MSc Psychology

at University of East London

MODULES

Year 1

CORE MODULES

Experimental Research Methods and Statistics

The main aim of this module is to introduce students to experimental research within psychology. Students will be taught about the role of the experimental method within the wider context of Psychology's status as a scientific discipline. They will learn about fundamental topics such as; being an ethical experimental researcher; defining a research question; formulating a hypothesis; measuring and testing participants; selecting and executing appropriate statistical analysis; reporting and analysing data; and critically evaluating the outcome of empirical work and its relationship to the existing literature. 

Applied Research Methods (Mental Wealth)

The main aim of this module is to introduce you to applied research within psychology. You will be taught about the role of non-experimental and qualitative methodology within the wider context of psychology's status as scientific discipline. You will learn about fundamental topics such as: epistemology; qualitative methods (such as Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis); psychometric testing; the design and administration of questionnaires; non-experimental methodology (such as observational studies); and how to critically reflect on your applied work and its relationship to the existing literature. 

Perspectives in Psychology: Biological, Cognitive, and Developmental

This module has three principle aims. Firstly, to develop a comprehensive and systematic knowledge of concepts, theories and research at the forefront of fields of psychology, cognitive psychology and developmental psychology. Secondly, to develop an awareness of the pertinent scientific and philosophical issues together with the wider context of psychology that informs these areas of the field. Thirdly, to foster an awareness of the implications of the research presented for current debates/issues/themes outside of academia. 

Foundations of Psychology: Origins and Concepts, Individual Differences, and Social Psychology

This module has three principle aims. Firstly, to develop a critical awareness of issues pertaining to ontology, epistemology, philosophy of science and the history of psychology as a discipline. Secondly, to present the major theoretical perspectives in individual differences. Thirdly, to introduce issues and debates in social, emotional and cognitive aspects of psychological development. An ongoing theme of the module will be to consider the implications of the knowledge imparted for real-life events and the development of professional practice. 

Dissertation (Independent Research Thesis)

The main aim of this module is to consolidate students' awareness of the issues involved in formulation, execution, and reporting of psychological research and theory via the production of a dissertation featuring an independently produced piece of psychological research. 

English Language requirements

Overall Academic IELTS 6.0 with a minimum of 6.0 in Writing and Speaking; minimum 5.5 in Reading and Listening (or recognised equivalent).

If you do not meet the academic English language requirements for your course, you may be eligible to enrol onto a pre-sessional English programme. The length of the course will depend on your current level of English and the requirements for your degree programme. We offer a 5-week and an 11-week pre-sessional course. 

International

Full time, 1 year
£14,760
Per year

The MSc in Psychology can be used in a variety of ways. For some careers (clinical psychology, educational psychology or counselling psychology for example), a BPS-accredited qualification in Psychology is a prerequisite for entry onto professional training courses.

For others, such as occupational psychology, the qualification can be used towards eventual Chartership in the field. In this case please check the relevant entry criteria for these careers (e.g. by visiting the British Psychology Society webpages).

If you find the academic side of psychology more appealing, you will be ideally placed to apply for research positions, having completed your own research project on this course. This can be used as a stepping stone to a research doctorate.

Finally, we are a school with a tradition of teaching that goes back more than 50 years. The skills you gain here are transferable to a wide range of careers, including that of an applied researcher.

Although the lectures are in concentrated form, this degree is demanding and you will have to put in your own extra work and reading time. This all helps to develop your organisational skills.

Our MSc conversion degree is studied by people from a broad spectrum of employment. Our students return to jobs in the City, in healthcare, education, advertising, the media or HR.  In fact, this course is likely to have a positive effect on any career.