MSc Psychology (Conversion)

This 12-week module introduces Psychology as a science with clear roots in the philosophical debate on the relationship between mind and brain—but with its own object, structure and identity. The historical milestones of that debate are presented and discussed, as well as the main methodological, ethical, professional and cross-cultural issues in the subject.

When taken as part of the MSc Psychology (Conversion) programme, this knowledge is considered as a fundamental basis for the progression of the students through the remaining modules of the programme, where some of this module's contents will be revisited and developed in depth. It also serves to familiarise them with the learning environment and procedures that will characterise their student experience. Its contents contribute to covering the core areas of Individual Differences, Conceptual and historical Issues in Psychology, and Research Methods, as specified in The British Psychological Society’s
curriculum.

Learning in this module is mainly achieved through the critical reading of and reflection upon the weekly learning resources presented, as well as through the completion of peer discussions, as well as a final project.

This module presents and critically discusses the developments and most relevant research lines within Social Psychology, generally considered as the scientific study of the relationships between the individuals’ thoughts, feelings and behaviours, and the social context of which they form part. Its contents cover the core area of Social Psychology, and contribute to the core area of Research Methods, as specified by in The British Psychological Society’s curriculum, and constitute a fundamental base for the remaining modules in the programme.

Learning is mainly achieved through the critical reading of and reflection upon the weekly learning resources presented, as well as through the completion of biweekly peer discussions, and a final project where students are required to reflect, criticise and complete qualitative research procedures such as interviews and thematic analyses.

The dissertation is the final stage of the Master's program where students undertake a piece of relevant original research that is of interest to them and is pertinent to the theories, methods and concepts learned on the programme. Students will synthesise, interpret and critique existing evidence as well as conduct their own research into the area of interest.

This module introduces students in the quantitative management of research data, including the theoretical rationale behind the most common basic and advanced analyses, the conduction of those analyses, and the meaningful interpretation of results.

Its contents contribute to covering the core area of Research Methods, as specified in The British Psychological Society’s curriculum, and constitute a fundamental base for the dissertation, when taking as part of the MSc Psychology (Conversion) programme.

Learning is achieved through the critical reading of and reflection upon the weekly learning resources presented as well as through the completion of biweekly peer discussions, but mostly through the two hand-in-assignments and the Final Project, where students are required to reflect, criticise and complete quantitative analyses using a statistical package.

This module presents and critically discusses the forefront evidence-based knowledge on basic cognitive processes—perception, attention, and memory—, as well as higher order processes like thought and language comprehension and production. Its contents cover the core area of Cognitive Psychology, and contribute to the core area of Research Methods, as specified in The British Psychological Society’s curriculum.

Learning in this module is achieved through the critical reading of and reflection upon the weekly learning resources presented, as well as through the completion of biweekly peer discussions, and a final project where students are required to design and conduct quantitative experimental research.

This module introduces and critically examines major theories and concepts in the area of biological psychology—or the mutual influences between our body and our psychological functioning. Focusing on basic neuroscience and neuropsychology, it discusses highly relevant health issues such as the effect of brain damage on cognition, or the impact of sleep disorders on the individual’s wellbeing.

Its contents cover the core area of Biological Psychology, and contribute to the core area of Research Methods, as specified in The British Psychological Society’s curriculum.

Learning in this module is achieved through the critical reading of and reflection upon the weekly learning resources presented, as well as through the completion of biweekly peer discussions, and a final report where students are required to conduct a systematic review, and to critically analyse the use of psychopharmacology in a given area of mental health.

All components of the module must be successfully completed to achieve a pass. Over the 12-week structure, teaching content progresses systematically from foundational principles in developmental psychology and personality theory to more advanced conceptual, methodological, and applied themes. Topics are organised to first establish core understanding of lifespan developmental processes, followed by exploration of personality, intelligence, emotional functioning, and individual differences. Weekly asynchronous learning activities and scholarly discussions support incremental learning and integration of both developmental and differential perspectives. The final independent project serves as the capstone assessment, enabling students to apply and synthesise theoretical knowledge and research skills from both strands of the module.