MSc by Research in Psychology (2024 Entry)
Find out more about our Psychology MSc by Research degree.
Here at Warwick, we pride ourselves in using a rigorous scientific approach to studying the human mind, brain, and behaviour. The MSc by Research in Psychology will enable you to develop valuable skills in conducting research, data collection and analysis, and scientific writing under the supervision of internationally recognised experts.
Course overview
We offer an MSc by Research in Psychology, which is awarded for a thesis reporting original research by a student under the supervision of their academic advisor.
Our MSc by Research in Psychology degree serves as not only excellent preparation for PhD studies but also postgraduate training for a career either as a professional psychologist (e.g., clinical, organisational, or school psychologist) or outside of psychology.
In addition to subject-related knowledge, our MSc by Research in Psychology degree provides valuable transferable skills in data analysis and management, written and oral communication, teamwork and time management.
Teaching and learning
All our postgraduate research students are strongly encouraged to engage with the Departmental and University-wide advanced training offered.
General entry requirements
Minimum requirements
2:1 undergraduate degree (or equivalent) in Psychology or a related subject.
English language requirements
You can find out more about our English language requirementsLink opens in a new window. This course requires the following:
- Band B
- IELTS overall score of 7.0, minimum component scores of two at 6.0/6.5 and the rest at 7.0 or above.
International qualifications
We welcome applications from students with other internationally recognised qualifications.
For more information, please visit the international entry requirements pageLink opens in a new window.
Additional requirements
There are no additional entry requirements for this course.
Our research
Behavioural Science
- Economic and consumer psychology; judgement, risk and decision-making
- Psychology and the law
- Computational modelling of human behaviour
- Big Data and Network Science in Psychology
- Attention, visual processing and emotional processing
- Economics, income inequality, and behavioural political science
Language and Learning
- Reading; word recognition
- Computational approaches to language processing
- Historical language change
- Structure of the lexicon across life-span
- Big Data research on language
- Language and gesture development in infants and children
- Second language learning
- Language learning and change
- Gesture and non-verbal communication in adults and children
- Development of social cognition
- Animal (e.g., orangutangs, chimpanzees, birds) communication and cognition
- Language evolution
- Sleep and language learning
- Language development and socio-economic status
- The role of prediction in language processing and learning
- The role of surprise and curiosity in second language learning
- Experimental approaches to the study of turn-taking and dialogue
- Pre-linguistic communication
- Intervention to support language development
Lifespan Health and Wellbeing
- Longitudinal epidemiology
- Resilience and protection after preterm birth
- Experimental psychology and clinical studies, with common interests in the factors that determine and/or the mechanisms that underlie healthy living
- Child and adolescent development and mental and physical ageing
- Mental health, sleep and pain
- Disaster recovery
- Culture, relationships, beliefs, personality, and well-being
Full details of our research interests are listed on the Psychology web pagesLink opens in a new window.
You can also read our general University research proposal guidance.Link opens in a new window
Find a supervisor
Find your supervisor using the link below and discuss with them the area you'd like to research.
Explore our Psychology Research Directory where you will be able to filter by research group.
You can also see our general University guidance about finding a supervisor.
Tuition fees
Tuition fees are payable for each year of your course at the start of the academic year, or at the start of your course, if later. Academic fees cover the cost of tuition, examinations and registration and some student amenities.
Find your research course fees
Fee Status Guidance
We carry out an initial fee status assessment based on the information you provide in your application. Students will be classified as Home or Overseas fee status. Your fee status determines tuition fees, and what financial support and scholarships may be available. If you receive an offer, your fee status will be clearly stated alongside the tuition fee information.
Do you need your fee classification to be reviewed?
If you believe that your fee status has been classified incorrectly, you can complete a fee status assessment questionnaire. Please follow the instructions in your offer information and provide the documents needed to reassess your status.
Find out more about how universities assess fee status
Additional course costs
As well as tuition fees and living expenses, some courses may require you to cover the cost of field trips or costs associated with travel abroad.
For departmental specific costs, please see the Modules tab on the course web page for the list of core and optional core modules with hyperlinks to our Module Catalogue (please visit the Department’s website if the Module Catalogue hyperlinks are not provided).
Associated costs can be found on the Study tab for each module listed in the Module Catalogue (please note most of the module content applies to 2022/23 year of study). Information about module department specific costs should be considered in conjunction with the more general costs below:
- Core text books
- Printer credits
- Dissertation binding
- Robe hire for your degree ceremony
Scholarships and bursaries
Scholarships and financial support
Find out about the different funding routes available, including; postgraduate loans, scholarships, fee awards and academic department bursaries.
Living costs
Find out more about the cost of living as a postgraduate student at the University of Warwick.
Psychology at Warwick
A playground for the mind
Our research-driven department can offer you the kind of physical and intellectual environment that’ll inspire you to succeed. We pride ourselves on being a friendly, inclusive academic community offering a stimulating, intellectual environment to students and staff. We’re large enough to provide excellent resources and education, but also small enough to know who you are and provide one-to-one support.
Find out more about us on our website.Link opens in a new window
Our Postgraduate courses
How to apply
The application process for courses that start in September and October 2024 will open on 2 October 2023.
For research courses that start in September and October 2024 the application deadline for students who require a visa to study in the UK is 2 August 2024. This should allow sufficient time to complete the admissions process and to obtain a visa to study in the UK.
How to apply for a postgraduate research course
After you’ve applied
Find out how we process your application.
Applicant Portal
Track your application and update your details.
Admissions statement
See Warwick’s postgraduate admissions policy.
Join a live chat
Ask questions and engage with Warwick.
Warwick Hosted EventsLink opens in a new window
Our hosted events run throughout the year, with a mixture of virtual and in-person sessions. These events are a great way to learn more about our courses and departments, chat to current students and staff, and find out more information about accommodation, careers, and how to apply.Postgraduate Fairs
Throughout the year we attend exhibitions and fairs online and in-person around the UK. These events give you the chance to explore our range of postgraduate courses, and find out what it’s like studying at Warwick. You’ll also be able to speak directly with our student recruitment team, who will be able to help answer your questions.
Live chats
Join a live chat with our staff and students, who are here to answer your questions and help you learn more about postgraduate life at Warwick. You can join our general drop-in sessions or talk to your prospective department and student services.
Warwick Talk and Tours
A Warwick talk and tour lasts around two hours and consists of an overview presentation from one of our Recruitment Officers covering the key features, facilities and activities that make Warwick a leading institution. The talk is followed by a campus tour which is the perfect way to view campus, with a current student guiding you around the key areas on campus.