MSc Psychology

University of Hertfordshire

The module reviews fundamental concepts and addresses current developments in developmental, social psychology, personality psychology and individual differences, developing students' ability to critically review pertinent literature. This is a double module, taught over both Semesters A and B typically in 10-week blocks and provides integrated coverage of these areas. In developmental psychology, emphasis is typically on nature vs. nurture, infant brain and abilities, social and emotional development, cognitive development and neurodiversity. The social psychology component focuses on how individuals think about and relate to others, addressing topics such as stereotypes, intergroup relations, and social influences on behaviour. The personality and individual differences component examines psychological theories relating to individual differences, methods related to personality measurement, intelligence and mental health.

This module introduces students to a critical analysis of the historical background of many current areas of investigation in psychology alongside contemporary topics, with special reference to important conceptual issues in the field of Psychology. Students will develop debating skills through the group debate, and self-reflection skills through reflecting on their performance during the debate.

The module provides a critical introduction to Cognitive Neuroscience. Aspects of the organisation and function of the brain systems will be considered. A contemporary and integrated perspective will be offered on the possible relationships between brain and selected aspects of cognition.

The aim of this module is to introduce and develop those skills that are core to using quantitative data in psychology. The module will focus on developing students' conceptual understanding of statistics and develop their capacity to use a range of statistical methods, from descriptive to inferential. The module will also focus on advancing students' ability to carry out statistical analyses using specialist software (such as SPSS) and report statistical findings using conventional formats in psychology.

The module aims to develop students skills in formulating, executing, and reporting results of well-designed investigations of psychological phenomena. Investigations will be based on psychological theory, employ a range of well-established methods and will require the skilled execution of practical techniques and data presentation. Students will be expected to master the theory of basic experimental design and qualitative methodology. Ethical considerations relevant to the conduct of investigations with human participants will be emphasised. Students will develop collaborative skills in working as a small group to produce a formative assignment to develop their knowledge and understanding of conducting and reporting experiments.

Students will develop, under the supervision of an appropriate member of staff as their project supervisor, a research question which they will investigate by designing and undertaking a research study. Support will be given with dedicated lectures, workshops and individual meetings with the project supervisor.