Research Methods and Psychology  MSc

Overview

City's Research Methods and Psychology MSc is designed to provide training in research methods, whether in preparation for MPhil/PhD studies in psychology, for academic research work, or for applications in allied professions such as education, health, or research in or for organisations.  

The course gives you an understanding and appreciation of both qualitative and quantitative research methods within psychology and across a range of disciplines.

It conforms with the Economic and Social Research Council's model of a fully-rounded training for research, distinguishing core training from specialised training appropriate to particular disciplines.  

You will become proficient in using cutting-edge technology and develop an understanding of the methodology underlying empirical work in the behavioural and social sciences.

A substantial part of the course is devoted to providing practical, 'hands-on' experience of the methodologies and techniques covered.

The course provides in-depth training in the conduct of research from inception to completion. All aspects of project design, implementation and management are covered.

Course Fees:

  • Full-time EU: £7,500
  • Part-time EU: £4,000
  • Full-time Non EU: £12,000

Start Date:

Induction will be taking place in the week commencing Monday 24 September 2012.

How to Apply

Entry Requirements

You should have or expect to gain at least a 2:1 honours degree in a social science or related discipline.

We will also consider equivalent professional qualifications and occupational experience.

English Requirements

If your first language is not English we require one of the following qualifications:
  • IELTS: an overall score of 6.5 with a minimum of 6.0 for each subtest
  • TOEFL (internet-based): 100 - 105

Visa Requirements

The way that you apply may vary depending on the length of your course at City, there are different rules for:

  • Students on courses of more than 6 months
  • Students on courses of less than 6 months
  • Students on a pre-sessional English Language course

For more information see our main Visa page.

When and Where

Start Date:
Induction will be taking place in the week commencing Monday 24 September 2012.
Duration:
Full-time - one year
Part-time - two years (with an additional three months to submit dissertation, if required)

Course Content

This MSc will undoubtedly enhance your capacity to carry out and evaluate social research.

Previous external examiners have described our course delivery as 'setting the gold standard for research methods training'.

You complete core modules in research design, statistics, methods of data collection and data analysis with SPSS for Windows and the philosophical foundations of social research.

In addition you complete three elective modules from a comprehensive range of options, featuring a range of disciplines and advanced methodologies, before producing your MSc dissertation.

Course Structure

Core modules: Elective modules:
Please note that elective modules can vary from year to year. The elective modules listed here are for the academic year 2010/11.

Teaching and Assessment

Teaching

We will teach you through a mixture of lectures, class discussions and seminars, student presentations, analysis of case studies and interactive computer-based exercises, particularly in relation to the quantitative elements of the course.

Assessment

We will assess you by means of written coursework and examinations. Elective options are more likely to be assessed by means of coursework alone.

Fees

  • Full-time EU: £7,500
  • Part-time EU: £4,000
  • Full-time Non EU: £12,000
Please note that, for part-time courses, the tuition fee is likely to increase by a small percentage in subsequent years.

Funding

For up-to-date information about tuition fees, living costs and financial support, visit Undergraduate Fees and Finance or Postgraduate Fees and Finance.

Career Prospects

Over 85 per cent of City's 2009 Research Methods graduates were in employment or further study 6 months after graduation.

Graduates are well placed to find employment in research-based organisations or may want to use this as a foundation for further research study. There are excellent employment opportunities in academic research, central and local government agencies, public health, the voluntary sector, market and media research and management consultancy.

Previous MSc graduates have gone into jobs as researchers, market researchers, information analysts, research consultants, data analysts and statistics research officers in organisations including:

  • the National Centre for Social Research
  • the NHS
  • the Department for Work and Pension
  •  Victim Support and World Vision

Find out more about City University London

Application Deadline

There is no fixed application deadline. Applications will close when the course is full, so you are encouraged to apply early.

MSc Research Methods and Psychology

 

All complete applications will be considered.

You will usually be informed within two to three weeks if your application has been successful or not. There are no interviews for this course, assessment is solely on the application form and supporting materials.

Please note that two references are required. At least one reference for recent graduates should be from an academic referee. Other referees may include a current employer.

References must be provided either on the form provided with an institution stamp, or on headed paper.

 

Apply online for the MSc in Research Methods and Psychology (full-time)

Apply online for the MSc in Research Methods and Psychology (part-time) 

Download a PDF version of the application form (pdf)

Download a PDF version of the reference form (pdf)

 

Complete applications can be sent to:

Sam Kearsley
Department of Psychology

City University
Northampton Square
London
EC1V 0HB