Postgraduate Degrees at Abertay by Abertay University

AT ABERTAY UNIVERSITY

DEGREES

POSTGRADUATE

Welcome to the Abertay Graduate School. We pride ourselves on being a small and friendly University with an excellent research environment, extensive researcher development opportunities, close links with industry, the public and third sectors, and a welcoming student support service. We’re particularly effective at cross-disciplinary working to innovate and find creative solutions for the modern world. This is possible and indeed promoted because of our compact campus and pan-University Graduate School, which encourages collaboration. Doing a postgraduate research or taught degree is a big commitment; it can sometimes be challenging and always involves hard work. But ultimately it’s enjoyable, rewarding and often transformational. We’re here to help you reach your full potential and to achieve your ambitions and goals. Join us at Abertay where you can meet, work, learn and socialise with our vibrant community of postgraduate students and academics from Scotland, the UK and beyond. Abertay University offers over 50 postgraduate degree opportunities, including: • • • •

Taught MSc (12 months full-time, part-time options available. Check specific programme pages for details) Research MSc (10-14 months full-time) MPhil (1-3 years full-time) PhD (2-4 years full time)

Abertay postgraduate researchers work across academic schools to devise innovative approaches and solutions that address complex local and global challenges. Our approach helps us drive development of new research areas and strengthen disciplines through cross-fertilisation.

We welcome your application to join our dynamic postgraduate community. Best wishes, Professor Nia White 01

CONTENTS About the Abertay University Graduate School

Postgraduate taught degrees

Postgraduate research degrees by subject/school 19 School of Design and Informatics

School of Applied Sciences

School of Business, Law and Social Sciences

Postgraduate research degrees by theme

Funding

How to Apply

About the Graduate School Abertay’s small size enables us to work across discipline boundaries to facilitate knowledge exchange. Central to this strategy is Abertay’s Graduate School – a unique, dedicated facility providing support, training and professional development opportunities to our vibrant postgraduate community. Our shared space has been designed to promote exchange amongst the student and academic community so that ideas and expertise might permeate across discipline boundaries to spark innovative discoveries, creativity and new thinking. Whether you join us as a postgraduate student or researcher, you’ll be joining a community of creative, likeminded scholars and will automatically be provided with access to our dedicated study and social spaces – a forum in which you can meet, work, collaborate, learn and socialise with other researchers and graduate students from across the University. The Graduate School offers an integrated training and professional development programme to enhance research excellence, impact and individual employability. You’ll benefit from support with funding applications, placement opportunities, industry collaboration, teaching practice, public engagement and outreach activity.

Postgraduate Taught Degrees

MSc Accounting and Finance (CIMA Gateway) ...p7

MSc Applied Artificial Intelligence and User Experience ...p9

MSc/PGDip Computer Games Technology ...p11

MSc Counselling ...p13

MSc/PGDip Ethical Hacking and Cyber Security ...p15

Professional Masters in Games Development (MProf) ...p17

For more information on our postgraduate taught degrees please visit abertay.co/NDNm

ACCOUNTING AND FINANCE (CIMA GATEWAY)

Organisations around the world are looking more and more for financial experts with the expertise and critical decision-making skills to add value to their service. High-end leadership, business, technical and people skills are vital in today’s ever-changing business world.

START DATE September DEGREE CLASSIFICATION MSc DURATION 1 year (full-time), 2 years (part-time)

PROGRAMME OVERVIEW Designed in collaboration with the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA), this programme will prepare you to enter a career in finance with the acumen, skills and knowledge to succeed at management and strategic level. Why choose this programme? • Develop a thorough and contemporary knowledge of the accounting and financial processes of an organisation and the ability to forward plan and effectively manage risk. • Gain knowledge of environmental challenges and trends, the opportunities and constraints these create, and how they impact on organisational decision-making and resource allocation. • Build on key skills associated with employment in high-performance organisations. • Work towards a Management Accountant qualification while completing your Masters. • Receive significant exemptions from CIMA professional examinations. • Receive study support from CIMA.

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES You will be highly sought after by employers in the public, private and third sectors. The knowledge, understanding and skills developed on the programme will enable you to understand key issues, which relate to strategic decision-making within business and provide essential input for the success to global organisations. This globally recognised qualification is the gold standard of financial expertise HOW YOU LEARN AND ARE ASSESSED You will be required to attend regular lectures and tutorials throughout the duration of programme. Group work and individual study will take place. You will be assessed using a variety of methods, including report and essay writing, closed book examinations.

FULL COURSE DETAILS CAN BE FOUND HERE

Industry Links Abertay’s School Of Business, Law and Social Sciences has great links with local, national and international organisations and there will be an opportunity for you to undertake a placement to further enhance your employability.

APPLIED ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE AND USER EXPERIENCE

Learn to design and interrogate AI systems with a clear understanding of human behaviour. With the dependence on digital automation and remote working greater than ever, there is a huge demand for professionals with skills in Artificial Intelligence (AI) and User Experience (UX).

START DATE September DEGREE CLASSIFICATION MSc DURATION 1 year (full-time), 2 years (part-time)

PROGRAMME OVERVIEW Designed in collaboration with the Chartered Institute of Management We are the first UK university to offer a Master’s degree bringing together AI, UX Research and Applied Psychology. As well as gaining a thorough understanding of Data and AI techniques, you’ll explore theoretical concepts with practical applications. We teach you how to: • • •

Apply Psychology and AI principles. Enrich the design of AI solutions through good practice UX. Use Data, AI and Applied Psychology to inform the design of prototypes.

Using data and AI to acquire deeper insights into human behaviour and psychology, you’ll also focus on the ethical responsibilities of developing AI applications.

This course has a practical focus, and features projects and group work as well as work placements where possible. When you graduate, you’ll have a solid grounding in Data and AI techniques along with specialist knowledge and skills in Psychology and UX. Our aim is to create the next generation of AI talent, who recognise the role of human behaviour in technology use. Both the UK and Scottish Governments have urgently called for an increase in Data and AI skills, and the need for talented AI professionals at all levels is growing every year. To apply you’ll need scripting expertise and an undergraduate degree in Engineering, Computing, Game Design and Development, Physical, Natural, Life or Biological sciences. DATALAB SCHOLARSHIPS There are five fee-paying scholarships available for full-time students studying the MSc Applied Artificial Intelligence and User Experience. The scholarship covers the course fees which are paid directly to the University. These scholarships are funded by the DataLab, the Scottish Funding Council and the European Social Fund/Developing Scotland’s Workforce (DSW) programme. Please refer to the DataLab Scholarship Guidance for Applicants, abertay.co/N2Nk If eligible, please complete the DataLab Scholarship Application Form, abertay.co/OWEy Send completed applications and evidence to advisory@abertay.ac.uk.

FULL COURSE DETAILS CAN BE FOUND HERE

COMPUTER GAMES TECHNOLOGY

Dive into the growing Creative Industries sector and embark on an MSc in Computer Games Technology that’s designed to build on your computing, maths and programming knowledge and equip you with the specialist technical skills necessary for a programming career in the computer games industry.

START DATE September DEGREE CLASSIFICATION MSc/PGDip DURATION 1 year (full-time), 2 years (part-time)

PROGRAMME OVERVIEW Abertay enjoys an outstanding reputation for cutting-edge courses in the field of computer games. Studying this leading computer games master’s is a major step towards a rewarding career in one of the most exciting creative industries. Abertay graduates have gone on to work for leading computer games companies including Outplay, Sony, EA and Rockstar North. It’s an ideal route if you wish to expand and focus your existing programming, maths and computing skills for the development of computer games. Designed and maintained in close association with games companies, it’ll provide you with access to a range of state-of-the-art facilities. During your studies, you’ll benefit from being part of a community of likeminded individuals within our School of Design and Informatics. With strong industry links and the opportunity to work on real team projects, you’ll benefit from developing the technical skills and expertise essential to computer games companies, as well as building your own network of contacts in this exciting industry. And, of course, you’ll be located in the city of Dundee – identified as a key hub of game development activity in the UK. You’ll leave us with the confidence and skills to work in one of the most demanding industries in the world, and at a distinct advantage over other computing graduates intending a career in the games industry. The skills learned on the course are transferable to many other sectors and industries beyond games.

LEARNING SPACES Designed to replicate a modern games studio, our learning spaces allow students from across gaming disciplines to work side-by-side with faculty and industry professionals, fostering collaboration and creativity. The industry standard software and hardware is constantly updated with the latest versions to keep up with innovation within the games industry. There are specialist audio, motion capture and virtual reality spaces, as well as the largest PlayStation lab in the UK (outside of Sony itself). LEARNING AND ASSESSMENT The programme is designed around five themes: Games Production and Design: Uses the games development template as the basis for games design, development and production. This theme is strongly grounded in the market reality of games publishing. Games Programming: Develops the core programming competence of students using DirectX and console hardware programming. Professional Knowledge: Provides the underpinning mathematical and games industry knowledge required to be a professional in the computer games field. Programming Specialism: Provides an opportunity to develop and evaluate the techniques used to implement network computer games, procedural content generation and the AI techniques used in games. Research: Provides an opportunity to explore a personal research topic and create a portfolio piece related to computer games technology.

FULL COURSE DETAILS CAN BE FOUND HERE

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES Employment opportunities exist in a variety of sectors including computer games development, graphics and visualisation, AR/VR/MX, multimedia and education. Typical job titles include games programmer, graphics programmer, and AI programmer. Opportunities also exist for graduates to become self-employed, freelance contractors or to start their own games development business. 12

COUNSELLING

Develop your theoretical understanding, hone your practical skills and achieve a higher level of personal awareness and resilience by studying counselling at a postgraduate level. This MSc equips you with the skills you need to offer counselling for people experiencing problems in their lives.

START DATE September DEGREE CLASSIFICATION MSc DURATION 3 years (part-time)

PROGRAMME OVERVIEW Join one of the leading programmes in the UK to train in the Pluralistic Approach to Counselling. This means you’ll absorb a wide range of theories and interventions, learning how best to adapt your approach to the needs of your clients. We enjoy a rich tradition of providing training in counselling and counselling skills. Our teaching staff are highly respected leaders in their field, and you’ll be joining a vibrant community of practitioners and past and current students. The course offers a comprehensive selection of topics on talking therapies, interventions and professional practice, with core areas including: • • • • •

A range of theoretical approaches to counselling, such as Person Centred and Experiential, Psychodynamic, Transactional Analysis, Existential, Narrative and Cognitive Behavioural Therapies Personal development and self-awareness Evidence-based practice and research methods Ethical and professional issues in counselling Abertay has a strong research orientation, and the Tayside Centre for Counselling (TCC) is based on campus. There are opportunities for you to be involved in projects that are influencing and developing the role and effectiveness of counselling interventions in modern society.

LEARNING AND ASSESSMENT From the outset you are engaged in skills learning, as the first year of this MSc introduces you to counselling and practical training in the application of helping interventions. This foundation year provides the Pluralistic counselling skills, and the experience you need to undertake a practice placement.

The subsequent two years involve a fascinating combination of teaching in theory, research, practice and professional issues, and self-development, all of which are designed to be directly linked to practice placement. This part-time programme requires one day per week attendance. There are three exit points on this programme. These are: • • •

End of first year: Postgraduate Certificate in Counselling Studies End of second year: Postgraduate Diploma in Counselling Studies End of third year: Masters (MSc) in Counselling

Additionally, you’ll have the opportunity to take part in workshops to introduce and develop your understanding of mental health issues, such as depression and anxiety, addictions, and eating disorders, along with specific approaches such as solutionfocussed therapies and mindfulness. In combination with the one day a week attendance on campus, in years two and three you’ll take a placement as a counsellor – an essential part of your professional training. There is also an additional week block attendance in term three of year one and year three You’ll be assessed by using case-studies, theory essays, literature reviews, practice observations, and reflective accounts, along with reports from supervisors and practice placement. Assessment tasks are integrated into the course and spread through the three years. Formative assessment is ongoing and the programme team provide feedback on practice skills and activities in class.

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

By providing both foundational and professional training in a single programme, this programme gives you the opportunity to undergo a three year part-time degree as a direct entry in to a counselling career. Our graduates have moved on to work within the field of counselling, social care, research and education. Some graduates choose to enter private practice, while others remain in the voluntary sector. In addition, it’s possible to go on to train in counselling supervision. An MSc in Counselling also provides transferable skills, and can considerably enhance career prospects for people working in health, education, the church, criminal justice, human resource management, and the voluntary sector.

Industry Links Our counselling programme has strong links with a number of counselling and social care agencies within Scotland. These relationships ensure the smooth management of student placements and professional development. The majority of staff are members and accredited trainers for BACP, with one currently representative at BACP governance level.

FULL COURSE DETAILS CAN BE FOUND HERE 14

ETHICAL HACKING AND CYBERSECURITY

This fascinating and practical postgraduate degree builds on your existing graduate skills and teaches an offensive approach to cybersecurity, providing you with detailed knowledge of electronic attacks and how to defend against the methods used to gain access and exploit a system.

START DATE September DEGREE CLASSIFICATION MSc/PGDip DURATION 1 year (full-time)

PROGRAMME OVERVIEW Fully certified by the National Cyber Security Centre - part of GCHQ - this Masters degree develops the skills needed to tackle the growing threat of computer hackers. We’re the only university in the UK to offer a master’s programme in Ethical Hacking and gain a deep understanding of security issues and concerns as you learn to think like a hacker, evaluating the security of a computer system by simulating a malicious attack. We aim to change the way you think. We encourage lively debates about pertinent ethical and security issues, developing your hacker mind set and instilling you with a determination to ‘do your bit’ to improve security in the world of computing. In addition, this programme will: • Provide the core skills to allow you to take positions in a variety of companies where computer security is a major issue • Put you at the forefront of new developments in security • Give you the benefit of an active teaching group with a growing reputation based on industry links and Knowledge Transfer projects. • Allow you to learn in a project based, entrepreneurial and enterprise culture. LEARNING AND ASSESSMENT From forensic computing to network security, this programme covers a wide range of subjects. Within these, you’ll learn about … • • •

Web hacking Password cracking Malware analysis

• • •

Port scanning Buffer overflows … and much more.

You’ll also learn how to evaluate the impact of security problems and recommend improvements to a network’s security within a legal and ethical framework. You’ll also conduct a master’s project within an area of cybersecurity that’ll allow you to build on your existing skills. Teaching is focused on lectures and practical sessions in dedicated classrooms. Lectures are used to present the key concepts, while practicals increase your understanding of the subject and allow you to develop your competence in technological and theoretical work. You’re taught using a problem-based learning approach. You’ll spend around 12 hours per week attending classes and around 30 hours a week of private study. The taught course will be assessed using a combination of written coursework, presentations and seminars, with a written dissertation at MSc level. HACK LAB You’ll have access to our state-of-the-art Hack Lab, which has been created especially for security work. Every PC in the Hack Lab is isolated from the main university network, allowing you to experiment with all aspects of ethical hacking in a safe, controlled environment. Considering this space is where you’ll be examining how viruses are made undetectable by malicious hackers, or aggressively exploiting flaws in realistic websites or mobile apps, removing the ability to cripple other networks is crucial. CAREER OPPORTUNITIES There is a global skills gap for ethical hackers and cybersecurity experts as companies become increasingly aware of security risks and the need to combat them. Some large organisations employ security testers and others use contractors to audit their systems. Graduates can also set up their own companies offering ethical hacking services. Graduates from this programme will also be able to use their existing knowledge of programming, databases, networks or web development to find employment in these fields, with a deep understanding of security issues.

Professional Accreditation This programme is accredited by BCS, the Chartered Institute for IT, as meeting the educational requirement for CITP Further Learning and partially meeting the educational requirement for CEng/CSci registration.

FULL COURSE DETAILS CAN BE FOUND HERE 16

PROFESSIONAL GAME DEVELOPMENT

The Centre for Excellence in Computer Games Education at Abertay offers this unique, worldrenowned programme. It’ll give you a skillset that encompasses far more than basic technical excellence, resulting in unparalleled opportunities for subsequent employment in the multi-billion pound games industry. PROGRAMME OVERVIEW Get set to develop core development skills through applied project work, supported by experienced games industry practitioners. Enhance your skills in interdisciplinary communication and collaboration through teamwork with students and staff from other areas of games development. You’ll apply developing technologies and practices to your own projects, demonstrate your work to leading industry figures and be encouraged to nurture relationships with fellow developers, industry professionals and companies through your demonstrable skill in the creation of games, mentorships and published research.

START DATE September DEGREE CLASSIFICATION MProf DURATION 1 year (full-time)

As a postgraduate student, you’ll work with other highly-talented individuals within games development teams towards the production of innovative computer games solutions. Working closely with a team of full-time staff who are highly-experienced in both the games industry and in academic teaching, and under the guidance and mentorship of computer games industry representatives, you’ll develop professional skills and knowledge relevant to key roles within the industry. During the course of your studies, you’ll ultimately be expected to demonstrate applied excellence in your specialist area, as well as professionalism, flexibility, the ability to adapt in team working situations, and creativity and innovation towards product development.

LEARNING AND ASSESSMENT The goal of the MProf in Games Development is to turn you into a professional developer by placing you into a development team, with industry-relevant project goals and deliverables. Your team will enjoy a high level of independence in how it meets the game design briefs and how it approaches the development process. Supervision, mentorship and academic support look to emphasise the consequences of your decisions and processes, allowing you to experience an organic and logical development and evolution of best practices. In addition, you’ll develop your awareness in areas of potential innovation and research, and will be encouraged to publish your work.

The remaining core elements of the course seek to separate the myths from the realities of working in the games industry, and expand your awareness of design considerations with regards to the comparative importance and impact of narrative and gameplay theories. Uniquely, you’ll select optional modules from across the entire university, allowing further development of your core skills if required, but more specifically allowing for a more individual and tailored learning experience through the additional study of areas of personal interest such as business, marketing, psychology and perception. YOUR LEARNING SPACE We’ve developed a unique concept of learning environment and creative incubator, encompassing ways of teaching that focus on building general skills alongside the subject-specific knowledge to support your career and life objectives. It’s designed to give you the edge in the global knowledge economy when you graduate. This space environment is a thriving hub of activity, mixing the talents of undergraduates, postgraduates, lecturers, business people, artists and broadcasters, surrounding you with the buzz of a real working environment, allowing you to share real-world knowledge and experience. Assessment methods throughout the core modules focus on formative (constant) assessment through regular meetings and discussion sessions, rather than exams. This is to allow you to improve in confidence, communication skills and core discipline skills as you progress, allowing you to try new working practices and approaches as and when they may be required. An emphasis is placed on effective participation as a team player, and in correctly identifying and prioritising a project’s key requirements and challenges. CAREER OPPORTUNITIES This programme prepares you for a career as a game developer, with the exact role being determined by your area of study (usually identified by your undergraduate degree) – such as Programmer, Artist or Producer. Former graduates of the MProf course have had outstanding success both in gaining employment within the industry and in pursuing their own game development plans. Graduates from the course can now be found working at studios across the UK with companies such as Sony, Traveller’s Tales, Codemasters and Blitz, as well as further afield in mainland Europe, America, China and India. Many graduates pursue their own projects for the rapidly-developing Indie market. The team-focused multidisciplinary approach further ensures that successful graduates will have developed and displayed a very high degree of collaborative ability, a particularly valuable graduate attribute in the challenges that future projects and employment will most certainly present.

FULL COURSE DETAILS CAN BE FOUND HERE 18

Postgraduate Research Degrees Abertay University’s three academic schools support Masters by Research (MSc, MA or LLM), MPhil, and PhD research degrees in a variety of subject areas. Our postgraduate programmes are flexible, which means that students registered for Masters by Research or MPhil can seek to transfer to PhD study or study in part-time mode*. Research areas may be discipline-focused or cross-disciplinary in nature. As a postgraduate research student, you’ll carry out an original independent research and/or practice-based project whilst being guided and supported by a team of expert academic supervisors located within our academic schools: School of Design and Informatics, School of Applied Sciences, and School of Business, Law and Social Sciences. Throughout this, you’ll develop appropriate professional and academic skills and attributes required to deliver research excellence, by engaging with an extensive programme of researcher development tailored to your own background, needs and future ambitions. Our range of postgraduate research degrees include: 19

Accounting and Finance Behavioural Science Bioethics Biomedical Sciences Business and Management Civil Engineering Civil Engineering – Geotechnics Civil Engineering – Structures Cognitive Psychology Computer Games, Augmented Reality and Virtual Reality Computer Games Design Computer Games and Media Computer Games for Social Change (Serious Games or Games for Change) Computer Science and Informatics Corruption and Economic Development Criminology Cross-Cultural Management Culture, Business and Society Cybersecurity Cybersecurity and Human Behaviour Design Duty of Care in Sport Employability Entrepreneurship and Business Growth Environmental Microbiology Ethical Hacking/Penetration Testing Food and Consumer Science Food Nutrition and Health Food Science and Technology Foreign Direct Investment Forensic Science Forensic Science and Impression Evidence Graduate Recruitment and Selection

Human Behaviour and Cybersecurity Human Behaviour and Computer Interaction Human Computer Interaction Human Resource Management Informatics Information Visualisation Interactive Sound and Music International Business and Management Internet Marketing Internet of Things/Cybersecurity Law Law and Human Rights Leadership Life Sciences Marketing Management Managing Diversity Mental Health Counselling Mental Health Nursing Molecular Biology Oil and Gas Accounting Organisational Change Performance and Play (performing arts and videogames) Psychology Psychological Contract Psychology and Gaming Psychology and Learning Security and Policing Sensory Science Sociology Social Theory Sport and Exercise Science Sports Coaching Sustainability User Experiences in Immersive Environments (gaming) Wastewater Technology and Environmental Impact

*Students studying in Scotland on a Tier 4 visa can only undertake full-time study.

SCHOOL OF DESIGN AND INFORMATICS

GAMES AND ARTS The research profile in the field of Games and Arts is inherently interdisciplinary, encompassing subject expertise in digital art and performance, game design and game studies, and sound and music production. The research leads to the creation and evaluation of new and experimental forms of play, from curated digital performances to applied games. In applied games, we use a range of research methodologies – from serious game jams to full development projects – to explore the role and value of games in education, training and science communication. Sub-areas of research include (but are not limited to): • • • • •

Games and History Play and Performance Applied Games and Professional Training and Education Arts Research Game Studies

COMPUTING AND MATHEMATICS Central to the field of Computing and Mathematics research activity is its expertise in computer games technologies and the computer science and mathematics that underpin the exploitation of those technologies. In partnership with Games and Arts, the research drives new forms of game-based interactions and simulations. The field also exploits games technologies in food and energy security and in healthcare as part of the wider Research Themes. Sub-areas of research include (but are not limited to): • • • •

Real-Time Animations for Use in Games Real-Time Animations for Use in Virtual and Augmented Realities Complex Systems and Game Technology Games Programming

CYBER SECURITY Our Cybersecurity research field has developed strong links with government, police, and industry to collaborate on a range of research projects including improving the security of SMEs, training in cybercrime response using games technologies, and cyber security into the Software Development Lifecycle. Research is structured into four overlapping areas: responding to prevailing challenges of system security; vulnerability detection and the threats introduced by Internet- connected devices; the usability of security prevention measures; and using visualisation techniques to improve security. Sub-areas of research include (but are not limited to): • • • •

Secure system coding Threat detection and securing the Internet of Things Human-centred Security Visual Security

For more information about postgraduate research degrees in the School of Design and Informatics, please visit abertay.ac.uk/courses/postgraduateresearch/ For specific enquiries only, please contact the Dean, Professor Gregor White (g.white@abertay.ac.uk), or our Graduate School (GraduateSchool@abertay. ac.uk).

SCHOOL OF APPLIED SCIENCES 23

MENTAL HEALTH NURSING AND COUNSELLING Our research field of Mental Health Nursing and Counselling has an ambition to respond to the growing needs within society concerning challenges to mental health, and the provision of mental health care. Research focuses on the quality of teaching and training in preparing professionals for practice, in the creation of Pluralistic approaches to mental health and the application of these to particular service-user and client groups. The research is closely linked to the teaching delivered at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels. Current projects include (but are not limited to): • • •

Tayside Centre for Counselling collaborative project Mental Health Nursing healthcare system assessment Pluralistic counselling

PSYCHOLOGY This research-active field is involved in many community projects, utilising strong research links with local, national and international organisations. Members participate in established research networks and collaborate with researchers worldwide. As part of a highly collaborative and diverse group of scholars at Abertay, there is particular investment in interdisciplinary research and innovation with creative technologies to understand and develop human behaviour. Sub-areas of research include (but are not limited to): • • • • • •

Vision science Self-processing Language learning and processing Evolutionary and biological approaches to behaviour Forensic psychology and missing persons Cognitive neuroscience

SPORT AND EXERCISE SCIENCES This research field focuses on two broad areas of complementary research: Biomechanics and Physiology; and Social Science of Sport. It prioritises research and puts special emphasis on populations with protected characteristics (e.g., age, gender, disability) in order to contribute to the duty of care in the sport agenda, which is increasingly salient as an issue in contemporary society. It undertakes high-quality collaborative research, disseminate research findings that impact positively and meaningfully in sport and exercise contexts, and work in partnership with key stakeholders to develop research programs. Current research includes (but is not limited to): • • • • • •

Women’s sport equity Sedentary lifestyle risk factors Exercise and health training interventions High intensity exercise Elite sports performance Healthy ageing

For more information about postgraduate research degrees in the School Applied Sciences, please visit abertay.co/NTQ3

SCHOOL OF APPLIED SCIENCES 25

NATURAL AND BUILT ENVIRONMENT The applied research in the field of Natural and Built Environment (NBE) is aimed at providing technological and sustainable solutions to contemporary problems. Its research and knowledge transfer expertise assists a wide range of industrial and nonindustrial sectors, such as water companies and authorities, local authorities, NGOs, health boards, manufacturers, and private sector companies. NBE research and consultancy also relates directly to the construction and civil engineering industry, waste management companies, environmental managers and regulators and the food/ drinks industry. There is a formidable track record in combining academic skills with commercial expertise in its many projects. Sub-areas of research include (but are not limited to): • • •

Environmental Technologies Sustainable Assessment and Enhancement Structural and Geotechnical Engineering

FOOD AND DRINK This field has a research profile that is interdisciplinary across its primary subject areas. It focuses strongly on Knowledge Exchange and interacts extensively with industry. Over the years it has developed strong links with critical stakeholders, and received a number of esteemed awards for our collaborative projects, completed in partnership with more than 100 Scottish or international companies. British and International academic partnerships are integral to the research approach. Recently upgraded facilities include several well-equipped laboratories for food science and technology, including a processing plant, a state-of-the-art Consumer Experience Laboratory, and advanced analytical equipment. Sub-areas of research and projects include (but are not limited to): • • • • •

Food science and technology Sensory and consumer science Nutrition and Public Health Zymology & Alcoholic Fermentations Food Innovation @ Abertay (a commercial arm of the School)

For specific enquiries, please contact the Dean, Andrea Cameron (a.cameron@abertay.ac.uk), or our Graduate School (GraduateSchool@ abertay.ac.uk). 12 26

SCHOOL OF BUSINESS, LAW AND SOCIAL SCIENCES

SOCIOLOGY The research interests within the field of Sociology takes a broadly social relational and social constructionist approach, placing specific emphasis on advancing theoretical developments. Current research touches upon addiction studies, the politics of immigration, policing and domestic violence, culture, communication and digital technology, and healthcare issues, working collaboratively across the University and in partnership with the Scottish Government and other agencies. Research interests cover four broad groupings: • • • •

Social Theory, Politics, Power and the State Crime, Risk and Criminalisation Culture, Social Divisions and Identity Digital, Media and Discourse Sociology

LAW Law has a research profile that looks both at law as an academic discipline - searching for justice, fairness, clarity and consistency across most areas of human activity - and as a means of interacting with the wider economic, political and social world. In particular, it reconciles technological developments with social norms. Sub-areas of research include (but are not limited to): • • • •

Developments in Technology and the Law Labour Law Directors’ Duties within Corporate Law Governance and corruption

ACCOUNTING, FINANCE AND ECONOMICS The field of Accounting, Finance and Economics (AFE) has a longstanding tradition of providing postgraduate research in areas that lie within the academic staff research expertise areas. The research atmosphere within AFE is inclusive, dynamic, and oriented to practice, policy and impact. Sub-areas of research include (but are not limited to): • 27

Carbon, oil and gas accounting

BUSINESS AND MANAGEMENT Research culture in the field of Business and Management embraces theory, practice, and policy. There is an interdisciplinary research profile spanning across its three primary subject areas of Management, Human Resource Management and Marketing, and extends to cognate areas. Sub-areas of research include (but are not limited to): • • • • •

Human resource management Enterprise and entrepreneurship Consumer Psychology Consumer Engagement Digital Transformation

For more information about postgraduate research degrees in the School of Business, Law and Social Sciences, please see our website:abertay.co/NTQ3 For specific enquiries only, please contact Dean, Professor Mohamed Branine (m.branine@abertay.ac.uk), or Abertay’s Graduate School (GraduateSchool@abertay.ac.uk).

POSTGRADUATE RESEARCH DEGREES: RESEARCH AREAS BY THEME 29

Research activity at Abertay is focused around four Universitywide themes to address key local, national and international priorities, and to build on our existing areas of expertise and our industry-facing heritage.

CREATIVE INDUSTRIES

ENVIRONMENT

Research Themes: SECURITY

SOCIETY

CREATIVE INDUSTRIES

The Creative Industries theme builds on established relationships with some of the world’s leading technology manufacturers, digital content creators and service providers to undertake research and development, knowledge exchange and collaborative content creation. Creative Industries draws on expertise in games and arts, computing and mathematics, business and management, sociology, and psychology. Research activity aligns with three broad, overlapping areas: • Games • Creative Technologies • Digital Culture For further information on research within the Creative Industries theme please contact the Theme Leader, Dr Robin Sloan (r.sloan@abertay.ac.uk).

ENVIRONMENT

The Environment theme draws on expertise in the disciplines of Science, Food and Drink, the Natural and Built Environment, Accounting, Finance and Economics, Computing, and Mathematics. Work in these areas deliver solutions needed to address a wide range of contemporary environmental challenges which affect us all at a personal, community, regional and global level. The research activities in this theme cover three general areas: • Life and Environmental Systems • Sustainable Technologies, Business Governance and Policy • Food and Nutrition For further information on research within the Environment theme, please contact the Theme Leader, Dr Andrew Spiers (a.spiers@abertay. ac.uk).

SECURITY

The Security theme builds on established relationships with security companies, public authorities and bodies such as the police in order to undertake research, development and knowledge exchange activities. The strategic approach to these is an interconnected and interdisciplinary platform based around four areas: • • • •

Cybersecurity Forensic Psychology Law Forensic Science

For further information on research within the Security theme, please contact the Theme Leader, Dr Stefano DePaoli (s.depaoli@abertay. ac.uk).

SOCIETY

Research within the Society theme is aimed at understanding and improving human performance and interaction in different social contexts. Research utilises crossdisciplinary expertise in Business and Management, Law, Mental Health Nursing and Counselling, Psychology, Sociology, and Sport and Exercise Sciences in three broad subject areas: • Mental and Physical Health • Learning and Education • Governance and Social Responsibility For further information on research within the Society theme, please contact the Theme Leader, Professor Vera Kempe (v.kempe@abertay. ac.uk). 32

FUNDING New Scottish and EU students studying a Postgraduate Taught Degree or a Masters by Research/MPhil may be eligible to apply for support from the Student Awards Agency for Scotland (SAAS). In the case of Masters by Research/MPhil, this funding is available for programmes lasting a maximum of two years full-time, or four years part-time. Research Masters leading to PhD programmes are not eligible for support. You can find out more information about eligibility on the SAAS website - saas.gov.uk/index.htm Students from England, Wales and Northern Ireland can apply for up to £10,280 to cover tuition fees and living costs. This should be done through the relevant student finance organisation for your country. International students are not entitled to help with tuition fees. However, there are scholarships offering financial support. Information on available scholarships can be found at abertay.ac.uk/scholarships. Information for all postgraduate students can be found at abertay.ac.uk/ funding. 2021/22 tuition fees are as follows: Postgraduate Taught Degrees • Scottish/EU students: £7,500 • Students from England, Wales and Northern Ireland (rUK): £10,000 • International students: £15,000 - £17,000 (subject dependant) Postgraduate Research Degrees (per academic year) • Scottish/EU students: £4,500 (full-time); £2,250 (part-time) • Students from England, Wales and Northern Ireland (rUK): £4,500 • International students: £13,750-£15,750 (subject dependent) Check abertay.co/NGEx for full details.

How to Apply The application for our Postgraduate Taught degrees can be found at abertay.co/ZWE4 To apply for our Postgraduate Research degrees, you must prepare a research proposal with the help of a potential Abertay academic supervisor. Visit abertay.co/MTZhq for more information

For more information on applying to Abertay’s postgraduate degrees, please contact a member of our team: sro@abertay.ac.uk +44(0)1382 308080

Abertay University is an operating name of the University of Abertay Dundee, a charity registered in Scotland, No: SC016040

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