Course summary
This masters degree provides a valuable opportunity to gain an advanced understanding of a range of areas in psychology, including cognitive, social, forensic and counselling psychology. You'll develop critical appraisal skills in the evaluation of psychological research and practice. You will also gain an understanding of the reciprocal relationship psychological research has with medicine, public policy, public opinion and the media. Completing this rigorous masters degree will enable you to source, select and review psychological research independently, evaluate its relevance for complex real life issues, assess its validity, and clearly communicate your findings to a range of different audiences. Key features of the course
- Enhances your analytical and communication skills, as well as developing research literacy skills
- Bespoke teaching materials and experienced tutors guide you through fascinating, cutting-edge topics and research
- Relevant for existing professionals or those wishing to pursue a career in all areas of public policy, social justice, management, the health services and marketing.
Modules
To gain this qualification, you'll study two compulsory modules. These are 'Principles of social and psychological inquiry' (DD801) and 'Evaluating psychology: research and practice' (DD803).
Assessment method
Assessment is via tutor-marked assignments and end-of-module assessments, including a substantial dissertation project in which you can choose your own relevant subject specialism. There will be low-weighted group tasks and assessments requiring non-academic styles of presentation (including blog and wikis). Overall, there is an emphasis on the selection (from diverse electronic sources), evaluation and use of material from a range of sources including original academic texts.
Entry requirements
You must hold a UK honours degree (2:2 at least) or equivalent to be accepted for the MSc in Psychology. Your first degree need not be in psychology, but you must have the skills expected of a social sciences graduate. All students will begin the masters degree with the postgraduate foundation module, Principles of social and psychological inquiry (DD801). This module will help equip you with the requisite skills needed to undertake postgraduate-level study, but it does not offer remedial training for those with an unsuitable bachelors degree or inadequate experience.
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
No fee information has been provided for this course
Additional fee information
As fees for individual modules can vary, the total cost you pay for your qualification depends on the modules you choose to study. For further information about fees, please refer to the course description on The Open University website.
Provider information
Open University
Student Recruitment Team
PO Box 197
Milton Keynes
MK7 6BJ