MSc Psychology

About this course

This online MSc Psychology is designed for graduates who want to develop a broad grounding in psychology and its research methods. It considers how people think, behave and develop across the lifespan, alongside the relationships between the brain, cognition, mental health and individual differences.

You will examine social psychology, behavioural neuroscience, personality and intelligence, human memory, consciousness and neurological conditions. The course also explores contemporary research contexts, including brain imaging and cognitive function, as well as artificial intelligence and machine learning in mental health research.

A substantial focus is placed on planning, conducting and communicating psychological research. You will develop quantitative and qualitative research skills, use Jamovi for data analysis and Gorilla for experiment design, and complete an independent empirical research project. The course is studied online on a flexible, part-time basis over 15 months.

The course is professionally accredited and, on graduation, confers Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership.

What you will study

Core areas include:

• Research Methods • Social Psychology • Behavioural Neuroscience • Individual Differences and Mental Health • Lifespan Development • Cognitive Psychology • Advanced Research Project

You will study quantitative and qualitative methods; human behaviour and development; personality, intelligence and mental health; brain–behaviour links; human memory; consciousness; and neurological conditions. Practical research work includes interviewing and assessment techniques, data analysis using Jamovi, experiment design using Gorilla, and an independent empirical project.

Modules

Assessment

Assessment includes quantitative and qualitative empirical research reports, an empirical research proposal, self-reflective writing, literature reviews, case studies, posters and presentations. You will also complete a dissertation and write an empirical journal article.

Entry requirements

You will normally need one of the following:

• A UK honours degree at 2:2 or above, or an equivalent qualification, in any subject. If your degree is in psychology, it must not be accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS). • A Third Class UK honours degree, or equivalent, in psychology, alongside a master’s-level degree.

If you do not hold a UK honours degree, or your degree did not include honours, you must provide evidence of independent research experience. This could include a final-year project, dissertation or thesis. Evidence from master’s-level study may be used where this was not part of your undergraduate degree.

You also need a mathematics qualification equivalent to at least GCSE Grade C. If you cannot provide this evidence, you may be able to complete a mathematics mini module with no formal assessment.

Applications for advanced standing based on prior certificated learning are considered individually, up to a maximum of 60 credits. A personal statement demonstrating your ability to study the course is required. References and evidence of relevant experience may also be requested.

English language requirements

IELTS 6.5 overall, with no element below 6.0; TOEFL iBT 90; or an equivalent qualification. A letter confirming that English was the medium of instruction is also accepted.

Careers

The course may support progression into areas such as human resource management, teaching, counselling, marketing, research, consulting, management and the Civil Service. It may also provide a basis for further professional training in psychology, subject to the requirements of the relevant training route.