Drawing on Plymouth's existing British Psychological Society (BPS) accredited programmes, you’ll gain access to the curriculum essential for obtaining GBC, a critical step in becoming a chartered psychologist. The programme includes a number of opportunities for advanced study. You’ll learn through an exciting blend of lectures and regular interaction with staff and fellow students, as well as through independent reading and research. You’re challenged to investigate classic and contemporary issues in the field of psychology at an intensive and analytical level. You’ll develop and carry out an independent research project under the supervision of a member of academic staff.
The course consists of synchronous and asynchronous materials. Each week students will have access to 2 hours of online pre-recorded content. Live teaching sessions will take place from 9-1pm UK time. All synchronous teaching material will be recorded and made accessible to students after each session.
The MSc is ideal for those wishing to make a career change into psychology or who have overseas qualifications and wish to convert their psychology degree into one approved by the BPS.
Core modules
Year 1
PSYC732
Biopsychosocial approaches to intervention in Psychology 20 credits
What makes a psychologically based intervention effective? This module covers a range of contemporary interventions for clinical psychological and behavioural problems, focusing on a critical analysis of the psychological mechanisms underlying interventions and explores how laboratory research can be translated into new interventions.
100% Coursework
PSYC735
Neuropsychology and Neuroscience: From lab to community 20 credits
To show how different cognitive science and neuroscience techniques can be used to advance understanding cognition and how this relates to neurological conditions. Students are introduced to a range of neuropsychological conditions including Acquired Brain Injuries, Parkinson’s and dementia and approaches to intervention from lab through to hospital and community settings.
100% Coursework
PSYC736
Becoming a Practitioner Psychologist 20 credits
This module provides foundational knowledge in the theory and practice of clinical psychology and other practitioner psychologist roles. The module introduces students to the social, cultural and legal context in which mental health professions operate.
100% Practicals
PSYC728
Brain Body and Pain
This module introduces students to the intrinsic links between body, brain and mind through a range of long-term conditions with both physical and psychological components, including cancer, functional conditions and endocrine disorders. Students will also learn about mechanisms of pain and the role of individual differences that impact on individuals with such long-term conditions.
Year 2
PSYC727
MSc Research Project 60 credits
Conducting research poses a unique set of challenges in clinical areas. This module supports students to tackle a small-scale research project and to analyse and report results.
90% Coursework 10% Practicals
PSYC733
Advanced Skills and Techniques for Psychological Research Part 1 20 credits
The module introduces students to a range of approaches to data collection including interviewing, surveys, computer programming, systematic reviewing and EEG. It also provides students with a grounding in core research skills such as writing, literature reviewing and conducting service evaluation.
100% Coursework
PSYC734
Advanced Skills and Techniques for Psychological Research Part 2 20 credits
The module introduces students to a range of approaches to data analytic and data handling methodologies including qualitative approaches such as thematic analysis and content analysis and methods of analysing and data handling approaches to quantitative data such as JAMOVI/JASP and excel. The module will also cover specific elements of analysis such as clinical significance, psychometrics and research dissemination through academic posters.
100% Coursework
