Programme Specifications

Programme summary

1. Programme Aims

• Provide training in research methodology at Masters level, suitable as a basis for doctoral research.
• Equip students with the skills to function as trained researchers in Human Biology and Psychology.
• Provide comprehensive and detailed training in a variety of methods in both qualitative and quantitative research, and to provide training in the application of these methods in Human Biology and Psychology.
• Equip students with an appreciation of the practical issues and principles involved in the management of research projects, particularly in relation to projects undertaken in Human Biology and Psychology.
• Offer opportunities for independent study and use of several research methods and strategies, as well as formal instruction.
• Cultivate a range of transferable skills relevant to conducting research in a variety of contexts within Human Biology and Psychology.

2. Relevant subject benchmark statements and other external reference points used to inform programme outcomes:

• Subject benchmarks for Human Biology and Psychology.
• Research Council Research Training Guidelines.
• QAA level descriptors for Programmes at M Level.
• LoughboroughUniversity Learning and Teaching Strategy.
• Departmental learning and teaching policies.
• Research interests and specialisms of the teaching staff.
• Provision of equal opportunities.

3. Programme Learning Outcomes

3.1 Knowledge and Understanding

On successful completion of this programme, students should be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of: 

• Knowledge of basic principles of research design and strategy, including an understanding of how to formulate researchable problems and an appreciation of alternative approaches to research.
• Competency in understanding and applying a range of research methods and tools.
• Capabilities for managing research, including managing data, and conducting and disseminating research in a way that is consistent with both professional practice and the normal principles of research ethics.
• Comprehension of the distinctive issues posed in these areas by research in Human Biology and Psychology, and of the ways in which these can be addressed and resolved.
• Understanding of the significance of alternative epistemological positions that provide the context for theory construction, research design and the selection of appropriate analytical techniques.

3.2 Skills and other attributes

a. Subject-specific cognitive skills:

On successful completion of these programmes, students should be able to demonstrate: 

• High-level analytical and conceptual skills related to research in the Human Biology and Psychology.
• Critical and evaluative skills at an advanced level in relation to the possibilities and problems created by research undertaken in a variety of scenarios in developed and developing countries. 
• Ability to apply research skills in the context of an extended Dissertation, and at the level necessary to provide for further progression in a research career (academic or non-academic).

b. Subject-specific practical skills:

On successful completion of these programmes, students should be able to demonstrate: 

• An appropriate awareness of issues relating to research in Human Biology and Psychology particularly in relation to matters of data accuracy and reliability.
• The ability to critically appraise current research findings and develop appropriate research projects to challenge currently held beliefs in the Human Biology and Psychology.
• An appreciation of the practical issues and principles involved in the management of research projects, particularly in relation to projects undertaken in Human Biology and Psychology.
• Comprehensive and detailed training in a variety of methods in both qualitative and quantitative research, and to provide training in the application of these methods in the Human Biology and Psychology.

c. Key transferable skills:

On successful completion of these programmes, students should be able to achieve the following: 

• Management of self-learning (using the Library and other printed, audio-visual and electronic resources; revision and examination techniques, reading efficiently, problem solving, action planning, self-motivation, time management).
• Written, verbal and visual communication (including where appropriate the use of languages other than English).
• IT skills.including knowledge of quantitative and qualitative analyses software
• Project design and management.
• Group and team work.

4. Programme structure

In the following table, 'C' indicates a compulsory module and 'O' indicates an optional module. 

Modules may be replaced with alternative options at the discretion of the Programme Director (e.g. where evidence is available of successful prior study). 

* Candidates undertaking a Project need formal approval of a research proposal by the Programme Director and an agreed Supervisor.

¹ Only available to MRes Human Biology candidates

² Only available to MRes Psychology candidates

5. Criteria for Progression and Degree Award

In order to be eligible for the award, candidates must satisfy the requirements of Regulation XXI.

Provision will be made in accordance with Regulation XXI for candidates who have the right of re-examination to be reassessed in the University’s Special Assessment Period where modules allow.

6. Relative Weighting of Parts of the Programme for the Purposes of Final Degree Classification

n/a