Psychological Research Methods: Psychology of Faces

Psychology is a broad discipline addressing a wide range of questions and employing an equally wide range of methods.

Programme Objectives

This programme aims to facilitate understanding of this diverse subject, whilst allowing students to focus the majority of their efforts in face research, an area for which Psychology at Stirling has long been internationally renowned.

Entrance Requirements

Consideration is given to candidates with a first or second class single or joint Honours degree in Psychology (or a closely related subject).

English Language Requirements

If English is not your first language, you must provide evidence of your  proficiency such as a minimum IELTS score of 6.5 (minimum 6 in each skill), or  TOEFL: Listening 23, Reading 23, Speaking 23, Writing 23.

Funding

information on possible sources of funding

September

Structure and Content

The programme consists of a number of different modules designed to provide training in the fundamentals of research methods. They emphasise different types of skills, from explicit hand-on demonstrations of tools, to discussion of different approaches to research. Students may select some alternative modules from the other taught MSc programmes at the discretion of the Programme Coordinator.

This programme includes the following modules:

• Psychology of faces: A series of seminars will address both theoretical and practical issues relating to the study of the face, including face perception, face recognition and the role of emotional expressions and gaze in face processing. Students will also be expected to participate in regular research group meetings, in which they will hear about the current work of staff and other graduate students
• Psychological Research Methods I and II: These modules cover a wide range of techniques used in psychological research and to demonstrate these techniques in relation to topics in a range of areas.
• Advanced Statistics: This module assumes a reasonable knowledge of statistics, although an additional introductory module is available for those who wish. The main statistics teaching is aimed at introducing advanced methods such as multivariate statistics and at the rationale of using statistical methods.
• Key Skills for Psychology Researchers: This module focuses on the research process, including ethical reviews, professional conduct and disseminating research. 
• Qualitative Research Methods: This module provides a broad but solid grounding in qualitative research methodology.

Dissertation

For those who go onto the MSc, approximately half of your time is devoted to a research project, leading to a 12,000-word dissertation.

Delivery and Assessment

Teaching is delivered using a variety of methods including tutorials, demonstrations and practical classes, but the majority is seminar-based. Students are typically taught within small groups in specialist classes, with first-year PhD students or other postgraduate students (for example, in modules from other MSc programmes).

Both taught and research postgraduates are integral to our research group and expected to participate in our regular meetings. All students allocated a peer mentor are provided with appropriate office space and equipment. In addition, each student is associated with an academic from Psychology.

Part-time students take the same modules spread over two years.

Timetable

Contact the School for information on your timetable and reading lists.

RAE Rating

70 percent of research in Psychology at Stirling was recognised as being of a quality that is internationally recognised in terms of originality, significance and rigour in the most recent Research Assessment Exercise (RAE).

Career Opportunities

The programme aims to provide advanced training as a preparation for a career involving face research. It is intended primarily for students intending to proceed to a PhD in Psychology, who already have a degree in Psychology or an allied discipline.