PY0663 - Psychology Project

What will I learn on this module?

On this module you will individually conceptualise, plan and execute an original piece of research. You will, through reading, understanding and critically appraising relevant psychological literature, formulate and operationalise a research question, and select and implement research methodologies and statistical techniques appropriate for answering your research question. You will also have the opportunity to disseminate your research findings via presentation at an undergraduate conference. You will, as part of applying for ethical approval for your proposed research, consider relevant ethical issues associated with your research, and you will highlight ways of addressing these issues. The module will allow you to develop a range of generic skills such as effective use of computers (i.e., for data entry, analysis and word processing), effective oral and written communication skills, evidence-based reasoning and problem solving, self-management and timekeeping, as well as liaising and engaging in dialogue with other people related to your research (e.g., your supervisor and, where necessary, outside organisations).

How will I learn on this module?

On this module you will learn through project tutorials with your supervisor and supporting lectures.
You will complete an independent piece of psychological research with support from the Module Tutor, UG Ethics Chair and an Individual Supervisor. You will have the opportunity to meet with your supervisor to discuss your research development. Your supervisor will provide guidance with respect to the conceptualisation, planning and execution of your research, and they will also guide your selection of research methodologies and statistical techniques. Supervisors may also provide guidance on practical issues such as participant recruitment and sourcing research materials, as well as overall research feasibility. The module tutor will, along with the Ethics Chair and other guest speakers, deliver a series of lectures and workshops to support the running of the module. These sessions will cover topics such as research ethics, data collection, analysis and interpretation, critical thinking, scientific writing, research dissemination and future career planning.

How will I be supported academically on this module?

Your primary source of support throughout the module will be your project/dissertation supervisor. Your supervisor will advise and guide you through each phase of your research and will also provide you verbal and written feedback on your ethics application and the assessments attached to the module.
Additionally, a series of lectures and workshops will support your learning on the module. All content (e.g., lecture slides, reading lists, ethics and assessment templates) will be made available via the e-learning portal, as will links to other resources (e.g., research equipment, copyrighted tests, photographic stimuli) designed to support your module completion. A discussion board, allowing you to pose (and respond to) questions with peers, module and assessment tutors, and the UG Ethics Chair will also be made available via the e-learning portal, as will opportunities to engage with technology-enabled learning in the form of email, Microsoft Office, TurnItIn, YouTube, Qualtrics/equivalent, statistical packages and a range of technologies designed for data manipulation.

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:
MK1: You should be able to critically evaluate knowledge, theory and research evidence relevant to the topic of the psychology project.

Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:

MIP1: You will develop the ability to initiate, plan and conceptualise an independent psychology project that is manageable within the time available
MIP2: You will conduct, analyse, interpret and write up resulting data and findings, and satisfy the psychology department’s ethics requirements, demonstrating skills valuable for employability
MIP3: You will develop skills in written communication, interpersonal skills, and time and project management skills, as well as computer and problem-solving skills

Personal Values Attributes:
PVA1: You will reinforce the characteristics of a Northumbria Psychology Graduate as you create new knowledge, communicate effectively with your project supervisor, and demonstrate sensitivity to multicultural and interpersonal factors

How will I be assessed?

Formative Assessment: -
You will receive continuous feedback through meetings with your project supervisor.

You will also have the opportunity to produce draft ethics documents for discussion with your supervisor, feedback on which will be useful for your later summative assessment (MK1; MIP1; MIP2; MIP3; PVA1) and running of your study.

Ethics Submission: You are required to gain full ethical approval prior to beginning data collection.



You will write a research report (project; 8000 words maximum). Your project mark will constitute 100% of your module grade. (MK1; MIPI1, MIP2; MIP3, PVA1)



Feedback


You will receive individual written feedback on the final project report, highlighting strengths and weaknesses of your work, along with areas for improvement.

Pre-requisite(s)

None

Co-requisite(s)

None

Module abstract

You will individually conceptualise, plan, execute, analyse and write up a piece of psychological research with support from a supervisor. The project/dissertation, which represents the culmination of your degree programme, provides you with an opportunity to further develop a range of research (e.g., critical thinking, data analysis/interpretation, scientific report writing) and generic (e.g., oral and written communication, time management, working with others, planning) skills that will enhance your employability.

Course info

UCAS Code C800

Credits 40

Level of Study Undergraduate

Mode of Study 3 years Full Time or 4 years with optional study abroad year

Department Psychology

Location City Campus, Northumbria University

City Newcastle

Start September 2025

Fee Information

Module Information

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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