Psychology - Applied Psychology (Psychological Research Methods)

Course details

Skills in research methodology are a prerequisite for all psychology professions, and they constitute a key set of skills that set psychologists apart in the wider workplace. The complexity and breadth of methodologies available to psychologists has grown beyond what can be reasonably taught at an undergraduate level. This MA is designed to help students to appreciate the breadth and scope of psychological research design and technique and to provide them with the knowledge and skill required to develop viable and robust research programmes in a variety of contexts.

This Master’s programme is designed for students who wish to pursue careers or further training in any area in which psychology plays a part but it is particularly geared towards those with a research orientation. The School of Applied Psychology has expertise in Measurement and Qualitative and Quantitative Methodologies, but a particular strength is the focus on applied and applicable research.

Course Details

The MA in Applied Psychology (Psychological Research Methods) covers qualitative and quantitative methodologies, advanced data analysis, psychological measurement as well as offering a wide range of elective modules including research in commercial settings, internet research and psychophysiological methods.

The course will primarily target students who are preparing for further professional or postgraduate training although students with a substantive interest in methodology will also be sought.

Graduates of this programme will be eligible to apply to pursue studies at doctoral level in the School of Applied Psychology or elsewhere.

This course provides a solid foundation for students wishing to progress to a professional career in Psychology (including Clinical, Educational, Occupational, Forensic etc.).

On completing the programme it is expected that graduates will be able to:

• Critically appraise psychological research in practice
• Develop viable research programmes in a wide variety of settings
• Successfully implement research designed by self and others
• Carry out data analysis in a wide range of contexts both qualitative and quantitative
• Manifest a breadth and depth knowledge in the area of research design

In Part I students take 60 credits consisting of core and elective modules.  In Part II students complete a Research Dissertation (30 Credits).  Although students must complete Part I before progressing to Part II, work on the research dissertation commences at the start of your course under the supervision of a member of staff.

• Part I:  Core modules include, Fundamental Research Methods, Advanced Research Methods and Data Analysis, Computational Data Analysis, Psychological Testing and Assessment, Methods of Investigation.
• Part I:  Elective modules are selected by students from a range offered in a variety of substantive areas.  The modules offered may change from time to time but the following are typical of those offered.  Research in commercial settings, Researching Online, Critical Issues, Issues in Clinical Psychology, Special Educational Needs, Developmental Psychology.

Students who successfully complete 60 credits in Part I, whom do not wish to progress to Part II may exit with a PG Diploma in Applied Psychology (Psychological Research Methods)

Part II:   Research Dissertation (30 Credits) 

Detailed Entry Requirements

Applicants will be short listed for the programme based on the following criteria:

1. Academic record

• i) An honours undergraduate degree in Psychology that satisfies the eligibility requirements of the Psychological Society of Ireland;
• ii) A 2H1 degree is required but consideration will be given to 2H2 candidates where, for example, an applicant has relevant work experience or has performed impressively in another Master's degree acceptable to the School selection committee

2. Personal statement

Each candidate will supply a personal statement conveying:

• i) Reasons for applying to the programme.

3. The name of a Referee will be required and may be contacted.

Eligible candidates may be interviewed.

Assessment

Modules are assessed though a variety of methods including statistical reports, qualitative reports, in-class tests, research proposals, portfolios, essays and some end of year examinations (for some elective modules). Students are also required to complete a Research Dissertation which comprises a report to professional standards of 15,000 words (not including technical appendices, if any). A fully documented presentation to an audience of peers and experts lasting approximately 30 minutes will also take place. For a full description of the assessment for each module please refer to the Book of Modules.