What you will study
This module is the second part of the MSc in Psychology (Conversion) and will continue to introduce you to a range of aspects of the core curriculum which underpins Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (GBC) with the British Psychological Society. The topics covered include intelligence, personality, attitudes, motivation, attachment, early experiences, social relationships, moral development and gender development. Throughout all topics, there are references made to real-world applications using engaging current literature and case studies to bring the content to life. The module draws on a range of voices to encourage critical thought and debate, and issues around diversity will be directly embedded into the curriculum.
The module is comprised of three study blocks, with the first two being theoretical content and research methods, which will prepare you for the project block.
Block 1 focuses on individual differences in psychology. This includes chapters on intelligence, looking at how intelligence is defined and measured and the implications of the tests used; Personality, exploring how we measure personality and the influence it has on aspects such as leadership, the workplace and creativity; attitude development and the impact on an individual’s behaviour; and why individuals differ in motivation.
Block 2 explores aspects of developmental psychology. You'll look at cognitive and social development across the lifespan from babies to older age. You'll consider the influence of attachment and social relationships in childhood and adulthood, learning difficulties and diversity, moral development in children, and the development of gender identity.
Running alongside the theoretical material, you'll have the chance to develop your research skills and apply these to the topics you are studying. Each week will include an in-depth look at the different perspectives taken in psychological research and draw on examples from theory to illustrate where our psychological knowledge comes from. On completion of the first two blocks, you will have developed the skills to carry out your own independent piece of research.
Block 3 is devoted to the completion of an independent piece of research and culminates in the submission of a dissertation. Throughout this block, you’ll be supported to develop a research question and design a project to collect and analyse data whilst considering the ethical implications of your proposed work. You’ll have the opportunity to develop your skills in your chosen methodology and technique of analysis; you’ll be supported throughout to use relevant specialist software packages where necessary. At the end of the module, you will produce a dissertation presenting your research findings.
You will learn
On successful completion of this module, you’ll have:
- an advanced understanding of some of the core domains within psychology as specified by the relevant professional bodies
- demonstrated a critical understanding of the types of evidence and research methods used in psychology
- an awareness of the importance of ethical issues in the practice of psychology and apply such knowledge in the critical review of published research and in the design of original projects.
- critically examined how psychological theories and research methodologies are used in practice or professional contexts
- demonstrated the appropriate skills to design, undertake and write up an independent piece of research.