MA Research Methods (Developmental Psychology)

Gain an understanding and knowledge of developmental psychology (typical and atypical) alongside advanced social science research methods training.

The MA in Research Methods (Developmental Psychology) is a Social Sciences faculty degree that involves other departments within the University.

It is primarily designed for students who plan to continue their graduate studies at PhD level in the broad area of developmental psychology. It is recognised by the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) as providing suitable training for this purpose, and the course is one of the ESRC accredited NINE-DTP training pathways. Applicants interested in applying for NINE-DTP funding should contact prospective supervisors in the Psychology Department. It is also relevant for students wishing to pursue careers in applied areas, such as clinical or educational psychology.

Students intending to have a career as a research psychologist need to acquire a high level of research skills at postgraduate level. Research methods training therefore forms a central part of the MA course, including both quantitative and qualitative research methods. One third of the course is also devoted to the dissertation which may be carried out in any area of psychology related to development. The taught course modules include both generic and subject level components, providing an introduction to broad issues and methodological approaches in developmental psychology and the social sciences.

Discipline-specific modules:

• Advanced Developmental Psychology Review (15 credits)
• Research Design in Child and Clinical Psychology (15 credits)
• Current Issues in Developmental Psychology and Psychopathology (30 credits)
• Dissertation (60 credits).

Methods Modules – 60 credits from:

Students undertake 60 credits of methods modules co-ordinated through the Durham Research Methods Centre. There will be a range of modules to choose from covering qualitative and quantitative methods, and statistics.

Course Structure

Teaching is generally organised into a number of 10 week course units involving 2 to 3 hours of lectures, seminars and workshops. Each 10 week unit is assessed by means of formative and summative assessments. The summative assessments count towards the final degree outcome. For the course as a whole, the assessments include examinations, written assignments, oral presentations and the dissertation.