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All students undertake a supervised empirical research project relevant to their chosen MSc programme, and submit it as a typed dissertation of approximately 8,000 words.
For Cognitive Psychology/Neuropsychology, Developmental Psychology, and Social Psychology dissertations, the project should be grounded in the area of psychology.
For Organisational and Business Psychology dissertations, the project should include an examination of an identifiable organisational or business issue or problem within the context of relevant psychological theory, such as social, organisational or business psychology.
The aim of the dissertation is to test the student's ability to plan, execute, analyse, and report a piece of independent research in the relevant setting. The dissertation requires detailed theoretical knowledge of the relevant discipline (or disciplines), an appreciation of the ways in which that knowledge has been applied in previous research and practice, and the methodological and statistical skills to set up a scientific investigation. Supervision is provided by the principal teaching staff and by other appropriate staff with research interests in a student's chosen area. Students are advised to read the School's Ethics pages for information on submitting applications for ethical approval to the School and to relevant outside bodies.
Private Study: 380
Contact Hours: 20 hours Supervision (No formal timetabled events)
Total: 400
Compulsory to:
MSc Clinical Psychology
MSc Cognitive/Neuropsychology
MSc Developmental Psychology
MSc Organisational and Business Psychology
MSc Social Psychology
Presentation 5-10 minutes Pass/Fail
Dissertation 8,000 words 100%*
*This element is pass compulsory and must be passed to achieve the learning outcomes of the module.
Reassessment method: Like for Like.
The University is committed to ensuring that core reading materials are in accessible electronic format in line with the Kent Inclusive Practices.
The most up to date reading list for each module can be found on the university's reading list pages.
12.1 Demonstrate subject specific knowledge and understanding of key issues related to the specific context of the degree program
12.2 Demonstrate the ability to report a piece of research in BPS/APA format, including theory, hypotheses, methods, analysis and interpretation of results, and discussion.
12.3 Have a detailed appreciation of the difficulties and constraints they have encountered during their project.
12.4 Demonstrate that they have conducted an empirical research project appropriate to their degree, documented in a complete project report.
12.5 Demonstrate the ability to present their scientific work in person, clearly and effectively, with the use of visual aids such as slides or posters.
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