Program Overview

Psychology Professional MSc by Research

Overview

The MSc Psychology by Research adopts an active learning approach with a strong emphasis on real-world application, creating a practical and professional course for international students. The programme fosters interactive learning experiences through discussions, case studies, guest lectures, and collaborative projects, encouraging engagement between students and lecturers, as well as among peers.

Study Style

While lectures and seminars form part of our approach, we also encourage you to study with your peers in small communities of practice, connecting with those who have similar interests or similar research approaches. Peer review and feedback are adopted to develop your ability in reflective listening, critical evaluation, and commitment to action.

We encourage you to embrace the use of technology in your learning, maximising engagement, developing transferable skills and enhancing your learning experience. We take a ‘bring your own device’ approach, creating an opportunity for you to develop digital literacies while enriching learning design and learning activity.

The course is brought to life with a range of live briefs, real-world case studies, staff research projects, guest speakers and connections to industry. This provides you with a direct link to your next steps and enriches your learning experience.

Entry Requirements

• Qualifications from overseas institutions: Applicants should hold at least a 2:2 bachelor’s degree or equivalent from an overseas university.
• English language requirements: IELTS 6.5 overall (with no less than 6.0 in writing and 5.5 in each component) or equivalent qualification.
• International students: Please read the entry requirements for your country – and contact our admissions team if you have questions.

Course Modules

• Social Psychology (NS7012)
• Biological and Cognitive Psychology (NS7013)
• Individual Differences (NS7014)
• Human Development (NS7015)
• Thesis (NS7150)

Fees and Costs

• Start date | Course code | Fee (UK) | Fee (international)
• January 2026 | — | £5,600 | £13,425
• September 2025 | — | £5,600 | £13,425
• January 2027 | — | TBC | TBC
• September 2026 | — | TBC | TBC

Careers

The employment prospects and career aspirations of our Professional MSc by Research Psychology graduates are exciting and varied. Our course provides students with the knowledge, understanding and experience necessary for exciting graduate careers in a range of established and developing contexts.

Teaching Staff

• Dr Carol Dicken, Academic Course Leader for Psychology

Research Areas

• Educational psychology
• Health psychology
• Forensic psychology
• Occupational psychology
• Neuropsychology

School of Education and Science

Work with leading practitioners, coaches, and professionals in specialist environments where you will develop your skills and gain real-world experience.