Research Methods (Developmental Psychology)

Entry requirements

2:1 in Psychology or Psychology related subject (or equivalent).

Months of entry

October

Course content

The MA in Research Methods (Developmental Psychology) is designed for students who plan to continue their graduate studies at PhD level in an area of developmental psychology, cognitive psychology, or social psychology. It is recognised by the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) as providing suitable training for this purpose, and the course is one of the named routes on the MA in Research Methods. It is a Social Sciences faculty degree that involves other departments within the University.

Students intending to have a career as a research psychologist need to acquire a high level of research skills at postgraduate level. Research methods training therefore forms a central part of the MA programme, including both quantitative and qualitative research methods. One third of the course is also devoted to the dissertation which may be carried out in any area of psychology related to development. The taught course modules include both generic and subject level components, providing an introduction to broad issues and methodological approaches in developmental psychology and the social sciences.

Course Structure

Teaching is generally organised into a number of 10 week course units involving 2 to 3 hours of lectures, seminars and workshops. Each 10 week unit is assessed by means of formative and summative assessments. The summative assessments count towards the final degree outcome. For the programme as a whole, the assessments include examinations, written assignments, oral presentations and the dissertation.

Core Modules

• Applied Statistics (30 credits)
• Perspectives on Social Research (15 credits)
• Qualitative Methods on Social Science (15 credits)
• Advanced Developmental Psychopathology Review (15 credits)
• Research Design in Child and Clinical Psychology (15 credits)
• Current Issues in Developmental Psychology and Psychopathology (30 credits)
• Dissertation (60 credits).

Information for international students

English Language requirements include an IELTS of 7.0 or above in all components (with no component under 6.5) or equivalent.

Fees and funding

https://www.dur.ac.uk/postgraduate/finance/funding/

Qualification and course duration

MA

Course contact details