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PS40172: Advanced psychology dissertation

[Page last updated: 04 August 2021]

Academic Year: 2021/2
Owning Department/School: Department of Psychology
Credits: 30 [equivalent to 60 CATS credits]
Notional Study Hours: 600
Level: Masters UG & PG (FHEQ level 7)
Period:
Academic Year
Assessment Summary: CW 10%, DS 70%, OR 20%
Assessment Detail:
  • Oral Presentation (OR 20%)
  • Lay Summary (CW 10%)
  • Dissertation (DS 70%)
Supplementary Assessment:
Like-for-like reassessment (where allowed by programme regulations)
Requisites: Before taking this module you must take PS30094 OR take PS30155
Aims: To plan, execute and report a piece of original empirical research in psychology.

Learning Outcomes: Be able to conduct an individual piece of psychological research
Be able to analyse data and to recognise the strengths and limitations of the methods used.
Be able to write an advanced psychology dissertation
Be able to present effectively an oral report of on-going research.
Be able to reflect on the principles of research design and appreciate alternative approaches to research;
Be able to reflect on alternative epistemological positions that provide the context for theory construction, research design and the selection of appropriate analytical techniques

Skills: Can demonstrate originality in the application of knowledge, together with a practical understanding of how established techniques of research and enquiry are used to create and interpret knowledge in psychology
Can evaluate critically current research and advanced scholarship in Psychology
Can evaluate methodologies and develop critiques of them and, where appropriate, to propose new hypotheses.
Can deal with complex issues both systematically and creatively, make sound judgements in the absence of complete data, and communicate their conclusions clearly to specialist and non-specialist audiences
Can demonstrate self-direction and originality in tackling and solving problems, and act autonomously in planning and implementing tasks at a professional or equivalent level
Can continue to advance their knowledge and understanding, and to develop new skills to a high level.
Can undertake self-directed study and project management in order to meet desired objectives.
Can take charge of their own learning, and can reflect and evaluate personal strengths and weaknesses for the purposes of future learning.
Can exercise initiative and personal responsibility
Can undertake decision-making in complex and unpredictable situations
Can engage in independent learning ability required for continuing professional development.

Content: The advanced psychology dissertation is conducted over two semesters.
At the end of semester 1, the assessment is an oral presentation of work to date.
At the end of semester 2, the assessed work is the psychology dissertation and press release.
Students are required to design the study, carry out data collection and analysis, and write a critical discussion.

Programme availability:

PS40172 is a Designated Essential Unit on the following programmes:

Department of Psychology

Notes:

  • This unit catalogue is applicable for the 2021/22 academic year only. Students continuing their studies into 2022/23 and beyond should not assume that this unit will be available in future years in the format displayed here for 2021/22.
  • Programmes and units are subject to change in accordance with normal University procedures.
  • Availability of units will be subject to constraints such as staff availability, minimum and maximum group sizes, and timetabling factors as well as a student's ability to meet any pre-requisite rules.
  • Find out more about these and other important University terms and conditions here.