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Become critical consumers, producers, and communicators of evidence and data. Develop advanced research skills valuable to any sector that puts a premium on evidence-based decision-making. Choose your own areas of interest and personalise your learning experience.
In this course, programme modules are structured to progressively build the core competencies in research and research methods. Students have the flexibility to personalise their learning experience by applying these skills to their own areas of interest, including psychological wellbeing, child development, memory, addiction, neurodiversity and more. Please note we try to accommodate student interests so they are aligned with staff research expertise.
Our graduates aspire to undertake doctoral post-graduate study and employment in a range of professions allied to Psychology and the Social Sciences. For those who would like to progress towards becoming a chartered psychologist, this course provides a rigorous preparation for the additional postgraduate research and professional training that are necessary for chartered status. Please note, the British Psychological Association does not accredit research methods programmes in general, nor this MSc.
Teaching methods include lectures and seminars to present and consolidate core content, as well as independent tasks with guided group feedback, group work to build professional skills, and one-to-one feedback on formative tasks. There is also opportunity for professional development through activities like CV writing and mock interviews.
Assessment methods have an applied focus. Written coursework includes development of research proposals, critique of existing literature and methodologies, as well as personal reflections on professional skill development. An exam assesses competencies in advanced quantitative research methods and analyses, while a portfolio of guided tasks is used to assess professional skill development and competencies in advanced qualitative methodologies. The main assessment of the programme is the project report, a thesis based on the student’s empirical work.
Our typical offer is:
| Qualification | Minimum grade |
|---|---|
| a Canadian bachelor's degree | GPA 2.40 |
| a USA bachelor's degree | GPA 2.5 |
If you already hold a postgraduate qualification, please see our Applying for additional postgraduate degrees Help and Advice article.
If you don't meet our standard entry requirements, you can take one of the foundation pathways at our partners ONCAMPUS Sunderland. Find out more information and whether your course is eligible on our ONCAMPUS page.
If your qualification is not listed above, please contact the Student Administration team at studentadmin@sunderland.ac.uk for further advice.
Our typical requirement is a 2:2 or above (or an equivalent overseas qualification) in Psychology with Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership from the British Psychological Society or in a related discipline (e.g. health sciences, computer science, linguistics).
If English is not your first language, please see our English language requirements.
The annual fee for this course is:
*European Union (EU), EEA (European Economic Area), and Swiss nationals who do not qualify for the EU Settlement Scheme are classed as international, however, for 23/24 admission you will receive a European student fee scholarship and will pay the home tuition fee rate for the duration of your studies. The discounted fee will be reflected in your offer letter. Learn more in our Help and Advice article.
Take a look at the Your Finances section to find out about the scholarships and bursaries that may be available to you.
This information was correct at the time of publication.
Our graduates aspire to undertake doctoral post-graduate study and employment in a range of professions allied to Psychology and the Social Sciences.
At the end of this course you will be able to make a strong application for doctoral programmes that lead to chartered status as a psychologist. There are nine types of psychology in which it is possible to become chartered: clinical, educational, forensic, occupational, counselling, sport and exercise and health psychology, as well as neuropsychology and teaching and researching in psychology.
Equally, the course prepares you for employment in a broad range of sectors due to the transferable skills learned. Expertise in research methodology is highly valued in management, advertising, marketing, human resources, the police force, the prison service, social care, health services and teaching.
Graduates have secured opportunities for further study on research degrees including funded PhD studentships and BPS chartered PhD programmes such as Clinical Psychology. Our graduates also have successful careers in public and private-sector organisations including the NHS, civil service, police service, and further education.
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