledge. One way we will engage in critical evaluation is to examine whether previous work is cross-culturally valid. You will develop your written and numerical communication skills by performing data analysis, writing up a research report, and evaluating a topic in-depth for the exam.  

This module covers the core BPS theme of individual differences: the many and varied psychological ways in which humans differ from one another. Specifically, we will discuss and critically evaluate key issues of contemporary significance in the areas of personality, intelligence and psychopathology, synthesising them all together to form a broader understanding of the concept of individual differences as understood by contemporary psychologists. We will also use these principles to better understand the individual differences present in students’ own lives. Students will write an essay that allows them to apply some of the key individual differences to a real world problem of their choice, and critically evaluate their usefulness in explaining real world issues. This will develop and assess students’ independence, literature searching and critical thinking skills.    

This module will provide an introduction to the major topics and issues within cognitive psychology. This will be done through a series of lectures and research based workshops, which will provide student with an opportunity to integrate their developing knowledge of cognitive psychology with practical skills relating to cognitive research methods.

It is a requirement of the University that taught postgraduate programmes include a dissertation and/or major project module. For this module students will conduct their own piece of empirical research in an area of Psychology relevant for their Masters course under supervision of a member of academic staff. For the assessment students will subject either a qualitative or mixed-method research report of 10,000 words or a quantitative research report of 8,000 words (maximum). Overall student workload: 600 hours This includes 12 hours of tutor supervision.  These hours will include development of theoretical framework, aims and hypotheses, recruiting samples, fieldwork and liaison with key personnel as appropriate, data recording and analysis, interpretation and writing up. Specific times for these subsections cannot be given as they vary from project to project.  

The module introduces students to basic statistical theory and critical thinking, building throughout the year towards an intermediate level of understanding of statistical analysis and reporting. It aims to develop students¿ understanding of statistical methods and foster the skills needed to think critically about psychological research. Teaching involves a combination of theory lectures and practical workshops with real world research examples. Each week, lectures cover a specific statistics or critical thinking topic. This is followed by a workshop that typically focuses on applying and practicing the theoretical content of the preceding lecture. Together, lectures and workshops provide knowledge of statistical analysis and critical thinking from both a theoretical and practical perspective, resulting in a good introduction and grounding in statistical research methods.