Psychosocial Studies – (M.Sc.)

This is an innovative interdisciplinary programme that has developed out of the interests of a group of active researchers concerned with the interface of psychological and social theory, methodology and practice. The group is headed up by Professor Paul Stenner who plays a major role in the course delivery along with other leading researchers in the Psychosocial Studies Research Group. The course deals with contemporary theoretical and applied issues and draws critically upon a range of disciplines including psychology, sociology, health, counselling and social work. The disciplines which underpin the course are treated both as practices of observation and intervention, and practices that must themselves be observed. Teaching is informed by research expertise in several theoretical traditions including post-structuralism, critical theory, psychoanalysis, systems theory, feminism, humanism and queer theory and is closely linked to staff research profiles.

The applied focus of the course will be of interest to graduates from a range of related social science disciplines and professions. Students encounter a variety of post-positivistic ways of reflexively analysing the social and material context of human experience and action, and the psychological dimensions of social processes. Topics such as identity, emotion, memory, risk, gender, ethnicity, sexuality and embodiment will be addressed with an accent on progressive social and personal transformation and social justice. Critical reflection upon the socially enmeshed nature of social scientific practice and scientific knowledge is an integral part of the psychosocial approach adopted. For example, both sociology and psychology, in their various representations, are approached as both subjects and objects of research.

The course also contains a distinctive applied component. Students have the opportunity to examine several contemporary applied themes including interpersonal violence, aspects of health, body modification, identity politics, child-welfare and protection, ethical consumptions, suicidal distress and community development. Critical reflection on practical alternatives to the naive 'scientific fact > real-world application' distinction will be fostered. The psychosocial research methods module provides training in established and innovative hermeneutic, phenomenological, semiotic and discourse analytical methods. A strong emphasis is placed upon qualitative techniques including narrative, biographical, interactional and visual methods