MSc (Research) in the Psychology of Creativity and Performance Expertise

This postgraduate research degree is offered by the Centre for Research into Expertise Acquisition, Training and Excellence (CREATE) hub at The University of Buckingham. The main focus of this centre is the exploration of the drivers of excellence in performance (whether cognitive, creative or practice-based). We are engaged in a number of external collaborative projects in the areas of creativity and performance, and also work with internal colleagues in the School of Computing and the Medical School. Key topic areas we explore include:

• Insight and creativity
• The drivers of performance excellence and expertise development (e.g. in music, theatre, puzzle-solving, board-games and medicine)
• Hobbies, motivations and characteristics of niche populations
• Psychology of music, choreography and dance
• Time perception and those with ‘natural’ time-keeping abilities

This programme leads to the award of an MSc (Research) in the area of the Psychology of Creativity and Performance Expertise. In addition to completing a 25,000 word thesis within a topic area relevant to the hub, you will gain wide knowledge of the broader field through guided self-study topic areas and research skills workshops. This will mean that you develop an in-depth knowledge of the psychology of creativity and performance expertise, which is informed by current issues and advanced research.

As a result of your studies, you will develop a strong knowledge base and core transferable skills which will enable you to become an independent researcher in your field, and will provide you with a solid foundation for further study and/or employment.

You will complete your MSc studies in 12 months (full-time; 24 months part-time), and we will support you to achieve timely completion by setting out key progression milestones such as submission of the research proposal, comprehensive literature search, completion of self-study topics, ethics application etc. Full milestone details will be sent to you when we invite you for interview.

Contact us

If you’d like to know more about the programme, please contact:

Kathryn Friedlander
Programme Director, MSc (Research) in the Psychology of Creativity and Performance Expertise
kathryn.friedlander@buckingham.ac.uk

Philip Fine
Postgraduate Research Admissions Tutor
philip.fine@buckingham.ac.uk

Or contact our Admissions team on psychology-admissions@buckingham.ac.uk

You must have a 2:1 or higher in an undergraduate Psychology degree, or a closely related degree with a solid understanding of psychology research methods and statistics.

We anticipate that most students would join us on campus here at Buckingham; however, it may be possible to undertake the MSc as a distance learner assuming all skills workshop and milestone components of the MSc are completed. See below for details (‘Skills Acquisition and Assessment’).

Mature students

Age is no barrier to learning and we welcome all applications from suitably qualified students.

International students

We are happy to consider all international applications and if you are an international student, you may find it useful to visit our international pages for details of entry requirements from your home country. The University is a UKVI Student Sponsor.

English Language Requirements

If your English language level is below the entry requirements you will be expected to complete our pre-sessional English language programme.  You do not need to apply separately for this programme, your offer will include the necessary pre-sessional English term(s).

Selection process

Places are limited, and we will be interviewing all prospective students in two application rounds, leading to a September and a January intake each year. To apply, click the button at the top of the page, and fill out your details.

As part of the application process, please upload a single document including a covering letter and brief CV, outlining how your previous experience and interests support your application to pursue an MSc by research in this particular area of Psychology.

Our current application deadlines are

• 1 August, for a start in late September
• 1 November, for a start in late January

Wherever possible, you will be invited to the University to meet the Postgraduate Admissions Tutor and/or the MSc Programme Director, for a formal interview and to have a tour of our campus. If you are an international applicant, it may not be possible for you to visit in person, so the interview may be conducted via video-conferencing.

If you are successful at interview, we will invite you to submit a short, structured (1,000 word) research proposal summary outlining your current proposal idea, using a template we will provide. This will help us to allocate an appropriate supervisor when you join us. On satisfactory receipt of this proposal, we will offer you a place on the programme.

Do get in touch with Dr Fine or with the admissions team if you have any further queries about the application process.

Student Contract for prospective students

When you are offered a place at the University you will be notified of the student contract between the University and students on our courses of study. When you accept an offer of a place on the course at the University a legal contract is formed between you and the University on the basis of the student contract in your offer letter. Your offer letter and the student contract contain important information which you should read carefully before accepting an offer. Read the Student Contract.

Skills Acquisition & Assessment

This is a one year (full-time) or two-year (part-time)  programme accepting students in both September and January. The awarding of the MSc is dependent upon the submission of a 25,000 word dissertation on your chosen research topic. It will be assessed by an external specialist, and will include a viva voce examination.

On arrival at Buckingham you will be assigned a first and second supervisor, based on your chosen research topic. Your supervisors will guide you throughout your research, meeting with you fortnightly throughout the year. For details of staff members working in this area, visit the CREATE hub page.

Alongside the thesis, you will be expected to engage in guided self-study topic areas within the programme. A minimum of three self-study topics must be completed, and will be followed by a brief assessment. Current topics include:

• Expertise Development and Skill Acquisition
• Hobbies, Personality and Niche interests
• Creativity
• Imagination and Visual Imagery Vividness
• Insight and Representational Change
• Problem Solving and Fluid Intelligence
• Choreography and Dance
• Musical Performance
• Stage Fright and Performance Anxiety
• Time Perception and Time Personality

In addition to these self-study areas you will also be required to attend Postgraduate skills workshops identified by the Programme Director and your supervisor. These self-study and skills elements will not earn programme credits; but progression through and completion of the MSc will be dependent upon proper engagement with them. This is to ensure that students graduate from the programme with sound research skills and a good contextual understanding of the broad study area, as is appropriate for a named MSc.

The University reserves the right to increase course fees annually in line with inflation linked to the Retail Price Index (RPI). If the University intends to increase your course fees it will notify you via email of this as soon as reasonably practicable.

Course fees do not include additional costs such as books, equipment, writing up fees and other ancillary charges. Where applicable, these additional costs will be made clear.

On-campus accommodation

We guarantee on-campus accommodation to all new students for their first four terms of study, as long as it is booked and paid for in good time, so you’re assured of a safe and secure home from home when you arrive at the University. Most new students choose this option.

Living on campus enables you to become involved in University activities, make friends, and integrate with the University community. For some of you this will be your first time in the UK; for others it will be the first time living away from home – and independence brings its challenges as well as its excitements. Whatever your circumstances, we know how important it is for you to feel comfortable in your accommodation.

What’s included?

All our study bedrooms are fully furnished, centrally heated, and connected to the internet. With few exceptions they have a wash basin and small refrigerator. We have a large number of ensuite rooms, and are upgrading more rooms each year. There are shared kitchens for when you wish to cook for yourself.

Find out more

If you’d like to find out more, visit our Accommodation pages or get in touch with our Accommodation Team.

We recommend that all prospective students visit our campus if they are able to, at one of our open days or a Campus Tour, campus tours include a typical student room.

Apply directly

You can apply directly using our online application form – all you need to do is click the ‘apply’ button at the bottom of this page.