The MSc Psychology is designed to confer Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (GBC) with the British Psychological Society (BPS). GBC is the form of professional accreditation that is required for many careers that you may pursue with a psychology degree, as well as for advanced professional training in psychology. This is a conversion course. You do not need an undergraduate psychology degree but you'll need an honours degree. Study full time over one year or part-time over two years.

This MPhil/PhD programme provides a route for students to carry out their own research project: an investigation that will eventually contribute to the field of knowledge within the educational and social sciences. Students will work closely with their supervisor(s) to develop each stage of research. Supervisors will also help put together a programme of additional courses and activities to support students' progress towards the completion of their thesis.

The PhD programme is three years full-time (or five years part-time). You will research and write a 100,000 word thesis on a topic in which we are able to offer supervision. Alongside your research you will complete research training modules (minimum 60 credits) from the Postgraduate Training Scheme run by the Doctoral College.

The MSc by Thesis is one year full-time (or two years part-time). You will research and write a 50,000 word thesis on a topic in which we are able to offer supervision. Alongside your research you will complete research training modules (minimum 20 credits) from the Postgraduate Training Scheme run by the Doctoral College.

The MRes Research Methods in Psychology comprises 60 taught credits and a 30,000 word research thesis. The taught credits are gained through completion of two compulsory modules covering advanced quantitative research methods and other professional research skills, alongside one elective module (from a choice of three) chosen based on the student’s training needs.

Students on the MSc by Research in Experimental Psychology will carry out independent research under the supervision and guidance of principal investigators and researchers within a research group or lab. Areas of study include behavioural neuroscience, developmental psychology, perception and cognition, psychological and brain health, and psychological disorders, and social psychology.

The PG Dip programme equips students with a critical understanding of psychological models of psychosis and the skills to deliver high quality and creative cognitive behavioural interventions.

This combined programme enables you to study the scientific study of the mind, brain, and behaviour while also gaining an in-depth knowledge of economics.

Psychologists study:

• the way biological and social factors influence how we behave
• how interests and abilities differ from person to person
• how we perceive, think and learn about the world around us
• how we communicate verbally and non-verbally
• how and why our mental abilities change across our lives

Psychology is an experimental and observational science, in which evidence from research studies is used to develop and evaluate theories.

Our psychology courses have a strong emphasis on developing skills in research methods and statistical analysis, to support our research-led teaching.

Economics is the study of the incentives that shape and reconcile the decisions that individuals, businesses, governments and societies make, and the macroeconomic outcomes that may arise from those decisions, such as:

• economic fluctuations
• growth
• unemployment and crises

Do you work in the education sector and hope to increase your knowledge of psychology to support children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities to reach their potential? Are you interested in how applied psychological research translates into classroom practice? Perhaps your background is in social policy or education and you want to specialise in educational psychology issues? Whatever your goals are, enhance your knowledge and practical skills with this course.

The MA in Research Methods (Developmental Psychology) is a Social Sciences faculty degree that involves other departments within the University.

It is primarily designed for students who plan to continue their graduate studies at PhD level in the broad area of developmental psychology. It is recognised by the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) as providing suitable training for this purpose, and the course is one of the ESRC accredited NINE-DTP training pathways. Applicants interested in applying for NINE-DTP funding should contact prospective supervisors in the Psychology Department. It is also relevant for students wishing to pursue careers in applied areas, such as clinical or educational psychology.

Students intending to have a career as a research psychologist need to acquire a high level of research skills at postgraduate level. Research methods training therefore forms a central part of the MA course, including both quantitative and qualitative research methods. One third of the course is also devoted to the dissertation which may be carried out in any area of psychology related to development. The taught course modules include both generic and subject level components, providing an introduction to broad issues and methodological approaches in developmental psychology and the social sciences.

This masters programme is a conversion course for those who wish to obtain a qualification in psychology with British Psychology Society (BPS) accreditation. This programme is ideal if you have a Bachelors degree with some element of psychology, and wish to achieve British Psychology Society (BPS) accreditation.  Your study will be an intellectually rigourous one of contemporary education, developing an understanding of the theory, practice, and methods of psychology. 

Offered for both face-to-face evening study at Birkbeck and via network (distance) learning, our highly respected MSc Organizational Psychology will develop your understanding of people and organisations within the context of both occupational psychology and organisational behaviour.

Teaching on the course is informed by cutting-edge research in the field and you will be encouraged to engage in critical thinking and to reflect on theory and practice. You will also acquire applied research skills in preparation for an independent research project on a subject that interests you.

You will be taught by leading academics and practitioners who have a wealth of experience in supporting and encouraging students who are studying in the evening or via network learning.  

The Institute of Management Studies (IMS) will equip you with a sound understanding of the methods and skills necessary to conduct high-level research, using a wide range of approaches and techniques.

It includes a broad training in behavioral and social science research methodologies, including the fundamentals of qualitative research and advanced level quantitative research.

The MSc Forensic Psychology offers comprehensive professional training in forensic psychology. The programme combines expertise from academics and practitioners. We always ensure that the programme content is relevant, up to date and evidence-based.

You'll get the opportunity to develop theoretical and clinical skills. These skills will enhance your future employability and career progression. We focus on supporting you in becoming a scientist-practitioner in forensic settings. You'll gain an in-depth knowledge of:

• offending and victim pathways
• psychological assessments
• rehabilitation
• investigative and court processes
• topical issues within forensic psychology

You'll conduct risk assessments and case formulations during practical sessions. You'll conduct structured framework research relating to forensic psychology practice. The course has two different routes:

• Forensic Psychology, MSc (Accredited)
• Forensic Psychology, MSc (Non-accredited)

This course is designed for students wishing to specialise in the discipline of sport and exercise psychology, to gain professional training, acquire vocationally related psychological skills, develop acritical thinking approach and conduct research, in a science practice model. This MSc was developed in the context of the increasing professionalisation of sport and exercise psychology, the accreditation criteria for the British Psychological Society (BPS) and the need for a university level course in Ireland. The MSc will provide graduates competencies in applying interventions professionally and ethically. The programme will provide students a grounding in the theory, themes, issues and practical skills central to the knowledge base of sport and exercise psychology. The 3 main themes– 1. theory-practice 2. Individual content 3. stability-change –permeate throughout each of the taught modules. The themes are embedded to serve as a heuristic tool to enable students to apply and underpin critical thinking. This thematic approach supports and reflects the critical philosophy that underpins the programme and is central to teaching, learning and assessment. Graduates should possess professional skills in consulting, advanced research, relevant personal skills and an understanding of the high performance environment.

This Modern European Philosophy MA course is recognised as one of the most challenging and stimulating philosophy masters programmes in the UK. Based on a focused study of the fundamental texts of the modern European philosophical tradition, it provides an ideal preparation for doctoral research in philosophy or related fields in the humanities and social sciences. It will also prepare graduates for a wide range of careers in education, the arts, politics and public policy.

Beginning with a foundation module on Kant's Critique of Pure Reason, the course adopts Kant's critical philosophy as a historical and conceptual basis for the understanding of subsequent European philosophy as a whole. Other major authors studied include Hegel, Marx, Nietzsche, and Heidegger. Depending on the optional modules you choose, more recent figures that you will engage with include Adorno, Lacan, Althusser, Negri, Deleuze, Butler, Agamben, Spivak, Badiou, and Rancière.

In addition to focused modules on Kant, Hegel, Nietzsche and Heidegger, you may also choose from a wide range of modules dealing on contemporary philosophy, critical theory, psychoanalysis, contemporary art, and so on.

This one-year, full-time course examines the challenges facing education in the 21st century, focusing particularly on psychological theory. You will look at the contribution of psychology to education policy and practice in changing international and global contexts.

Overview

Are you interested in pursuing a career in research, or looking to progress into specialist areas of professional psychology? Our programme will enable you to develop the skills and technical knowledge required to advance in these areas.

Our MSc Psychology Research Methods programme provides you with hands-on experience, fantastic teaching, and Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) recognised PhD-level research teaching. Throughout the year, you will benefit from research led teaching delivered by world-leading academics.

You will complete compulsory modules to develop your skills and expertise. You will extend and enhance your ability to analyse and interpret psychology data. And you will gain a high-level of advanced psychological research skills. A solid foundation in these skills will be invaluable as you progress into research or into specialist psychology roles, such as clinical or forensic psychology.

You will choose two optional modules to study. This will allow you to tailor the programme to suit your interests and will ensure you have a detailed understanding of the discipline in specific areas of psychology.

Studying this course will help you join the ranks of the next generation of thought-leaders and hands-on professionals in this exciting, growing field. When you graduate, you’ll be ready to use your knowledge to make a lasting impact on the changing world of work.

Conforming to the standards set by the British Psychological Society (BPS), our course also reflects the strengths and interests of our dedicated teaching team. We’ll encourage you to develop vital skills in leadership, decision-making, organizational and HR assessment, and a knowledge of quality of working life.

Gain expert training in advanced psychology research methods and carry out basic and applied research projects in a wide range of areas with this Master’s degree course.

You will learn to use a range of research tools, such as databases, statistical software, and computer programmes and develop extensive practical research skills to apply in any context where human behaviour is important. 

You will develop a keen understanding of the nature and limitations of the scientific method and the main alternatives, alongside a knowledge of the historical, theoretical, and philosophical issues underlying psychological and behavioural science.

If you’re interested in how people think and behave at work – and in helping them optimise their wellbeing and performance – this is the course for you. You’ll learn to play a key role in developing knowledge, and to influence best practice and policy in the workplace, both today and in the rapidly changing workplace of the future.

Taught by the School of Psychology and the University of Sussex Business School, you’ll gain valuable skills and knowledge in:

• psychological assessment at work
• learning, training and development
• leadership, engagement and motivation
• wellbeing and work
• organisational design, change and development.

The course will also cover issues relevant to the future of work, bringing you the latest thinking on a range of topics such as digital connectivity and agile working practices, emotions and wellbeing at work, managing work conflict, relational attachment at work, attitudes to diversity, and modern leadership. Throughout the course, there’s a strong emphasis on issues around equality, diversity and inclusion.

Internships

You may have the opportunity to secure an internship through our local professional partnerships and professional psychologist mentors, along with applied research project offerings.

This specialist MSc blends Human Resource Management with Business Psychology, a discipline also known as Occupational Psychology and Organisational Psychology, which equips you with a depth of understanding around the psychological mechanisms that drive positive behaviours and performances in the workplace.