UNIVERSITY OF BRADFORD Faculty of Social Sciences
Division of Psychology
Programme title: MSc Psychology
Awarding and teaching
institution:
University of Bradford
Final award and interim
award(s):
MSc
Postgraduate Diploma.
Postgraduate Certificate.
[Framework for Higher Education
Qualifications level 7]
Programme title:
Psychology
Programme accredited by:
British Psychological Society
Duration:
1 year full-time
UCAS code
N/A
Relevant subject
benchmark statement(s):
FHEQ Level:
N/A
Date produced:
April 2008
Last updated :
July 2015
7
Introduction
The scientific and empirical study of psychology at undergraduate and
postgraduate levels allows the development of skills and knowledge relevant
to a wide variety of careers and professions. Whilst many students study
psychology as part of their undergraduate programmes, not all of these
provide eligibility for Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership with the
British Psychological Society.
This qualification is currently necessary for most postgraduate training in
professional psychology, for example, clinical psychology, educational
psychology, forensic psychology, health psychology, counselling psychology.
If you have not taken an accredited award in psychology you may undertake
what is commonly referred to as a ‘Conversion Award’. Such conversion
awards are normally defined as either Postgraduate Diploma, Graduate
Diploma or Master. As such these are not ‘traditional’ postgraduate
programmes in psychology but mean that you will follow a core syllabus in
psychology. If successful, you will be eligible for the Graduate Basis for
Chartered Membership with the British Psychological Society. In order for this
eligibility a minimum overall mark of 50% must be achieved.
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The Division of Psychology is located within the Faculty of Social Sciences
and offers a number of programmes at both undergraduate and
postgraduate level. Research is buoyant in the Division and focuses around
two main clusters: Applied Health and Social Psychology and a Bradford Brain
and Cognition Group. In this context, the Division places emphasis on both
teaching and research, believing the two activities to be interdependent.
Teaching is informed and supported by this commitment to research; the
Divisional staff bring expertise from their on-going academic research to the
lectures and laboratory classes.
Programme Aims
The programmes are intended to:
A1.
Equip you with the knowledge and skills required to allow you to
progress in further specialist and applied areas of psychology.
A2.
Facilitate an understanding of the main domains of the scientific
and empirical study of psychology, and a critical appreciation of
the contribution of psychology to understanding behaviour and
experience.
A3.
Provide the opportunity to engage in advanced theoretical
debates relevant to the understanding of contemporary issues in
society.
A4.
Produce psychologically literate graduates with an ability to
apply knowledge and practical skills in a variety of social
settings from the family home, to interpersonal relationships, in
public domains and in work/vocational activities.
A5.
Provide you with eligibility for Graduate Basis for Chartered
Membership with the British Psychological Society provided a
minimum overall mark of 50% is achieved.
A6.
Provide a supportive, structured environment in which you are
encouraged to develop independent learning skills.
A7.
Develop subject knowledge and understanding, and provide
education in discipline skills to enable you to pursue further
programmes of study or careers in areas where social science
skills are required or desirable.
A8.
Develop personal transferable skills to enable a significant
proportion of graduates to pursue further programmes of study
or professional careers.
Programme Learning Outcomes
Postgraduate Certificate
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LO1. Apply multiple perspectives to psychological to certain issues and
recognise that psychology involves a range of research methods, theories,
evidence.
LO2. Critically evaluate the contribution of different paradigms in psychology
to an understanding of behaviour and experience,
LO3. Integrate ideas and findings from a range of perspectives in relation to
contemporary debates in psychology, and critically consider the role of
psychology in contemporary society,
LO5. Critically consider certain theoretical positions in relation to
understanding behaviour and designing research,
LO6. Generate and explore hypotheses and research questions in class
exercises,
LO7. Design and implement empirical studies within class exercises,
LO8. Use a variety of psychological tools including specialist software,
LO9. Critically employ evidence based reasoning, to demonstrate analytical
thinking and theoretically informed argument in debates,
LO10. Demonstrate an understanding of ethical issues in psychology.
Postgraduate Diploma
The holders of a diploma will meet the Master’s learning outcomes, but
undertake fewer credit requirements as per the University regulations.
Master
When you have completed the programme you will be able to:
LO1.
Apply multiple perspectives to psychological issues recognizing
that psychology involves a range of research methods, theories,
evidence and applications, and critically reflect upon the
relationship between psychological theories and application to
contemporary social problems, issues and situations,
LO2.
Critically evaluate the contribution of different paradigms in
psychology to an understanding of behaviour and experience,
LO3.
Integrate ideas and findings from multiple perspectives in
relation to contemporary debates in psychology, and critically
consider the role of psychology in contemporary society,
LO4.
Demonstrate independent and original thought in relation to
theoretical and empirical psychology.
LO5.
Critically consider a range of ontological and epistemological
positions in relation to understanding behaviour and designing
research,
LO6.
Generate and explore hypotheses and research questions,
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LO7.
Design and implement empirical studies, using a range of
methods of data collection including experiments, observations,
psychometric tests, questionnaires, interviews, field studies,
LO8.
Use a variety of psychological tools including specialist software
and laboratory equipment,
LO9.
Critically employ evidence based reasoning, to demonstrate
analytical thinking and theoretically informed argument in
debates,
LO10.
Demonstrate an advanced understanding of ethical issues in
psychology.
Curriculum
As a student you will study all of the major areas in psychology, as required
by programmes accredited by the British Psychological Society. You will learn
how psychologists work and will acquire knowledge and skills that will
enable you to evaluate the claims of other researchers. You will explore the
possible links between biology and behaviour and become familiar with
issues concerning cognitive psychology and neuropsychology. You will study
attitudes and behaviour, attribution theory and critical social psychology.
You will consider development across the lifespan, examine the relationship
between language, thinking and cognition, and look at the theories of
personality and the basis of individual differences in personality and
intelligence.
You will also study the core compulsory elements of research design,
qualitative and quantitative methods and undertake a practical component of
empirical research in the PG Diploma Psychology and MSc Psychology.
Postgraduate Certificate in Psychological Studies [level 7]
If you accumulate 60 credits you will be eligible for a Postgraduate
Certificate in Psychological Studies. This award does not confer eligibility for
the Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership with the British Psychological
Society.
Module
Code
Module Title
Type
Credits
Level
Study
period
SY-7002D
Social Psychology
Core
20
7
1
SY-7003D
Cognitive Psychology II
Core
20
7
1
SY-7004D
Research Methods in Psychology
Core
20
7
1
SY-7001D
Developmental Psychology
Core
20
7
2
SY7005M
Psychobiology and Neuroscience
Core
10
7
2
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SY7006M
Personality and Individual
Differences
Core
10
7
2
20
7
2
Postgraduate Diploma in Psychology, level 7
As above 100 credits, plus
SY-7007D
Psychology Project
Core
If you choose to study for the Postgraduate Diploma in Psychology you will
undertake a total of 120 credits, including the 20 credit Psychology Project
module. The Postgraduate Diploma in Psychology confers eligibility for the
Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership with the British Psychological
Society provided a minimum overall mark of 50% is achieved.
MSc Psychology, level 7
If you choose to study for the MSc in Psychology you will undertake a total of
180 credits. You will not undertake the 20 credit Psychology Project module,
but will study one 20 credit optional module at level six and a 60 credit
Psychology Master Dissertation module. The MSc in Psychology confers
eligibility for the Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership with the British
Psychological Society provided a minimum overall mark of 50% is achieved.
MSc Psychology [level 7]
Module
Code
Module Title
Type
Credits
Level
Study
period
SY-7002D
Social Psychology
Core
20
7
1
SY-7003D
Cognitive Psychology II
Core
20
7
1
SY-7004D
Research Methods in Psychology
Core
20
7
1
SY-7001D
Developmental Psychology
Core
20
7
2
SY7005M
Psychobiology and Neuroscience
Core
10
7
2
SY7006M
Personality and Individual
Differences
Core
10
7
2
SY-6006D
The Psychology of Health and
Eating
Option
20
6
2
SY-6002D
Forensic Psychology
Option
20
6
2
SY-7008Z
Psychology Dissertation
Core
60
7
3
Postgraduate Diploma in Psychological Studies (Level 7)
If you accumulate 120 credits, but not including the 20 credit Psychology
Project (SY-7007D) or the 60 credit MSc dissertation module (SY-7008Z) you
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will be eligible for the Postgraduate Diploma in Psychological Studies. This
exit award does not confer eligibility for the Graduate Basis for Chartered
Membership with the British Psychological Society.
The curriculum may change, subject to the University's programme approval,
monitoring and review procedures.
Teaching and Assessment Strategies
The teaching, learning and assessment strategies are based on the
programme and module learning outcomes and the need for appropriate
independent study at this level. Teaching on the programme includes
lectures, small group seminars, workshops and laboratory-based practicals.
Modules are assessed by a variety of means including essays, practical
assessments, laboratory reports, case studies and presentations. Formative
assessment in every module will give you the opportunity to reflect upon and
develop academic skills. For example in SY-7002D Social Psychology, you
will have on line tests and structured sets of questions in the laboratory
classes to enable feedback to be provided. In SY-7004D Research Methods in
Psychology, feedback will be provided to you as you complete the workbook
over the first semester. In conjunction with your personal tutor, the module
tutor and the programme leader you will be encouraged to reflect on
assignment feedback and improve your techniques.
The Psychology Project module, or the Psychology Master Dissertation, offers
you the opportunity to carry out an empirical piece of research investigating
one area in depth, using the skills developed during the programme. This
study will help to further develop your skills to work independently and
rigorously, whilst benefiting from the support of a member of staff with
experience in a similar area.
In terms of the Psychology Project or MSc Dissertation you will be able to
choose an area of psychology you wish to research. This will reflect the
diversity of the core psychology curriculum and staff expertise.
You will explore theories in current debates, and develop experience and
confidence to make a considered contribution to an argument. You will
develop discipline skills that can be applied to either your personal or
professional expertise. Throughout the programme , you will acquire skills in
knowledge acquisition, presentation, discussion and debate that will be
useful in your career progression. Assessment will usually foreground
written expression of your skills, through essays, examinations or journal
writing. You will also develop skills in presenting research findings and in
the production of laboratory reports. Assessment criteria are transparent and
published.
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Assessment Regulations
This Programme conforms to the standard University Assessment
Regulations for Postgraduate Programmes which are available at the
following link:
http://www.bradford.ac.uk/aqpo/ordinances-and-regulations/
Admission Requirements
The University welcomes applications from all potential students regardless
of their previous academic experience; offers are made following detailed
consideration of each individual application. Most important in the decision
to offer a place is our assessment of a candidate’s potential to benefit from
their studies and of their ability to succeed on this particular programme.
Entrance requirements for each programme will vary but consideration of
your application will be based on a combination of your formal academic
qualifications and other relevant experience.
If you have prior certificated learning or professional experience which may
be equivalent to parts of this programme, the University has procedures to
evaluate this learning in order to provide you with exemptions from specified
modules contained within the curriculum. Please talk to us if you do not fit
the standard pattern of entry qualifications.
We are continually reviewing and developing our practices and policies to
make the University more inclusive, but if you are disabled we may need to
make some adjustments to make sure that you are not disadvantaged. We
would advise you to contact the programme leader before you apply to
discuss these.
. A typical successful application would have one of the following:


A degree in Psychology which has not been accredited by the BPS
A degree in a subject other than Psychology with at least 60 credits in
Psychology or equivalent
This qualification is specifically designed for you if you have some
background in Psychology but have not gained a British Psychological
Society (BPS) accredited Psychology undergraduate degree. This conversion
award enables you to demonstrate the core competencies required by the
BPS, and allows you upon graduation to access a career path in further
professional psychology.
However, the BPS is a British organisation, so this conversion qualification is
not usually relevant for international students unless you intend to gain
employment in a relevant field in the UK.
Learning Resources
The JB Priestley Library on the city campus and our specialist library in the
Faculty of Management and Law provide a wide range of printed and
electronic resources to support your studies. We offer quiet study space if
you want to work on your own, and group study areas for the times when
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you need to discuss work with fellow students. Subject librarians for each
Faculty provide training sessions and individual guidance in finding the
information you need for your assignment, and will help you organise your
references properly.
Student PC clusters can be found in both our libraries and elsewhere on the
campus. Many of these are open 24/7. You can also use the University's
wireless network to access the internet from your own laptop. Most of our
journals are available online (both on and off campus), and you can also
access your University email account, personal information and programmerelated materials this way.
Staff are on hand during the daytime to help you if you get stuck, and there
is a 24/7 IT helpline available.
Psychology has a range of dedicated learning resources. These include a
Iarge Psychology Computer Laboratory where there are 45 computers, each
with specialist psychology software including SPSS (Statistical Package for
Social Scientists) and experiment generators (E Prime).
The Social and Developmental Psychology Laboratory offers both students
and staff excellent facilities to observe and analyse human behaviour (e.g.
group processes, parent-child interactions). This laboratory has state-of-theart equipment with one-way mirrors, digital speakers and 360-degree
tracking digital cameras. Facilities for digitally recording, editing and
analysing observation data are also a feature of the social and developmental
laboratory. This laboratory also has a fully-equipped interview suite where
you are able to develop skills and undertake qualitative interviews.
The Experimental Psychology Laboratory includes 12 fully-equipped testing
rooms designed for cognitive research. Each testing room has a networked
PC loaded with specialist software used in the investigation of cognitive
processes. These rooms are also used for biopsychology where you are able
to measure heart rate, galvanic skin response and brain waves (EEG) using
the Biopac System.
The Speech and Language Laboratory houses a sound-proofed booth and has
a dedicated audio-processing computer and two data collection stations. The
Eating Behaviour Laboratory has equipment that enables you to measure
body composition (e.g. body mass index, % body fat and visceral fat level,
lean body mass, predicted bone mass).
The Psychology Teaching Laboratory enables students to be taught specific
research skills in a fully equipped space with a staging area for research and
individual workstations. The laboratory accommodates small groups where
you are given individual support with practical work. Dedicated
Psychological Learning Support Officers are available to assist with technical
issues.
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Student Support and Guidance
Programme Team
Support for you personally and in your programme of study, will be provided
both by the University and the Programme Team. You will be allocated a
personal tutor who is someone with whom you will be able to talk about any
academic or personal concerns. The Faculty will ensure that there is
someone available with whom you feel comfortable to help and support you.
You will be provided with a comprehensive series of handbooks that you can
consult on a range of learning issues and your programme tutors will be
available to consult on subject specific queries.
Students’ Union
We value the feedback provided by students and collaborate with the
Students’ Union, through a system of student representatives and formal
staff student liaison committees, so that any issues you wish to raise are
addressed rapidly.
The Students’ Union provide professional academic representation and
advice. The Students’ Union and the University of Bradford work in
partnership to provide confidential counselling and welfare services where
you can get help with any aspect of your personal or academic life. Student
Financial and Information Services (part of the Hub) will provide you with
information about a diverse range of issues such as council tax, personal
safety and tourist information. International Students can access a range of
additional advice and support services through the Students’ Union.
Employability and Career Development
The University is committed to helping students develop and enhance their
employability profile, commitment towards a career pathway(s) and to
implementing a career plan.
Professional career guidance and development support is available
throughout your time as a student and as a graduate from Career
Development Services. The support available from Career Development
Services includes a wide range of information resources, one to one
appointments, a weekly workshop programme, a mentoring programme,
graduate recruitment and careers fairs, plus information and help to you find
part time work, summer work placements, internship programmes and
graduate/postgraduate entry vacancies. In addition, some students will
receive seminars and workshops delivered by Career Development Services
as part of their programme of study. All students are encouraged to access
Career Development Services at an early stage during their studies and to
use the extensive resources available on their web site
www.careers.brad.ac.uk.
Career Development Services annually undertakes a survey of all
postgraduates to find out their destination six months after graduation. The
survey gathers data on the employment and further study routes graduates
have entered and a range of other information including job roles, name and
location of employers, salary details etc. The survey findings for each
© University of Bradford
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programme of study are presented on the programme information pages on
the University website and via Career Development Services’ website
www.careers.brad.ac.uk
The Division of Psychology addresses employability through a structured
system of Personal Development Planning (PDP) which includes:

A personal tutorial system

Employability seminars

Career talks
This process is designed to mentor you through a process of planning and
preparing for the next step in their career. If you are undertaking a
‘conversion’ award you will often have an idea of your career aspirations,
however everyone is encouraged to take the opportunity to engage with the
process of PDP in order to develop knowledge and skills relating to
employability.
Academic Skills Advice Service
For postgraduate students on taught programmes who are looking to
improve their marks during their time at university, study skills and maths
advice is available to all regardless of degree discipline. Students can access
a programme of interactive workshops and clinics which is delivered
throughout the year. This is in addition to our extremely popular face-to-face
guidance from our advisers, who also offer a wide range of online and paper
based materials for self-study.
http://www.bradford.ac.uk/academic-skills
Disability
Disabled students will find a supportive environment at Bradford where we
are committed to ensuring that all aspects of student life are accessible to
everyone. The Disability Service can help by providing support, advice and
equipment to help you get the most out of your time at Bradford. It is a place
where you can discuss any concerns you may have about adjustments that
you may need, whether these relate to study, personal care or other
issues. For more information contact the Disability Service by phoning:
01274 233739 or via email: disabilities@bradford.ac.uk
University policies and initiatives
Learning and Teaching
Our University approach to learning, teaching and assessment is
encapsulated by an integrated set of themes and principles within our
Curriculum Framework. All of our programmes have been designed to
provide you with an inclusive and engaging learning environment which
gives you the opportunity to thrive and develop in your area of study. Our
research-informed programmes have a particular focus on developing your
employability. We also place a strong emphasis on collaborative, real-world
and enquiry-based learning, supported by appropriate learning technologies.
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Our assessment is designed not just to measure your achievement, but also
to shape and guide your learning through preparing you for the increasing
level of challenge as you progress through your degree. Together, these lead
to you developing a distinctive set of postgraduate attributes which will
prepare you for life beyond university.
Ecoversity
Ecoversity is a strategic project of the University which aims to embed the
principles of sustainable development into our decision-making, learning and
teaching, research activities campus operations and lives of our staff and
students. We do not claim to be a beacon for sustainable development but
we aspire to become a leading University in this area. The facilities we create
for teaching and learning, including teaching spaces, laboratories, IT labs
and social spaces, will increasingly reflect our commitments to sustainable
development. Staff and student participation in this initiative is crucial to its
success and its inclusion in the programme specification is a clear signal that
it is at the forefront of our thinking in programme development, delivery,
monitoring and review.
In your programme you will find these principles underlie the teaching
learning and assessment strategies. ESD is integrated within the programme
aims enabling you to develop specific skills while also gaining a broad
understanding of how values such as equality and respect are moblised
within the discipline of psychology. In addition there are modules in which
the themes and issues of ESD are particularly exemplified, such as:


SY-7006M, Personality and Individual Differences where you will
consider a range of theoretical explanations for difference and
diversity; examining how these both contribute to and come into
conflict with the values that underlie ESD. You will be expected to
think critically about the opportunities and possibilities for bringing
about behaviour change.
As part of your research methods training on SY-7004D, Research
Methods in Psychology you will also need to think carefully about the
ethical undertaking of research working with others to negotiate and
appropriately resolve problems that inevitably arise when undertaking
research with human participants.
We are also committed in SSIS to giving you opportunities to engage in
debates about the meaning and future of Sustainable Development, as well
as in the practice of ESD, for example, through volunteering on and off
campus, by taking action in a series of activities as a Faculty.
For more details see www.bradford.ac.uk/ecoversity/
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Further Information:
For further information, please check the University prospectus or contact
Admissions.
The Admissions Office
The University of Bradford
Richmond Road
Bradford, BD7 1DP
UK
The Admissions Office
Faculty of Social Sciences
The University of Bradford
Richmond Road
Bradford, BD7 1DP
UK
+44 (0)1274 233054
+44 (0)1274 234198/5255
http://www.brad.ac.uk/courses/ http://www.brad.ac.uk/psychology
The contents of this programme specification may change, subject to the
University's regulations and programme approval, enhancement and review
procedures.
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Appendices: PG Diploma in Psychology/MSc in Psychology
1. Programme Learning Outcomes
Level
Code
Title
Type
LO
1
LO2
LO
3
LO4
LO
5
LO
6
7
SY-7002D
Social Psychology
Core
A
A
A
A
A
7
SY-7003D
Cognitive Psychology II
Core
A
A
A
A
7
SY-7004D
Research Methods in Psychology
Core
A
A
A
7
SY-7001D
Developmental Psychology
Core
A
A
7
SY-7005M
Psychobiology and Neuroscience
Core
A
7
SY-7006M
Personality & Individual Differences
Core
7
SY-7007D
Research Project in Psychology
7
SY-7008Z
6
SY-6006D
6
SY-6002D
LO8
LO
9
LO10
S
S
S
A
A
S
A
A
A
S
A
A
A
S
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
S
A
S
S
A
S
A
A
A
A
S
A
S
S
A
S
A
Core Diploma
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
Psychology Dissertation
Core - MSc
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
Psychology of Health and Eating
Option MSc
A
A
A
A
A
S
S
A
S
A
Option MSc
A
A
A
A
A
A
Forensic Psychology
LO7
S
Notes
A = this outcome is formally assessed in the module
S = this outcome is explicitly supported in the learning and teaching but is not formally assessed
© University of Bradford
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2. Teaching Map
Leve
l
Code
Title
Type
1
2
3
4
7
SY-7004D
Research Methods in Psychology
Core
x
x
x
x
7
SY-7002D
Social Psychology
Core
x
x
x
7
SY-7003D
Cognitive Psychology II
Core
x
x
x
7
SY-7001D
Developmental Psychology
Core
x
x
x
7
SY-7005M
Psychobiology and Neuroscience
Core
x
x
7
SY-7006M
Personality & Individual Differences
Core
x
x
x
6
SY-6006D
Psychology of Health and Eating
Option - MSc
x
x
6
SY-6002D
x
x
Option - MSc
x
5
6
7
8
x
x
x
x
x
x
Forensic Psychology
7
SY-7007D
Research Project in Psychology
Core - Diploma
7
SY-7008Z
Psychology Dissertation
Core - MSc
x
Teaching and Learning Methods
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
Lab Classes/Simulations
Lectures
Seminars/Workshops
Library/Computer Sessions
Presentations
Supervision/Tutorials
Group Work/Discussions
Online Exam
© University of Bradford
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3. Assessment Map
Level
Code
Title
Type
1
2
7
SY-7004D
Research Methods in Psychology
Core
X
7
SY-7002D
Social Psychology
Core
X
7
SY-7003D
Cognitive Psychology II
Core
7
SY-7001D
Developmental Psychology
Core
7
SY-7005M
Psychobiology and Neuroscience
Core
X
7
SY-7006M
Personality & Individual Differences
Core
X
6
SY-6006D
Psychology of Health and Eating
Option - MSc
x
6
SY-6002D
Option - MSc
x
3
4
5
6
7
X
X
x
x
x
x
x
x
Forensic Psychology
7
SY-7007D
Research Project in Psychology
Core - Diploma
x
x
7
SY-7008Z
Psychology Dissertation
Core - MSc
x
x
Methods of Assessment
1. Coursework/Essay/Research Article Assessment
2. Exam
3. MCQ Exam/Class Test
4. Portfolio
5. Presentation
6. Data Task/Lab Report
7. Dissertation
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