If you want to become a researcher in psychology, skilled in delivering evidence-based research, this course is for you. It differs from more traditional taught masters programmes – such as an MSc – because of its focus on enhancing research methods and skills.
£8,500 for the full course or £945 per 20 credits* (2023/24)
International fee
£14,900 for the full course (2023/24)
Course level
Postgraduate
Qualification
MRes
Start date
September
Location
Kedleston Road, Derby Campus
Course description
Our new Master of Research (MRes) programme aims to offer you the finest possible preparation for undertaking original research in psychology.
Build the high-level skills you need to become a professional researcher
Design and deliver a substantial piece of independent psychology research on an original theme of your choosing
Tailor your research project to reflect your professional and personal interests, your current job role or your career aspirations
Develop a confident command of a range of research skills and methods, with a focus on both quantitative and qualitative methods
Work with psychology experts at the cutting edge of their specialist areas
Benefit from personal individual supervision
Balance your studies with your other commitments through our flexible blend of online learning and short study blocks on campus
Harness our sophisticated psychology research facilities, including a video observation suite and the latest eye tracking equipment
Open the doors to new career opportunities as a researcher in academic, commercial or public sector settings
Gain the ideal platform for progression to a PhD
Join the programme with a 2:1 in your undergraduate degree (other entry requirements apply)
If you want to become a researcher in psychology, skilled in delivering evidence-based research, this course is for you.
A distinctive and challenging masters degree
The MRes is designed for intellectual graduates with strong honours degrees and behavioural science professionals who are keen to enhance their career prospects by taking their research skills to the next level. It differs from more traditional taught masters programmes – such as an MSc –because of its focus on enhancing research methods and skills. Covering both quantitative and qualitative approaches, you will gain a thorough grounding in the methods and processes which underpin original research in psychology and then conduct your own major independent research project under expert supervision.
The research skills you build culminate in you undertaking a research project supervised by a member of staff, the assessment of which includes a viva voce examination, excellent preparation for a PhD. These are some of the research areas currently supervised within the department, and some studies that you can choose from, alternatively, feel free to discuss your own ideas with us.
There is a choice of modules in research methods to offer a degree of flexibility in your studies. We do, however, strongly recommend that you take modules in both quantitative and qualitative research: a distinctive feature of this programme. This will help set you apart as a fully trained researcher and will maximise your career opportunities. Research skills options, which are primarily delivered online, cover themes such as managing and funding research, research ethics, information literacy, research leadership, thesis writing and getting your research published or exhibited.
Focus on a theme of your choice
We provide every opportunity for you to tailor your studies to match your current job role, your personal and professional interests, and your career ambitions. For the Negotiated Module in Science, you will complete a written report and make a presentation on a topic agreed with the teaching team. The most substantial part of the programme is taken up with your independent research project. This will span the initial development of a research question, planning the research project, selecting appropriate research methods, sourcing information, analysing the results and communicating your findings. You are free to choose many different approaches, from qualitative studies to experimental research.
You will be allocated a research project supervisor who will oversee your progress and mentor you through your development as an active, engaged researcher. We encourage you to design research projects which relate directly to real-world issues. There may be opportunities to work with some of our partners across the voluntary and charitable sectors to deliver research findings which help them shape their future services.
Learning which fits around you
The structure of the MRes enables you to balance your learning with your work and personal commitments. This includes flexible full-time and part-time routes to the qualification. You will benefit from a blended learning approach which integrates online learning with on-campus study blocks. Your generic research skills modules are all delivered online while other modules include an intensive three-day study block at the University.
In addition, the individual supervision you receive will be arranged in ways that offer maximum flexibility and convenience as you shape and progress your research project.
Become part of a thriving research community
As an MRes Psychology student, you will join a flourishing research community at the University and your own project will contribute to the body of scholarly knowledge we produce. You will be supported and guided by our team of nationally and internationally recognised psychological researchers. They cover a vast range of specialist areas and regularly share their findings in leading journals and at international conferences. Well versed in using research to inform their teaching, they have particular expertise in helping students develop initial ideas into practical research projects.
You can also draw inspiration from the work of our renowned as well as our strong links with professional bodies such as the British Psychological Society. We arrange regular research seminars featuring influential guest speakers.
State-of-the-art facilities
You will benefit from our excellent facilities, which are used for both teaching and research. They include high specification computing labs with specialist software for experiment design and a full range of psychological recording equipment such as EEG and the latest eye tracking equipment for analysing eye movement.
Our video observation suite features rooms equipped with two-way mirrors and DVD recording equipment for interviews and focus groups. We also have research project rooms and a psychology test bank to aid your studies.
Postgraduate Open Event
Join us at an upcoming Postgraduate Open Event, where you will get the opportunity to meet our expert academics and find out more about your course.
Digital Scholarship and Research Skills Development (40 credits)
Advanced Qualitative Research Methods (20 credits)
Advanced Quantitative Research Methods (20 credits)
Independent Research (80 credits) or Independent Study (20 credits - PGDip only)
Negotiated Module in Science (20 credits) or another Spring semester from optional modules below
Optional modules:
Psychology of Illness
Theories and Models of Behaviour
Contemporary Developmental Assessment Methods
Negotiated Module (Health, Education or Clinical focus)
Please note that our modules are subject to change - we review the content of our courses regularly, making changes where necessary to improve your experience and graduate prospects.
How you will learn
The course uses a blended learning approach integrating periods of online learning combined with short campus study blocks and flexible individual supervision.
Assessment
The assessment methods are a range of different forms of coursework.
Teaching Hours
Like most universities, we operate extended teaching hours at the University of Derby, so contact time with your lecturers and tutors could be anytime between 9am and 9pm. Your timetable will be communicated after enrolment on your course.
Who will teach you
Dr Malcolm Schofield Programme leader
Malcolm Schofield is the module leader for the Advanced Quantitative Research Methods module on the MRes Psychology programme and teach across a wide range of modules at undergraduate level including various research methods modules, Human Behaviour and Evolution, and Anomalous and Parapsychology.
Entry requirements for UK students: Applicants should normally have or expect to obtain at 2:1 honours degree in psychology or a closely related subject with good coverage of undergraduate research methods.
Entry requirements for EU/international students: Applicants with overseas qualifications are strongly advised to establish the UK equivalence of their qualifications. Within this requirement, it will be important to ascertain the ability to speak and write using the English language.
If English is not your first language you must have achieved an IELTS score of at least level 6.5 (with at least 6.0 in each skill area). Before applying students may seek confirmation of equivalency by contacting the National Academic Recognition Information Centre (NARIC) on 0870 9904088, and writing to Oriel House, Oriel Road, Cheltenham, Glos. GL50 1XP. Evidence of equivalence (written verification) will be required on application for entry on this programme. A fee is payable for the NARIC service.
Fees and funding
2023/24 (August 2023 - July 2024)
Type
Full-time
Part-time
UK
£8,500 for the full course or £945 per 20 credits*
£945 per 20 credits
International
£14,900 for the full course
N/A
Please note fees normally increase in line with inflation and the University's strategic approach to fees, which is reviewed on an annual basis. The total fee you pay may therefore increase after one year of study.
* UK full-time fees paid within one academic year are rounded down to the nearest £50 if applicable
Please note at postgraduate level, you’ll need to gain the following number of credits in total to obtain the respective awards. If you have any questions please contact us.
Award
Credits
Postgraduate Certificate
60 Credits
Postgraduate Diploma
120 Credits
MA or MSc
180 Credits
This means you will gain 180 credits in total to complete the full MA or MSc. If you are studying part time you will normally complete your studies over two or three years, depending on the course structure.
Funding your studies
Find out more about fees, postgraduate loans and support you may be entitled to.
We have a range of scholarships and discounts available to international students which can be used together to offer a reduction in your tuition fees.
Skills in research, analysis and evaluation are increasingly valued by employers across many different sectors. The thorough understanding of psychological theory, research and methodology you gain from your MRes studies will therefore give you a distinct advantage as you pursue your career.
Your qualification will act as a vital stepping stone, enabling you to apply for:
Employment as a researcher or research assistant on major projects in an academic, commercial or public sector setting
Employment in organisations which support the development of individuals throughout the lifespan
Further professional training and registered routes into professions such as counselling, clinical psychology and educational psychology – for those who have already met Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (GBC) of the British Psychological Society
If you are already working, the MRes can also provide excellent continuing professional development and lifelong learning opportunities, helping you become a more psychologically aware practitioner.
Contact us
If you need any more information from us, eg on courses, accommodation, applying, car parking, fees or funding, please contact us and we will do everything we can to help you.
Like most universities, we operate extended teaching hours at the University of Derby, so contact time with your lecturers and tutors could be anytime between 9am and 9pm. Your timetable will usually be available on the website 24 hours after enrolment on to your course.
Additional costs and optional extras
We’re committed to providing you with an outstanding learning experience. Our expert teaching, excellent facilities and great employability prepare you for your future career. As part of our commitment to you we aim to keep any additional study costs to a minimum. However, there are occasions where students may incur some additional costs.
The information provided on this page is correct at the time of publication but course content, costs and other individual course details do change from time to time and are updated as often as possible, so please do check these pages again when making your final decision to apply for a course. Any updated course details will also be confirmed to you at application, enrolment and in your offer letter.
Included in your fees
Access to essential software (SPSS, NVivo)
Access to any materials necessary for specific areas of research such as questionnaires and psychometric tests
Up to 20 inter-library loans per year
Mandatory costs not included in your fees
Transport to any elements of the course, including the study blocks for blended modules
Optional costs not included in your fees
Our Psychology department have a specially designed hooded jumper which is available for staff and students
You may wish to purchase optional textbooks or e-books to support your studies - costs for these are dependent on your choice
Printing costs of course materials if hard copy desired- approximate cost is 5p per sheet
British Psychological Society membership if desired - approximate cost is £25 for a student member and £65 for a graduate member
If needed, an additional 20 inter-library loans per year - approximate cost is £2 each
Please note: Our courses are refreshed and updated on a regular basis. If you are thinking about transferring onto this course (into the second year for example), you should contact the programme leader for the relevant course information as modules may vary from those shown on this page.
Minimum numbers
Please note that this course is subject to minimum numbers in order to run.