MA Psychology

Our MA in psychology is a new course designed to offer advanced study in psychology with an emphasis on both research excellence and critical writing skills. Following two semesters of academic study, students write a stand-alone literature review in an area of psychology that particularly appeals to them. This may be an idea or theory that the graduate is already developing, or may be in an area that they become interested in during the course. An academic supervisor will help students to develop their ideas and hone their writing skills, providing support for the literature review. Students can choose to follow a general programme or specialise in the following areas by choosing particular options in semesters one and two. View the MA Psychology modules.

During the first two Semesters, content modules are split between core research foundation courses providing an in depth knowledge of how psychological experiments are designed, carried out, analysed and written up, as well as a focus on evaluating scientific research and writing with an appropriate scientific style, and courses offering a variety of subject matters that students can choose from. Courses are taught by the highest calibre research academics and we provide an excellent teaching and learning environment through the use of innovative teaching tools, media and environments. Some courses integrate both undergraduate and graduate classes and so provide a rich and vibrant atmosphere for learning and social interactions.

The MA in psychology is especially recommended to graduates who want to*:

pursue a career in psychology-related humanities, the health-care professions and social-sciences such as scientific journalism, business management, occupational psychology, marketing and medical care;
give their CV and additional boost
explore a particular area of psychology in detail through researching and writing a literature review.

*This course is not appropriate for students wishing to progress onto academic research via a PhD.

PROGRAMME AIMS

To provide post-graduate foundation in psychology and psychological research;
To evaluative psychological research methodology, experimental design and analysis;
To provide the conceptual tools necessary for insight into psychological processes and meanings within several key domains of psychology that the student selects;
To enable students to develop a critical and evaluative understanding of different approaches to psychological study;
To develop key skills in psychological research such as scientific writing, critical analysis of research and communicating research in psychology;
To enable students to produce a substantial written thesis demonstrating their ability to understand, evaluate and integrate psychological research into a coherent body.

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

Ideally UK applicants should have a single or joint honours degree in psychology, usually with a minimum degree class of 2:1 or equivalent. However, applicants with an appropriate alternative degree are welcome, as are students with a 2:2 who have additional relevant indicators of academic ability, such as evidence of relevant work experience. International applicants will be given individual consideration.

STUDY MODE AND DURATION

This course is offered for both full- and part-time study and so is completed in one or two years respectively. The full-time course takes a full calendar year to complete as the third Semester, over the summer, is dedicated to writing of the literature review. Classes and meetings occur across the working day, five days a week. All completes are required in order to receive an MA degree.

CONTENT AND STRUCTURE

This course consists of taught components along with a literature review. Semesters one and two involve both core modules and a selection of content modules. During the second semester, students work, with the support of an academic supervisor, to identify a theory, model or research question that they wish to explore through their review. This is then completed during the third semester.

Core modules for Semester 1: Issues in Qualitative & Quantitative + 3 Options.

Core modules for Semester 2: Project Proposal, Communicating Research in Psychology + 2 Options.

Students choose the five optional content modules based on their areas of interest (see module list).

TEACHING LEARNING AND ASSESSMENT

Teaching occurs via lectures, seminars and tutorials given by research experts in the School. All teachers are actively engaged in research programmes. Assessment methods include written exams, essays, oral presentations and a research thesis.

LITERATURE REVIEW

The thesis is the key component allowing the student to demonstrate their learning, knowledge and understanding. Each student focuses on a specific research question or theory and, along with their supervisor, they will develop their ideas, review the relevant literature and write a thesis.

QUALIFICATION AWARDED

Students who successfully complete the research thesis and the taught modules are awarded an MA in Psychology with the stream they followed indicated if appropriate (e.g. MA Psychology with Applied Psychology). Students who pass all the taught modules receive a postgraduate Diploma in Psychology, even if they do not complete their research thesis.

APPLICATION PROCEDURE

You can obtain an application form from our Postgraduate Admissions Secretary at the address above. Alternatively, you can download an application form from the University Postgraduate website:

FURTHER INFORMATION

More detailed information is available on our website, but if you would likespecific information about the course or the application procedure, please contact the Admissions Officer: Email psychology@bangor.ac.uk or phone (01248) 382629.