Environmental Psychology MSc - 2024/5
Awarding body
University of Surrey
Teaching institute
University of Surrey
Framework
FHEQ Level 7
Final award and programme/pathway title
MSc Environmental Psychology
Subsidiary award(s)
Award | Title |
---|---|
PGDip | Environmental Psychology |
PGCert | Environmental Psychology |
Modes of study
Route code | Credits and ECTS Credits | |
Full-time | PLD61003 | 180 credits and 90 ECTS credits |
Part-time | PLD61004 | 180 credits and 90 ECTS credits |
QAA Subject benchmark statement (if applicable)
Other internal and / or external reference points
Previous programme specifications and review documents
Faculty and Department / School
Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences - Psychology
Programme Leader
GATERSLEBEN Birgitta (Psychology)
Date of production/revision of spec
09/10/2024
Educational aims of the programme
- To enable students to link theoretical and empirical questions to social and environmental issues, and to provide them with an in -depth understanding of the practical applications and action implications of environmental psychological theories and empirical findings
- To offer opportunities to develop the basic interpersonal, technical and creative skills required for the effective analysis and formulation of problems into research questions and, where appropriate, testable hypotheses
- To provide students with an in-depth knowledge of contemporary theoretical and methodological approaches to the discipline
- To provide students with the skills to evaluate possible interventions in a variety of environmental domains
- To provide students with theoretical and qualitative/quantitative methodological expertise to conduct environmental psychological research by training them in the informed and systematic conduct of basic and applied research, involving the critical reading of theories and empirical findings
Programme learning outcomes
Attributes Developed | Awards | Ref. | |
Knowledge and understanding of research design and quantitative and qualitative research methods in psychology | KCPT | MSc | |
Knowledge and understanding of ethical considerations when undertaking research and framing interventions | KCPT | MSc | |
Critical evaluation of the contributions and limitations of environmental psychology theories, methods, and evidence | KC | MSc | |
Evaluation of actual and potential psychologically informed interventions in a variety of environmental domains | KCPT | MSc | |
Ability to design, conduct and evaluate environmental psychological research | KCPT | MSc | |
Application of insights from environmental psychological theory and research to other domains of psychology | KCT | MSc | |
Communication of environmental psychology topics for academic and non-academic audiences in written and verbal formats | KCPT | MSc | |
Use of effective learning strategies and problem-solving techniques when studying and applying environmental psychology topics | KCPT | MSc | |
Ability to analyse and interpret environmental psychological theory and evidence in a competent and critical manner | KCPT | MSc | |
Management of own personal and professional development, including IT competencies, transferable skills, and consideration of EDI | C | MSc | |
Ability to describe some of the practical applications and implications of environmental psychological theories and empirical findings | KCPT | PGDip | |
Application of some quantitative and qualitative techniques and strategies to manage and analyse psychological data | KCPT | PGDip | |
Ability to describe and critically evaluate environmental psychological theories, research methods, and practices | KCP | PGDip | |
Application of some quantitative and qualitative techniques and strategies to manage and analyse psychological data | KCPT | PGCert | |
Ability to describe some of the theoretical, methodological, and practical approaches involved in environmental psychology | KCP | PGCert |
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 (full-time) - FHEQ Level 7
Module Selection for Year 1 (full-time) - FHEQ Level 7
In Semester 1, students can choose a research methods training module that suits their level of foundational knowledge. They should select either Advanced Research Methods and Design (PSYM147), recommended for those with a first degree in Psychology or a related social science; or Academic Research Training (PSYM130), recommended for those without. In Semester 2, students should choose one of the optional modules from the three available options.
Year 1 (part-time) - FHEQ Level 7
Module code | Module title | Status | Credits | Semester |
---|---|---|---|---|
PSYM065 | QUANTITATIVE RESEARCH METHODS | Compulsory | 15 | 2 |
PSYM130 | ACADEMIC RESEARCH TRAINING | Optional | 15 | 1 |
PSYM147 | ADVANCED RESEARCH METHODS AND DESIGN | Optional | 15 | 1 |
PSYM137 | KEY QUESTIONS IN ENVIRONMENTAL PSYCHOLOGY | Compulsory | 15 | 1 |
PSYM142 | THE PSYCHOLOGY OF ARCHITECTURE AND PLANNING RESEARCH | Compulsory | 15 | 2 |
Module Selection for Year 1 (part-time) - FHEQ Level 7
In Semester 1, students can choose a research methods training module that suits their level of foundational knowledge. They should select either Advanced Research Methods and Design (PSYM147), recommended for those with a first degree in Psychology or a related social science; or Academic Research Training (PSYM130), recommended for those without.
Year 2 (part-time) - FHEQ Level 7
Module Selection for Year 2 (part-time) - FHEQ Level 7
In Semester 2, students should choose one of the optional modules from the three available options.
Opportunities for placements / work related learning / collaborative activity
Associate Tutor(s) / Guest Speakers / Visiting Academics | N | |
Professional Training Year (PTY) | N | |
Placement(s) (study or work that are not part of PTY) | N | |
Clinical Placement(s) (that are not part of the PTY scheme) | N | |
Study exchange (Level 5) | N | |
Dual degree | N |
Other information
The School of Psychology is committed to developing graduates with strengths in Employability, Digital Capabilities, Global and Cultural Capabilities, Sustainability, and Resourcefulness and Resilience. This programme is designed to allow students to develop knowledge, skills, and capabilities in the following areas:
Employability: The programme is designed to equip students with multiple employability and transferable skills. The modules and assessments will equip students with (1) the knowledge and ability to critically analyse existing literature, (2) the skills necessary to conduct research (e.g., literature review, study design and methodology, data analyses), and (3) the ability to effectively communicate about research in written and oral forms. The programme will also equip students with the ability to use their critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills in different contexts and to apply them to design materials informed by environmental psychology (e.g., campaigns, interventions, and communication strategies). The range of different tasks and assessments will equip students with the ability to work well independently and in teams while developing good leadership and time management skills.
Digital capabilities: The programme will teach students software to implement surveys, conduct research involving a range of subjective and objective measures, and conduct qualitative and quantitative data analysis (e.g., using Jamovi). As part of their assessments, students will be asked to show their ability to use communication software (e.g., PowerPoint, Prezi, Keynote) to create, e.g., videos, leaflets, posters, and presentations. Through the programme students will also familiarise themselves with a range of software that facilitates in-class group activities (e.g., Padlet, PollEverywhere) and meetings (e.g., Microsoft Teams). By the end of the programme students will be proficient in using a range of different software and will be able to show digital capabilities associated with the employability skills described above.
Sustainability: The programme is designed to allow students to analyse environmental issues that are central to the United Nations Sustainability Development Goals (e.g., health and wellbeing, physical environmental issues, reduced inequality and increased environmental justice). Compulsory modules (e.g., PSYM137, PSYM013, PSYM142) will allow students to examine how psychological theories can help us understand key environmental issues. The programme will also allow students to evaluate existing interventions and identify new ways to tackle these issues. The optional modules will allow students to focus on specific issues and consider psychologically informed interventions that contribute to the sustainable development goals. Students will also have the opportunity to conduct research that focuses on one of these goals as part of their dissertation project.
Global and cultural capabilities: The programme offers students the opportunity to develop knowledge and understanding of environmental psychology theories and their application to real-world issues. Across the modules, students will be presented with cross-cultural scientific evidence challenging the assumptions of some Western-based theories. In doing so, students will be encouraged to analyse cultural differences and ways to address environmental issues that occur in different parts of the world. When designing interventions or suggesting solutions, they will be prompted to think about the cultural contexts in which such action will be implemented. The programme involves students of different nationalities and cultural backgrounds. This implies that students will have the opportunity to consider different perspectives and broaden their views on specific environmental issues.
Resourcefulness and resilience: Students are encouraged to actively participate in the activities and discussions that take place in a friendly and safe environment. This will provide them with the opportunity to exchange ideas, work collaboratively, and reflect on their ideas/opinions. These activities will also allow students to build confidence, communication, and professionalism. By sharing their experiences and expertise and listening to others, students will engage in self-reflection and re-consideration of their opinions and judgments. This will equip students with the ability to respond positively to opportunities for exchange, learning, and personal development. By considering different points of view in the tasks and assessments across modules, they will also develop the ability to adapt their knowledge and skills to different contexts and groups of people they are working with.
Quality assurance
The Regulations and Codes of Practice for taught programmes can be found at:
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 2024/5 academic year.