BPS Code of Ethics and Conduct (2009). Available from: http://www.bps.org.uk/sites/default/files/documents/code_of_ethics_and_conduct.pdf

At least a 2:1 (hons) degree in Psychology (GBC recognized) or equivalent.

A room in which discussion groups can be formed. Computers, Internet and Library Resources
Computer software appropriate for the analysis of qualitative or quantitative data

Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities (35 hours):
Five three-hour workshops during which issues relating to the design and conduct of health psychology research will be discussed (15 hours). In addition students will attend tutorial sessions with an allocated supervisor in which they will be required to report on progress and will be guided in terms of literature, research question, design, analysis and write-up (20 hours).

Guided Independent Study Hours:
Learning will be self-directed and focussed upon achieving the learning outcomes. Students will be required to: search databases and identify appropriate literature, define a research question, design an empirical study to address the research question, collect data, analyse data, and produce an academic report of the process.

The assessment consists of a write up of an empirical study in either health or clinical psychology (dependent on MSc pathway the student is on), in the form of:

A journal article (word length determined by journal selected) (70%)
An accompanying commentary 2000 words (25%)
A lay summary 500 words (5%)

Additional assessment details (including formative feedback / assessment):
Students will receive formative assessment and feedback via verbal feedback identifying strengths, limitations and guidance for improvement on plans submitted for their dissertation project. Students will also have regular meetings with dissertation supervisors who will provide ongoing feedback and guidance throughout the development and conduct of their research project and written formative feedback on one full dissertation draft.

1. Demonstrate a systematic understanding of health or clinical psychology research at the forefront of the discipline and the independent ability to develop an appropriate research question in health or clinical psychology (Application, Knowledge and Understanding, Learning)

2. Demonstrate an in depth critical understanding and evaluation of current research; including the critical evaluation of methodologies and techniques in health or clinical psychology (Analysis, Enquiry)

3. Employ and reflect upon qualities and transferrable skills in decision making in order to design and conduct methodologically sound research in health or clinical psychology (Application, Problem Solving, Reflection)

4. Demonstrate a practical understanding of the techniques of research and enquiry and employ these in the analysis of quantitative or qualitative research data (Application, Knowledge and Understanding, Problem Solving)

5. Professionally communicate results and conclusions in an academic report and lay summary (Communication)

6. Demonstrate the qualities and transferrable skills necessary to reflect on ethical issues in psychology and show initiative in applying these skills (Reflection)

In this module students will be introduced to the theory and strategies relevant to producing a piece of empirical research in applied psychology. Teaching sessions will include: strategies for choosing an appropriate research area; processes for the identification of appropriate literature; development of research questions; designing research; planning and timetabling research projects; pilot work; and ethical issues in health psychology research. By the end of the module students will have developed the appropriate skills and capabilities to collect and analyse data relevant to health psychology and will have designed and completed an empirical, data driven study.

In this module you will be introduced to the theory and strategies relevant to producing a piece of empirical research in applied psychology. Teaching sessions will include: strategies for choosing an appropriate research area; processes for the identification of appropriate literature; development of research questions; designing research; planning and timetabling research projects; pilot work; and ethical issues in health psychology research. By the end of the module you will have developed the appropriate skills and capabilities to collect and analyse data relevant to health psychology and will have designed and completed an empirical, data driven study.