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PS-D01
Research Project
The research module will involve constructing and executing a substantial research project, usually conducted in connection with a topic / theme relevant to the overall masters programme. Capitalising the on the links between the course and local services, there may be opportunities to conduct research within partner organisations (e.g. NHS trusts, mental health charities, forensic units) as well as undertaking research based on topics generated by academics based within the department of psychology. We also encourage students who come to the program with connections as a consequence of previous professional experience, to undertake projects that are linked to interests they have already established. For students on BPS accredited masters programmes, the dissertation will take the form of an empirical research project involving primary data collection and submission of an individual ethics proposal.
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PS-M008
From Synapses to Society
This module introduces the main topics and perspectives of social and biological psychology, and how they can help us understand human behaviour. It covers the basic concepts and methods of research in these fields, as well as some of their applications and implications. The module focuses on the biological bases of behaviour, such as the brain, hormones, genes, and neuroscience; and the social influences on behaviour, such as individual differences, attitudes, aggression, and prosocial behaviour. The module aims to provide a comprehensive and critical overview of the theories, findings, and controversies in social and biological psychology, and to foster students' skills in evaluating and applying psychological knowledge. Importantly, the module will support students in contrasting and synthesising between theories in social and biological psychology; fostering their ability to integrate different psychological perspectives.
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PS-M012
Advanced Psychological Research Skills
On this module, students will further develop the research skills gained in their first three years through a research internship under the supervision of a staff member from the School of Psychology who is leading an active and original research programme.
In contrast to previous research modules, which involved starting and finishing a piece of research within a short timeline, this module provides students with the opportunity to (a) contribute to longer-term pieces of research as part of a team and (b) engage in wider research activity usually outside of the scope of third year independent projects. Such activity might include research planning, bid writing, stimuli design, seeking ethical approval, community engagement, conference presentation and paper drafting/editing. The module therefore provides students with a more realistic insight into the world of professional research. While necessarily not covering the entire research process from bidding to publishing, the module provides an authentic and meaningful experience of real-world research for each student.
Rather than being assessed on a standalone piece of research, students will be required to complete a minimum of 100 placement hours over the semester and will submit a final academic reflection on their professional skill development during their internship.
Skills that may form the basis of the reflection include:
Research Design & Conceptual Development (Conceptualization, Methodology)
Data Management & Analysis (Data Curation, Formal Analysis, Validation)
Project Execution & Supervision (Investigation, Supervision, Project Administration)
Resource & Funding Support (Resources, Funding Acquisition)
Software & Tools Development (Software)
Writing & Communication (Writing ¿ Original Draft, Writing ¿ Review & Editing, Visualization)
Ethics, Compliance, and Open Science (IRB approvals, Pre-registrations)
Collaboration & Teamwork (Interdisciplinary collaboration, Team coordination, Stakeholder relationships)
Knowledge Translation & Implementation (Policy impact, Practical applications, Translating research findings)
Project Evaluation & Impact Assessment (Research impact assessment, Systematic reviews, Outcomes evaluation)
Students will also complete a 20-minute individual oral presentation following their placement to further evidence the development of their research skills and ability to critically and academically reflect on their development.
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PSY332
Contemporary Issues in Forensic Psychology and Criminal Justice
This module explores how psychological principles are applied to address contemporary challenges within the criminal justice system. It explores topics such as mental health, traumatic brain injury, neurodiversity, and psychopathy, focussing on their implications for offending, sentencing, and offender management. Broader societal issues, including cybercrime, online misogynistic ideology, radicalised communities, and wellbeing in custodial settings, are also addressed. By combining theoretical insights with real-world applications, the module equips students with critical knowledge and analytical skills needed to engage with evolving debates and practices in forensic psychology. Designed to remain flexible and responsive to emerging priorities, it provides a flexible framework for exploring the dynamic interplay between psychology and the criminal justice system.
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PSY332I
Contemporary Issues in Forensic Psychology and Criminal Justice (IST)
This module explores how psychological principles are applied to address contemporary challenges within the criminal justice system. It explores topics such as mental health, traumatic brain injury, neurodiversity, and psychopathy, focussing on their implications for offending, sentencing, and offender management. Broader societal issues, including cybercrime, online misogynistic ideology, radicalised communities, and wellbeing in custodial settings, are also addressed. By combining theoretical insights with real-world applications, the module equips students with critical knowledge and analytical skills needed to engage with evolving debates and practices in forensic psychology. Designed to remain flexible and responsive to emerging priorities, it provides a flexible framework for exploring the dynamic interplay between psychology and the criminal justice system.
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PSY334
Evolutionary Perspectives on Psychology
This module provides an exploration of human behaviour and relationships from an evolutionary perspective. Across a series of lectures and interactive workshops, students will learn broad and focused evolutionary theories such as natural and sexual selection, error management theory, and sexual strategies theory, and apply them to understand inform understanding of human social and romantic behaviours. Topics range from the principles of natural and sexual selection through to altruism, attraction, maladaptive behaviours, relationship dynamics, and biological signalling systems. Through examining questions like "Why do we find certain traits attractive?" and "How do evolutionary pressures shape helping behaviour?" students will engage critically with both foundational and emerging theories in evolutionary psychology. Students will also develop critical thinking skills around these topics through engaging in debate practice and analyzing real-world data, enabling them to evaluate and question evolutionary theories in depth.
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PSY364
Independent Research Project I
This module, in conjunction with ¿Independent Research Project II ¿ Conducting and Reporting¿, will see students design, conduct, analyse, and write-up a substantial piece of original psychological research under the supervision of a member of staff. In doing so, they will also consider the ethical issues posed by their research and resolve them and conduct their research in line with the principles of Open Science. Demonstrating these abilities is required to achieve Graduate Basis for Chartership with the British Psychological Society (BPS).
In ¿Independent Research Project I ¿ Planning and Development¿, students will begin the research process by:
1. Selecting a research topic in collaboration with their supervisor - typically in an area of the supervisor¿s expertise.
2. Formulating research questions and associated hypotheses/predictions.
3. Designing a research study to answer research questions and test hypotheses/predictions.
4. Considering and resolving ethical issues relating to the study.
5. Writing a Stage I Registered Report of the study consisting of Introduction, Methods, and Data Analysis plan.
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PSY364C
Prosiect Ymchwil Annibynnol I
This module, in conjunction with ¿Independent Research Project II ¿ Conducting and Reporting¿, will see students design, conduct, analyse, and write-up a substantial piece of original psychological research under the supervision of a member of staff. In doing so, they will also consider the ethical issues posed by their research and resolve them and conduct their research in line with the principles of Open Science. Demonstrating these abilities is required to achieve Graduate Basis for Chartership with the British Psychological Society (BPS).
In ¿Independent Research Project I ¿ Planning and Development¿, students will begin the research process by:
1. Selecting a research topic in collaboration with their supervisor - typically in an area of the supervisor¿s expertise.
2. Formulating research questions and associated hypotheses/predictions.
3. Designing a research study to answer research questions and test hypotheses/predictions.
4. Considering and resolving ethical issues relating to the study.
5. Writing a Stage I Registered Report of the study consisting of Introduction, Methods, and Data Analysis plan.
Translation to follow
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PSY365
Independent Research Project II
This module, in conjunction with ¿Independent Research Project I ¿ Planning and Development¿, will see students design, conduct, analyse, and write-up a substantial piece of original psychological research under the supervision of a member of staff. In doing so, they will also consider the ethical issues posed by their research and resolve them and conduct their research in line with the principles of Open Science. Demonstrating these abilities is required to achieve Graduate Basis for Chartership with the British Psychological Society (BPS).
In ¿Independent Research Project II ¿ Conducting and Reporting¿, students will complete the research process by:
1. Conducting a planned piece of original psychological research.
2. Analyzing the data generated from the research.
3. Writing a Stage II Registered Report of the study consisting of Abstract, Results, and Discussion.
4. Demonstrating in depth knowledge of their project and the research process via a viva voce.
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PSY365C
Prosiect Ymchwil Annibynnol II – Cynnal ac Adrodd
Yn y modiwl hwn, mewn cydweithrediad â "Phrosiect Ymchwil Annibynnol I - Cynllunio a Datblygu", bydd myfyrwyr yn dylunio, cynnal, dadansoddi ac ysgrifennu darn sylweddol o ymchwil gwreiddiol ym maes seicoleg o dan oruchwyliaeth aelod staff. Wrth wneud hynny, byddant yn ystyried hefyd y materion moesegol ynghlwm wrth eu hymchwil ac yn eu datrys gan gynnal eu hymchwil yn unol ag egwyddorion Gwyddoniaeth Agored. Mae angen dangos y galluoedd hyn i gyflawni Sylfaen Graddedigion ar gyfer Siarteriaeth gyda Chymdeithas Seicolegol Prydain (BPS).
Yn "Prosiect Ymchwil Annibynnol II ¿ Cynnal ac Adrodd", bydd myfyrwyr yn cwblhau'r broses ymchwil trwy wneud y canlynol:
1. Cynnal darn o ymchwil gwreiddiol wedi'i gynllunio ym maes seicoleg.
2. Dadansoddi'r data a gynhyrchir o'r ymchwil.
3. Ysgrifennu Adroddiad Cofrestredig Cam II o'r astudiaeth yn cynnwys Crynodeb, Canlyniadau a Thrafodaeth.
4. Dangos gwybodaeth fanwl am eu prosiect a'r broses ymchwil trwy asesiad viva voce.
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PSY366
Independent Research Project for Joint Honours
This module, ¿Independent Research Project for Joint Honours,¿ spans two semesters and guides students through the entire research process, culminating in the production of a substantial piece of original psychological research under the supervision of a member of staff. The module is structured in two parts:
In Semester 1, students will begin the research process by selecting a research topic in collaboration with their supervisor¿typically in an area of the supervisor¿s expertise. They will formulate research questions and associated hypotheses, design a research study to test these hypotheses, consider and resolve ethical issues, and produce a Stage I Registered Report, including the Introduction, Methods, and Data Analysis plan.
In Semester 2, students will conduct their planned research, analyze the data generated, and write a Stage II Registered Report, consisting of the Abstract, Results, and Discussion sections.
The module emphasizes ethical research conduct and adherence to Open Science principles, both of which are necessary for achieving Graduate Basis for Chartership with the British Psychological Society (BPS).
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PSY366C
Prosiect Ymchwil Annibynnol ar gyfer Cydanrhydedd
Mae'r modiwl hwn, "Prosiect Ymchwil Annibynnol ar gyfer Cyd-anrhydedd," yn cwmpasu dau semester ac yn arwain myfyrwyr trwy'r broses ymchwil gyfan, gyda¿r nod terfynol o gynhyrchu darn sylweddol o ymchwil gwreiddiol ym maes seicoleg o dan oruchwyliaeth aelod o staff. Mae'r modiwl wedi'i strwythuro mewn dwy ran:
Yn Semester 1, bydd myfyrwyr yn dechrau'r broses ymchwil trwy ddewis pwnc ymchwil mewn cydweithrediad â'u goruchwyliwr¿fel arfer ym maes arbenigedd y goruchwyliwr. Byddant yn llunio cwestiynau ymchwil a rhagdybiaethau cysylltiedig, yn dylunio astudiaeth ymchwil i brofi'r rhagdybiaethau hyn, yn ystyried a datrys materion moesegol, ac yn cynhyrchu Adroddiad Cofrestredig Cam I, gan gynnwys y Cyflwyniad, y Dulliau a'r cynllun Dadansoddi Data.
Yn Semester 2, bydd y myfyrwyr yn cynnal eu hymchwil arfaethedig, yn dadansoddi'r data a gynhyrchir, ac yn ysgrifennu Adroddiad Cofrestredig Cam II, sy'n cynnwys yr adrannau Crynodeb, Canlyniadau a Thrafodaeth.
Mae'r modiwl hwn yn pwysleisio ymddygiad ymchwil moesegol ac ymlyniad at egwyddorion Gwyddoniaeth Agored, dwy elfen angenrheidiol er mwyn cyflawni Sylfaen Graddedigion ar gyfer Siarteriaeth gyda Chymdeithas Seicolegol Prydain (BPS).
