About this course
Develop the skills to become a successful PhD student or professional researcher on this MSc Research Methods in Psychology course. Our graduates go on to work in psychological research and work in the NHS and private sector or take up non-psychological posts in industry.
On this UK research psychology master’s programme, you’ll work with internationally renowned researchers in the School of Psychology.
Our master’s in psychological research provides advanced training in different research methods and data analytic techniques. You’ll learn how to apply your taught skills to your own research questions and get structured classroom support as you:
- decide your research questions
- develop your research
- analyse the data
- prepare reports describing your findings
You’ll also have the opportunity to link with students from other programmes such as:
We welcome students from across the globe. Our international students have gone on to help contribute to the economic and social development of their home countries, through the acquisition and application of research knowledge and skills.
Our home students often continue their studies to pursue PhDs, work with the Office for National Statistics, work within the NHS or in private organisations compiling survey data.
This master’s in psychology research is ideal if you're looking for research funding. To learn more visit the ESRC funding page.
Course lead
The course lead is Dr Hayward Godwin, a lecturer in Psychology and member of the Centre for Visual Cognition (CVC) research group.
Dr Godwin's current research interests include a number of projects relating to human visual cognition. This involves examining eye movement behaviour as people search their environment for given targets. Find out more on Dr Godwin's staff profile page.
Related pathways
Accreditations
This course is accredited by:
Course location
This course is based at Highfield.
Awarding body
This qualification is awarded by the University of Southampton.
Download the programme specification
The programme specification sets out the learning outcomes of this course and details how the course is taught and assessed.
In light of COVID-19, we’ve made changes to some elements of course delivery for 2020-21. For details as to how this has changed delivery for this course, please view the Addendum to the Programme Specification PDF.
Entry requirements
You’ll need a 2:1 degree in Psychology.
We’ll consider your application if you’ve studied a different subject that has special relevance to the psychological problems you wish to investigate.
Find the equivalent international qualifications for your country.
English language requirements
If English isn't your first language, you'll need to complete an International English Language Testing System (IELTS) to demonstrate your competence in English. You'll need an overall score of 6.5 and the following scores for reading, writing, listening and speaking:
IELTS score requirements
- reading
- 6.0
- writing
- 6.0
- speaking
- 6.0
- listening
- 6.0
We accept other English language tests. Find out which English language tests we accept.
Got a question?
Please contact us if you're not sure you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course.
Email: enquiries@southampton.ac.uk
Tel: +44(0)23 8059 5000
Course structure
COVID-19: we've made some changes to the structure of the course for this academic year. Download the programme specification addendum in 'About this course' to learn more.
This is a full-time master’s course. You’ll study for 12 months, from September to the following September.
In the first 9 months (semesters 1 and 2) you'll study the taught part of your course.
This is made up of modules that everyone on the course takes, and modules we’ll ask you to choose from a list of options.
Throughout the course you’ll begin preparing for your dissertation.
Want more detail? See all the modules in the course.
Modules
COVID-19: we've made some changes to our modules for this academic year. Download the programme specification addendum in 'About this course' to learn more.
For entry in Academic Year 2020-21
You must study the following modules:
Learning and assessment
COVID-19: we've made some changes to our learning and assessment methods for this academic year. Download the programme specification addendum in 'About this course' to learn more.
Learning
You'll cover the theory, practice and context of a wide range of research approaches, using a combination of:
- lectures
- workshops
- small group discussions
- collaborative group research projects
- independent study
We'll give you guidance and feedback from experts in the methods used and the research topics in which you want to specialise.
Assessment
We’ll assess you entirely on research-related work carried out in your area(s) of interest. If you’re studying towards the full MSc you'll need to complete a further piece of independent research over 4 months.
Dissertation
You’ll plan and write a 10,000-word in-depth study based on what you have learned.
During this, you'll be able to develop and apply your own specialist research methods and skills.
Academic Support
You’ll work with a senior tutor to plan and research your dissertation.
Careers
After you graduate you’ll be well placed to study for a PhD in Psychology, and can also work as:
- an applied psychologist
- a teacher
- a consultant
- a researcher in settings like the NHS, Higher Education and health promotion
Careers services at Southampton
We're a top 20 UK university for employability (QS Graduate Employability Rankings 2019). Our Careers and Employability Service will support you throughout your time as a student and for up to 5 years after graduation. This support includes:
- work experience schemes
- CV/resume and interview skills workshops
- networking events
- careers fairs attended by top employers
- a wealth of volunteering opportunities
- study abroad and summer school opportunities
We have a vibrant entrepreneurship culture. You'll be able to take advantage of:
- our dedicated start-up incubator, Futureworlds
- a wide variety of enterprise events run throughout the year
- our partnership in the world’s number 1 business incubator, SETsquared
Fees, costs and funding
Tuition fees
Fees for a year's study:
- UK students pay £9,250.
- EU and international students pay £24,400.
What your fees pay for
Your tuition fee covers the full cost of tuition and all examinations.
Find out how to:
Accommodation and living costs, such as travel and food, are not included in your tuition fees. Explore:
10% alumni discount
If you’re a graduate of the University of Southampton you get a 10% discount on your postgraduate tuition fees.
Postgraduate Master’s Loans (UK nationals only)
This can help with course fees and living costs while you study a postgraduate master's course. Find out if you're eligible.
You may be eligible to receive funding from the Economic and Social Research Council for this course.
Other postgraduate funding options
A variety of additional scholarships, grants and bursaries may be available to help you fund your master’s study, both from the University and from other organisations.
Funding for EU and international students
Find out about funding you could get as an international student.
How to apply
You can apply directly through our online form by using the apply button on this page.
Application deadlines
UK students
Applications must be received no later than 4 weeks before the start of the course. You must supply all supporting documentation at least two weeks before starting your course.
International students
We recommend you apply at least 6 weeks before the start of the course to ensure you're able to meet our requirements and apply for a visa in time.
We cannot guarantee students who do not meet these deadlines will be able to begin their course.
Supporting information
When you apply you’ll need to submit a personal statement explaining why you want to take the course.
You’ll need to include information about:
- your knowledge of the subject area
- why you want to study a postgraduate qualification in this course
- how you intend to use your qualification
You'll also need to send 2 academic references.
Please include the required paperwork showing your first degree and your IELTS English language test score (if you are a non-native English speaker) with your application. Without these, your application may be delayed.
Learn more about how to apply with our postgraduate application guide.
What happens after you apply
You'll be able to track your application through our online Applicant Record System.
We will assess your application on the strength of your:
- academic achievements
- relevant professional experience
- personal statement
- academic references
We'll get back to you within 6 weeks with a decision about your application.
Equality and diversity
We treat and select everyone in line with our Equality and Diversity Statement.
Got a question?
Please contact us if you're not sure you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course.
Email: enquiries@southampton.ac.uk
Tel: +44(0)23 8059 5000
