Psychological Research Methods | MSc

Welcome to MSc Psychological Research Methods

The MSc in Psychological Research Methods is intended for students interested in pursuing a research career in psychology and related areas, including those planning to go on to complete a PhD. Students will have the chance to cover a broad range of psychological research methods which could be used to address real-world problems in human behaviour, perception, cognition and emotion.

The programme is also suited to students from a non-psychology background wishing to consider a career in psychology, as the programme is accredited by the British Psychological Society to confer the graduate basis for chartered membership.

The programme is distinctive in its focus on applied research methods and the extent to which it draws upon the unique research interests, expertise, and experience of staff members in the School.

Accreditations

The programme is accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS) to confer the graduate basis for chartered membership.

Facilities

The Sarah Swift Building is the home of the Schools of Health and Social Care and Psychology. The building houses specialist teaching and research spaces for both Schools, as well as general teaching and learning facilities for the wider University.

The School of Psychology's research facilities include a sleep lab, Lincoln Infant and Child Development Lab, a motor lab, an imagination and decision lab, an eye tracking lab, an EEG lab, and a TMS lab, as well as many other general purpose lab facilities.

Research Areas and Topics

Research in the School of Psychology is organised into three main research groups and covers a wide range of topics including face perception, body image, sleep, emotion, autism, neurostimulation, electrophysiology, and visual-vestibular interactions.

This programme has links to the School's Perception, Action, and Cognition research group: https://www.lincoln.ac.uk/home/psychology/research/pac/

"I really enjoyed my time studying the Psychological Research Methods Master's at the University of Lincoln. I met lots of great people and gained so many skills that helped me achieve my dream of studying for my PhD. For me, learning about different research methodologies and programming skills and then being given the opportunities to use them in my own research projects was so important to developing the skill set that I needed to pursue a PhD and a career in research."

Peter Goodwin, graduate

How You Study

You will study a broad range of research methods in psychology with a focus on quantitative techniques in core modules.

The thesis module enables you to specialise in a particular area of psychology research alongside an academic supervisor of your choice and optional modules such as the advanced internship allow you to gain further in depth experience of specialist areas.

Teaching is predominantly delivered on two days per week for full-time students, with part-time students expected to be mostly present for one day per week. Delivery times are subject to time tabling constraints.

As with all postgraduate level study, the programme also involves a significant proportion of independent study.

An Introduction to Your Modules

† Some courses may offer optional modules. The availability of optional modules may vary from year to year and will be subject to minimum student numbers being achieved. This means that the availability of specific optional modules cannot be guaranteed. Optional module selection may also be affected by staff availability.

Advanced Research Methods in Psychology 2023-24PSY9250MLevel 72023-24This module covers basic concepts underlying multivariate analysis, such as factor analysis and multiple regression as well as qualitative data analysis. Students gain an appreciation of advanced statistical procedures and methods via hands on practical experience in computer workshop sessions. By the end of the course students will understand how to select appropriate methodologies in relation to research aims and be able to critically appraise the advantages and limitations of these methodologies in relation to research aims.CoreApplied Neuropsychology 2023-24PSY9216MLevel 72023-24This module is designed to examine the implications of neuropsychological research and theory for practice across a broad spectrum of problems presented by individuals with cognitive disorders. Students can learn how the application of neuropsychological approaches and techniques guide assessment, diagnosis and treatment of a range of neurological and neurodegenerative conditions. Where appropriate, the cognitive status of real-life patients with brain disorders can be examined. This module may be of particular interest to those students intending to pursue a career in applied areas of psychology, health related occupational professions, or research involving neuropsychological populations.CoreBrain, Behaviour and Lifespan Development 2023-24PSY9249MLevel 72023-24Using a combination of lectures and interactive seminars, this module will focus on the development of the brain from birth throught to adulthood and later life. Contemporary research addressing how environmental and genetic factors influence the brain and behaviour will be appraised allowing students to apply a systematic approach to critically evaluate new scientific evidence in the field of Developmental Psychology.CoreEvolution and Human Social Behaviour 2023-24PSY9247MLevel 72023-24CoreFrom the Lab to the World: Psychology Research in Practice 2023-24PSY9226MLevel 72023-24CoreMSc Thesis 2023-24PSY9008MLevel 72023-24The thesis is designed to allow students to explore their interests in a specific area of research in more detail. It provides the opportunity to design, implement, analyse, and write-up a substantial piece of empirical work.CorePostgraduate Psychology Tutorial 2023-24PSY9244MLevel 72023-24CoreResearch Methods in Perception and Cognition 2023-24PSY9221MLevel 72023-24The aim of the module is to give students hands on experience of the methodologies used in perception and cognition research. The module introduces a range of commonly used methods, typically including cognitive psychology, electrophysiology and neurostimulation. Essential skills required to create and run laboratory based experiments in psychology will be covered in workshop sessions. Overall, the module aims to widen students understanding and appreciation of the main principles of how research methods are applied in basic science.CoreResearch Methods in Psychology 2023-24PSY9251MLevel 72023-24The module will discuss a range of research methods and skills used in psychological research including a broad coverage of different statistical techniques in psychology. The module will discuss research designs, data preparation, data analysis, and dissemination. Both quantitative and qualitative research methods and skills will be covered.CoreAdvanced Research Internship 2023-24PSY9217MLevel 72023-24As part of this module students have the opportunity to learn about a specific area of research undertaken by a member of staff. This typically involves learning about a member of staff's research publications, research support structures (e.g., grant applications and/or lab work), data collection and data analysis methods, and research dissemination activities (e.g., conferences submission, peer review submission of work). Students can only choose this option if an appropriate member of staff has been identified and has agreed to supervise the applied research work. Students are typically involved in literature review work, data collection, data analysis and other work related to the specific research interests of the member of staff. The aim of this optional module is for a student to be immersed and engaged in a specific area of research, and to have the chance to carry out pilot research work in this area.OptionalAdvanced Topics in Developmental Psychology 2023-24PSY9227MLevel 72023-24The focus of this module is on recent research and current applications in development. Taking a topical approach, this module discusses child and adolescent development in relation to contexts and correlates of typical and atypical development, developmental problems and applications. Topics may include specific developmental problems and/or disorders, problems and transitions in adolescence, context-based problems, and interventions.OptionalWork Experience 2023-24PSY9270MLevel 72023-24The University has a strong commitment to providing academic programmes with public and private sector employers through student work placements. A work placement is a three way co-operative activity between employer, student and University from which all parties are expected to benefit. This module provides students with the opportunity to enhance their practical and transferable skills while gaining insight in how to use the theories and methods learned in their masters programme in a work environment. By linking academic experience to the world of work students also have to opportunity to reflect on possible career pathways and on how to apply psychological perspectives to future workplaces.Optional

Entry Requirements 2023-24

The admissions criteria for the programme are a minimum 2:2 undergraduate degree and the equivalent to a C in GCSE maths. Applicants with non-standard entry requirements will also be considered, including those with relevant experience (for example, mature students with work experience). These applicants will be requested for additional information to assess their aptitude for the programme and are invited for interview.

Applicants may be interviewed before they are accepted on the course, to make sure that they are suitable for the course. Students can study this programme either full-time (one year), or part-time (normally two years).

If you have studied outside of the UK, and are unsure whether your qualification meets the above requirements, please visit our country pages for information on equivalent qualifications:

https://www.lincoln.ac.uk/home/studywithus/internationalstudents/entryrequirementsandyourcountry/ for information on equivalent qualifications.

Overseas students will be required to demonstrate English language proficiency equivalent to IELTS 6.0 overall, with a minimum of 5.5 in each element. For information regarding other English language qualifications we accept, please visit the English Requirements page:

https://www.lincoln.ac.uk/home/studywithus/internationalstudents/englishlanguagerequirementsandsupport/englishlanguagerequirements/

If you do not meet the above IELTS requirements, you may be able to take part in one of our Pre-session English and Academic Study Skills courses. These specialist courses are designed to help students meet the English language requirements for their intended programme of study.

https://www.lincoln.ac.uk/home/studywithus/internationalstudents/englishlanguagerequirementsandsupport/pre-sessionalenglishandacademicstudyskills/

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.

Programme Fees

Programme-Specific Additional Costs

For each course you may find that there are additional costs. These may be with regard to the specific clothing, materials or equipment required, depending on your course. Some courses provide opportunities for you to undertake field work or field trips. Where these are compulsory, the cost for the travel, accommodation and your meals may be covered by the University and so is included in your fee. Where these are optional you will normally (unless stated otherwise) be required to pay your own transportation, accommodation and meal costs.

With regards to text books, the University provides students who enrol with a comprehensive reading list and you will find that our extensive library holds either material or virtual versions of the core texts that you are required to read. However, you may prefer to purchase some of these for yourself and you will be responsible for this cost.

How you are assessed

Assessments vary from research proposals, to research reports, essays, and presentations.

The University of Lincoln's policy on assessment feedback aims to ensure that academics will return in-course assessments to students promptly - usually within 15 working days of the submission date.

Career Opportunities

This programme is particularly suited to you if you are considering completing a PhD in psychology or working in psychological research.

The course will also provide you with the chance to learn fundamental analytical, organisational, and presentational skills which could be applied across a range of careers.

Professor Tim Hodgson - Programme Leader

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Key Information

MSc Psychological Research Methods