Autism

Autism is an intriguing condition and a growing societal problem, recently estimated to cost the UK an annual £34 billion. This new and unique course combines research methods training from psychologists with practical training and experience from autism professionals, delivering the latest information on the cause, diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment of the condition.  Its innovative approach combines training in psychological research methods with practical training and experience from autism professionals during a practical placement in an autism-relevant context.  

The course is grounded in practice and is run in co-operation with The Autism Treatment Trust and Speur Ghlan Early Intervention Service.

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Entrance requirements

A first or second class Single or Joint Honours degree in Psychology (or related subject).

English language requirements

If English is not your first language, you must provide evidence of your  proficiency such as a minimum IELTS score of 6.5 (minimum 6 in each skill), or TOEFL: Listening 23, Reading 23, Speaking 23, Writing 23.

Funding

There are typically five £1,000 bursaries to contribute towards fees or maintenance costs for students beginning a taught MSc course. All students, including international students, formally accepted onto the MSc course are eligible to apply for these awards. Awards will be decided on both previous experience and academic record but preference will be given to applicants intending to stay at Stirling to pursue a PhD following the MSc course.

Information on other possible sources of funding

Modes of study

Full-time:
Two semesters for Diploma, 12 months for MSc

Part-time:
Four semesters for the Diploma, 24 months for MSc

Course start date

September

Structure and content

The course comprises modules designed to provide training in the fundamentals of research methods. Our styles of teaching research skills range from explicit hands-on demonstrations of tools, to discussion of different approaches to research.

The modules include: Autism; Psychological Research Methods I and II; Advanced Statistics; Qualitative Research methods; Key Skills for Psychology Researchers; Research Placement.

Alternative modules from the other taught MSc courses can also be taken for credit or audit with the agreement of the Course Coordinator.

Approximately half of your time is devoted to a research project, leading to a substantial dissertation.

Delivery and assessment

Delivery is by seminars, lectures, a research placement in a relevant context, and research supervision. Master’s students have their own dedicated suite and are integrated into the research culture of the division.

Module titles

• Autism: A series of interactive seminars, with both staff from the Division of Psychology and guest lecturers from Autism professionals.
• Psychological Research Methods I and II: Covers a wide range of techniques used in psychological research and demonstrates these techniques in relation to topics in a range of areas. 
• Advanced Statistics: Assumes a reasonable knowledge of statistics, although an additional introductory module is available. The main statistics teaching is aimed at introducing advanced methods such as multivariate statistics and the rationale of using statistical methods. 
• Key Skills for Psychology Researchers: Focuses on the research process, including ethical reviews, professional conduct and disseminating research effectively to specialist and non specialist audiences. 
• Qualitative Research Methods: Provides a broad but solid grounding in qualitative research methodology. 
• Research Placement: This month-long placement is carried out in January/February, allowing students to broaden their practical research experience. The placement may be external to Psychology and can be in a non-academic environment.

Course Director

Dr Martin Doherty

RAE rating

70 percent of research in Psychology at Stirling was recognised as being of a quality that is internationally recognised in terms of originality, significance and rigour in the most recent Research Assessment Exercise (RAE).

Strengths

The course has practical links with the Autism Treatment Trust and Speur Ghlan Early Intervention Service.

Career opportunities

The course is designed for those going on to do further research in autism or planning a career as an autism professional. The structure of the course includes both a placement and research project, allowing you to develop relevant skills for both research and applied careers.