Overview
Enhance your knowledge and skills on our MSc Psychology, which is accredited by the British Psychological Society. Our Masters course is perfect if you have an undergraduate degree, and want to get Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (GBC) with the British Psychological Society - or simply learn more about psychology.
Careers
A degree in psychology is highly valued by most employers, and our MSc has the added benefit of being accredited by the British Psychological Society.
As a graduate, you'll be able to apply for Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership with the British Psychological Society.
More broadly, by studying this course you'll gain an analytical approach to tasks, an understanding of people, and the underlying management skills associated with project work.
Sectors that you could progress into include:
- health and social care
- marketing and PR
- management and human resources
- education
- public sector work.
With further study you can also continue into clinical psychology settings.
You could even continue your study with us through an MPhil/PhD Psychology.
Modules & assessment
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Research in Action: Qualitative Methods and Psychology in Practice
This module will include the teaching of qualitative methods in psychology. It will examine the design, collection and analysis of qualitative data. The module will also outline key aspects of a qualitative approach such as reflexivity and epistemology. There will be specific sessions that are dedicated to particular approaches in qualitative methods including: thematic analysis, grounded theory and discourse analysis. Students will analyse qualitative data as part this module and utilise this data to formulate research questions. As part of this, students will develop an awareness of the ethical and practical implications of conducting professional research. This will include the application of professional codes of conduct and ethics in research and practice. Students will also consider research design and formulate a research proposal in the form of a 'call for funding' application. Students will be asked to pay particular attention to the ethical issues and concerns when proposing research. -
Personality, Intelligence and Psychometrics
You will develop an understanding of key contemporary approaches to the study and assessment of personality and intelligence. You will examine the assumptions behind theoretical approaches to personality and intelligence; the nature of personality and intelligence; the theory of psychometrics; the strengths, implications and limitations of different approaches; and the applications of theory. You will link theoretical approaches and develop basic skills in understanding and using psychological tests. As well as acquiring a detailed knowledge of major theories of personality and intelligence you will develop an awareness of the social and ethical implications of the measurement of individual differences and skills in problem-solving and evaluation. -
Lifespan Development
Explore human development across the lifespan, from birth to adulthood to old age, including how childhood experiences affect later development. Discuss and compare the different approaches to human development, and apply theories of development to particular case studies. Some of the different approaches to human development to be studied may include: attachment theory, Erikson’s psychosocial theory, theories of aging, and biopyschosocial approaches. You will also look at different domains of human development such as social, emotional, moral, and cognitive development across the lifespan. -
Learning, Memory and Perception
Underlying all psychological functioning is the ability to perceive, remember, and alter our behaviour in response to information in the world. These basic psychological processes of perception, memory, and learning were the first areas of study for empirical psychology and here you will examine both the historical development of these areas as well as the current state of knowledge in each area. With an overview of the principles of associative learning, including the principles of operant and respondent conditioning and the distinction between contiguity and contingency in learning, you will also consider how the principles can be applied in practical situations such as the treatment of phobias. The underlying neurophysiological mechanisms of memory, as well as cognitive models of memory, will be presented, as well as disorders of memory associated with brain injury. -
Research in Action: Statistical Thinking
Develop your statistical thinking to give you the ability to approach research questions with skill and understanding. You will develop a critical understanding of the principles of data collection and analysis in psychology, and consider the theoretical bases, merits and limitations of various quantitative methods. In lectures, you will focus on theoretical and conceptual ideas underpinning statistics and research design, with an emphasis on understanding the logic behind theses techniques, and he choices that researchers make. This will enable students to know when it is appropriate to use a particular approach, and how to interpret its output. Concepts covered in lectures are brought to life in associated practical sessions, helping you to gain experience using the statistical techniques covered in lectures, using practical and computer-based examples. Designing research, analysing results an interpreting the data are essential skills for a psychologist, and highly valued by employers. -
Biopsychology
"...your joys and your sorrows, your memories and your ambitions, your sense of personal identity and free will, are in fact no more than the behaviours of a vast assembly of nerve cells and their associated molecules". (Crick, 1990). Biological Psychology is one of the major paradigms in modern psychology and a good working knowledge is essential to understand many areas of contemporary psychology, for example drug therapy in Abnormal Psychology, why stress can make people ill in Health Psychology and even why the sensation of falling in love is quite so powerful. Biopsychology introduces students to the physiological mechanisms that underlie all behaviour and cognition. Initially, the module introduces the philosophy that underpins biological psychology, and discusses issues such as determinism, reductionism and free will. The module then focuses on capture, communication and processing of information in the nervous system and looks in detail at the mechanics of these processes. For example, the structure and function of the brain and nervous system. The complex interplay between 'psychology' and chemical messages - such as cytokines and hormones is introduced. Students are introduced to the role that evolution and genetics may play in behaviour and cognition. Finally, the module shows how biological psychology can be applied. -
Contemporary Social Psychology
Social psychology is the study of how people’s thoughts, feelings and behaviours are influenced by the actual, imagined or implied presence of others. Building on classic social psychology theory and research, you will consider contemporary social psychology, including topics such as racism and the replication of classic social psychology experiments. You will also be exposed to the two forms of social psychology: the 'mainstream' American forms of social psychology and the more modern European forms of social psychology that place more emphasis on social and collective processes. -
Language and Thought
Explore the key themes, theories, research programmes, and methods to understand processes underlying human language and thinking, within the domains of cognitive psychology and cognitive neuropsychology. You will study human problem solving, reasoning, and decision-making, gaining an appreciation of the different approaches and models, as well as examine contradicting evidence between reasoning in the laboratory and the real world, allowing you to understand how human reasoning differs from idealised accounts provided by theories of logic and probability. You will also explore language, the intact and impaired processes involved in spoken language, as well as reading and spelling in different languages, with a special interest on whether these processes are universal or language specific. You will also examine literacy and associated developmental problems such as dyslexia, bilingualism and related issues in acquiring and maintaining a second language. -
Psychology Dissertation
This module requires you to undertake a significant research project in the chosen field of study and to present the results of that research in a thesis prepared to the highest scientific professional standards. The research will normally be based on preparatory work undertaken in modules: Issues in Psychological Research and either Quantitative Research Methods or Qualitative Research Methods. The topic may be drawn mainly from a selection of suggested topics related to School research groups (professional subject of interest will be considered provided that a strong case is made and suitable supervision is available). The project topics will be assessed for suitability to ensure that it has the potential for sufficient academic challenge. You will be assigned a supervisor, or, if appropriate, a supervisory team. You'll be expected to make regular reports on the state and progress of your work. These reports will normally be in a written format suitable for incorporation into the final thesis.
Assessment
The assessment on this course is varied and innovative. You will be assessed via traditional coursework essay and exams, as well as portfolios, case study reports, multiple choice questionnaires, book reviews and, of course, a dissertation.
Where you'll study
Your faculty
The Faculty of Science & Engineering is one of the largest of the four faculties at Anglia Ruskin University. Whether you choose to study with us full-time or part-time, on campus or at a distance, there’s an option whatever your level – from a foundation degree, BSc, MSc, PhD or professional doctorate.
Whichever course you pick, you’ll gain the theory and practical skills needed to progress with confidence. Join us and you could find yourself learning in the very latest laboratories or on field trips or work placements with well-known and respected companies. You may even have the opportunity to study abroad.
Everything we do in the faculty has a singular purpose: to provide a world-class environment to create, share and advance knowledge in science, technology and engineering fields. This is key to all of our futures.
Where can I study?
Cambridge
Our campus is close to the centre of Cambridge, often described as the perfect student city.
Fees & funding
Course fees
UK students starting 2021/22 (per year)
£8,100
International students starting 2021/22 (per year)
£14,500
How do I pay my fees?
UK students
You can pay your fees upfront, in full or in instalments – though you won't need to pay until you've accepted an offer to study with us.
How to pay your fees directlyInternational students
You can pay your fees upfront, in full or in two instalments. We will also ask you for a deposit of £4,000 or a sponsorship letter. Details will be in your offer letter.
Paying your feesFunding for postgraduate students
It’s important to decide how to fund your course before applying. Use our finance guide for postgraduate students to learn more about postgraduate loans and other funding options.
We offer a fantastic range of ARU scholarships and bursaries, which provide extra financial support while you're at university.
International students
As well as a number of scholarships, we offer an early payment discount. Explore your options:
Entry requirements
Important additional notes
Whether you're studying entirely online or through a blend of on-campus and online learning from September 2020, you'll need a computer and reliable internet access to successfully engage with your course. A small number of our courses require additional technical specifications or specialist materials. Before starting the course, we recommend that you check our technical requirements for online learning. Our website also has general information for new students about starting university in 2020-21.
Our published entry requirements are a guide only and our decision will be based on your overall suitability for the course as well as whether you meet the minimum entry requirements. Other equivalent qualifications may be accepted for entry to this course, please email answers@anglia.ac.uk for further information.
Teaching options
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, many of our students can choose to study face to face on campus or online only. They're also able to change their mode of delivery on given dates in each trimester.
For on-campus teaching, we offer at least four hours face-to-face teaching related contact time per week for our undergraduate full-time courses, supported by online learning using our established online learning systems. The number of contact hours varies course by course, and you can contact us for further information. The provision offered is subject to change due to the possibility of further Government restrictions, however we remain committed to delivering face-to-face teaching and ensuring a COVID-19 secure environment.
In the event that there are further changes to the current restrictions that are in place due to the pandemic, we may need to move some courses online only at short notice to remain in line with Government guidelines and ensure the continued safety of our students and staff.
International students
We welcome applications from international and EU students, and accept a range of international qualifications.
Whether you're studying entirely online or through a blend of face-to-face and online learning from September 2020, you'll need a computer and reliable internet access to successfully engage with your course. A small number of our courses require additional technical specifications or specialist materials. Before starting the course, we recommend that you check our technical requirements for online learning. Our website also has general information for new students about starting university in 2020-21.
English language requirements
If English is not your first language, you'll need to make sure you meet our English language requirements for undergraduate courses.
Check the standard entry requirements for IELTS requirements for this course.
Improving your English language skills
If you don't meet our English language requirements, we offer a range of courses which could help you achieve the level required for entry onto a degree course.
We also provide our own English Language Proficiency Test (ELPT) in the UK and overseas. To find out if we are planning to hold an ELPT in your country, contact our country managers.
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