Psychology MSc

Course Content

• Course Details

  This MSc in psychology has been designed to contribute towards achieving the following United Nations Sustainable Development Goal: SDG3 Good Health and Wellbeing.

  Our MSc Psychology conversion programme is designed to equip you with key theoretical perspectives and practical knowledge within some of the core areas of psychology at a Masters level.

  You will study from a core curriculum within some of the key areas within psychology, through a range of modules which allow you to develop further capabilities already achieved through studying at undergraduate level such as undertaking independent research projects. The core curriculum will also provide you with a sound knowledge of theoretical, professional and policy issues in psychology.

  To further assist with your employability portfolio, we have a two-hour career event embedded as part of your curriculum. This event will be held in the second trimester and will be part of the PSYM081 (Applied and Critical Social Psychology) module workshops. Attendance at this event is mandatory.

  On this psychology masters degree, you will be taught by academics from the Division of Psychology with a wide ranging area of research expertise, engaging you with a diverse array of perspectives. The programme will equip you with key theoretical perspectives and practical knowledge within some of the core areas of psychology.

  The postgraduate psychology course is available full time or part-time. The part-time option is two years with the dissertation being submitted in January following the two years of the study. However, if you wish, and with the agreement of your supervisor, you can submit the dissertation in October of the final year of study. The psychology degree masters is flexible, and offers you choices within their programmes in accordance with personal and professional requirements. This includes a variety of modes of study and attendance through which awards can be gained.

  We ensure equality of opportunity and treatment for all students regardless of background, class, race, sex or circumstance.

  Please note the modules shown here relate to the academic year 22/23. The modules relating to the academic year 23/24 will be available from June 2023.

  • Stage 1
    • Advanced Developmental Psychology (30 Credits)
      Module code: PSYM079

      Status: Compulsory
      This module enables a critical analysis of developmental issues across the lifespan with specific reference to the inter-relationship between the processes of development, and the context within which people grow, change and develop. Building on their knowledge of the developmental processes and mechanisms operating in childhood and adolescence, students will develop a critical understanding of the intersections of biological, psychological and social factors in development through the lifespan, and will develop a detailed understanding of transition and change, informed by a critical engagement with developmental research and theory.
    • Cognitive and Biological Psychology and Neuroscience (30 Credits)
      Module code: PSYM080

      Status: Compulsory
      Cognitive and Biological Psychology and Neuroscience have developed rapidly in recent years with advances in current research and theory. Neuroimaging techniques, in particualr, have informed contemporary theorising in the fields of Cognitive Psychology, Biologcal Psychology and Neuroscience and have brought these once distinct fields closer together. Cognitive and Biological Psychology and Neuroscience share a common interest in undertsanding the workings of the brain and the processes of the mind but vary in topics of interest and in some aspects of methodology. Recent advances have also raised questions in relation to the philosophy of mind and human consciousness which will also be explored on this module.
    • Applied Social and Critical Social Psychology (30 Credits)
      Module code: PSYM081

      Status: Compulsory
      This module uses a multi-disciplinary approach (e.g. philosophy, sociology, feminist perspectives) to enable a critical analysis of traditional and contemporary social issues relating to the self, group processes and various relationships, considering the implications of social context and cross-cultural factors.
    • Dissertation and Research Methods (50 Credits)
      Module code: PSYM086

      Status: Compulsory
      The purpose of this module is ?To build on basic research methods skills from modules PSYM085 or PSYM102. The module is designed to develop advanced research skills enabling students to autonomously formulate and conduct an empirical research project in a field relevant to individual masters programs under supervision.
    • Individual Differences (10 Credits)
      Module code: PSYM100

      Status: Compulsory
      This module will develop students' knowledge and critical understanding of various key theoretical perspectives in the areas of individual differences and personality. Practical applications relating to these areas will also be applied to real world settings.
    • Conceptual and Historical Issues in Psychology (10 Credits)
      Module code: PSYM101

      Status: Compulsory
      The aim of this module is to provide students with a thorough grounding in the historical development of psychology and in conceptual and philosophical questions pertinent to psychology, such as the nature of science, the role of ethics, the relationship between psychology and society, and the 'problem' of consciousness.
    • Research Skills (20 Credits)
      Module code: PSYM102

      Status: Compulsory
      The rationale for the module is to build research skills and research practices in quantitative and qualitative research methods. This module is designed develop the skills needed for independent research, and to design a proposal for an empirical research project.

  Collapse

• Entry Requirements

  To be considered for this MSc psychology course you must hold a GCSE grade C/4 in Mathematics (domestic equivalencies are not accepted) or an agreed internationally recognised equivalent qualification and you will be required to meet at least one of the below requirements in addition to all mandatory requirements:

  • You should normally hold a higher second class honours degree or above in an internationally recognised undergraduate programme.
  • If you hold a lower-second class honours degree, you may also be considered.  Such candidates will normally be asked to produce evidence of academic capability, such as an essay, before being considered for admission.
  • If you have previous educational experience you will be considered for admission to the programme however, recognition of prior learning is limited to a maximum of 60 credits. Students will require a minimum of 180 credits in psychology in order to meet the requirements for the GBC.  Applicants with a disability and applicants from all ethnic groups will be encourage
  • We would consider your application for this psychology masters degree if you have undertaken a British Psychological Society accredited psychology degree but who have failed to either pass the empirical psychology project or achieve at least a lower second class honours degree.

  Mandatory requirements:

  You will be required to provide a copy of your GCSE Mathematics certificate at Grade C/4 or above, domestic equivalencies are not accepted (or evidence of your internationally recognised equivalent).

  You will be required to apply for a DBS check before being permitted to engage in the dissertation research project if necessary.  DBS checks may also be required if you wish to engage in Changemaker and/or STEAM events.

  A personal statement demonstrating self-awareness, self-reflection, sensitivity to issues of difference and equality as well as commitment to anti-oppressive practice will be required.

  All offers of a place on the MSc in psychology programme are subject to a successful interview by the University of Northampton.

  For more information on how to make an application please visit our How to Apply page.

  English Language Requirements

  All International and EU students applying for a course with us must meet the following minimum English language requirements

  • Minimum standard – IELTS 6.5 overall (or equivalent)
    with a minimum of 6.5 in each of its components

  For information regarding English language requirements at the University, please see our IELTS page.

  Collapse

• Fees and Funding

  2023/24 Tuition Fees

  Fees quoted for this masters psychology degree relate to study in the Academic Year 23/24 only and may be subject to inflationary increases in future years.

  • UK – Full Time: £8,010
  • UK – Part Time: £1,335 per 30 credits
  • International – Full Time: £16,500

  2022/23 Tuition Fees

  Fees quoted relate to study in the Academic Year 22/23 only and may be subject to inflationary increases in future years.

  • UK – Full Time: £7,650
  • UK – Part Time: £1,275 per 30 credits
  • International – Full Time: £15,000

  Postgraduate Loans

  If you are starting a postgraduate Master’s course in 20/21 you may be able to apply for a postgraduate loan Student Finance England.

  Additional costs

  There are no additional costs for this MSc in psychology course for students beginning their studies in September 2021. Should this change, applicants and students will be contacted by the university with details of the costs.

  Scholarships and Bursaries

  For information on the scholarships available to you, please see our scholarships page.

  Collapse

• FAQs

  What can I do with a Masters in psychology?

  A Masters degree in psychology will teach you all the knowledge, discipline and skills you need to work in a wide range of different fields. These can include roles such as a Clinical, Educational, Counselling, Forensic, Health or Occupational psychologist. Your degree will also equip you for related practices, such as coaching, counselling and research/analytics.

  What is an MSc in psychology?

  When you complete a psychology masters degree in psychology programme, you will receive a Master of Science (MSc) degree, which tends to be focused on the sciences and research methods than the humanities and arts aspects of the field of psychology.

  Collapse

Careers and Employability

Successful completion of the MSc in psychology programme is a recognised pathway into careers within the areas of psychological professional practice and for undertaking further academic qualifications in Psychology, i.e. PhD, Professional Doctorates.

In addition, the research skills/core modules are beneficial for student careers within both public sector and private sector organisations.  Students can progress into teaching Psychology at Secondary Institutions/Further Education Institutions (please note additional teaching qualifications may be necessary).

To further assist with your employability portfolio we have a two-hour career event embedded as part of your curriculum.  This event will be held in the second trimester and will be part of the PSYM081 (Applied and Critical Social Psychology) module workshops. Attendance at this event is mandatory.