PE7030 - MSc Thesis

What will I learn on this module?

On this module you will have the opportunity to independently conceptualise, plan and undertake a novel piece of research that contributes to psychological knowledge and understanding. You will critically evaluate current theories and evidence in order to generate your own research question. You will engage with the relevant ethical guidelines to design a feasible project plan. You will develop your independent research skills during this module as well as identifying points of collaboration with supervisors, research staff and other potential stakeholders. You will use a variety of relevant skills, techniques and research methods in order to implement your study and finally you will have the opportunity to disseminate your findings in written form.

How will I learn on this module?

You will engage in an independent piece of psychological research with the support and guidance of an individual supervisor. You will meet with your supervisor regularly during Semester 2 to discuss the development of the research. Supervisors will provide guidance with respect to specific skills, techniques and research methodologies as well as information relating to ethical issues and processes. In Semester 3 you will continue to meet with your supervisor in line with the stage of your study. During this time supervisors may provide guidance for example on practical data collection issues or discuss findings.

How will I be supported academically on this module?

Scheduled sessions will be provided during Semester 1 and 2 to support the MSc Thesis. These will include sessions during the Induction period and later in the Semester to arrange the allocation of supervisors. You will also receive information about the thesis process via email and resources including assessment information will be available via the e-learning portal.

What will I be expected to read on this module?

All modules at Northumbria include a range of reading materials that students are expected to engage with. Online reading lists (provided after enrolment) give you access to your reading material for your modules. The Library works in partnership with your module tutors to ensure you have access to the material that you need.

What will I be expected to achieve?

Knowledge & Understanding:
1. Critically evaluate knowledge, theory and evidence relevant to the psychological discipline of the project.
2. Understand the ways in which theory and research can be applied to solutions in real world contexts.


Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:
1. Individually conceptualise and plan a psychological research study that addresses a current issue with the clear intention of advancing understanding within the domain.
2. Communicate the findings of the research in written form.


Personal Values Attributes:
1. Recognise and apply the relevant ethical guidelines to the design of a psychology based research project.

How will I be assessed?

Summative assessment:
You will write a thesis in journal submission format of up to approximately 8000 words. Your mark will constitute 100% of the module mark.

You are required to gain full ethical approval prior to beginning data collection. Failure to gain ethical approval by the published deadline will result in 5 marks being deducted from your final mark for the project report.

Individual feedback will be provided in written form.

Pre-requisite(s)

None

Co-requisite(s)

None

Module abstract

The aim of this module is to provide students with an opportunity to undertake an independent piece of psychological research with the support and guidance of an individual supervisor. Students will have the chance to work with state of art facilities in a research rich environment conceptualising, planning and implementing a research study of their own. Students will be able to identify and develop their research skills in order to become more experienced, competent researchers able to communicate their findings in written form. The project represents the capstone of the degree, and will enhance employability through gaining diverse skills including project and time management, planning, working with others, and communication skills.

Course info

Credits 60

Level of Study Postgraduate

Mode of Study 2 years Part Time (Distance Learning)
2 other options available

Department Psychology

Location City Campus, Northumbria University

City Newcastle

Start October 2025

Fee Information

Module Information

Occupational and Organisational Psychology MSc

All information is accurate at the time of sharing. 

Full time Courses are primarily delivered via on-campus face to face learning but could include elements of online learning. Most courses run as planned and as promoted on our website and via our marketing materials, but if there are any substantial changes (as determined by the Competition and Markets Authority) to a course or there is the potential that course may be withdrawn, we will notify all affected applicants as soon as possible with advice and guidance regarding their options. It is also important to be aware that optional modules listed on course pages may be subject to change depending on uptake numbers each year.  

Contact time is subject to increase or decrease in line with possible restrictions imposed by the government or the University in the interest of maintaining the health and safety and wellbeing of students, staff, and visitors if this is deemed necessary in future.

 

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