The aim of the programme is to provide students with the advanced training in research methods that prepares them for a career involving psychological research; training is provided in all relevant skills, including reviewing literature, developing hypotheses, writing research proposals, designing and carrying out empirical studies, conducting advanced statistical and qualitative analyses, and presenting results; students learn to use a range of research tools, such as databases, statistical software and computer-assisted qualitative analysis packages; students gain an understanding of the nature and limitations of the scientific method and the main alternatives; in addition, they have knowledge of a range of general historical, theoretical, and philosophical issues underlying the discipline of psychology, including the philosophy of science.