Program Overview

Introduction to the Politics and Psychology MA (Hons) Program

The University of Dundee offers a comprehensive MA (Hons) program in Politics and Psychology, providing students with a deep understanding of the complex interactions between political systems and human behavior.

Program Structure

The program is structured across four levels, with each level building on the previous one to provide a progressive and in-depth education in both Politics and Psychology.

Level 1

• Politics and Public Policy (PO11001): This module introduces students to the key themes and concepts in politics, focusing on contemporary Britain.
• Global Challenges (PO12004): Students examine the ideational debates and material problems facing the global order, ensuring a sustainable standard of living for the world population.
• Introductory Psychology:1 (PY11001): This module provides a broad overview of psychological science, covering key theoretical concepts and methods used by psychologists.
• Introductory Psychology:2 (PY12002): Building on the first introductory module, this course delves deeper into social psychology and cognitive psychology, with an emphasis on statistical methods.

Level 2

• International Relations (PO21001): Students are introduced to the key theories and contemporary issues in international relations.
• Comparative Politics (PO22002): This module systematically examines key thematic and methodological issues in comparative politics, focusing on contemporary political systems.
• Understanding the Mind (PY21001): Providing a grounding in theory and methods in contemporary experimental psychology, this module covers topics such as neuropsychology and language.
• Individual Development (PY22002): Students explore the aspects influencing human development from birth to old age, including cognitive, social, linguistic, and moral development.

Level 3

• Research Methods in Human Geography and Politics (GE31019): This module teaches the basis of research design and key research methods used by human geographers and other social scientists.
• The Politics of the United Nations (PO31012): Students learn about the United Nations' role in contemporary international relations, exploring its impact and limitations.
• Nations and Nationalism (PO31017): This module offers theoretical insights and practical perspectives on nationalism, examining prominent theories and associated topics.
• Political Theories of Justice (PO32005): Focusing on normative debates within contemporary political theory, students explore arguments about how the world should be structured.
• Cognition (PY31001): This module provides in-depth information on core areas of cognitive psychology, including perception, problem-solving, and memory.
• Biological Psychology (PY31002): Covering the study of biology and behavior, students address how biological processes influence actions, choices, and reactions.
• Social Psychology (PY31003): Exploring how thoughts, feelings, and actions are shaped by others, this module introduces key theories and principles shaping human behavior.
• Psychological Research Skills 3a (PY31004): Delivering core knowledge on designing and interpreting studies of behavior and attitudes in psychology.

Level 4

• Politics and International Relations Dissertation (PO40006): Students undertake an intensive academic investigation of a specific topic, culminating in a dissertation.
• Psychology Dissertation (PY40015): Applying knowledge as a psychological researcher, students choose a research topic, work with a supervisor, and produce an original piece of writing.
• Developmental Psychopathology (PY40018): This module introduces psychological and neurological disturbances and disorders in infancy and childhood.
• Second Language Processing (PY40025): Exploring the psychological processes involved in understanding and producing a second language, this module discusses critical questions about second language processing.
• Foundations of Adult Mental Health (PY40029): Students learn about the foundations of adult mental health, including diagnosis, treatment, and management of mental health disorders.
• Society, Mind and Health (PY40036): Focusing on how social relationships and socio-economic circumstances influence physical and mental health, this module covers the detrimental effects of negative relationships and the beneficial effects of supportive ones.

Teaching and Assessment

Throughout the program, students engage in research, moving from assigned activities to more independent practical work. Most modules include lectures, tutorials, or workshops, with assessments carried out through coursework and exams, varying in type and weighting from module to module. Methods of assessment include essays, presentations, scientific practical reports, online multiple-choice questions, workbooks, and exams.

Conclusion

The Politics and Psychology MA (Hons) program at the University of Dundee offers a comprehensive education that equips students with a deep understanding of political systems, human behavior, and the complex interactions between them. With a structured approach across four levels, students progress from foundational knowledge to advanced research skills, preparing them for a variety of careers in politics, psychology, and related fields.