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MSc Psychology
Explore biological, cognitive, social and development perspectives in psychology. Learn research methods and do your own research project. Apply psychological theory to working with people to further develop your career.
Entry requirements
A 2:1 degree in any subject
International students would normally have a minimum IELTS score of 6.5
UCAS code Apply to Marjon
UCAS institution code P63
Duration One year full-time or two years part-time
Course Summary
MSc Psychology explores the key areas of psychology: cognitive, biological, developmental, social, individual differences and psychological research methods, plus you will be able to study a contemporary issue of your choice and an independent piece of research.
Throughout the course you will have opportunities to develop an understanding of psychological topics from perception and memory, through to leadership, inclusion and advanced research methods. Your assessments provide the opportunity to demonstrate your knowledge and apply this to issues such as disability, criminality, health and other everyday issues.
The core curriculum is taught in small groups and workshops enabling discussion and in addition there are online activities, including as on-demand lectures and data analysis activities. All assessment is by coursework and not only reviews your knowledge but offer opportunities to develop skills for the modern workplace.
Within the MSc Psychology course, there are opportunities to work with others on research projects, join the psychology enhancement programme and to work with the Futures team to develop your skills for employment.
Why this course at Marjon?
Dedicated psychology lab spaces
First step to graduate membership (GBC) of the British Psychological Society (BPS)
Fixed weekly timetable
Choose your own focus throughout the course related to your career aspirations.
Psychology enhancement programme of research talks and guest speakers
Quiet dedicated spaces on campus for data and group work
Modules for this course
1st Year
Neuropsychology and cognition
Identities, relationships and groups
Typical vs non-typical development
Theory and methods in psychology
Applied psychology
Empirical project
Current students say...
Nick Parr
“I’m enjoying the variety of topics, I’m growing my mind and people are really listening. The lecturers are really helpful and care for their students and the Student Support service is very good. The university is small, with a sense of community. I have found that the course is very helpful to my personal development and some topics associate with my life experiences. A brilliant place to learn.”
Dawn Geary
“I have really enjoyed learning about the different aspects of psychology, from leadership and identity through to neuropsychology. This course has made me appreciate how different disorders can impact on people’s lives. I have also been able to develop my critical analysis and research skills.”
Hazel Dickinson
“We’re learning about how social identity and societies influence people. I enjoyed looking at a brain in the lab; it was great to do something practical. I’ve learnt how to be more critical while analysing things. I’ve also become more broad-minded and have developed my lateral thinking skills.”
This course is perfect if you're curious about
Has the popularisation of mindfulness reduced its impact?
How does dementia impact on communication and language?
Does smiling influence how fast someone runs?
Can language analysis help detection of potential criminals?
Can psychopaths change?
Does lack of coffee or cravings for caffeine impair memory?
What might you become?
MSc Psychology will give you the transferable skills that employers want, whether you are looking at private or public sector careers. It is also a first step towards a career as a practicing psychologist in educational, forensic, clinical, counselling or sports and exercise psychology.
Our graduates are now working in health and social care sectors, studying at PhD level, teaching, doing further study to become a practicing psychologist.
Successful completion of the programme, including the dissertation, enables students to be eligible for graduate membership of the BPS (GBC). It can lead to a career in academia or research, by developing your advanced research skills.
Accreditation
The British Psychological Society (BPS)
On completion of this course, graduates will be eligible for graduate membership of the BPS. Membership of the BPS enables students to access a wide range of resources, influence the society and the future of psychology, and assist in raising the profile of psychology and psychological practice in the UK and internationally (BPS 2019). Individual student membership costs £26 a year (2023/2024 cost), students should refer to www.bps.org.uk for updated costs.
How you’ll be taught and assessed?
How will you be taught?
The ethos of the programme is blended learning, where lectures are online, or in person if you prefer, and small group discussions are the key to generating knowledge and critical thinking. You will have open access to the psychology labs, time and space to run your own research and opportunities to deepen your understanding through online materials.
How will you be assessed?
We have literature reviews, project reports, designing of assessments and artefacts, presenting, or writing an article. Assessments are deigned to offer you the ability to demonstrate your knowledge and provide you with skills for your career.
Leader of the MSc in Psychology. Teaching a range of topics on both undergraduate and the MSc, Melanie was awarded a BSc in Psychology and Health studies from University of Central Lancashire, and went on to gain a graduate diploma in Psychology from University of Wolverhampton. Mel then achieved a distinction in her MSc Health Psychology from Aston University, after which she completed a PhD at the University of Birmingham on visual search, cognitive ageing, and an intervention to improve attention and working memory in older adults. Melanie has been teaching in Higher Education since 2013 and has worked for University of Birmingham, University of Chester and Newman University. Whilst working as a lecturer at the University of Chester Mel gained associate follow membership status to the HEA. Mel is currently involved in several research projects – some of which focus on ageing, and some of which focus on health psychology and is supervising a PhD on Cultural Psychology.
Fees and funding
Fees UK students: £6,500
Fees for International students: £12,500
This fee covers your tuition and access to course-specific equipment and facilities, as well associated services including access to the library, study skills support, IT support, student support and wellbeing services and membership of the Student Union. There may be additional costs by course.
Funding available for this course
Our Student Funding Advisors offer confidential and impartial advice about your funding options.
Learn moreLecturers
Dr Katheryn Edwards is a BPS Chartered Psychologist and Fellow of the Higher Education Academy. Her PhD investigated a dual process account of human mind-reading. Katheryn teaches across a number of modules relating to cognitive psychology, developmental psychology, research methods and study skills.
Tracy is the Senior Psychology Technician overseeing the specialist Psychology facilities. She supports undergraduate and postgraduate students in areas such as the application of statistical analysis, writing skills and presentation skills.
Rosanna specialises in the psychology of sporting performance, examining the critical perceptual cognitive factors that enable elite performance. Her research fields are cognitive psychology, performance psychology and quantitative methods.
Melanie was awarded a BSc in Psychology and Health studies from University of Central Lancashire, and went on to gain a graduate diploma in Psychology from University of Wolverhampton. Mel then achieved a distinction in her MSc Health Psychology from Aston University, after which she completed a PhD at the University of Birmingham on visual search, cognitive ageing, and an intervention to improve attention and working memory in older adults.
Melanie has been teaching in Higher Education since 2013 and has worked for University of Birmingham, University of Chester and Newman University. Whilst working as a lecturer at the University of Chester Mel gained associate follow membership status to the HEA. Mel is currently involved in several research projects – some of which focus on ageing, and some of which focus on health psychology and is supervising a PhD on Cultural Psychology.
Frequently asked questions
Q1 Are there any exams?
Q2 What does the timetable look like?
Q3 How big is the class?
Q4 Is the course accredited?
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