Introductory description

Research dissertation for MSc Psychotherapy and Counselling

Module aims

Outline syllabus

This is an indicative module outline only to give an indication of the sort of topics that may be covered. Actual sessions held may differ.

Teaching (Lectures and group supervision) will be on 5 Saturdays, plus three evenings of group supervision
Sat 1 Embarking on your research project; Revisit Literature review and planning your project, and group research supervision
Week 6 Group research supervision
Sat 3 Methodology and Collecting your data, and group research supervision
Week 12 Group research supervision
Sat 5 Analysing data and drawing out themes, and group research supervision
Week 18 Group research supervision
Sat 7 Writing up findings, and group research supervision
Sat 8 Writing up conclusions, recommendations and the abstract, and group research supervision

Learning outcomes

By the end of the module, students should be able to:

• 1.Demonstrate the ability to successfully complete a substantial empirical research project, systematic review or systematic case study informed by wide current understandings in the discipline
• 2. Identify, describe and effectively operationalise an appropriate topic related to psychotherapy and counselling; research questions; research methods and ethics.
• 3. Critically apply, integrate, evaluate and interpret the knowledge listed above through completion of a dissertation.
• 4. Analyse, synthesise and critically evaluate key ideas and applications from psychotherapeutic theory and research, including holistic and integrative approaches, and apply in writing a research dissertation to a sophisticated level.
• 5. Exhibit a capacity to consistently think, analyse and write about research to a suitably high standard (Level 7), blending in critical reflection and synthesis of theoretical ideas to generate a high level of discussion and analysis.
• 6. Demonstrate ability to present a research dissertation to Level 7 standard, with adequate spelling, grammar and structure.

Indicative reading list

Braun, V. and Clarke, V. (2022). Thematic analysis: A practical Guide. Sage Publications. Dibley, L., Dickerson, S., Duffy, M., and Vandermause, R. (2020). Doing Hermeneutic Phenomenological Research. A practical guide. Sage.
Danchev, D. and Ross, A. (2014) Research ethics for counsellors, nurses, and social workers. London: Sage.
Denzin, N.K. and Lincoln, Y.S. (2005) The sage handbook of qualitative research. London: Sage.
Dibley, L., Dickerson, S., Duffy, M., and Vandermause, R. (2020). Doing Hermeneutic Phenomenological Research. A practical guide. Sage.
Ellis, C. (2021) Handbook of autoethnography. 2nd ed.. Routledge, Taylor and Francis Group.
Finlay, L. and Ballinger, C. (eds.) (2006) Qualitative research for allied health professions: challenging choices. Chichester, John Wiley publications.
Harper D. and Thompson, A.R. (2012) Qualitative research methods in mental health and psychotherapy. A guide for students and practitioners. Wiley-Blackwell.
McLeod, J. (2011) Qualitative research in counselling and psychotherapy. 2nd ed. London: Sage.
McLeod, J. (2013) An introduction to research in counselling and psychotherapy. London: Sage. .
Moustakas, C. (1990) Heuristic research: design, methodology and applications. Sage Publications.
Rubin J. and Rubin, S. (2004) Qualitative interviewing, the art of hearing data. London: Sage.
Smith, J.A. (2021) Interpretative phenomenological analysis: Theory method, and research. 2nd Ed. Sage publications Ltd.

Research element

Dissertation.

Subject specific skills

Identify, describe and effectively operationalise an appropriate topic related to psychotherapy and counselling; research questions; research methods and ethics.
Analyse, synthesise and critically evaluate key ideas and applications from psychotherapeutic theory and research, including holistic and integrative approaches, and apply in writing a research dissertation to a sophisticated level.

Transferable skills

Critically apply, integrate, evaluate and interpret knowledge through completion of a dissertation.
Present material in clear written form by identifying,
analysing and applying key texts and practices, using
appropriate and adequate structure, spelling, grammar,
syntax, length and referencing.