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Welcome to MSc by Research Psychology
MSc by Research students are able to conduct independent research into an area of psychology of their own choice and produce a thesis with guidance from two academic supervisors who have specialist knowledge of the subject area. Students can also receive training in the research methods relevant for their project and are expected to contribute to the School's research environment.
The MSc by Research programme is most suitable for students who want to gain advanced experience of research in psychology before deciding whether they want to apply for an MPhil/PhD. The thesis for a MSc by Research is a smaller piece of work that the thesis required for an MPhil/PhD, and it usually contains 1 or 2 chapters with novel results. Students have the option to enrol in the MSc by Research programme and then transfer to a MPhil/PhD within the first 8 months of their degree.
The School's active research base ensures academic staff are involved in current debates and that they are up-to-date with emerging developments in psychology. Research in the School is organised in three research groups (forensic and clinical psychology; perception, action, and cognition; development and social behaviour) and two research centres (autism research innovation; Lincoln sleep).
Please visit the research pages of the School find out more, and to identify potential academic supervisors:
http://www.lincoln.ac.uk/home/psychology/research/
Potential applicants are invited to contact the supervisors that they feel are best suited to their research area to discuss the process further. Projects that fall within the supervisor's ongoing research are usually more likely to be completed on time, since the time required for the project design and ethical approval is often shorter than for completely new projects.
Welcome to MSc by Research Psychology
MSc by Research students are able to conduct independent research into an area of psychology of their own choice and produce a thesis with guidance from two academic supervisors who have specialist knowledge of the subject area. Students can also receive training in the research methods relevant for their project and are expected to contribute to the School's research environment.
The MSc by Research programme is most suitable for students who want to gain advanced experience of research in psychology before deciding whether they want to apply for an MPhil/PhD. The thesis for a MSc by Research is a smaller piece of work that the thesis required for an MPhil/PhD, and it usually contains 1 or 2 chapters with novel results. Students have the option to enrol in the MSc by Research programme and then transfer to a MPhil/PhD within the first 8 months of their degree.
The School's active research base ensures academic staff are involved in current debates and that they are up-to-date with emerging developments in psychology. Research in the School is organised in three research groups (forensic and clinical psychology; perception, action, and cognition; development and social behaviour) and two research centres (autism research innovation; Lincoln sleep).
Please visit the research pages of the School find out more, and to identify potential academic supervisors:
http://www.lincoln.ac.uk/home/psychology/research/
Potential applicants are invited to contact the supervisors that they feel are best suited to their research area to discuss the process further. Projects that fall within the supervisor's ongoing research are usually more likely to be completed on time, since the time required for the project design and ethical approval is often shorter than for completely new projects.
Research Areas and Topics
The School of Psychology has a strong and growing reputation for fundamental and applied research with international impact.
Postgraduate research students are placed at the heart of our research activity. Our research is supported by a wide range of funding bodies, published in top-ranking journals, and presented at international conferences. The School fosters a vibrant and outward facing culture and encourages members of the public and non-academic organisations to become partners and collaborators in our research.
Particular areas of research expertise in the School include:
- Development and social behaviour
- Forensic and clinical psychology
- Perception, action, and cognition
- Autism
- Sleep
You can visit the research pages of the School to find areas you are interested in and to identify potential academic supervisors online. You are invited to contact the supervisors that you feel are best suited to your research area to discuss the process further. Other projects may also be available so please contact potential supervisors to enquire further.
Career Opportunities
Students may progress to PhD study, embark on an academic career or work within industry or the public/private sector or charities.
The opportunities available will depend on the topic of students’ research projects and on the set of skills students develop during the programme of study.
How You Study
Due to the nature of postgraduate research programmes, the majority of time is spent in independent study and research. Students will have meetings with their academic supervisor, but the frequency of these will vary depending on individual requirements, subject area, staff availability, and stage of programme.
We encourage students to be actively involved in the research activities of the School, to improve their communication skills, network, and to broaden their knowledge of the different areas of psychological research. Students are expected to attend the weekly research seminars of the School, take part in the meetings of their relevant research group or centre, and give a talk about their project to members of their group or centre.
Students are expected to attend the 1-hour long weekly School seminar and the meeting of their research group or centre (both meeting are usually on Wednesdays).
The amount of time dedicated to self-study, to meetings with the supervisors or to training depends on the specific project.
How You Study
Due to the nature of postgraduate research programmes, the majority of time is spent in independent study and research. Students will have meetings with their academic supervisor, but the frequency of these will vary depending on individual requirements, subject area, staff availability, and stage of programme.
We encourage students to be actively involved in the research activities of the School, to improve their communication skills, network, and to broaden their knowledge of the different areas of psychological research. Students are expected to attend the weekly research seminars of the School, take part in the meetings of their relevant research group or centre, and give a talk about their project to members of their group or centre.
Students are expected to attend the 1-hour long weekly School seminar and the meeting of their research group or centre (both meeting are usually on Wednesdays).
The amount of time dedicated to self-study, to meetings with the supervisors or to training depends on the specific project.
How you are assessed
An MSc by Research is usually awarded based on the quality of the student's thesis and ability to present and successfully defend their chosen research topic in an oral examination (viva voce).
The oral examination is attended by two examiners (a member of the school not involved in the project and an examiner from another University), a viva chair and the student.
The examiners are chosen by the Director of studies and the supervisory team, in agreement with the student; they read and review the thesis before the viva. The viva chair is responsible for making sure the examination is conducted in accordance to University regulations. The students are expected to demonstrate how their research findings have contributed to knowledge or developed existing theory or understanding. Finally, they are expected to demonstrate that they can become an independent researcher at the end of the programme.
An MSc by Research is usually awarded based on the quality of the student's thesis and ability to present and successfully defend their chosen research topic in an oral examination (viva voce).
The oral examination is attended by two examiners (a member of the school not involved in the project and an examiner from another University), a viva chair and the student.
The examiners are chosen by the Director of studies and the supervisory team, in agreement with the student; they read and review the thesis before the viva. The viva chair is responsible for making sure the examination is conducted in accordance to University regulations. The students are expected to demonstrate how their research findings have contributed to knowledge or developed existing theory or understanding. Finally, they are expected to demonstrate that they can become an independent researcher at the end of the programme.
Entry Requirements 2022-23
First or upper second class honours degree.
Entry Requirements 2023-24
First or upper second class honours degree.
Interviews
Applications for an MSc by Research are reviewed by the Postgraduate Committee of the School and then passed to the potential supervisors.
The applicant will attend an interview, in person or online, with at least two members of the School, usually the potential Director of Studies and second supervisor. The supervisors will make a recommendation to the Post-Graduate Committee, based on the interview, the applicant’s CV, the feasibility of the proposed project and its financial costs. The applicant will be informed on the outcome of their application by the College Postgraduate Board.
Fees and Funding
For eligible students, there are more ways than ever before to fund your postgraduate study, whether you want to do a taught or research course. For those wishing to undertake a Master's course, UK students can apply for a loan as a contribution towards the course and living costs. Loans are also available to those who wish to undertake doctoral study. The University offers a number of scholarships and funded studentships for those interested in postgraduate study. Learn how Master's and PhD loans, scholarships, and studentships can help you fund your studies on our Postgraduate Fees and Funding pages.
For eligible students, there are more ways than ever before to fund your postgraduate study, whether you want to do a taught or research course. For those wishing to undertake a Master's course, UK students can apply for a loan as a contribution towards the course and living costs. Loans are also available to those who wish to undertake doctoral study. The University offers a number of scholarships and funded studentships for those interested in postgraduate study. Learn how Master's and PhD loans, scholarships, and studentships can help you fund your studies on our Postgraduate Fees and Funding pages.
Dr Bonaventura Majolo - School of Psychology Postgraduate Research Lead
Dr Majolo is the Postgraduate Research Lead for the School of Psychology. His research interests include primate socio-ecology and he is the Director of the Barbary Macaque Project which looks at the socio-ecology of the Barbary macaque. Dr Majolo is also a member of the School of Psychology Research Committee.
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