Tuition Fee
GBP 29,990
Per course
Start Date
2025-09-01
Medium of studying
On campus
Duration
1 years
Program Facts
Program Details
Degree
Masters
Major
Psychology | Research Methods
Area of study
Social Sciences
Education type
On campus
Timing
Full time
Course Language
English
Tuition Fee
Average International Tuition Fee
GBP 29,990
Intakes
Program start date | Application deadline |
2025-09-01 | - |
About Program
Program Overview
Research Methods in Psychology (MSc) 2025 entry
Overview
Gain the skills needed to succeed in undertaking a career as a research psychologist.
Key Details
- Starts: September 2025
- Duration: One year full time
- School: School of Psychology and Neuroscience
- Fees:
- UK: £12,030
- Rest of the world: £29,990
Why Study This Course?
- The course provides interdisciplinary training in the social sciences plus advanced research training in psychology.
- Students will complete an independent research project in psychology, which can involve working in the school’s laboratories in neurophysiology, psychopharmacology, psychophysics, animal learning and cognition, cognitive psychology, developmental psychology or social psychology.
- The MSc is recognised by the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) as an accredited course.
Teaching
- Delivered through lectures, tutorials, workshops, and seminars.
Class Sizes
- Groups range from 20 to 80 students.
Dissertation
- A 15,000-word project with regular support.
Assessment
- Coursework only.
Modules
Compulsory
- Generic Research and Professional Skills in Psychology and Neuroscience: introduces students to the various skills and issues that are important to academic psychologists and neuroscientists irrespective of their particular area of research.
- Methods of Data Analysis in Psychology: offers advanced training in research design, statistical analyses, and qualitative methods.
- Philosophy and Methodology of the Social Sciences: introduces students to the basic theoretical approaches in the social sciences, covering the methodological and epistemological issues involved in conducting social scientific research.
- Qualitative Methods in Social Research: offers both a theoretical and practical introduction to the collection, analysis, and writing of qualitative social science research.
- Quantitative Research in Social Science: provides an introduction to the fundamental concepts of quantitative analysis - underlying principles, research design, sampling strategies, uncertainty and missing data, and some statistical approaches to data analysis.
- Psychology Masters Research Project: provides an opportunity to perform an empirical research project under the guidance of a member of staff to gain experience in the planning, implementation, data analysis, and interpretation of psychological research.
Optional
- Students must choose two optional modules.
- Animal Models in Neuroscience and Psychology: focuses on the animals frequently used in psychology and neuroscience research; discussing key physiological and behavioural characteristics of the animals, why these characteristics make them good or bad models for given areas of research, and how these behavioural and physiological characteristics must be accounted for when designing experiments.
- Data Science for Psychology and Neuroscience: introduces modern data science methods such as machine learning and data mining, with emphasis on the practical utilisation of these methods in the context of psychology and neuroscience.
- Research Methods in Cognitive Neuroscience: explores the technology that allows us to observe the brain in action and to understand the physical bases of behaviour.
- The Narratives that Shape Psychology and Neuroscience: critically explores the narratives that shape Psychology and Neuroscience, while examining alternative narratives that broaden the canon.
- Psychology and Neuroscience Colloquium: involves engagement with a lecture series that is interdisciplinary and international by design, featuring research from cells to minds and groups while covering different theories and methods.
What It Will Lead To
Careers
- Many students progress from the MSc to PhD study, and some graduates have been successful in applying for EPSRC PhD studentships.
- Others have successfully applied for research assistantships to initiate their research careers.
- Some graduates have applied for positions in government, health care, and management services.
Research
- Many graduates continue their education by enrolling in PhD programmes at St Andrews or elsewhere.
- The MSc in Research Methods in Psychology is accredited for the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) 1+3 PhD studentship programme.
Why St Andrews?
- The School of Psychology and Neuroscience hosts a weekly seminar programme typically held in the Old Library of the Psychology Building.
- These seminars include public lectures, open School discussions and papers presented by a variety of guest lecturers from the UK and abroad.
Entry Requirements
- A 2.1 Honours undergraduate degree in Psychology or a related discipline. If you studied your first degree outside the UK, see the international entry requirements.
- English language proficiency. See English language tests and qualifications.
Application Requirements
- CV or résumé
- Personal statement (500 words)
- Sample of your own, single-authored academic written work (2,000 words)
- Two original signed academic references
- Academic transcripts and degree certificates.
Fees and Funding
- UK: £12,030
- Rest of the world: £29,990
Scholarships and Funding
- Snowdon Trust Masters Scholarship
- GREAT Scholarship
- St Andrews Sanctuary Scholarship
- St Leonard's funding opportunities
- Graduate discount (15% off tuition fees)
Psychology and Neuroscience Scholarships
- Available for students pursuing this program.
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About University
University of St. Andrews
Overview:
The University of St. Andrews is Scotland's first university, established in 1413. It is renowned for its academic excellence, particularly in postgraduate studies, and consistently ranks among the top universities in the UK.
Services Offered:
The university provides a comprehensive range of services for students, including:
MySaint:
A student portal for accessing various resources and information.Moodle:
An online learning platform for course materials and communication.Library:
A well-equipped library with extensive resources and study spaces.MMS:
A student support system for managing academic and personal matters.Accommodation:
On-campus housing options for students.Fees and Funding:
Information on tuition fees and financial aid opportunities.Scholarships:
Various scholarships available for eligible students.Student Life and Campus Experience:
The university offers a vibrant and diverse campus experience, characterized by:
Close-knit community:
A strong sense of belonging fostered by the small town setting.Academically stimulating environment:
Opportunities for intellectual growth and engagement.Active research:
Involvement in cutting-edge research projects.International community:
A diverse student body from around the world.Numerous extracurricular activities:
Opportunities for social interaction and personal development.Key Reasons to Study There:
Top-ranked university:
Consistently ranked among the best in the UK.World-leading research:
Access to cutting-edge research facilities and resources.Excellent postgraduate programs:
A wide range of taught Masters degrees and online courses.Strong academic reputation:
A prestigious institution with a long history of academic excellence.Supportive and welcoming community:
A close-knit environment that fosters a sense of belonging.Academic Programs:
The university offers a wide range of academic programs across various disciplines, including:
Arts and Divinity:
Philosophy, History, English Literature, Theology, etc.Science:
Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Computer Science, etc.Social Sciences:
Economics, Politics, Sociology, etc.Medicine:
Medicine, Nursing, etc.Management:
Business, Finance, Marketing, etc.Other:
Total programs
292
Location