MSc Cyberpsychology

Module: 7PS018

Credits: 20

Period: 1

Type: Core

Locations: Wolverhampton City Campus

This module will consider how we use academic research and theory to make technological advances. It will also consider how psychology is used to develop our connected interactions. The focus of this module is on how psychology is used to inform different industries, from gaming to counselling.

Module: 7PS003

Credits: 40

Period: 1

Type: Core

Locations: Wolverhampton City Campus

In this module, students are able to gain a considerable portfolio of knowledge and skills to support them in interpreting published research in both psychology and allied fields, and in conducting their own psychological research. Students are encouraged to gain a critical understanding of the various epistemological positions taken by psychological researchers, and study the research methods concomitant with these philosophical assumptions. Students learn advanced literature searching and, through synthesis of published research, how to identify knowledge gaps and research questions. As the module proceeds, students have practice at developing such a research idea into a feasible and ethically sound research protocol. Both quantitative and qualitative data collection and analysis techniques are covered, the former to an advanced level. Students learn how to select, administer, and score psychometric instruments. Whilst psychometrics are taught in the research setting, their applied use is also discussed. This will include the historical development of psychometric theory. Students will be required to demonstrate competence in the administration and interpretation of tests of cognitive ability and providing verbal and written feedback. Students will also be introduced to procedures of test construction and test validation, and will be required to demonstrate an understanding of validation methodology. At the end, students will study research methodology relating to their specific courses; Counselling Psychology, Cyberpsychology, Forensic Psychology and Occupational Psychology, in order to prepare then further for the independent research project.

Module: 7PS020

Credits: 20

Period: 1

Type: Core

Locations: Wolverhampton City Campus

This module will provide an introduction to the key debates underpinning cyberpsychology. Lecture content will cover a historical and theoretical overview of key literature and considerations that impact upon wider cyberpsychological study. Specialist online research methods will also be introduced.

Module: 7PS017

Credits: 20

Period: 1

Type: Core

Locations: Wolverhampton City Campus

This module will focus on understanding theories and empirical research related to explaining online crime and deviance as well as the psychological factors associated with online criminal activity. In doing so, it will consider how the Internet is used as a tool to extend and expand traditional crimes as well as considering how it has been used to develop new deviant and criminal activities. It will include a demonstration by a cybersecurity expert. It will also include, but not be limited to sessions revolving around: · Defining online crime and deviance · Research methods and ethics associated with studying online crime and deviance · Extending offline understandings of criminal behaviour to online activities · The consequences of online crime: Understanding why online crime is real and relevant to offline worlds · Using typologies to understand online crime · Cybersecurity, risk, and threat (individual and societal) · Cybertrespass - hackers, crackers, breakers and online scammers · Cyberterrorism – why does it affect everyone? · Cyberdeception and theft – including identity theft and fraud · Cyberpornography and obscenity - from child to adult pornography and trafficking online · Cyberviolence – stalking, bullying, harassment, domestic abuse and hate speech

Module: 7PS019

Credits: 20

Period: 1

Type: Core

Locations: Wolverhampton City Campus

In a world where technology affects so many aspects of our daily lives, understanding the psychological impact of living in a digital age is more important than ever. This module will consider the manner in which new and emerging technology, including the Internet, games consoles, virtual reality and smart phones, influences our everyday behaviours, thought processes and social interactions. Within this module we will discuss current and emerging patterns of technology use, motivations for and behavioural outcomes of using new technology, and elucidate the different ways in which technology is incorporated into our daily lives and routines. Themes will include: the manner in which people form and maintain friendships and romantic relationships with the help of technology; online consumer behaviour; the different ways in which we use technology to entertain ourselves; how technology influences the ways in which we work and study and the manner in which technology has affected how we search and seek support for health related concerns.

Module: 7PS013

Credits: 60

Period: 1

Type: Core

Locations: Wolverhampton City Campus

The research Project is an independent study module in which students will negotiate, plan, manage and execute a programme of research and analysis. In addition, students will develop skills in critical thinking, report writing and will have the opportunity to present their work in progress at the end of year research conference.

Our Facilities

Our MSc students have priority access to the newly expanded cyberpsychology research lab, which supports teaching and may be used for original research projects, allowing students to collect high-quality data. Current kit includes: top of the range gaming computers and laptops, a driving simulator, games consoles and peripherals, virtual reality (e.g. Oculus Rift and Vive), eye-tracking and psychophysiological equipment, specialist software (Gorilla, Observer XT, Qualtrics), smartphones, IPads and a variety of other contemporary technologies. Students can also access all of the facilities in our new Centre for Psychological Research, including interview rooms, cognitive experiment software (e.g. SuperLab), and an observation suite with a two-way mirror.

Employability

A growing array of career paths benefit from an understanding of human interaction with the online world and digital technologies; for example, in roles spanning human factors and usability, testing, development and research (e.g., gaming, online consumer behaviour, healthcare technologies), academia, digital marketing, and defence and security analysis. Our graduates develop skills and knowledge applicable to a wide variety of sectors, including, but not limited to: online dating, video-gaming, social media and virtual reality. Some students embark on the course to enhance their performance in their current career, for example in advertising, journalism, education or the IT sector. The course is well suited to anyone wishing to pursue a career where understanding how humans interact with technology or how technology affects behaviour is vital.

"As a specialist Virtual Reality (VR) training developer we have had Cyberpsychology students working with us on a number of projects. Their unique combination of psychology knowledge and how new technology is shaping the application of this in new ways has meant they have been able to make a meaningful impact in our organisation. Students have worked on projects across Europe and the UK ranging from VR team building through to the design and development of VR learning materials for business critical applications".

Mark Whittle
Business Psychologist at Virtual Reality Experiences Ltd, London

The course will enhance employment prospects for those seeking employment post completion, and support those already employed to develop their professional skills in a number of ways. First, the course will offer domain specific skills, for example, online data collection methods, specialist quantitative and qualitative research methods and understanding online behaviour in various applied contexts. Second, students will develop domain general skills, for example analytical and critical thinking, report writing, oral presentation skills, academic writing, data collection and data analysis and interpretation.

Location Mode Fee Year Home/EU Full-time £7650 per year 2020-21 Home/EU Part-time £3825 per year 2020-21 Home Full-time £7800 per year 2021-22 Home Part-time £3900 per year 2021-22 International Full-time £13350 per year 2020-21 International Full-time £13950 per year 2021-22

These fees relate to new entrants only for the academic year indicated for entry onto the course, any subsequent years study may be subject to an annual increase, usually in line with inflation.

• 2:1 or higher in a Psychology or relevant cognate science degree (e.g. computer science, information science)
• Applicants who do not hold a BPS accredited Psychology degree at 2:1 or higher will be required to attend an interview to ascertain suitability for the course’
• SKYPE interviews are available
• If English is not your first language an English Language Qualification - IELTS level score of 6.5 or above/equivalence will be required.

"Cyberpsychology is a continually evolving discipline. When you think your studies just can’t get any more interesting, you stumble upon a new area of Cyberpsychology which Is just as interesting, if not more. Along with being completely immersed within your studies, you find yourself utterly surprised by the skills you obtain within yourself, as you are constantly developing as an academic alongside academics who are just as enthusiastic as yourself." (Samantha Burns, MSc Cyberpsychology, 2017-2018)