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Different course options

Study mode

Full time

Duration

1 year

Start date

OCT-24

Key information
DATA SOURCE : IDP Connect

Qualification type

MSc - Master of Science

Subject areas

Psychology (General)

Course type

Taught

Course Summary

Our MSc Psychology is an advanced fast-track conversion course for students with an undergraduate degree in a subject other than psychology, or for those whose undergraduate Psychology degree was not accredited by the British Psychological Society. Students may also take the course as an end if they wish to obtain a Psychology Degree in one year.

This course combines the award of a master’s with eligibility for the Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (GBC) of the British Psychological Society. The GBC is the minimum academic qualification required to work as a professional psychologist, so passing our course demonstrates that you have studied and acquired an advanced understanding in Masters-level study in psychology. With this qualification you will also be eligible to apply for professional training in any branch of professional psychology.

Our staff have a wide range of research interests, so you gain a critical and detailed understanding of the core areas of psychology, plus some specialisation, and learn research methods to an extent which will enable you to devise, carry out and analyse an empirical research project. The course gives students a critical and detailed understanding of the core areas of psychology (development, cognitive, social, biological, personality) plus training in research methods and statistics.

Topics studied include:

  • Visual and auditory perception and cognition
  • Language, concepts, memory, and attention
  • The relation between brain and behaviour
  • Developmental psychology
  • Social psychology

Our research is challenging and ground-breaking, rated as ‘world-leading’ or ‘internationally excellent’ (REF 2014). We are supported by some of the most prestigious funding bodies, including the European Commission and the Leverhulme Trust.

We are a warm and friendly Department, and we wish to welcome both graduates who have recently completed their studies, and mature students who may wish to upgrade their qualifications, refresh their CV, or return to academic study after a period away from education.

Your future

With the skills and knowledge, you acquire from studying within our Department of Psychology, you will find yourself in demand from a wide range of employers.

Recent graduates of MSc Psychology have found employment as a research assistant at the Anna Freud Centre, a clinical psychologist for the NHS, a child psychologist for Children First and a lecturer at the University of Surrey. Other graduates have been employed in clinical psychology, educational psychology, criminal, and forensic psychology.

Following this course, students can qualify for our specialist master’s courses or to a master’s in research Methods or by research (MSD). We also have excellent links with the research community; we are recognised by the ESRC as providing excellent postgraduate training and are an accredited Doctoral Training Centre, offering several studentships.

Our recent PhD students have taken up post-doctoral positions in other top UK universities and international universities (in the US, Italy, and Australia), as well as being appointed to lectureships.

Modules

You?ll cover three major areas of cognitive psychology memory, attention, and language. You will develop your understanding of the psychological theories and data related to these major areas of cognitive psychology.

Tuition fees

UK fees
Course fees for UK students

For this course (per year)

£10,000

International fees
Course fees for EU and international students

For this course (per year)

£21,700

Entry requirements

You need a 2.2 degree, or equivalent in any subject. Applications from students with a degree below a 2:2 or equivalent will be considered dependent on any relevant professional or voluntary experience, previous modules studied and/or personal statement. This course is not suitable for applicants who already hold a British Psychological Society Accredited degree. If you already hold a BSc/BA Psychology and are not seeking BPS accreditation we advise you consider the MSc Cognitive Neuroscience & Neuropsychology or MSc Research Methods in Psychology.

University information

The University of Essex prides itself on being at the forefront of change. It is an institution with a culture of boldness where creativity and curiosity in learning are both encouraged and expected. It’s a UK university, placing 36th and 32nd according to the Whatuni Student Choice Awards 2023 and the 2024 Complete University Guide rankings, respectively. At the University of Essex, students are taught by world-leading academics in a...more