Psychology MSc

Course Content

• Course Details

  This MSc in psychology has been designed to contribute towards achieving the following United Nations Sustainable Development Goal: SDG3 Good Health and Wellbeing.

  Our MSc Psychology conversion programme is designed to equip you with key theoretical perspectives and practical knowledge within some of the core areas of psychology at a Masters level.

  You will study from a core curriculum within some of the key areas within psychology, through a range of modules which allow you to develop further capabilities already achieved through studying at undergraduate level such as undertaking independent research projects. The core curriculum will also provide you with a sound knowledge of theoretical, professional and policy issues in psychology.

  To further assist with your employability portfolio, we have a two-hour career event embedded as part of your curriculum. This event will be held in the second trimester and will be part of the PSYM081 (Applied and Critical Social Psychology) module workshops. Attendance at this event is mandatory.

  On this psychology masters degree, you will be taught by academics from the Division of Psychology with a wide ranging area of research expertise, engaging you with a diverse array of perspectives. The programme will equip you with key theoretical perspectives and practical knowledge within some of the core areas of psychology.

  The postgraduate psychology course is available full time or part-time. The part-time option is two years with the dissertation being submitted in January following the two years of the study. However, if you wish, and with the agreement of your supervisor, you can submit the dissertation in October of the final year of study. The psychology degree masters is flexible, and offers you choices within their programmes in accordance with personal and professional requirements. This includes a variety of modes of study and attendance through which awards can be gained.

  The University of Northampton ensures equality of opportunity and treatment for all students regardless of background, class, race, sex or circumstance.

  Please note the modules shown here relate to the academic year 24/25. The modules relating to the academic year 25/26 will be available from June 2025.

  • Stage 1
    • Advanced Developmental Psychology (30 Credits)
      Module code: PSYM079

      Status: Compulsory
      This module enables a critical analysis of developmental issues across the lifespan with specific reference to the inter-relationship between the processes of development, and the context within which people grow, change and develop. Building on their knowledge of the developmental processes and mechanisms operating in childhood and adolescence, students will develop a critical understanding of the intersections of biological, psychological and social factors in development through the lifespan, and will develop a detailed understanding of transition and change, informed by a critical engagement with developmental research and theory.
    • Cognitive and Biological Psychology and Neuroscience (30 Credits)
      Module code: PSYM080

      Status: Compulsory
      Cognitive and Biological Psychology and Neuroscience share a common interest in the workings of the brain but vary in topics of interest and in some aspects of methodology. This module will explore different approaches to studying the brain as well as philosophical questions concerning the mind and human consciousness.
    • Applied Social and Critical Social Psychology (30 Credits)
      Module code: PSYM081

      Status: Compulsory
      This module uses a multi-disciplinary approach (e.g. philosophy, sociology, feminist perspectives) to enable a critical analysis of traditional and contemporary social issues relating to the self, group processes and various relationships, considering the implications of social context and cross-cultural factors.
    • Dissertation and Research Methods (50 Credits)
      Module code: PSYM086

      Status: Compulsory
      The purpose of this module is ?To build on basic research methods skills from modules PSYM085 or PSYM102. The module is designed to develop advanced research skills enabling students to autonomously formulate and conduct an empirical research project in a field relevant to individual masters programs under supervision.
    • Individual Differences (10 Credits)
      Module code: PSYM100

      Status: Compulsory
      This module will develop students' knowledge and critical understanding of various key theoretical perspectives in the areas of individual differences and personality. Practical applications relating to these areas will also be applied to real world settings.
    • Conceptual and Historical Issues in Psychology (10 Credits)
      Module code: PSYM101

      Status: Compulsory
      The aim of this module is to provide students with a thorough grounding in the historical development of psychology and in conceptual and philosophical questions pertinent to psychology, such as the nature of science, the role of ethics, the relationship between psychology and society, and the 'problem' of consciousness.
    • Research Skills (20 Credits)
      Module code: PSYM102

      Status: Compulsory
      The rationale for the module is to build research skills and research practices in quantitative and qualitative research methods. This module is designed develop the skills needed for independent research, and to design a proposal for an empirical research project.

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• FAQs

  What can I do with a Masters in psychology?

  On successful completion*, a Masters degree in psychology will teach you all the knowledge, discipline and skills you need to work in a wide range of different fields. These can include roles such as a Clinical, Educational, Counselling, Forensic, Health or Occupational psychologist. Your degree will also equip you for related practices, such as coaching, counselling and research/analytics.

  What is an MSc in psychology?

  When you successfully complete a psychology masters degree in psychology programme, you will receive a Master of Science (MSc) degree, which tends to be focused on the sciences and research methods than the humanities and arts aspects of the field of psychology.

  * In order to be eligible for the GBC, students must pass the empirical psychology project (dissertation), and gain at least a Lower Second Class Honours degree, or its equivalent (i.e. an overall pass mark of at least 50 per cent for conversion programmes).

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