Developmental Psychology in Research and Practice MSc - 2019/0

Awarding body

University of Surrey

Teaching institute

University of Surrey

Framework

FHEQ Level 7

Final award and programme/pathway title

MSc Developmental Psychology in Research and Practice

Subsidiary award(s)

Award Title
PGDip Developmental Psychology in Research and Practice
PGCert Psychology

Modes of study

Route code Credits and ECTS Credits
Full-time PLD61023 180 credits and 90 ECTS credits
Part-time PLD61024 180 credits and 90 ECTS credits

QAA Subject benchmark statement (if applicable)

Psychology

Other internal and / or external reference points

BPS Core Subject Knowledge in Psychology

Faculty and Department / School

Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences - Psychology

Programme Leader

GILLIGAN-LEE Katie (Psychology)

Date of production/revision of spec

22/11/2021

Educational aims of the programme

  • Fundamental scientific understanding of the mind, behaviour and experiences and the complex interactions between these within the context of human development (MSc)
  • Ability to present multiple perspectives in a way to foster critical thinking and evaluation of research (MSc)
  • Provide a thorough understanding of scientific theory application to a range of experiences and behaviours in real life (MSc)
  • Ability to show deepened understanding of the role of empirical evidence in the creation and constraint of theory, and also in how theory guides the collection, analysis and interpretation of empirical data (MSc)
  • Acquisition and knowledge of a range of research skills and methods for investigating experience and behaviour in developmental psychology, culminating in an ability to conduct research independently (MSc)
  • Develop scientific psychological knowledge, leading to an ability to appreciate and critically evaluate theory, research findings, and application to developmental psychology settings (MSc)
  • Ability to show insightful and clearly articulated reflections on practice in developmental psychology settings, including improving own practice through observation and reflection (MSc)
  • Principle scientific understanding of the mind, behaviour and experiences and the complex interactions between these (PG Dip)
  • Ability to present multiple perspectives in a way to foster critical thinking and evaluation of research (PG Dip)
  • Understanding of the role of empirical evidence in the creation and constraint of theory, and also in how theory guides the collection, analysis and interpretation of empirical data (PG Dip)
  • Acquisition and knowledge of a range of research skills and methods for investigating experience and behaviour (PG Dip)
  • Develop scientific psychological knowledge, leading to an ability to appreciate and critically evaluate theory, research findings, and application (PG Dip)
  • Ability to discuss practice in developmental psychology settings, including good reflections concerning own personal and professional development (PG Dip)
  • Scientific understanding of the mind, behaviour and experiences and the complex interactions between these to developmental psychology settings (PG Cert)
  • Detailed knowledge of selected areas of psychology (PG Cert)
  • Understanding of scientific theory application to a range of experiences and behaviours in real life (PG Cert)
  • Understanding of the role of empirical evidence in the creation and constraint of theory, and also in how theory guides the collection, analysis and interpretation of empirical data (PG Cert)
  • Acquisition and knowledge of research skills and methods for investigating experience and behaviour in psychology (PG Cert)
  • Develop psychological knowledge, leading to an ability to appreciate and critically evaluate theory, research findings, and application (PG Cert)
  • Ability to discuss practice in psychology settings (PG Cert)

Programme learning outcomes

Attributes Developed Awards Ref.
A critical understanding of a number of elements of developmental psychology and the ability to assess their relevance in the understanding of the contemporary world K PGCert, PGDip, MSc
A reflective understanding of the main theoretical perspectives and debates of developmental psychology and their relevance to a range of areas K PGCert, PGDip, MSc
An ability to identify, summarise and apply key concepts in developmental psychology to a range of settings K PGCert, PGDip, MSc
An ability to distinguish between and evaluate different methodological approaches to research and practice K PGCert, PGDip, MSc
An understanding of the importance of reflective practice and how it is used in developmental psychology settings K PGDip, MSc
An understanding of risk and ethical issues associated with research and treatment in developmental psychology settings with different groups K PGDip, MSc
Provide insightful and well-articulated reflections on practice in developmental psychology settings C PGDip, MSc
Design and execute psychological research, and be competent in the collection, management and analysis of research data and derivation of conclusions C PGDip, MSc
Develop reflective practice to improve own performance in the workplace P PGDip, MSc
Write a scientific research or service evaluation proposal in accordance with guidelines P PGDip, MSc
Produce and present an academic poster or paper presentation P PGDip, MSc
Demonstrate competence in commonly used psychology research and/or assessment methodology P PGDip, MSc
Design and carry out psychological research using a variant of psychological research methods P PGDip, MSc
Plan and execute an investigation/experiment, act autonomously and demonstrate originality P PGDip, MSc
Plan, conduct, analyse and report an individual study to test formulated hypotheses C MSc
Summarise and apply key concepts in developmental psychology to a range of settings C PGCert, PGDip, MSc
Read psychology research, critically evaluate it and identify the key points C PGCert, PGDip, MSc
Distinguish between and evaluate different methodological approaches to research and practice in developmental psychology C PGCert, PGDip, MSc
Assemble data from a variety of sources, discern and establish connections, and draw well-grounded conclusions C PGCert, PGDip, MSc
Evaluate the integrity of evidence and of `data¿ and discern the difference between opinion and evidence C PGCert, PGDip, MSc
Form grounded defensible theories, reasoned arguments in relation to evidence, and interpretations of findings. In addition students should be able to compare and contrast different theoretical approaches within the discipline C PGCert, PGDip, MSc
Ask questions from a range of different angles and to challenge given views drawing on theory, evidence, and critical insight C PGCert, PGDip, MSc
Gather, analyse and interpret qualitative and quantitative data P PGCert, PGDip, MSc
Use information and computer technology to collect, analyse, and report on psychological research P PGCert, PGDip, MSc
Collect, evaluate, and utilise information from primary and secondary sources in order to inform psychological questions P PGCert, PGDip, MSc
Write essays in accordance with guidelines P PGCert, PGDip, MSc
Effectively communicate both orally and in writing P PGCert, PGDip, MSc
Learn and think independently, as well as when part of a group P PGCert, PGDip, MSc
Communicate theories effectively by oral, written and visual means to different audiences T PGCert, PGDip, MSc
Formulate and solve problems, both individually and as part of a team T PGCert, PGDip, MSc
Apply statistical and numerical skills to psychological data T PGCert, PGDip, MSc
Execute research skills through the formulation of questions / hypotheses, designing studies that address these questions / hypotheses, collecting and managing `evidence¿ through various data management techniques, making sense, and disseminating findings T PGCert, PGDip, MSc
Acquire and demonstrate a research-based orientation to real world and scientific problems T PGCert, PGDip, MSc
Use Information and communication technology e.g. WWW, databases, statistical software, Microsoft Office, and literature search tools, for a variety of generic and subject-specific purposes T PGCert, PGDip, MSc
Work effectively and independently on a given project or task T PGCert, PGDip, MSc
Work effectively in small groups and teams towards a common goal/outcome T PGCert, PGDip, MSc
Work towards targets and deadlines under pressure through discipline and careful organisation T PGCert, PGDip, MSc
Demonstrate personal organisation and time management skills through meeting multiple deadlines T PGCert, PGDip, MSc
Demonstrate professionalism and organisational awareness through placement opportunities T PGCert, PGDip, MSc
Ability to reflect on own strengths and weaknesses and adapt practice accordingly T PGCert, PGDip, MSc

Attributes Developed

C - Cognitive/analytical

K - Subject knowledge

T - Transferable skills

P - Professional/Practical skills

Programme structure

Full-time

This Master's Degree programme is studied full-time over one academic year, consisting of 180 credits at FHEQ level 7. All modules are semester based and worth 15 credits with the exception of project, practice based and dissertation modules.
Possible exit awards include:
- Postgraduate Diploma (120 credits)
- Postgraduate Certificate (60 credits)


Part-time

This Master's Degree programme is studied part-time over two academic years, consisting of 180 credits at FHEQ level 7. All modules are semester based and worth 15 credits with the exception of project, practice based and dissertation modules.
Possible exit awards include:
- Postgraduate Diploma (120 credits)
- Postgraduate Certificate (60 credits)

Programme Adjustments (if applicable)

N/A

Modules

Year 1 (part-time) - FHEQ Level 7

Module code Module title Status Credits Semester
PSYM064 QUALITATIVE RESEARCH METHODS Compulsory 15 1
PSYM065 QUANTITATIVE RESEARCH METHODS Compulsory 15 2
PSYM131 INFANT AND CHILD DEVELOPMENT Compulsory 15 2
PSYM132 MENTAL HEALTH ACROSS THE LIFESPAN Compulsory 15 1

Year 2 (part-time) - FHEQ Level 7

Module code Module title Status Credits Semester
PSYM034 DISSERTATION 8000-10000 WORDS Core 60 Year-long
PSYM134 PLACEMENT IN DEVELOPMENTAL PSYCHOLOGY Compulsory 30 2
PSYM130 ACADEMIC RESEARCH TRAINING Compulsory 15 1
PSYM133 PREPARATION FOR PLACEMENT Compulsory 15 1

Opportunities for placements / work related learning / collaborative activity

Associate Tutor(s) / Guest Speakers / Visiting Academics Y
Professional Training Year (PTY) N
Placement(s) (study or work that are not part of PTY) Y One module (30 credits) will involve undertaking a placement in a developmental psychology setting. This will be for 2 days per week for 18 weeks (plus half a day reflective practice).
Clinical Placement(s) (that are not part of the PTY scheme) N
Study exchange (Level 5) N
Dual degree N

Quality assurance

The Regulations and Codes of Practice for taught programmes can be found at:

https://www.surrey.ac.uk/quality-enhancement-standards

Please note that the information detailed within this record is accurate at the time of publishing and may be subject to change. This record contains information for the most up to date version of the programme / module for the 2019/0 academic year.