find your perfect postgrad program
Search our Database of 30,000 Courses
University of Stirling: Psychological Research Methods
| Institution | University of Stirling View institution profile |
|---|---|
| Department | Psychology |
| Web | www.stir.ac.uk |
| admissions@stir.ac.uk | |
| Telephone | 01786 467044 |
| Study type | Taught |
MSc
Summary
Research drives progress, shapes policy and solves real-world problems. Psychological research methods help you study human behaviour and create evidence-based solutions. From business and law to education, these skills open doors across sectors. Psychological research skills are in demand with the total value of the UK research sector reaching £9 billion in 2022 (source: MRS, 2024).
Our Masters in Psychological Research Methods takes a modern approach to studying mind and behaviour, preparing you for a future career in psychology and psychology research. It combines training in psychological theory with practical research skills. Gain an introduction to:
quantitative and qualitative research; analysis and interpretation of data; critical approaches to psychological science; reporting of statistical analyses related to research. Learn to get the most out of R. This specialised research software will help you manipulate datasets. It is the industry-standard tool for statistical analysis and data visualisation.
You'll learn through workshops and understanding participant experiences to produce meaningful research.
Choose a degree pathway suited to your career goals The unique feature of the Psychological Research Methods MSc is flexibility. You can choose to investigate a wide range of psychology topics across the course. But you can also choose to specialise in a specific area of psychology for your coursework, placement and dissertation. Three taught specialist pathways are available:
Child Development Cognition and Neuropsychology Perception and Action Get practical experience on a placement As part of the Masters in Psychological Research Methods you’ll undertake a work placement. This can be in a University lab or with an external company, charity or third sector organisation. Previous students have completed placements with the following companies:
Artlink Aspire Housing and Personal Development Services Fourth Valley Inclusion Independent Custody Visiting NeuroKeep Paws for Progress Rowett Institute Royal Zoological Society of Scotland SAMH (Scottish Action for Mental Health) SSPCA (Scottish Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) Specialist psychology facilities Get hands-on experience designing and conducting psychology experiments in our high-end labs. Our on-site Psychology Kindergarten is unique in the UK. It provides an outstanding facility for child development research and teaching.
We have a new Lifespan Lab that focuses on understanding cognition, health and wellbeing from infancy through to old age. Laboratory space is also available for you to do:
human electrophysiology research (mobile and lab-based EEG), health research (including Galvanic Skin Response (GSR) and heart rate monitoring), face research (including eye-tracking), vision research (including stereoscopic displays).
| Level | SCQF Level 11 |
|---|---|
| Entry requirements | A minimum of a 2nd Class Honours degree (2.1 preferred) or equivalent in a relevant subject. Applicants without these formal qualifications but with significant appropriate/relevant work/life experience are encouraged to apply. If English is not your first language you must have one of the following qualifications as evidence of your English language skills: IELTS: 6.0 with 5.5 minimum in each skill; Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE): Grade C; Cambridge Certificate of Advanced English (CAE): Grade C; Pearson Test of English (Academic): 54 with 51 in each component; IBT TOEFL: 80 with no subtest less than 17. |
| Location | Stirling Campus University of Stirling Stirling FK9 4LA |
Summary
Our Psychological Research Methods course combines training in psychological theory with practical research skills development - a modern approach to studying mind and behaviour preparing you for a future career in psychology and psychology research. You’ll gain a thorough introduction to quantitative and qualitative research, the analysis and interpretation of data, and a critical, sceptical approach to psychological science.
The unique feature of this course is flexibility - you’re free to investigate a wide range of topics across the discipline while maintaining a high standard of training. This encourages an understanding of different methods and perspectives within the field of Psychology helping you make choices which will benefit your future career.
There are four degree pathways available:
Child Development Cognition and Neuropsychology Evolutionary Psychology Perception and Action Opportunities for practical hands-on skills development are built in, ranging from low-tech observational assessment to high-tech eye-tracking. You’ll carry out a work placement, typically in an external company, charity or third sector organisation. This provides you with a fantastic opportunity to develop relevant work-based employment skills, and to develop a network of contacts relevant to your future career goals. Students benefit hugely from this experience, combining skills and experience with personal and professional development.
You’ll be based in a dedicated MSc office, or within an appropriate research group, and allocated a peer mentor. You’ll also have an academic supervisor in Psychology who supports and guides your development, including your research dissertation project.
| Level | SCQF Level 11 |
|---|---|
| Entry requirements | A minimum of a 2nd Class Honours degree (2.1 preferred) or equivalent in a relevant subject. Applicants without these formal qualifications but with significant appropriate/relevant work/life experience are encouraged to apply. If English is not your first language you must have one of the following qualifications as evidence of your English language skills: IELTS: 6.0 with 5.5 minimum in each skill; Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE): Grade C; Cambridge Certificate of Advanced English (CAE): Grade C; Pearson Test of English (Academic): 54 with 51 in each component; IBT TOEFL: 80 with no subtest less than 17. |
| Location | Stirling Campus University of Stirling Stirling FK9 4LA |
The University of Stirling is an international university committed to helping students Be the Difference in the world. Based in the heart of Scotland, Stirling is a place where ability – not background – is valued, and teaching, employability and facilities are all rated five-star (QS Stars University Ratings 2024).
That’s just part of the reason Stirling was shortlisted for University of the Year in the Times Higher Education (THE) Awards 2024, rated top 30 in the UK for postgraduate teaching (Postgraduate Taught Experience Survey 2024) and number one in the UK for campus environment (The International Student Barometer …
View ProfileNot what you are looking for?
Browse other courses in Health studies, Psychology, Science or Scientific research methods, or search our comprehensive database of postgrad programs.Postgraduate Bursary Opportunity with Postgrad.com
Are you studying as a PG student at the moment or have you recently been accepted on a postgraduate program? Apply now for one of our £2000 PGS bursaries.
Click here