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  1. Home
  2. Postgraduate
  3. Postgraduate Taught Courses
  4. School of Psychology Postgraduate Taught Courses
  5. Research Methods in Psychology, MSc

Research Methods in Psychology, MSc

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Ranked top 20 in the UK for research

Ranked top 20 in the UK for research

Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2022

Key Course Details

MSc 1 Year Full Time
Mode of Study
Campus Based
Typical Offer (view equivalents)
2:2
Location
Singleton Park Campus
Start Date Tuition Fees - Year 1
Sep 2023 £ 9,200
MSc 2 Year Part Time
Mode of Study
Campus Based
Typical Offer (view equivalents)
2:2
Location
Singleton Park Campus
Start Date Tuition Fees - Year 1
Sep 2023 £ 4,600
MSc 1 Year Full Time
Mode of Study
Campus Based
Typical Offer
2:2 - More Information
Location
Singleton Park Campus
Start Date Tuition Fees - Year 1
Sep 2023 £ 19,550
MSc 2 Year Part Time
Mode of Study
Campus Based
Typical Offer
2:2 - More Information
Location
Singleton Park Campus
Start Date Tuition Fees - Year 1
Sep 2023 £ 9,800

Course Overview

Gain expert training in advanced psychology research methods and carry out basic and applied research projects in a wide range of areas with this Master’s degree course.

You will learn to use a range of research tools, such as databases, statistical software, and computer programmes and develop extensive practical research skills to apply in any context where human behaviour is important. 

You will develop a keen understanding of the nature and limitations of the scientific method and the main alternatives, alongside a knowledge of the historical, theoretical, and philosophical issues underlying psychological and behavioural science.

Why Research Methods in Psychology at Swansea?

Our experience of translating our science from research into real-world impact for patients and society directly benefits our students as it informs our course content. In the latest research assessment, 100% of our research was considered internationally excellent in terms of our impact (REF2021). 

We are also ranked top 20 in the UK for research by The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2022.

Our state-of-the-art research facilities include a high-density electroencephalography (EEG) suite, a fully fitted sleep laboratory, a social observation suite, eye-tracking, psychophysiological, transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS), and conditioning labs, a lifespan lab and baby room, plus more than 20 all-purpose research rooms.

Your Research Methods in Psychology experience

Our wide range of optional modules means that you can tailor your studies to your particular interests and goals for further study.

Based in our School of Psychology, you will benefit from a diverse teaching and research environment, with many opportunities to make connections across disciplines.

Many of our academic staff are leaders in their specialist fields of research, including clinical and health psychology, brain injury, sleep, cognition, neuroscience and developmental psychology.

 

Research Methods in Psychology careers

A Master’s degree in Research Methods in Psychology opens up career opportunities in in research in various fields not only in psychology but also in a range of social and health sciences. It also provides a solid academic foundation for further study and training in professional and applied areas of psychology.

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Modules

You will study a combination of compulsory and optional modules covering key aspects of qualitative and quantitative research, statistical methods, the philosophy of psychology, applied behaviour analysis, and forensic psychology.

MSc 1 Year Full-time

Year 1 (Level 7T)

FHEQ 7 Taught Masters / PGDip / PGCert

Students choose 120 credits from the following:

Compulsory Modules
Module NameModule DurationCreditsModule Code
Computing SkillsSeptember-June10PS-M12
Statistical MethodsSeptember-January20PS-M16
Empirical ProjectsSeptember-June20PS-M79
Generic Research Skills - Research Methods in PsychologySeptember-June20PS-M80
Academic Success: Skills for learning, skills for lifeSeptember-June0SHGM108
Philosophy of PsychologyJanuary-June10PS-M14
Qualitative MethodsJanuary-June20PS-M39
Optional Modules
MSc Research Methods 

Choose Maximum Of 20 credits from the following Modules:

NOTE : Choose two of the following optional modules.

Module NameModule DurationCreditsModule CodeGuidance
Eating DisordersSeptember-January10PS-M20
PsychosisSeptember-January10PS-M27
Psychopathy and Sexual OffendingSeptember-January10PS-M29
Affective Disorders and TraumaSeptember-January10PS-M56
Structure and Function of the BrainSeptember-January10PS-M67
Experimental Design I: Brain StimulationSeptember-January10PS-M68
Experimental Design II: Brain RecordingSeptember-January10PS-M69
Experimental Design III: NeuroimagingSeptember-January10PS-M70
NeuropsychologyJanuary-June10PS-M50
Applied Behaviour AnalysisJanuary-June10PS-M57
Psychology of Health: Theory and ApplicationsJanuary-June10PS-M64
FHEQ 7 Taught Masters Dissertation
Compulsory Modules
Module NameModule DurationCreditsModule Code
Dissertation (MSc Research Methods)June-September60PS-M10

MSc 2 Year Part-time

Year 1 (Level 7T)

FHEQ 7 Taught Masters / PGDip / PGCert

Students choose 60 credits from the following:

Compulsory Modules
Module NameModule DurationCreditsModule Code
Academic Success: Skills for learning, skills for lifeSeptember-June0SHGM108
Optional Modules
MSc Research pt y1 

Choose Exactly 60 credits from the following Modules:

NOTE : Select 60 credits from the following compulsory modules:

Module NameModule DurationCreditsModule CodeGuidance
Computing SkillsSeptember-June10PS-M12
Statistical MethodsSeptember-January20PS-M16
Empirical ProjectsSeptember-June20PS-M79
Generic Research Skills - Research Methods in PsychologySeptember-June20PS-M80
Philosophy of PsychologyJanuary-June10PS-M14
Qualitative MethodsJanuary-June20PS-M39
OR
MSc Research - Compulsory and Optional 

Choose Maximum Of 50 credits from the following Modules:

NOTE : Choose up to 50 credits from the following compulsory modules

Module NameModule DurationCreditsModule CodeGuidance
Computing SkillsSeptember-June10PS-M12
Statistical MethodsSeptember-January20PS-M16
Empirical ProjectsSeptember-June20PS-M79
Generic Research Skills - Research Methods in PsychologySeptember-June20PS-M80
Philosophy of PsychologyJanuary-June10PS-M14
Qualitative MethodsJanuary-June20PS-M39
AND
MSc Research Methods - Compulsory and Optional 

Choose Maximum Of 20 credits from the following Modules:

NOTE : Choose up to two optional modules from the list below.

Module NameModule DurationCreditsModule CodeGuidance
Eating DisordersSeptember-January10PS-M20
PsychosisSeptember-January10PS-M27
Psychopathy and Sexual OffendingSeptember-January10PS-M29
Affective Disorders and TraumaSeptember-January10PS-M56
Structure and Function of the BrainSeptember-January10PS-M67
Experimental Design I: Brain StimulationSeptember-January10PS-M68
Experimental Design II: Brain RecordingSeptember-January10PS-M69
Experimental Design III: NeuroimagingSeptember-January10PS-M70
NeuropsychologyJanuary-June10PS-M50
Applied Behaviour AnalysisJanuary-June10PS-M57
Psychology of Health: Theory and ApplicationsJanuary-June10PS-M64

Year 2 (Level 7D)

FHEQ 7 Taught Masters Dissertation
Compulsory Modules
Module NameModule DurationCreditsModule Code
Dissertation (MSc Research Methods)June-September60PS-M10
FHEQ 7 Taught Masters / PGDip / PGCert

Students choose 120 credits from the following:

Compulsory Modules
Module NameModule DurationCreditsModule Code
Dissertation (MSc Research Methods)June-September60PS-M10
Optional Modules
MSc Research pt y1 

Choose Exactly 60 credits from the following Modules:

NOTE : Select 60 credits from the following compulsory modules:

Module NameModule DurationCreditsModule CodeGuidance
Computing SkillsSeptember-June10PS-M12
Statistical MethodsSeptember-January20PS-M16
Empirical ProjectsSeptember-June20PS-M79
Generic Research Skills - Research Methods in PsychologySeptember-June20PS-M80
Philosophy of PsychologyJanuary-June10PS-M14
Qualitative MethodsJanuary-June20PS-M39
OR
MSc Research - Compulsory and Optional 

Choose Maximum Of 50 credits from the following Modules:

NOTE : Select up to 50 credits from the following compulsory modules

Module NameModule DurationCreditsModule CodeGuidance
Computing SkillsSeptember-June10PS-M12
Statistical MethodsSeptember-January20PS-M16
Empirical ProjectsSeptember-June20PS-M79
Generic Research Skills - Research Methods in PsychologySeptember-June20PS-M80
Philosophy of PsychologyJanuary-June10PS-M14
Qualitative MethodsJanuary-June20PS-M39
AND
MSc Research Methods - Compulsory and Optional 

Choose Maximum Of 20 credits from the following Modules:

NOTE : Choose up to two optional modules from the list below.

Module NameModule DurationCreditsModule CodeGuidance
Eating DisordersSeptember-January10PS-M20
PsychosisSeptember-January10PS-M27
Psychopathy and Sexual OffendingSeptember-January10PS-M29
Affective Disorders and TraumaSeptember-January10PS-M56
Structure and Function of the BrainSeptember-January10PS-M67
Experimental Design I: Brain StimulationSeptember-January10PS-M68
Experimental Design II: Brain RecordingSeptember-January10PS-M69
Experimental Design III: NeuroimagingSeptember-January10PS-M70
NeuropsychologyJanuary-June10PS-M50
Applied Behaviour AnalysisJanuary-June10PS-M57
Psychology of Health: Theory and ApplicationsJanuary-June10PS-M64

Entry Requirements

To apply you will need a minimum of a UK 2.2 degree in Psychology, or a related discipline, if you don’t have a suitable degree qualification you should be able to evidence substantial research activity in your current role.

If your first language is not English you will need to have a minimum of IELTS 6.5, with a minimum of 6.0 in all domains, or a University approved equivalent, prior to starting the programme.

You will also need to demonstrate a commitment to a subsequent career within a research setting.

How You're Taught

Teaching is delivered through a unique mix of small group seminars, workshops, lectures and practical classes. You will have regular support from the team and one-to-one teaching support from demonstrators for technical subjects.

We assess learning through written coursework and reports of empirical projects carried out individually and in groups. 

We are proud to provide an outstanding educational experience, using the most effective learning and teaching approaches, carefully tailored to suit the specific needs of your course. Apart from a small number of online-only courses, most of our courses consist of in-person, on-campus teaching, enabling full engagement with your lecturers and fellow students.

Practical skills sessions, lab work seminars, and workshops predominantly take place in person, allowing for group working and demonstrations. We also operate virtual labs and Simulated Learning Environments which will facilitate greater access to training opportunities in the future. However, our approach also includes the use of some online learning to support and enhance traditional face-to-face teaching. 

Online learning may take place ‘live’ using software such as Zoom, allowing you to interact with the lecturer and other students and to ask questions. Lecture recordings also allow for more flexibility to revisit material, to revise for assessments and to enhance learning outside of the classroom. Some modules have extra resources in Canvas, such as videos, slides and quizzes enabling further flexible study.  

Welsh Provision

At least 40 credits

There are opportunities for Welsh speakers to study at least 40 credits of this postgraduate course through the medium of Welsh. Many University departments develop and offer Welsh medium or bilingual modules as part of their courses so you will need to discuss the possibilities with the relevant Programme Director. You can study a module or modules through the medium of Welsh where possible or submit your dissertation in Welsh with guidance from a subject specialist through the medium of Welsh.

Academi Hywel Teifi is here to support you throughout your time at Swansea University. We can offer you:

  • Access to generous Welsh-language study scholarships or bursaries.
  • Access to the Arwain mobile app for the latest information about Welsh-medium courses and modules available to download free on the App Store and Google Play.
  • An interview through the medium of Welsh when applying for a place.
  • Personal correspondence in Welsh, English or bilingually.
  • The option to create and submit your coursework or sit exams through the medium of Welsh (even if you have chosen to study in English), and your work will be assessed in Welsh.
  • A Welsh-speaking Academic Mentor.
  • One-to-one support to improve your academic Welsh language skills.
  • An opportunity to gain an additional free qualification that serves as evidence of your Welsh language ability for future employers.
  • Membership of the Swansea University Branch of the Coleg Cymraeg Cenedlaethol.

Visit the Welsh Language Rights webpage for further information about Students' Welsh Language Rights.

Continuing to study through the medium of Welsh will be:

  • a natural step for you if you have studied through the medium of Welsh at undergraduate level.
  • a way of maximizing your chances of getting the best education.
  • a way of receiving a high level of support as the study groups are smaller.
  • a valuable addition to your CV and career development.

Meet Your Lecturers

Many of the School of Psychology team are leaders in their specialist fields of research. They undertake novel and original research in a variety of areas, including clinical and health psychology, brain injury, sleep, cognition, neuroscience and developmental psychology.

Find out more about the Psychology team at Swansea.

Tuition Fees

MSc 1 Year Full Time

Start Date UK International
September 2022 £ 8,750 £ 18,600
September 2023 £ 9,200 £ 19,550

MSc 2 Year Part Time

Start Date UK International
September 2022 £ 4,400 £ 9,300
September 2023 £ 4,600 £ 9,800

Tuition fees for years of study after your first year are subject to an increase of 3%.

You can find further information of your fee costs on our tuition fees page.

You may be eligible for funding to help support your study. To find out about scholarships, bursaries and other funding opportunities that are available please visit the University's scholarships and bursaries page.

International students and part-time study: It may be possible for some students to study part-time under the Student Visa route. However, this is dependent on factors relating to the course and your individual situation. It may also be possible to study with us if you are already in the UK under a different visa category (e.g. Tier 1 or 2, PBS Dependant, ILR etc.). Please visit the University information on Visas and Immigration for further guidance and support.

Current students: You can find further information of your fee costs on our tuition fees page.

Funding and Scholarships

You may be eligible for funding to help support your study.

If you're a UK or EU student starting a master’s degree at Swansea University, you may be eligible to apply for Government funding to help towards the cost of your studies. To find out more, please visit our postgraduate loans page.

To find out about scholarships, bursaries and other funding opportunities that are available please visit the University's scholarships and bursaries page.

Academi Hywel Teifi at Swansea University and the Coleg Cymraeg Cenedlaethol offer a number of generous scholarships and bursaries for students who wish to study through the medium of Welsh or bilingually. For further information about the opportunities available to you, visit the Academi Hywel Teifi Scholarships and Bursaries page.

Additional Costs

Access to your own digital device/the appropriate IT kit will be essential during your time studying at Swansea University. Access to wifi in your accommodation will also be essential to allow you to fully engage with your programme. See our dedicated webpages for further guidance on suitable devices to purchase, and for a full guide on getting your device set up.

You may face additional costs while at university, including (but not limited to):

  • Travel to and from campus
  • Printing, photocopying, binding, stationery and equipment costs (e.g. USB sticks)
  • Purchase of books or texts
  • Gowns for graduation ceremonies

Careers and Employability

Swansea Employability Academy (SEA) will support you at each stage of your career journey helping you build a bright future.

Our career support services include:

  • Employability workshops, employers’ talks, bespoke events and careers fairs
  • Individual advice and guidance from professionally qualified Careers Advisers
  • Help with finding jobs, internships, work placements and volunteering opportunities
  • Access to information resources on a wide range of career management topics
  • Funding to support student internship opportunities and Student Society/Club events.

We also provide help and advice for Swansea University Alumni up to two years after you graduate.

Academic Support

As well as subject specific support by college teaching staff and your personal academic mentor, the Centre for Academic Success provides courses, workshops and one-to-one support in areas such as:

  • Academic writing
  • Maths and statistics
  • Critical thinking
  • Time management
  • Digital skills
  • Presentation skills
  • Note taking
  • Revision, memory and exam techniques
  • English language skills (if English is not your first language).

In addition, if you have a Specific Learning Difficulty (SpLD), disability, mental health or medical condition, the Centre for Academic Success have Specialist Tutors to support your learning, working alongside the Disability Office and Wellbeing Service to support all your needs and requirements whilst studying at Swansea University.

How to Apply

Please apply through the University’s central application system.

For further guidance please visit our how to apply for postgraduate study pages.

EU students - visa and immigration information is available and will be regularly updated on our information for EU students page.

Application Deadlines

We recommend that you submit your application to our courses as early as you can in advance of our application deadlines. Courses will close earlier than the application deadlines listed if all available places are filled. You can find further information on our Application Deadlines webpage.

  • An introduction to postgraduate study
  • Postgraduate Taught Courses
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    • Medical School Postgraduate Taught Courses
    • School of Psychology Postgraduate Taught Courses
      • Research Methods in Psychology, MSc
      • Forensic Psychology, MSc
      • Cognitive Neuroscience, MSc
      • Clinical Psychology and Mental Health, MSc
    • School of Social Sciences Postgraduate Taught Courses
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