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MSc Psychology

Explore cognitive, social and development perspectives in psychology.

Accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS)

Entry requirements

A 2:1 degree in any subject.

International students would normally have a minimum IELTS score of 6.5.

UCAS code Apply Direct

Duration One year full-time or two years part-time

How to apply for this course

Course Summary

Our MSc Psychology offers the opportunity to develop your career potential, the course is accredited by the British Psychological Society.

This 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 programme 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 asessment is by coureswork and not only reviews your knowledge but offer opportunities to develop skills for the modern workplace.

Within the programme, 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 BPS.

Taught in small groups so tutors get to know you and help you develop.

Create your own focus throughout the course in line with your career aspirations.

Our psychology enhancement programme of research talks and guest speakers equips you with insight and skills to advance your career.

Quiet dedicated spaces on campus for data collection and working in research groups.

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 running speed?

Can psychopaths change?

Can language analysis help detection of potential criminals?

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. 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.

Our graduates are now working in health and social care sectors, studying at PhD level, teaching, doing further study to become a practicing psychologist.

Accredited by:

The British Psychological Society (BPS)

Modules for this course

Modules

1st Year

Neuropsychology and cognition
Explore human cognition, such as memory, perception and language, and then apply this knowledge to the fascinating field of neuropsychology.
Identities, relationships and groups
Explore the concept of self and personality, discover how the groups we belong to influence our behaviour and thinking patterns and apply this knowledge to yourself and working with others in our professional contexts.
Typical v non-typical development
Across a lifetime we humans develop and change. This module address the key topics of developmental psychology and puts them to the test in the study of atypical individuals.
Theory and Methods in Psychology
Building from your undergraduate research methods, you will explore research methods utilised by psychologists, from interview to discourse analysis, from experiment to conversation analysis.
Applied Psychology
Complete a critical literature review of a contemporary issue. Focus on a topic you are interested in such as using music therapy in dementia care, climate change, racism in the media, criminal violence.
Empirical project
Your time to shine, with support from the team, you design, complete and write up your own piece of research, which you will present at the end of programme conference.
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Fees and funding

Fees UK students: £6,500

Fees for International students: £12,000

Teaching and assessment

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.

Course leader

Dr Hazel Bending

Dr Hazel Bending is a chartered member of The British Psychological Society (BPS). Together Hazel and a team of students manage the Marjon Memory Café, offering companionship, conversation and mirth for people with dementia, their carers and friends. Her research has focussed on how students in Higher Education best learn; investigating how various techniques from using technology to reflective practice and wellbeing can enhance students’ experiences and skills.

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Lecturers

Dr Katheryn Edwards

Lecturer - Developmental Psychology

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Tracy Edwards

Technician - Psychology Laboratory

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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.

Dr Alister McCormick

Senior Lecturer

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Alister teaches psychology and its applications to sport, exercise, and health. His main research interest is how psychological interventions can be used to improve the performances of people who participate in endurance events, such as middle- and long-distance running, cycling, swimming, and triathlon events.

Dr Rosanna Walters-Symons

Lecturer - Psychology

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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.

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