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Course Summary

Our MRes Psychology course provides the opportunities and support needed to develop into a competent psychological researcher. This course is ideal for aspiring researchers and aspiring applied psychologists alike. 

If you are interested in applying, please get in touch with Dr Suzanne Stewart to discuss your intended research. 

On our MRes Psychology course, over 75% of your time will be dedicated to conducting your own research project, with expert supervision. The remaining time is spent learning how to design a study, collect and analyse data, and write up and disseminate your findings. 

The key to any MRes course is the availability of supervision with expertise relevant to your research question. Chester’s School of Psychology offers a broad range of experience and expertise, covering both applied areas and fundamental psychological science. 

 

Why you’ll Love it


What you’llStudy

You can tailor your MRes experience according to your interests in Psychology and the School’s expertise. The programme teaches students how to plan, conduct and report a substantial research project. Through this, you have the opportunity to gain numerous transferable skills, including project management, data analysis and communicating complex ideas.

Module content:

On completion of the taught modules students will have developed their knowledge base and attained a high level of competence in the required skills for conducting an extended research project. Therefore, there are no formal taught sessions however; core tutorial sessions relevant to the project completion timeline have been identified as compulsory. Examples of session topics are as follows:

Literature searching and developing a research idea

Presentation skill development

Writing a detailed research proposal

Ethics, ethical approval, and health & safety

Writing an MRes. research report

Writing a critical skills reflection

Throughout the year attendance at Departmental Research Seminars, research group meetings, and research participation are offered.


Module aims:

  1. To provide the student with an opportunity to investigate systematically and in depth a topic of direct relevance to psychology and their personal interests.
  2. To enable the student to draw on and contribute to the development of the growing body of knowledge in the field of psychology.
  3. To present the outcomes of their research in the form of a written dissertation of publishable quality. 
  4. To be able to articulate and discuss the findings in an oral examination.

Module content:

This module introduces students to the essentials of psychological research, and includes an introduction to qualitative methods and quantitative methods, including questionnaire / survey and experimental research methods.

Overviews of qualitative methodologies are given covering both data acquisition (e.g interview, focus group, photo elicitation) and major analysis techniques (e.g. discourse analysis, interpretative phenomenological analysis,
etc.). Thematic or content analysis is covered in more detail.

The module also introduces quantitative designs (e.g. surveys and experimental studies) and key analytical techniques. Laboratory exercises provide students with hands-on activities and include training in the use of statistical software packages (e.g. SPSS).  The module introduces students to the nature and philosophy of the experimental method, the design and execution of psychological experiments, descriptive statistics, frequentist and Bayesian inferential parametric and non-parametric statistical procedures (e.g. chi-square, t-tests, (factorial) ANOVA, correlation, regression, and allied analyses). The module covers the replication crisis and potential remedies.

Students receive guidance on the production of qualitative and quantitative research reports.


Module aims:

To provide MSc level students, who may not have studied psychological methods and statistics in depth before, with advanced training in the methods of psychological research, including: 

  • An understanding of the principal concepts of psychological methods and statistics
  • A thorough grounding in the selection and use of appropriate methodologies
  • Knowledge of the major quantitative and qualitative methods used in psychological enquiry
  • Clear understanding of the use of computer packages for statistics

Module content:

This module will introduce students to the issues that surround the successful management and completion of research projects in professional and applied settings. The course will focus on two core strands. Firstly ethical and professional standards will be examined in detail. The course will then focus on the practical issues and skills surrounding research projects, their development and their management. An emphasis on applied research, and on research with different populations, will be made during the course.

Content:

Professional standards, procedures and ethics in research

Research proposals: selling the idea

Writing research proposals

Grant applications

The design of research projects

Costing research projects

Developing research timelines

Project and team management.

Disseminating research

Time management

Effective listening and communication

Influencing strategies

Presentation skills

Research and the development of policy and practice


Module aims:

  • To develop a strong set of transferable skills in students;
  • To enable students to gain an appreciation of the professional and ethical issues relating to research and practice in applied psychology;
  • To enable students to gain an understanding of the processes involved in developing, writing and presenting research proposals;
  • To provide students with practical experience in the costing and time-scaling of research projects;
  • To provide students with an understanding of the issues involved in the management of applied research;
  • To provide students with training in skills relevant to the successful management of research projects e.g., effective communication;
  • To provide students with an appreciation of the ways in which research influences and develops policy and practice.

Module content:

The module introduces students to the nature and philosophy of applied psychology, reinforcing evidence-based critical thinking. The module reminds students about the essentials of psychological research, including brief refreshers on the basics of qualitative and quantitative approaches. Students are encouraged to develop a critical understanding of applied psychological methods (e.g. observational studies, interviews, single case studies, and experimental methods). 

The module also considers quantitative experimental and correlational methods and introduces appropriate analytical techniques for both. Workshops provide students with hands-on activities and will include training in the use of statistical software packages (e.g. SPSS) to supplement the training students will have gained during their undergraduate work. Students will be expected to demonstrate the ability to conduct and understand the output of a range of analyses, both descriptive and inferential (e.g. Generalised Linear Model, Structural Equation Modeling, Exploratory Factor Analysis). Taught sessions will provide students with the opportunity to critically evaluate research designs and assess the quality of evidence for different aspects of applied psychology practice. A practical overview of realist qualitative methodologies is given (e.g. interviews, content analysis, thematic analysis). Students are expected to explore at least one qualitative approach in detail.

Students will receive guidance on the appropriate communication of qualitative and quantitative analysis. 


Module aims:

To provide level 7 students, who have an existing grounding in relevant research methods, with advanced training in the methods of psychological research, including: 

  • An understanding of advanced concepts in regard of psychological methods and statistics
  • A thorough grounding in the selection and use of appropriate advanced methodologies
  • Knowledge of the major quantitative and qualitative methods used in research in the field of applied psychology
  • Advanced understanding of the use of computer packages for data analysis and handling

Who you’ll Learn from

Dr Suzanne Stewart

Associate Professor of Psychological Science; MRes Programme Leader
Dr Suzanne Stewart

Dr Annie Scudds

Senior Lecturer; Programme Leader for Applied Psychology MSc
Dr Annie Scudds

Dr Kevin Hochard

Deputy Head of School of Society
Dr Kevin Hochard

Dr Astrid Schepman

Senior Lecturer
Dr Astrid Schepman

How you'll Learn

Teaching 

The taught modules are classroom-based and provide good staff-student ratios to ensure you get the support you need. Enrolling on an MRes is contingent on your research fitting with the expertise of one of our supervisors, and you will then work with that person throughout the course on a one-to-one basis. 

If studying full time, you should expect to spend up to 40 hours per week studying. Though it depends somewhat on the project you design, it’s reasonable to expect no more than around six hours of contact time per week. Time allocation would be approximately half of this per year for part-time study, taken across two years. Contact time may include a mixture of learning based in the classroom, online and in one-to-one supervision. 

Assessment 

Assessment in the taught modules is heavily coursework-based, for example, written work such as lab reports and portfolios, as well as other assessment formats such as presentations. The dissertation module is assessed mainly through a thesis, as well as through some smaller assessments associated with the research project work. 

Beyond the Classroom

As an MRes student, you can be part of the University’s and the School’s thriving postgraduate communities. You’ll get a chance to engage in research culture activities, such as attending research seminars and symposia. 

Entry Requirements

2:1 honours degree

Possession of a 2:1 honours degree in any area of psychology or social science relevant to the proposed area of study, together with a demonstration by the applicant at interview that they are prepared for study at MRes level, is required. The proposed area of study must fit with the School of Psychology’s research portfolio. A 2:2 honours degree will only be considered in combination with extensive relevant experience. 

2:1 honours degree

Possession of a 2:1 honours degree in any area of psychology or social science relevant to the proposed area of study, together with a demonstration by the applicant at interview that they are prepared for study at MRes level, is required. The proposed area of study must fit with the School of Psychology’s research portfolio. A 2:2 honours degree will only be considered in combination with extensive relevant experience. 

English Language Requirements

For those who do not have IELTS or an acceptable in-country English language qualification, the University of Chester has developed its own online English language test which applicants can take for just £50.

For more information on our English Language requirements, please visit International Entry Requirements.

Where you'll Study Exton Park, Chester

Fees and Funding

£4,712 per year (2023/24)

Fee rates for 2024/25 have not yet been confirmed by UKRI therefore please refer to 2023/24 rates as a guide.

£14,644 per year (2024/25)

The tuition fees for international students studying Postgraduate Research Programmes (Classroom) in the academic year 2024/25 are £14,644 per year.

The University of Chester offers generous international and merit-based scholarships for postgraduate study, providing a significant reduction to the published headline tuition fee. You will automatically be considered for these scholarships when your application is reviewed, and any award given will be stated on your offer letter.  

For more information, go to our International Fees, Scholarship and Finance section.

Irish Nationals living in the UK or ROI are treated as Home students for Tuition Fee Purposes.

Your course will involve additional costs not covered by your tuition fees. This may include books, printing, photocopying, educational stationery and related materials, specialist clothing, travel to placements, optional field trips and software. Compulsory field trips are covered by your tuition fees. 

If you are living away from home during your time at university, you will need to cover costs such as accommodation, food, travel and bills.

The University of Chester supports fair access for students who may need additional support through a range of bursaries and scholarships.

Full details, as well as terms and conditions for all bursaries and scholarships can be found on the Fees & Finance section of our website.

Your future Career

Job prospects

By completing an MRes, you will have the opportunity to develop skills and experience in research, analysis and evaluation, which will serve as great preparation for a career in research in Psychology and cognate disciplines, either in an academic setting or in the commercial or public sector. These skills are also transferrable to non-research orientated roles within project management, marketing and consultancy services, or to healthcare settings. 

Careers service

The University has an award-winning Careers and Employability service which provides a variety of employability-enhancing experiences; through the curriculum, through employer contact, tailored group sessions, individual information, advice and guidance.

Careers and Employability aims to deliver a service which is inclusive, impartial, welcoming, informed and tailored to your personal goals and aspirations, to enable you to develop as an individual and contribute to the business and community in which you will live and work.

We are here to help you plan your future, make the most of your time at University and to enhance your employability. We provide access to part-time jobs, extra-curricular employability-enhancing workshops and offer practical one-to-one help with career planning, including help with CVs, applications and mock interviews. We also deliver group sessions on career planning within each course and we have a wide range of extensive information covering graduate jobs .