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Eye Movements and Visual Cognition

MSc

Dundee is one of the most renowned eye movement centres in the world with state-of-the-art eyetracking facilities. Due to the practical applications of eye-movement recording, the MSc is highly relevant to employers in the advertising and marketing industry, companies designing user interfaces, and to people interested in human-computer interaction.

Closing date: For entry Sept 2012, apply before 15th Aug 2012 (if you need a visa to study in the UK)

Why study Eye Movements and Visual Cognition at Dundee?

The School of Psychology has recently established a centre of excellence for eye movement research; the MSc Eye Movements and Visual Cognition will be closely linked to this new centre. For many psychology researchers, the recording of eye movements has become the preferred method for studying the human mind; our eye fixations and eye movements reveal much about how humans process the information that surrounds them.

In recent years, the use of this method has greatly advanced our theoretical understanding of human perception, attention, decision making and language processing. In addition, eye movement recording is being used in many practical applications such as for the study of consumer behaviour and human-computer interaction.

Students will receive a thorough background in models of eye movement control, the use of eye movement recording as a method for investigating theories of human perception, attention, decision making and language processing, and its use in practical applications.

The course is affiliated to our Centre for Oculomotor Research (CORE)

The School of Psychology also has much specialised equipment, dedicated laboratories and world class research facilities. These include EEG labs, many eye tracking systems, 2D and 3D movement tracking systems, and offsite fMRI access via the Clinical Research Centre at Ninewells Teaching Hospital.
Learn more about our research facilities »

Every full-time MSc student in the department is entitled to use computer facilities available in the Psychology department and throughout the University. We provide access to all the basic software tools that you are likely to need for your MSc.

Aims of the Programme

This course will enable you to:

  • pursue and develop the advanced study of research methods in Psychology and in particular to address contemporary issues of epistemology, data collection, measurement and data analysis
  • approach problems in research by critical evaluation of existing psychological paradigms and research literature and to apply this to current theoretical or applied issues in Psychology
  • develop advanced research skills which will be relevant to policy and practice in the workplace
  • develop and demonstrate advanced knowledge and skills in research design, methodology and statistical analysis
  • develop and demonstrate a comprehensive knowledge and understanding of current research in a specialised field of experimental or applied Psychology
  • engage in the analysis, synthesis, planning, execution and evaluation of research at an advanced level
  • make an original contribution to scientific knowledge, methodology or practice in a research project either grounded in experimental psychology or in an applied area relevant to the learner's employment
  • develop and practice dissemination and presentation skills to peers and to wider academic and professional audiences
  • provide an advanced understanding of scientific issues in the chosen topic specialisation.

"I enjoyed all aspects of the course, especially the opportunity to conduct two independent pieces of research. Furthermore, I found the taught modules very helpful and a good basis for every researcher. Most importantly, I enjoyed the support of both staff and students in a highly collaborative environment"
MSc student, 2011

Who should study this course?

The course acts as a first year of research training for students intending to continue with postgraduate research on eye movements or related disciplines. It is also of benefit if you wish to use eye movement recording outside the academic environment, for example to analyse consumer behaviour.

Postgraduate culture

We have a close postgraduate community with a diverse combination of nationalities. The School runs a Postgraduate seminar and a departmental seminar twice weekly throughout teaching semesters, with invited speakers to the seminars. These seminars are a great way to broaden your awareness of contemporary issues within the field of Psychology, to present your own work, and to network with other postgraduate students.

The School of Psychology also has its own facebook group, where you can find out more about their activities.

Teaching & Assessment

This course is based in the School of Psychology. The course co-ordinator is Professor Yuki Kamide.

Find out more about our Psychology staff.

How you will be taught

Learning methods will include oral and written presentations, peer assessments of oral presentations, problem-solving assignments and feedback, and interactive computer assignments. Some of the exercises will be group-based and will be followed by presentation of the results of the analysis. Learners will be expected to be able to respond adequately to questions relating to the interpretation of the analyses.

One-on-one supervision of a literature review and a dissertation by a single tutor is designed to promote continuity in the learning experiences provided.

What you will study

Students will take the following core MSc modules:

Semester 1:

  • Research Foundations
  • Qualitative Research Methods
  • Eye Movements and Visual Cognition
  • Research in Practice (semester 1 or 2)
  • Literature Review (as part of Dissertation Module)
  • Basic or Intermediate Research Methods (optional and not credited)

Semester 2

  • Advanced Quantitative Methods
  • Research in Practice (semester 1 or 2)

Plus one Advanced Modules, either in Semester 1 or 2, depending on when the modules are running and which modules chosen.

Research Dissertation Project

The exact timing of the Dissertation Research Project and the Research in Practice will vary from student to student depending on their specific course choices and will be negotiated in such a way to ensure a balanced workload over the year.

Find out more about the modules offered from the course webpage.

How you will be assessed

The course is assessed by coursework only.

Each module is worth 20 credits apart from the Dissertation Module (which consists of Literature Review and Dissertation) which is worth 60 credits. The total number of credits awarded is 180 for an MSc course.

Careers

Students from this course have gone on to do PhDs. The higher degree also generally improves job prospects when competing against other Psychology graduates in other fields such as in marketing, human-computer interaction and consumer behaviour.

Watch a video where recent graduates talk about their experiences.

Ross Macdonald graduated with an MSc in Eye Movements and Cognition in 2011. He is now studying for a PhD, focusing on gaze and dialogue in natural collaboration. He is interested in exploring the language and visual cues that are used to make and support references to external objects in collaborative settings.

Entry Requirements

You should hold, or expect to hold a first or second class honours degree in Psychology, conferring eligibility for Graduate Membership of the British Psychological Society, will normally be required. All applicants will be assessed and approved by the Course Director and the MSc Board of Studies.

English Language Requirement

IELTS of 6.5 (or equivalent), if your first language is not English. Please check our Language Requirements page for details of equivalent grades from other test providers, and information about the University of Dundee English Language courses.

Fees and Funding

Academic Year Home/EU Overseas
2011-12 £3,400 £10,000
2012-13 £3,400 £10,500
2013-14 to be confirmed to be confirmed

Sources of Funding

The School of Psychology is not currently offering any school scholarships.

A 5% discount on tuition fees is applicable for international applicants to the School of Psychology who pay the full amount (for the year), in advance, by a given deadline. Please visit our 5% discount webpage for full details.

Other sources of funding for postgraduate students can be found on our Scholarships webpage.

Living Costs

  • Dundee is ranked as one of the most affordable places for students to live in the UK, and the cost of living is around 15% cheaper than the UK average.
  • Increasing numbers of students are successfully undertaking part-time work to supplement their income. You can get advice from our Careers Service, both about job opportunities and how to find a suitable study/work/life balance. EU and international students are also allowed to work up to 20 hours per week.
  • As a student in Scotland, you have free access to the National Health Service. Visits to doctors and hospitals, as well as prescriptions, sight tests and dental checkups, are available free of charge.

Your Application

How to Apply

Apply online via UKPASS

 

Course Contact

Ms Rachel Smith, School Administrator
School of Psychology
University of Dundee
Nethergate
Dundee
DD1 4HN
Scotland

Telephone: 01382 384106 (from the UK)
Telephone: +44 1382 384106 (from outside the UK)

Email: r.z.smith@dundee.ac.uk

Admissions Contact

Postgraduate Admissions
Admissions and Student Recruitment
University of Dundee
Nethergate
Dundee
DD1 4HN
Scotland

Telephone: 01382 384 384 (from the UK)
Telephone: +44 1382 384 384 (from outside the UK)

Fax: 01382 385 500 (from the UK)
Fax: +44 1382 385 500 (from outside the UK)

Email: postgrad-admissions@dundee.ac.uk