Master Programme in Emotion Psychology, 120 credits

Aim

The program aims at providing the students with a solid theoretical foundation in emotion theory related to empirical studies in emotion psychology and closely related areas, as well as helping them to develop analytical and systematic thinking. In addition, the program aims at providing the students with the ability to independently evaluate research within the scientific field of emotion psychology as well as providing them with tools to be able to contribute to the field of research.

Programme objectives

Apart from the general learning outcomes described in the Higher Education Act, Chapter 1 § 9, and the Higher Education Ordinance, appendix 2, the Master of Science in emotion psychology program has the following local program objectives:

Knowledge and understanding:
To be awarded the MA degree, the student must
- demonstrate knowledge and understanding within the specified area. This includes an overview and understanding of emotion theories and the implications they have on different research approaches.
- demonstrate in-depth knowledge within specified subareas and insight into current and cutting edge research as well as developing work related to the area.
- demonstrate in-depth knowledge about the research methods that are applicable to the perspective covered in the respective modules of the program.

Competence and skills:
To be awarded the MA degree, the student must
- demonstrate the ability to integrate knowledge of the different subareas specified in the program syllabus and be able to apply this knowledge to everyday phenomena and research questions within emotion psychology and other fields.
- demonstrate the ability to independently identify and formulate research questions within the research area of the program.
- demonstrate the ability to plan and complete tasks within the time given, using relevant methods.
- demonstrate the ability to clearly present (both orally and in writing) research results related to different groups of society.
- demonstrate the ability to independently lead and complete scientific projects.

Judgement and approach to judge:
To be awarded the MA degree, the student must
- demonstrate the ability to assess scientific, social and ethical aspects of emotion research.
- demonstrate insight into scientific possibilities and limitations of emotion psychology and the role of emotion psychology in society, as well as being able to use knowledge based on emotion psychology responsibly.
- demonstrate the ability to identify one´s own need for information, and to take responsibility for one´s own knowledge progression within the scientific field of emotion.

Content

Year 1
Semester 1
Psychology MA, Emotion Theory, 7.5 credits
Psychology, MA, Emotion Expression, Perception, and Regulation, 7.5 credits
Psychology, MA, Emotion and Cognition, 7.5 credits
Psychology, MA, Research Methods I, Statistics and Research Design, 7.5 credits

Semester 2
Psychology, MA, Emotion Development, 7.5 credits
Psychology, MA, Research Methods II, Research Methods in Emotion Psychology, 7.5 credits
Psychology, MA, The Biology of Emotions, 7.5 credits
Psychology MA, Emotion and Health, 7.5 credits

(Two of the courses of the second semester, however, apart from Research methods II, 7.5 credits, can be changed to Psychology MA, Thesis, 15 credits, to be awarded a one year Degree of Master of Science. Students who choose to write a 15 credits thesis in semester 2, completes their program studies after year 1.)

Year 2
Semester 3
Free choice of courses corresponding to 22.5 credits (Research method III, 7.5 credits is mandatory). Please note that courses are offered based on the number of applicants, which could mean that some courses are not offered every year.
Psychology MA, Emotion and psychopathology, 7.5 credits
Psychology MA, Emotion and decision-making, 7.5 credits
Psychology MA, Emotion and human-computer interaction, 7.5 credits
Psychology MA, Emotion in a social and cultural perspective, 7.5 credits
Psychology MA, Emotion and work, 7.5 credits
Psychology MA, Affective neuroscience and psychophysiology, 7.5 credits
Psychology MA, Research methods III, advance research methods and statistics, 7.5 credits

Semester 4
Psychology MA, Thesis, 30 credits

Entry requirements

A bachelor's degree of at least 180 credits (ECTS) with a major in psychology. Alternatively, a bachelor's degree of at least 180 credits (ECTS) with a different major and 60 credits in psychology. English course 6/English course B from Swedish Upper Secondary School (Gymnasium) or the equivalent.

Description of programme

The courses of the program are based on the emotion research of the Department of Psychology at Mid Sweden University, but there are also applied science in other areas. Apart from courses in different subareas in the field of emotion, the program also contains three methodology courses, one in statistics and research design, one covering general knowledge about research methods in emotion psychology, as well as one covering advanced knowledge within research methods and statistics. Put together, the courses of the different subareas will lay foundation for the Master´s thesis.

Selection rules and procedures

The selection process is in accordance with the Higher Education Ordinance and the local order of admission.

Teaching and examination

The rate of the studies is full-time or part time (the student will decide rate of study each semester). This study form is distance education, which means that there will be a few mandatory meetings at Campus Östersund each semester. Information about the examinations, that are assessed individually, can be found in each course syllabus.

Title of qualification

Degree of Master of Arts/Science (120 credits)

Masterexamen med huvudområdet psykologi
translated into
Degree of Master of Science (120 credits) with a major in Psychology

Other information

The courses of the program will be offered in English. The order of the courses can be changed within and between semesters.