Program start date | Application deadline |
2024-09-01 | - |
Program Overview
The MA in Research Methods (Behavioural Science) at Durham University equips students with advanced research skills in both quantitative and qualitative methods. The program focuses on the intersection of philosophy, methodology, and social sciences, preparing graduates for careers as research psychologists or behavioral scientists. Students engage in a dissertation project, collaborate with researchers, and gain experience in research management and project design. The program is ranked among the top 100 in the QS World University Subject Rankings 2023.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
- Overview: Develop crucial research skills in the human behavioral study through a research lens. This program prepares students for future careers as research psychologists or behavioral scientists.
- Objectives: Equip students with the necessary research skills, including both quantitative and qualitative methods, for a PhD in Behavioral Science or a career as a research psychologist or behavioral scientist.
- Description: This program focuses on the intersection of philosophy, methodology, and various disciplines within the social sciences. It covers qualitative, quantitative, statistical, computational, and historical research methods and explores the ethical and practical applications of these methods within and outside academia.
Outline:
- Content:
- Quantitative and qualitative research methods
- Behavioral science research history and development
- Advanced statistical methods for psychology and behavioral science
- Dissertation focusing on an empirical project relevant to the student's field of study
- Structure:
- Three terms (one year)
- 12 hours a week of lectures, tutorials, and seminars
- Independent study for class preparation, subject knowledge expansion, and dissertation research
- Three subject-specific behavioral science modules
- Three modules on generic research skills: qualitative and quantitative analysis
- Dissertation under faculty supervision, with varying meeting frequency depending on the project's needs
- Individual Modules:
- Interdisciplinary Perspectives and Practices Across Social Research: Introduces various research practices, focusing on where philosophy, methodology, and disciplines intersect. Explores ethical issues like power and equality.
- Qualitative Methods and Analysis: Equips students with knowledge and skills to conduct and analyze qualitative research. Covers different research approaches, design, and data analysis techniques.
- Advanced Topics in Behavioral Science: Covers history, background, and development of the field, alongside theoretical models, empirical studies, methodologies, and techniques.
- Quantitative Methods and Analysis: Develops knowledge and skills in quantitative data analysis and teaches the use of statistical techniques for data exploration, description, and inference.
- Advanced Statistics for Psychology and the Behavioural Sciences: Teaches a range of advanced statistical methods used in the field, enabling students to identify appropriate techniques and analyze data using relevant software.
- Dissertation: Enables students to design, analyze, and discuss an empirical project related to their field of study, applying gained knowledge and gaining experience in research collaboration and project management.
- Optional Modules: Diversity and Inclusion in Practice, Power and Influence, Behavioural Insights for Public Policy.
- Alternative Modules: Advanced Ethnographic Research, Multilevel Modelling, Simulating Data in R, Systematic Review, Computational Social Science, Participatory Action Research, Statistics in Health and Medicine with R.
Assessment:
- Methods:
- Examinations
- Written assignments
- Oral presentations
- Dissertation
Teaching:
- Methods:
- Lectures
- Seminars
- Practical classes
- Individual supervision for the dissertation
- Unique approaches: Collaborating with other researchers, research and project management, independent study.
Careers:
- Potential Paths: Research psychologist, behavioral scientist, consultant, advisor, HR professional, talent manager, business analyst, market researcher, public relations professional, marketing professional, administrator, manager, civil servant, coach, trainer, teacher.
- Opportunities: Careers in psychology, clinical and healthcare settings.
- Outcomes: The program aims to provide students with the knowledge, skills, and real-world experience required for successful careers in the field of behavioral science.
Other:
Full Time Fees
Tuition fees
Home students £10,400 per year EU students £24,750 per year Island students £10,400 per year International students £24,750 per year The tuition fees shown are for one complete academic year of full time study, are set according to the academic year of entry, and remain the same throughout the duration of the programme for that cohort (unless otherwise stated).
Durham University
Overview:
Durham University is a prestigious public research university located in Durham, England. It is renowned for its academic excellence, historic setting, and vibrant student life. The university is consistently ranked among the top 100 universities globally, with particular strengths in subjects like History, Engineering, Psychology, Geography, Physics, and Law.
Services Offered:
Durham University offers a wide range of services to its students, including:
Library & Collections:
Access to a vast collection of books, journals, and digital resources.Student Support & Wellbeing:
Comprehensive support services for students' academic, personal, and mental health needs.Careers, Employability and Enterprise:
Guidance and resources to help students develop their career skills and find employment opportunities.Enrichment Activities:
A diverse range of extracurricular activities, clubs, and societies to enhance the student experience.Welcome and Orientation:
A comprehensive program to help new students settle into university life.Student Life and Campus Experience:
Durham University provides a unique and enriching campus experience. Students can expect:
Residential Colleges:
Living in historic and beautiful colleges, fostering a strong sense of community.Vibrant Social Scene:
A lively social scene with numerous events, clubs, and societies.Historic Setting:
Studying in a city steeped in history, with iconic landmarks like Durham Cathedral and Durham Castle.Close-knit Community:
A friendly and supportive environment with a strong sense of belonging.Key Reasons to Study There:
Academic Excellence:
Consistently ranked among the top universities globally, offering high-quality teaching and research.Prestigious Reputation:
A globally recognized institution with a strong alumni network.Historic Setting:
A unique and inspiring campus environment with a rich history and culture.Vibrant Student Life:
A lively and diverse student community with numerous opportunities for personal and professional development.Academic Programs:
Durham University offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across various disciplines, including:
Arts and Humanities:
History, English Literature, Classics, Philosophy, Theology, and more.Science and Engineering:
Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Engineering, Computer Science, and more.Social Sciences:
Psychology, Sociology, Economics, Politics, Geography, and more.Business and Management:
Business Administration, Finance, Marketing, and more.Other:
Global Durham:
The university has a strong international presence, with partnerships and collaborations worldwide.Research Impact:
Durham University conducts innovative and impactful research across various fields.Sustainability:
The university is committed to sustainability, with initiatives to enhance biodiversity and reduce its environmental impact.Alumni Network:
A strong and active alumni network, providing support and opportunities for graduates.Entry Requirements:
Home and EU Students:
- 2:1 in Psychology, Economics, Business, or a related subject (or equivalent).
Island Students:
- 2:1 in Psychology, Economics, Business, or a related subject (or equivalent).
International Students:
- 2:1 in Psychology, Economics, Business, or a related subject (or equivalent).
Additional Notes:
- The specific entry requirements may vary depending on the applicant's individual circumstances.
- Applicants with non-standard qualifications or relevant work experience may be considered on a case-by-case basis.
Language Proficiency Requirements:
Non-native English speakers:
- IELTS: Overall score of 7.0 with no sub-score below 6.5.
- TOEFL: Overall score of 92 with no sub-score below 23.
- PTE Academic: Overall score of 68 with no sub-score below 58.
Notes:
- It is recommended that applicants take the language test as early as possible to ensure that they have enough time to meet the requirements.
- The Department of Psychology may accept other equivalent language tests on a case-by-case basis.
- Applicants with a strong academic background may be exempt from the language requirement.
- The information provided above is based on the current entry requirements for the MA in Research Methods (Behavioural Science) program.