MSc Psychological Research Methods

at University of Stirling

This course is made up of different modules designed to provide training in the fundamentals of Psychological Research Methods. Students on this course have the opportunity to investigate topics across all aspects of psychology, or choose to specialise in one specific area for their coursework, placement and dissertation. As a student on the MSc Psychological Research Methods course, you can switch topics from one piece of work to another, as your interests develop.
 

This approach offers total flexibility if you don’t want to specialise in one particular area. You’ll have the opportunity to do a broader MSc and sample content from across the variety of topics in psychology.
 

Modules

The module information below provides an example of the types of course module you may study. The details listed are for the current academic year (September 2021). Modules and start dates are regularly reviewed and may be subject to change in future years.
 

Year 1, Autumn semester

Compulsory module

• Quantitative Analysis Methods in Psychological Research (HPSP131)    20 credits
   

Compulsory module

• Key Skills for Psychology Researchers (PRMP134)    20 credits
   

Compulsory module
 

Select 20 credits from Psychological Research Methods Specialist options list

• Child Development (PRMP133)    20 credits
• Cognition and Neuropsychology (PRMP136)    20 credits
• Evolutionary Psychology (PRMP137)    20 credits
   

PRMP133 for MSc Psychological Research Methods (Child Development)
PRMP136 for MSc Psychological Research Methods (Cognition & Neuropsychology)
PRMP137 for MSc Psychological Research Methods (Evolutionary Psychology)

Compulsory module

• Placement (4 weeks) (PRMP148)    20 credits

The placement may be taken in a single 4 week block or distributed throughout the year
 

Compulsory module

• Research Methods in Psychology 1 & 2 (PRMP131)    20 credits

continues in spring
 

Year 1, Spring semester

Compulsory module

• Qualitative Analysis Methods in Psychological Research (HPSP132)    20 credits

Dissertation
 

Select 60 credits from Dissertation list

• Dissertation (PRMP145)    60 credits

Academic requirements
A minimum of a second class honours degree or equivalent. Applicants without these formal qualifications but with significant appropriate/relevant work/life experience are encouraged to apply.
 

Other routes of entry
If you don’t currently meet the academic requirements for this course, INTO University of Stirling offers a variety of preparation programmes that can earn you the qualifications and skills you need for direct entry.
 

English language requirements
 

If English is not your first language you must have one of the following qualifications as evidence of your English language skills:

• IELTS Academic or UKVI 6.0 with a minimum of 5.5 in each sub-skill 
• Cambridge C1 Advanced (CAE) 169 overall with a minimum of 162 in each sub-skill
• Cambridge C2 Proficiency (CPE) 180 overall with a minimum of 162 in each sub-skill
• Pearson Test of English (Academic) 60 overall with a minimum of 59 in each sub-skill
• IBT TOEFL 78 overall with a minimum of 17 in listening, 18 in reading, 20 in speaking and 17 in writing
• IBT TOEFL Special Home Edition Test 78 overall with a minimum of 17 in listening, 18 in reading, 20 in speaking and 17 in writing
• Trinity ISE II Pass overall with a Pass in each sub-skill, ISE III Pass overall and in all sub-skills, ISE IV Pass overall and in all sub-skills
• Aptis (4 skills) CEFR B2 overall and B2 in all sub-skills
• Duolingo 95 overall with a minimum of 90 in all sub-skills
• LanguageCert International ESOL B2 Communicator - High Pass overall with minimum 25 in each sub-skill

Overseas (non-EU) students

2022/23 - £21,345
2023/24 - £21,845
 

Course fees

Fees shown are for a full-time, one-year Masters course.

• If you need to extend your period of study, you may be liable for additional fees.
• If you are studying part time, the total course fee will be split over the years that you study. The total fee will remain the same and will be held at the rate set in your year of entry.
   

Cost of living
If you’re domiciled in the UK, you can typically apply to your relevant funding body for help with living costs. This usually takes the form of student loans, grants or bursaries, and the amount awarded depends upon your personal circumstances and household income.
 

European Union and overseas students won’t normally be able to claim living support through SAAS or other UK public funding bodies. You should contact the relevant authority in your country to find out if you’re eligible to receive support.

This course is designed as a springboard for a career in psychological research and is ideal if you want to pursue a PhD in psychology.
 

Graduates are well placed for careers in clinical and health psychology, educational psychology and teaching, human resource management and personnel.
 

The skills you gain are also readily transferable to other careers. You’ll meet the growing demand for a good understanding of human behaviour, as well as the ability to interpret and analyse complex forms of data and communicate your ideas clearly with others.