MRes Psychology

Overview

The School of Psychology at Bangor ranks among the very best in the UK in terms of both research performance and teaching excellence.

The School’s Psychology masters degrees cover a number of specialist areas that reflect the mix of research expertise within the department. The Research Assessment Exercise 2008 saw Bangor Psychology rated 7th (out of 76) for research power. The School also boasts a number of prestigious research centres which, as well as being in the vanguard of academic research, offer students unique opportunities for project work under internationally recognised supervisors. The School forms a large part of the College of Health and Behavioural Sciences, a College, which boasts a very strong research, and teaching ethos that translates into excellent courses.

The MRes programme provides a dedicated route for high-calibre students who (may have a specific research aim in mind) are ready to carry out independent research leading to PhD level study or who are seeking a stand alone research based qualification suitable for a career in research with transferable skills for graduate employment.

Entry Requirements

You must have a single or joint honours degree in Psychology or a related discipline, with a minimum degree class of 2:1 or equivalent. International students will be given individual consideration, but must be able to demonstrate English language proficiency at an IELTS score of 7.0 or above.

Duration

One year as a full time student or two years as a part-time student.

Structure

It is the normal expectation that the independent research (120 credits) should be of at a publishable standard in a high quality peer reviewed journal.

Content:

Core Modules:

Issues In Qualitative and Quantitative Research

This module will review common experimental themes used in psychology research and applied behaviour analysis. Topics covered include types of experimental reasoning, general experimental control procedures, experimental validity and threats to experimental validity, single subject research design, group factorial design randomised control trials and single and double blind control procedures. Group discussions of topics will be emphasised.

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Methods and Analysis in Psychology

Students will work alongside an academic in developing their research career. They will design, carry out, analyze and write-up a research study. Ultimately, this work will be written up as a formal thesis.

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Research Project

The research project is the ‘heart’ of the MRes and is an intensive research experience conducted in collaboration with your supervisor that allows you to put your knowledge and skills into practice. In conducting your thesis project, you will develop new skills such as planning, co-operative working, and the academic skills essential to understanding and reporting findings to others. Please note, assessment is primarily aimed at the Research project, which is worth 120 credits, whereas the taught element counts for 60 credits (this is the opposite to our MSc / MA courses, where teaching is worth 120 credits, and the research project is 60 credits).

Optional Modules:

Biological Bases of Psychological Disorders

This module provides a foundation for understanding the neurobiological correlates of psychiatric disorders and their possible etiological relevance.
The module will illustrate how a convergent interdisciplinary approach between basic neuroscience, cognitive neuropsychology and clinical psychiatry is providing a new and integrative model from which can better understand psychological disorders.

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Psychological Research in Consumer Science

The course is an introduction to consumer science as it is currently practiced in the marketplace and research in academia. Although a review of research methods and findings from traditional market research perspectives will be covered, the emphasis will be on psychological approaches to consumer understanding.

Teaching Learning and Assessment

Teaching occurs via lectures, seminars and tutorials given by research experts in the school. Assessments methods include written exams, essays, oral presentations and a research thesis.

Funding

The School may have some scholarships available for Masters students, and can advise on alternative funding sources.

How to apply

Application material is available from our Postgraduate Admissions Secretary (psychology@bangor.ac.uk). Alternatively, you can download the application form from the University website: http://www.bangor.ac.uk/mapro/prospect/postgrad/pgapp.html

Further information

More detailed information is available on our website, but if you would like specific information about the course or the application procedure, please contact the Admissions Officer (psychology@bangor.ac.uk or phone 01218 382629)