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: Statistical Thinking
Psychology requires you to develop a critical understanding of the principles of quantitative data collection and analysis, whilst considering the theory behind various methods. You will cover theoretical, conceptual, and ethical issues during lectures, with emphasis on the logic behind the techniques you are learning, enabling you to see when it’s appropriate to use a particular approach. The ideas covered in your lectures are brought to life by the use of associated practical and computer examples, helping you to understand how the research choices you make affect your data analysis options and the power of your statistical tests. You will get hands-on experience with data analysis, gaining skills in using and interpreting output from SPSS. -
Social Psychology, Development and Difference
This module is designed to include the main British Psychological Society taught content in terms of social psychology, developmental psychology and individual differences. The module will invite students to understand how certain behaviours are shaped through our individual development and through different social contexts. This will challenge the students to think across these different subject areas and will present a coherent view of a person in which our social and developmental changes are related to the actual, imagined or implied presence of others. This module will be topic based and will be focusing on an issue (e.g. attraction, relationships) and consider each topic issue from an individual, social and developmental view. Key areas within the main subject areas will be covered. The module will also develop transferrable skills by engaging students with group work and problem based learning in the practical classes. -
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. -
Research in Action: Qualitative Methods and Psychology in Practice
Research is key to psychology. Here you will learn the qualitative methods in psychology, looking at the design, collection, and analysis of qualitative data and key aspects of a qualitative approach, such as reflexivity and epistemology. You will analyse qualitative data and use this to formulate research questions. As part of this, you will develop an awareness of the ethical and practical implications of conducting professional research. -
Brain, Body and Mind
Brain, Body and Mind draws heavily on psychology, neuroscience, individual differences and evolutionary approaches to provide a critical understanding of mind and behaviour. The module provides a comprehensive and critical synthesis of how biology and evolutionary theory underpin all human and animal behaviour before examining cognitive and individual difference models of the mind and behaviour. Students are challenged to analyse areas of human psychology from the multiple perspectives examined and to show an integrated understanding of the area. The module is largely topic based and students will address a key areas of psychology from a variety of perspectives: Current cognitive theory, the biological underpinnings, evolutionary and genetic perspectives, individual differences and clinical issues. Topics will include areas such as: perception, learning, memory, language, problem solving & decision making and consciousness and meta-cognition, intelligence and social cognition. -
Diagnosis and Formulation in Mental Health
Here you’ll be introduced to diagnosis and formulation in mental health as well as a variety of mental health problems such as anxiety, depression, psychosis, post-traumatic stress disorder and personality disorders. You’ll focus on developing your knowledge of the diagnostic criteria for mental health problems, looking at the diagnostic classification systems, and also establishing an understanding of current the view of mental health problems through formulation. You will also be introduced to key theories believed to underpin and maintain mental health problems, including biological, psychological and social factors. You’ll be taught the importance of understanding the individual beyond diagnosis, enabling them to understand formulation through applying theories to case studies. -
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: Research in Action: Qualitative Methods and Psychology in Practice, and Research in Action: Statistical Thinking. The topic may be drawn mainly from a selection of suggested topics related to school research groups. A professional subject of interest will be considered provided that a strong case is made and suitable supervision is available. These suggested project topics will be assessed for suitability. You will be assigned a supervisor, or, if appropriate, a supervisory team. You will be expected to make regular reports documenting progress. These reports will normally be in a written format suitable for incorporation into the final thesis. Clinical work and those wishing to gain a more theoretical understanding of the issues involved.
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
UK students starting 2022/23 (full-time, per year)
£8,400
International students starting 2022/23 (full-time, per year)
£15,000
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 face-to-face and online learning from September 2021, you'll need a computer and reliable internet access to successfully engage with your course. 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 2021-22.
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@aru.ac.uk for further information.
Teaching options
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, face-to-face campus teaching is 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 safe and inclusive 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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