Master´s Programme in Psychological Science

The programme aims at preparing students for highly qualified job positions and a successful career in academia, including third cycle education (e.g., PhD studies) as well as within the public and private sectors.

Using an approach that integrates scientific methodology and content courses to a very high extent, students are equipped with knowledge of the main areas of psychological science as well as in-depth skills and abilities in methodology.

The programme is highly research-oriented. This includes doing practicum with a research group and receiving research mentoring, within or outside of the department, as part of the course work across the first three semesters.

The programme prepares students for working life by developing knowledge and skills that are in demand in the labour-market and that support life-long learning. More specifically the programme aims at promoting learning of generic skills such as generating and formulating research hypotheses, critically reviewing and evaluating scientific methods, concepts and ideas, planning and organizing research projects, presenting research orally and in writing, collaborating in science, and peer reviewing.

The pedagogical approach of the programme supports the development of knowledge, competence, and skills detailed in the learning outcomes by implementing evidence-based practices in higher education such as active, student-centred learning, problem-based learning, and peer learning.

The programme strives to implement gender and diversity perspectives in all aspects of teaching, including gender balance and visibility of minority groups in learning activities, literature, and other materials.

The applicant needs to have achieved a Bachelor's degree of at least 180 credits with a major in Psychology (or equivalent), and a minimum of 15 credits in research methods. The applicant must also prove skills in the English language at the level of at least English 6 / English B or equivalent level on an internationally recognized test such as TOEFL or IELTS.

Potential candidates will be asked to submit motivation letters indicating their academic and professional background/experience as well as how the programme will benefit their defined professional career goals.

This programme leads to a Degree of Master of Science (120 credits) with a major in Psychology (Degree of Master of Science (120 credits) with a major in Psychology).

The Master’s Programme in Psychological Science includes six courses in research-based psychological theory and findings; advanced research methods; practicum, during which the student works with a researcher or research group; and the writing of a master’s thesis. All courses are mandatory. The courses are highly integrated. The programme is a full-time, campus-based study programme. It builds on and is designed to promote active involvement and engagement of the student.

1. Psychology as a Science, 18 credits

This course provides an introduction to basic concepts in psychological science. The course content addresses core concepts and practice, including philosophy of science, measurement, data, research ethics, hypotheses and research questions, theories, models, statistical inference and research synthesis. To contextualize the development of the field, the course also reviews the history of psychology. This course provides an epistemological foundation for students to better understand the materials presented throughout the programme.

2. Research methods in psychological science, 30 credits

This course provides in-depth knowledge and skills within qualitative and quantitative research methods. Students are equipped with practical experience in collecting and analysing both qualitative and quantitative data. Students learn several methodological approaches and to correctly apply these in order to investigate different research questions within psychological science.

3. Practicum, 6 credits

This course aims to provide students with hands-on experience of psychological research and thereby promote employability. Students have a research mentor and partake in multiple aspects of research practice together with them.

4. Cognitive and Social Psychology, 18 credits

This course consists of two modules. The module Cognitive psychology addresses methodology and state-of-the art research within mental functions and processing, such as memory, learning, decision making, attention, and executive functioning. The module Social psychology combines state-of-the art research with classical and contemporary theories in social psychology. The main areas covered in this module include social cognition, group processes, and intergroup relations.

5. Lifespan-developmental Psychology and Neuropsychology, 18 credits

This course consists of two modules. The module Lifespan-developmental psychology integrates the full lifespan from infancy through old age, and addresses personal relationships, cognitive development, social, emotional and physical changes and their interactions in relation to the socio-cultural and institutional context. The module Neuropsychology provides a macro-perspective of the biological underpinnings of human behavior and psychological processes. Students are provided with an introduction to brain anatomy and neuroimaging and electrophysiological methods.

6. Master thesis, 30 credits

This course builds on and extends what students have learnt in the previous courses. Students independently conduct an empirical research project in psychological science. The thesis is required to meet the standards of APA style and for publication in international, scientific psychology journals. In addition to the written report, students present their theses orally.

General outcomes for Degree of Master (120 credits)

The programme aims at developing the knowledge, competence, and skills that are stated in the outcomes for a Degree of Master according to the Higher Education Ordinance (1993:100), appendix 2.

Knowledge and understanding

For a Degree of Master (120 credits) the student shall

• demonstrate knowledge and understanding in the main field of study, including both broad knowledge of the field and a considerable degree of specialised knowledge in certain areas of the field as well as insight into current research and development work, and
• demonstrate specialised methodological knowledge in the main field of study.

Competence and skills

For a Degree of Master (120 credits) the student shall

• demonstrate the ability to critically and systematically integrate knowledge and analyse, assess and deal with complex phenomena, issues and situations even with limited information,
• demonstrate the ability to identify and formulate issues critically, autonomously and creatively as well as to plan and, using appropriate methods, undertake advanced tasks within predetermined time frames and so contribute to the formation of knowledge as well as the ability to evaluate this work,
• demonstrate the ability in speech and writing both nationally and internationally to clearly report and discuss his or her conclusions and the knowledge and arguments on which they are based in dialogue with different audiences, and
• demonstrate the skills required for participation in research and development work or autonomous employment in some other qualified capacity.

Judgement and approach

For a Degree of Master (120 credits) the student shall

• demonstrate the ability to make assessments in the main field of study informed by relevant disciplinary, social and ethical issues and also to demonstrate awareness of ethical aspects of research and development work,
• demonstrate insight into the possibilities and limitations of research, its role in society and the responsibility of the individual for how it is used, and
• demonstrate the ability to identify the personal need for further knowledge and take responsibility for their ongoing learning.

Local outcomes

Furthermore, the student shall achieve the following local learning outcomes:

Competence and skills

• demonstrate the ability to collaborate with others in assessing, analysing, and critically evaluating current issues in psychological science and its practical implications.

Judgement and approach

• demonstrate the ability to select, apply, and provide justifications for the use of various psychological perspectives in assessing, analysing, and critically reviewing complex phenomena, issues and situations.

The programme is taught in English and requires that students take active part, orally and in writing. Communication proficiency in general and English proficiency in particular are therefore needed.

The study programme is followed up and evaluated in accordance with the applicable Policy för kvalitetssäkring och kvalitetsutveckling av utbildning vid Göteborgs universitet (Policy for the Quality assurance and Quality Development of Education at the University of Gothenburg).

Students who have been admitted to the programme and who follow the programme at the prescribed pace have guaranteed admission to all courses within the programme.