Introduction

These pages give an overview of the MSci programme at the University of York. The MSci is a four-year integrated Masters programme - one of the first such Psychology courses in the UK. It offers more extensive training in transferable skills than the BSc, alongside specialist modules reflecting a range of current psychological research areas, and a more substantial final year Project

We outline the overall structure of the course below, and you can find out more detail on the organisation of different elements of the course (year 1 and 2 "strands" and third- and fourth-year modules) by following the links. Note that this guide describes the the course as it currently runs. The core structure of the course is stable but we may change some of the details from one year to the next (for example, the order and content of individual teaching blocks and range of advanced modules may change). These pages and the accompanying Handbook provide key information that you will need throughout the course. Once you are enrolled on a particular module you can find much more information about day-to-day requirements, resources (such as reading lists and lecture recordings) and announcements through the Yorkshare VLE (University login required). 

For 2019-2020, 2020-2021 and 2021-22, there will be four pathways:

Neuroscience & Neuroimaging Pathway: how can behavioural and neuroscientific methods be combined to address questions about human cognition? This pathway provides the skills and knowledge needed to understand and design experiments in cognitive neuroscience and to undertake a project in the area.

Developmental Disorders Pathway: how do developmental disorders emerge, and how are they assessed and treated? This pathway provides grounding in research on typical and atypical development, from both theoretical and clinical perspectives, equipping students with the skills necessary to carry out a project in these fields.

Clinical Psychology “Clinical Psychology aims to reduce psychological distress and to enhance and promote psychological well-being using the agency of words” (BPS Website). What therapeutic practices do Clinical Psychologist use to achieve this aim? This pathway will provide an in-depth coverage of therapies and professional practice within Clinical Psychology.  There is also the potential for a placement within the Final Year.

Forensic Psychology Pathway: How do Forensic Psychologists contribute to the criminal justice process? What are the practical skills used by psychologists use in assessing, interviewing and treating offenders? This pathway will provide you with exposure to the theory and methods used with Forensic Psychology.

Years 1 and 2

Teaching in the first two years consists of five courses, or strands, that run in parallel. Together these strands give a broad coverage of the main areas of Psychology, and this part of the course is the same for MSci and BSc Psychology Students.

Year 3

Pathway-specific modules

Each pathway involves two specialised modules developing practical skills and knowledge relevant to current research. More details are given on the pathway pages:

• Neuroscience & Neuroimaging Pathway
• Developmental Disorders Pathway
• Clinical Psychology 
• Forensic Psychology 
  
  
  

Advanced modules

In the third year MSci students choose two advanced modules from a selection offered each year. The topics offered can change from year to year. We are currently offering the following advanced modules (2022-23):

Literature Survey

Final year students also undertake a literature survey which requires researching a clearly defined area of study of your choice. Recent examples include:

• The effect of child abuse on self-esteem
• Sensation seeking and risky sport
• The critical period hypothesis in second language acquisition
• Do environmental factors lead to late-onset Alzheimer’s disease?
• The effect of birth order on personality development
• The relationship between eating disorders and superficial self-harm.

Year 4

Advanced modules

In the fourth year MSci students choose a further two advanced modules from a selection offered each year (see tables above). Note that the assessment for fourth year MSci students differs from that applying to other undergraduate students, but you will attend the same classes.

Project

The final year research project is the single most important component of the MSci degree and requires students to conduct and write up an original piece of research, working closely under the supervision of a member of staff. The MSci project is significantly longer and more substantial than the BSc Psychology project.

Progression, transfer and assessment

• Transfer from the BSc to the MSci at the end of year 2 requires an average mark of 55% in year 2
• Progression from year 2 to year 3 of the MSci requires an average mark of 55% in year 2
• The contribution of years 2, 3, 4 of the MSci to the final degree mark is weighted 2:3:3. This means that year 2 contributes 25% of the MSci final degree mark, year 3 contributes 37.5% and year 4 contributes 37.5%.