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Psychological Research (MSc) (2024 Entry)

A student and member of staff from Psychology having a conversation.

Explore our Psychological Research taught Master's degree.

Warwick's Psychology Department offers you the opportunity to gain practical experience in research through placements across different laboratories working on thematically related research, followed by your own research project in which to explore a topic of your choice.

The application deadline for this course is: Friday 12th July 2024.


Course overview

Specifically designed for students who wish to pursue an academic research career, the course offers first-hand research experience through placements in different laboratories, working on thematically related research. This lab rotation offers strong candidates for doctoral research more scope to explore different topics within their areas of interest than the traditional options at Master’s level.

Two placements taken during the course allow you to contribute directly to your chosen supervisors’ research. A subsequent research project then gives you the chance to put this experience into practice in developing your own area of study, supported through the advice of relevant academics. Possible themes include (but are not limited to):

  • Sensorimotor Control
  • Cognition and Emotion
  • Development of Language and Communication
  • Evolutionary Psychology

Alternatively, you can plan your own pathway based on our research expertise.

Applied fields

Please note that this programme has been designed specifically for students who do not have a primary interest in applied fields.

If you are interested in applying psychology to real-world issues, this course is not for you. Instead, please take a look at our MSc programs in Clinical Applications of PsychologyLink opens in a new window, Behavioural and Economic ScienceLink opens in a new window, and Behavioural and Data ScienceLink opens in a new window, or the Centre for Education Studies’ MA in Psychology and EducationLink opens in a new window, or the Centre for Lifelong Learning's counselling coursesLink opens in a new window.


Skills from this degree

  1. Practical experience in research through placements across different laboratories that allow you to explore themes beyond traditional research boundaries
  2. Advanced data analysis skills
  3. Scientific communication skills or equivalent relevant skills of your choice

General entry requirements

Minimum requirements

Degree

At least a good 2:1 undergraduate degree or equivalent in a related subject.

Research interest

Students must provide at least a rough research outline, detailing their placement and project interests, in their personal statement. Applications without an appropriate research outline will be rejected.

Recommended

It is highly recommended that you contact a member of staff and agree project supervision with them before applying. Please visit our list of potential supervisors and their research fields pageLink opens in a new window.


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 requirements for this course.

Core modules

A) Research Placement

You will choose two from:

  • Psychological Research Laboratory Placement 1
  • Psychological Research Laboratory Placement 2
  • Psychological Research Short Laboratory Placement

B) Data Analysis Skills:

You will choose one from either:

  • Methods and Analysis in Behavioural Science

The purpose of the module is to introduce you to experimental design and statistical programming. Behavioural scientists need statistical analysis of experimental data and of large data sets. This module covers these topics to allow you to understand how to test hypotheses, plan experimental design and perform statistical analysis using R.

  • Advanced Qualitative and Quantitative Analysis

This module adopts a clinically relevant practical focus to introduce you to both advanced qualitative and quantitative analysis.

C) Research Project

The research project gives you the chance to develop your own area of study, supported through the advice of relevant academics.


Optional modules

D) Professional Psychology Option 

You will choose one module on professional skills in psychology. Options can vary from year to year. Example modules may include: 

  • Practical Research Skills for Psychology
  • Communication, Dissemination, and Professional Issues
  • Experimental design and data collection
  • An appropriate module from our undergraduate provision

The availability of option modules depends on several factors and cannot be guaranteed in advance. Therefore, the list above provides a sample of previously available options for illustrative purposes only.

Teaching

More information on this course and its teaching methods are available on the departmental course webpage.


Class sizes

Class sizes will naturally vary, however, this course typically has 5-10 students.


Typical contact hours

Contact hours for this course depend on modules chosen and on the requirements of the placement and project work.


Assessment

More information on this course and its assessment methodsLink opens in a new window are available on the departmental course webpageLink opens in a new window.


Reading lists

A list of suggested preparator reading materials can be found on the Psychology websiteLink opens in a new window.


Your timetable

As the majority of the course is individualised, no timetable can be provided.

Your career

Graduates from this course have gone on to secure posts in research and on to further postgraduate study, continuing their research in their fields.

Our department has a dedicated professionally qualified Senior Careers Consultant offering impartial advice and guidance together with workshops and events throughout the year.

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

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 taught course fees  


Fee Status Guidance

The University carries out an initial fee status assessment based on information provided in the application and according to the guidance published by UKCISA. Students are classified as either Home or Overseas Fee status and this can determine the tuition fee and eligibility of certain scholarships and financial support. 

If you receive an offer, your fee status will be stated with the tuition fee information. If you believe your fee status has been incorrectly classified you can complete a fee status assessment questionnaire (follow the instructions in your offer) and provide the required documentation for this to be reassessed. 

The UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA) provides guidance to UK universities on fees status criteria, you can find the latest guidance on the impact of Brexit on fees and student support on the UKCISA website.


Additional course costs

Please contact your academic department for information about department specific costs, which should be considered in conjunction with the more general costs below, such as:

  • 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.

Find out how to apply to us, ask your questions, and find out more.

How to apply

The application process for courses that start in September and October 2024 will open on 2 October 2023.

The application deadline for this course is Friday 12 July 2024.

How to apply for a postgraduate taught 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.

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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.

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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.