Psychological Research

The modules that are available through this programme of study are listed below. Students can choose to follow a general route or can select a number of content modules in related areas, which reflect the current academic research strengths of the school, and thus focus their programme of study. These areas are described in more detail in the second half of this page.

Modules-Semester One

Plus choose two from:

Modules-Semester Two

Plus choose one from:

Module-Semester Three

Research Thesis

Focusing on Cognitive Neuroscience

This is most suited to students interested in basic, applied and neuroscientific issues in human perception, attention, memory, language, learning, emotion and development. Thesis projects can be on topics in vision, language, attention, emotion, memory, motor behaviour, language development, bilingualism and other Behavioural and neuroscience techniques (including fMRI, ERPs, and TMS) may be used. The research skills learned in this course will be broadly applicable and valuable for research assistantships, further PhD studies, and a range of academic, government, industrial,[and] health-related settings is this suitable for those considering careers in research-oriented environments or academic psychology.

Browse through the Centre for Cognitive Neuroscience, Perception Attention and Motor Sciences & Language Learning & Development pages of the Research section to learn more about researchers in the School and their activities in these areas.

Focusing on Clinical and Health Psychology

This is appropriate for students interested in basic and applied issues in clinical and health psychology, who want to pursue PhD work in those areas, or who are interested in eventually applying for clinical psychology training and a DClin Psy qualification. In a rare collaboration with local health authorities we have established several joint lectureships in clinical psychology. The staff in these posts cover a range of specialisms (including adult mental illness, child health, drug misuse, mental handicap, ageing and child development) and contribute substantially to this programme. These clinical connections with the NHS provide excellent opportunities for the study of clinical and health psychology, as well as for research collaboration.

Professor Bob Woods, Professor of Clinical Psychology of the Elderly, Co-Director Dementia Services Development Centre Wales: "My research is on the clinical psychology of older people, with a particular emphasis on dementia care. In Bangor it’s been very satisfying to work with internationally- respected colleagues from other departments with similar interests, so that we have been able to bring a multi-disciplinary team approach to the problems of later life. The University has very close links with the NHS and Social Services in North Wales, so that our research is rooted in the realities of the issues confronting these services, and we enjoy excellent cooperation from practitioners in recruiting participants for our various projects. The University has made it possible to establish the Dementia Services Development Centre for Wales, which I direct. This Centre has the dual aim of both carrying out research and disseminating the findings through training and service development projects. It’s good to be working in a University which is a "Community University", improving life for those who live in the area. "

Browse through the Clinical & Health pages of the Research section to learn more about Researchers in the School and their activities in this field.

Focusing on Clinical Neuroscience

This allows students to focus on attempts to understand psychological changes that occur in individuals with brain disease, and develops the skills necessary for research in experimental neuropsychology providing a foundation for understanding the pathophysiology of neurological diseases that can lead to neuropsychological disabilities. Students are exposed to neuropsychological disorders through case conferences at the hospital and participate in neuroradiology reviews and lesion analysis practica.

The School's facilities for patient research are outstanding. We have specialist laboratories equipped for fMRI, event-related brain potentials, eye movement and motor control studies. We also maintain a patient panel for neuropsychological research supported by a patient research co-ordinator. The specialism is allied to cognitive neuroscience and School staff, comprising clinical neuropsychologists and - uniquely in the UK - clinical neurologists, are involved in both domains. These clinical connections provide tremendous opportunities for the study of clinical neuropsychology, as well as for research collaboration within the NHS.

Professor Robert Rafal, Professor of Clinical Neuroscience and Neuropsychology, Consultant Neurologist: "I was trained as a neurologist, and my interest in neuropsychology was directly driven by my clinical experience with patients. Some patients were showing certain behaviours that were difficult to understand without learning more about cognitive theories of brain function. Here in Bangor I hold a joint appointment as Consultant Neurologist (in the NHS) and Professor in Clinical Neuroscience and Neuropsychology (in the School of Psychology). Here I can combine my clinical practice with research in collaboration with some of the best brains in Cognitive Neuroscience! In addition, Bangor is a great place to live, with a great quality of life, landscapes, and fishing! "

Browse through the Clinical & Neuroscience pages of the Research section to learn more about Researchers in the School and their activities in these areas.

Further Information

If you have any further questions about the MSc Psychological Research programme please contact the Course Director.