Department of Psychology
Current Students: Postgraduates
MSc in Psychological Research Methods
Coordinated by: Dr Sarah Vick
Why Psychological Research Methods?
The primary aim of the course is to provide advanced training as a preparation for a research career in Psychology, primarily for those intending to proceed to a PhD. The course aims to allow students to develop all the skills required for pursuing research, including:
| Skill | Detail |
Designing and Running Experiments |
From theory to implementation |
Collecting and analysing data |
Using both qualitative and quantitative methods |
Computer Skills |
From essential expertise to knowledge of specialist packages |
Study Skills |
Critical analysis and literature reviews |
Report writing |
Including essays and a research dissertation |
Preparation for and delivery of presentation |
Oral and poster presentation |
From the Course Director
"Psychology is an exciting discipline that offers huge opportunity for learning, skill development and personal growth. The topics that are of concern to Psychologists, and the methods used in Psychology research, are extremely broad and varied in nature. The MSc in Psychological Research Methods at Stirling aims to provide students with access to the discipline as a whole, based around a consideration of current theoretical, methodological and practical research issues.
The students that are selected to study at Stirling will be exposed to cutting edge psychology research taught by internationally recognised scientists. A range of challenging and interactive teaching methods will be used alongside a demanding programme of training and assessment. The Department provides a supportive and stimulating environment, with individual supervision and extensive interactions between staff and students, and students are expected to produce research of international standing. In short, the MSc is an innovative and flexible degree programme that provides an environment designed to support the highest standards of intellectual endeavour.
As Course Director, and as a keen student of Psychology, I look forward to welcoming you to the MSc in Psychological Research Methods, to the postgraduate community, and to the Department as a whole."
Distinctive Features of the Stirling Course
- Purpose-built postgraduate facilities hosting a large postgraduate community
- Allocation of an individual research supervisor
- Extensive exposure to many different research interests and methodologies
- Regular postgraduate presentations
- An annual conference including a poster competition
- Opportunity to teach on undergraduate courses
- External research placements and a summer research retreat
- Membership of the Stirling Graduate Research School, offering a structured programme of training that allows students to develop a personal learning portfolio
Student Profiles
Ida-Maria Skavhaug
"I am currently studying for the MSc in Psychological Research Methods under the supervision of Dr David Donaldson. I chose to do the MSc because I expected that it would leave me better prepared at the start of my PhD, which I am initiating this autumn.
The course has both taught and research elements to it, ensuring a nice balance between group collaboration and independent research. The taught part consists mainly of seminar meetings in which the students get to meet members of staff to discuss various topics and methodologies, thereby providing opportunities to approach issues from different perspectives.
The close contact with the staff has made us feel well integrated in the department and every week we are invited to attend the internal seminars which keep us updated on research that is being carried out at the university. The MSc students have a shared office with their own computers and free use of printer, and I find that the office is not only a space to work and concentrate, but also a place in which the students socialise and support each other.
I would not hesitate to recommend the MSc in Psychological Research Methods to anyone who is planning to do a higher research degree, as it definitely facilitates the transition from undergraduate to PhD level. Postgraduate study is very different from undergraduate study in many ways but the support offered to all students at Stirling is great – both academically as well as in other areas of life. Areas like housing and health are taken care of, with a doctor’s surgery on campus and the students association.
But life at University is not just about the study; the historic city of Stirling is a nice place to live; it offers a good night life and shopping opportunities and should you be missing anything Glasgow and Edinburgh are both only short train journeys away."
Debbie Riby
"I undertook the MSc Psychological Research Methods as part of the research training towards my PhD, a requirement of the ESRC funding body. The aim was to gain valuable insights into a variety of methodologies that I would be able to apply to my own research. The importance of a good grounding in methodology was particularly emphasised when carrying out the dissertation and research placement, both of which I thoroughly enjoyed. The majority of the course was seminar based as there was a small group on the course, making it great for team work. I found this approach to learning really useful and learned much more than I would have had the course been lecture based. This approach allowed good integration with tutors as well as other students.
Now as a first year PhD student I regularly put into practice skills I developed on the MSc course. So, I would recommend Stirling as a great place to take that next step and take on the challenge of postgraduate study. Where else can you have a break from the pressures of student life and indulge in a stroll around the loch or a quick game of golf to refresh your mind!"
Academic Viewpoint
Professor David Perrett, University of St Andrews
"I have supervised two PhD students who received training in Psychological Research Methods on the MSc course at Stirling. Both students proved well trained in statistics, and adept at employing a variety of research methods. Both were remarkable in outputting quality publications and, quite exceptionally, both secured lectureships before completing a PhD thesis. It is clear from my experience that the training provided at Stirling equips students to be able to make the most of the opportunities arising in PhD research."
Teaching and Research Strengths
The Department was rated as being amongst the top UK Psychology institutions in the most recent national Research Assessment Exercise, with many lecturers working at the top level of their field. The Department has excellent research facilities, including in-house technical and computing support. As a research methods student you will have the opportunity to become actively involved in international quality research through your own research project. Some of the most prominent research areas include:
• Cognitive and Computational Neuroscience
• Health Psychology
• Face Perception and Social Cognition
• Neuropsychology and Neuroimaging
• Learning and Memory
• Community Psychological Research
• Social Representation and Communication
• Developmental Psychology
• Primatology and Evolutionary Psychology
The course is externally accredited as offering high quality postgraduate training, providing the Department with recognition as an ESRC training outlet. The course can therefore form the first year of research training required for an ESRC funded 1+3 PhD studentship, or as the basis for a +3 PhD studentship application prepared during the course in association with a researcher in the Department.
Career Opportunities
This course is primarily designed for those going on to do further research in Psychology, and most past students have gone on either to do a PhD or become a research assistant. Training in research methods is also highly valued by those who move on to other kinds of career, for the insight given into the interpretation and analysis of all forms of data.
Course Overview
The course aims to provide training for those wishing to go on to do a PhD or other further research in Psychology. Most of the formal classes take place in the autumn semester, with the spring semester allowing time for an external Research Placement and final Research Project. The aim of the course is not simply to present a body of information required to pass an exam, but to introduce ideas and support students in finding out more about those areas of research that catch their interest. It is quite a practical course, with opportunities to rehearse all the skills needed to conduct and report about research.
Course Design
The course is modular and flexible, offering a variety of opportunities and module choices along the way. There are eight core modules:
- Psychological Research Methods I and II (PRMP01/02)
- Key Skills for Psychology Researchers (PRMP04)
- Advanced Quantitative Methods (HPSP03)
- Qualitative Research Methods (HPSP03)
- Research Methods in Cognition and Neuropsychology (PRMP06) OR
Perspectives in Health Psychology (HPSP01) OR
Approach to Illness, Disability and Coping (HPSP05)
- Research Placement (PRMP08)
- Research Dissertation Project (PRMP05)
Course Structure
| MSc | Diploma | |
| Full-Time | 11 months | 2 semesters |
| Part-Time | 23 months | 4 semesters |
The course runs from mid-September to 31 August of the following year.
Teaching and Assessment
Modules are typically delivered in seminar format (including substantial student participation and discussion), group workshops, and practical training sessions, along with a variety of formal and informal presentations. Assessments include exams, critiques, literature reviews, computer practicals, oral and poster presentations, and experimental reports. There are many opportunities for discussion and feedback. Students are encouraged to develop their own learning portfolio in order to become fully professional independent researchers.
Course Content
Psychological Research Methods I and II (PRMP01 and PRMP02)
• A series of seminars given by members of the Department based upon and illustrating their own areas of research expertise. In each seminar, or pair of related seminars, a researcher introduces a topic or problem area, and invites the group to consider methods of investigation and/or analysis. The session typically involves the researcher presenting an account of how the topic or problem was tackled in his or her own research programmes.
Advanced Qualitative Methods (HPSP03)
• The classes will concentrate on the philosophy of using statistics, together with practical advice concerning the use of statistical packages. Later sessions will introduce techniques for multivariate statistics. There is an emphasis on both underlying theory and on developing practical skills in the use of relevant statistical software (e.g. SPSS).
Key Skills for Psychology Researchers (PRMP04)
• This module consists of a combination of lectures, tutorials and seminars designed to provide training in a variety of academic skills, from ethics and professional conduct, giving good talks to designing effective posters. Sessions are provided by both the Department and by the Stirling Graduate Research School.
Research Dissertation Project (PRMP05)
• A research project conducted and reported to publishable standard in a 12,000 word (maximum word limit) dissertation in the style of an original research article. The project, supervised by an individual member of staff, represents a major part of the final MSc assessment.
Research Placement (PRMP08)
• Students spend four weeks working with an established research group (either within or external to the University) or another relevant organisation. The Research Placement offers the opportunity to develop skills and establish links with other departments, institutions or industries.
Qualitative Research Methods (HPSP03)
• This module provides a broad but solid grounding in qualitative methodology. There is an opportunity for students to explore different approaches and techniques, including qualitative data analysis. N.B. This course runs in the Spring Semester. If you plan to carry out fieldwork for your dissertation project, please see the course co-ordinator about alternative options as soon as possible (there may be an alternative qualitative methods course available in the Autumn.)
Research Methods in Cognition and Neuropsychology (PRMP06)
• A series of seminars/practicals covering methods used to study healthy adults, including computer based modelling, neuropsychological methods for brain injured patients and neuroimaging as a method for studying cognition.
OR
Perspectives in Health Psychology (HPSP01)
• This module allows students to critically evaluate core knowledge and develop a critical awareness and synthesis of different theoretical approaches to health, health behaviour and illness within health psychology.
OR
Approach to Illness, Disability and Coping (HPSP05)
• This module allows students to investigate ways in which health psychology approaches can be applied to critical understanding of specific illnesses and areas of disability. They also critically evaluate the role of interventions to improve well-being in relation to illness and disability.
Why Study at the University of Stirling?
Beautiful Campus
"Traditionally one of Scotland 's top universities, Stirling's campus is located in 310 acres of stunning countryside. Where else can you study on the shores of a loch, by an 18th Century castle, beneath rolling hills?" (The Guardian, 2004)
Highly rated for Teaching and Research
The University performs well in teaching and research assessments.
Stirling Graduate Research School
All research students can benefit from the training events and seminars organised by Stirling Graduate Rsearch School.
Great for Sport
The University has some of the finest sports facilities on a single site in the country, including the National Swimming Academy and the Gannochy National Tennis Centre
Arts Centre
With a lively programme of drama, dance, comedy, music and films, the recently refurbished MacRobert Arts Centre is based at the heart of the campus.
Supportive Staff
Highly qualified staff working in related areas of research supervise postgraduate students' work and offer advice and support.
An International Institution
Stirling is proud of its diverse international community and extends a warm welcome to students from all countries and of all nationalities.
Friendly Atmosphere
As a medium-sized, campus based University, Stirling has a strong community feel.
Ideal Location
The historic city of Stirling is a short bus ride from the University campus. The campus is also less than an hour from Glasgow and Edinburgh.
Who Should Apply?
• The normal minimum requirement is a 2.i Honours degree in Psychology, or an allied discipline or equivalent qualification.
• Applicants with other qualifications including relevant professional experience may be considered on the recommendation of the Course Director, for admission normally to the Diploma in the first instance.
• All applicants must be able to show operational command of English language at a level accepted by the University of Stirling.
Frequently Asked Questions
View
frequently asked questions regarding the course.
Contact Information
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