A dissertation which will normally be in the region of 10,000 to 15,000 words long

Pass criteria
Grade Point 7-9
Work which demonstrates a sound awareness and understanding of the subject matter. Expressed reasonably and coherently. Work is academically sound, evidencing focused observations and acknowledging key questions. There is evidence of sound reading and thorough critical analysis of the available literature.

Merit criteria
Grade Point 10-12
Work which demonstrates a very good awareness and understanding of the subject matter. Expressed cogently and lucidly. Work is of good quality academically, evidencing well-focused observations and addressing all of the obvious key questions. There is evidence of sound reading and a thorough critical analysis of the available literature, leading to an output which may have potential for wider use.

Distinction criteria
Grade Point 13+
Work which demonstrates an excellent awareness and understanding of the subject matter. Well argued and excellently organised. Work is academically excellent, evidencing perceptiveness, insight and demonstrating creativity and originality. There is evidence of excellent reading and systematic review.

At least a good second class (hons) degree in Psychology (GBR recognized) or equivalent.

BPS Code of Conduct (2002). BPS.org.uk
Parrott, L III (1999) How to Write Psychology Papers. (2nd Edn.) New York, Longman.
Scott J M, Koch R E, Scott G M & Garrison S M (1999) The Psychology Student Writer's Manual. Upper Saddle River, New Jersey, Prentice-Hall.
Stein S (1999) Learning, Teaching and Researching on the Internet. New York, Longman.

Strategies for choosing an appropriate research area in health psychology. The identification of the appropriate literature. Critical review of appropriate literature. Setting testable research questions. Qualitative and quantitative methods in health psychology: philosophical issues, advantages and challenges associated with each set of methods. The importance of pilot work. Ethical issues in health psychology research. Realistic timetabling. Designing, conducting and analysing research data. Reporting results using APA format.

Reading published health psychology research. Focusing on a specific area of research. Searching databases more widely for the presence of appropriate published research. Choosing which literature is appropriate. Defining a research question. Designing a study to address that question. Collecting data in accordance with the design. Analysing the data so collected. Writing an appropriate report of the process. Tutorial sessions with supervisor where you will be asked to report on progress and will be guided in terms of literature, design, analysis and write-up.

CD-ROM and web based databases to review current relevant literature in electronic database format.
Internet access.
Thompson library, Resource rooms (Psychology and general in Mellor Building)
Computer terminals
Computer software appropriate for the analysis of your data