MSc Research Methods in Psychology

Program Overview

MSc Research Methods in Psychology

Overview

The MSc Research Methods in Psychology is designed to equip students with the expertise needed to excel in today's data-driven landscape. The program provides advanced training in research methodologies, data analyses, and practical skills, preparing students for a dynamic career in research or data-driven roles.

Course Details

Start Date

September

Duration

Full-time: 12 months (Sep start) | Part-time: 24 months (Sep start)

Award Title

MSc

UCAS Code

Apply Direct

What's it all about?

The program is designed for aspiring researchers and professionals, providing advanced training in research methodologies, data analyses, and practical skills. Students will develop a deep understanding of psychology research design and analysis, specialized methods relevant to their chosen area of research, and practical skills in data management, ethical research conduct, and open science practices.

MSc and PhD Pathways

SGSSS Studentships

Abertay's MSc Research Methods is approved by the Scottish Graduate School of Social Sciences (SGSSS), who administer PhD studentships and research methods training across Scotland. SGSSS studentship-holders can complete both an MSc in Research Methods and a subsequent PhD at Abertay University.

MSc Research Methods in Creative Industries (for SGSSS-funded students only)

SGSSS-funded students can choose to complete an alternative pathway: MSc Research Methods in Creative Industries. This pathway includes the core Research Methods in Psychology program but focuses on applying a social science approach to the creative industries.

Transfer to PhD (for non-SGSSS funded students only)

Non-funded students can apply to transfer to PhD Year 2 instead of graduating with the MSc, allowing them to complete their PhD within a shorter timeframe.

Modules

Standard Route

• Core Data Analysis (GRS503)
• Professional Research Skills (PSY511)
• Work-Based Learning (PSY420)
• Advanced Research Methods (GRS504)
• Practical and Technical Research Skills (PSY512)
• Research Impact and Applications (PSY513)
• MSc Dissertation PSY514 (PSY514)

SGSSS-funded Route

• SGSSS Core (SGSSS)
• Core Data Analysis (GRS503)
• Work-Based Learning (PSY420)
• Advanced Research Methods (GRS504)
• Practical and Technical Research Skills (PSY512)
• Research Impact and Applications (PSY513)
• Human Psychology: Why are we different? (PSY567)
• MSc Dissertation PSY514 (PSY514)

Meet our Research Supervisors

• Dr Clare Cunningham (Evolutional psychology and non-human animals)
• Professor Sheila Cunningham (Social cognition, development and education)
• Dr Julie Gawrylowicz (Investigative interviewing, eyewitness memory, jury decision-making)
• Dr Corinne Jola (Dance, empathy, and vulnerable individuals)
• Professor Ver Kempe (Language development, language learning, language evolution)
• Dr Neil Kirk (Cognitive Psychology, dialect and voice perception)
• Dr George Lovell (Cognition, visual perception, camouflage, user experience)
• Ms Noelle McAra (Pedagogical research)
• Dr Janet McLean (Cognition, development and education)
• Dr Rebecca Sharman (Neurodiversity and video games)
• Dr Laura Wakeford (Language production and processing)
• Dr Christopher Watkins (Evolutionary social psychology. The psychology of close/personal relationships)
• Dr Lara Wood (Socio-cognitive development, gender, cultural evolution)
• Dr Penny Woolnough (Forensic and investigative psychology)
• Dr Lynn Wright (Laterality, individual differences and pedagogy)

Entry Requirements

UK Entry

• An undergraduate degree (2:1 or better) in Psychology or a related subject
• A desire to develop skills in a particular area of psychological research

International Entry

• The equivalent of a lower second class (2:1) in Psychology or a related subject
• A desire to develop skills in a particular area of psychological research

Fees & Funding

• Postgraduate student fees - Scottish Students
• Postgraduate student fees - UK Students (outside Scotland)
• Postgraduate student fees - International & EU Students

Scholarships

• Abertay Postgraduate Taught rUK Scholarship
• International Postgraduate Abertay Scholarships

Graduate School

Our Graduate School is a dedicated facility providing support, training, and professional development opportunities to our vibrant postgraduate community and researchers.