MSc Psychological Research Methods

1 Years On Campus Masters Program

Birkbeck University of London

Program Overview

The MSc Psychological Research Methods at Birkbeck, University of London is designed for psychology graduates who wish to advance their skills in both quantitative and qualitative research, preparing for careers in research, academia, or data-intensive roles. The programme offers rigorous training in research design, data analysis, and practical application of psychological methods across multiple domains.

Curriculum structure:
Year 1 (full-time)
In the first phase students complete core modules such as Advanced Quantitative Methods, Qualitative Methods and Generic Research Skills, gaining solid grounding in advanced statistical techniques, qualitative designs and key research tools.
Next they select options such as Computational Approaches to Mind, Intervention Design and Evaluation or Structure and Measurement of the Human Brain, deepening specialised methodological competence in areas like cognitive-neuroscience methods or intervention research.
The programme concludes with a 60-credit MSc Psychology Research Dissertation, where students design, execute and report an independent empirical study applying the methods learned throughout.

Focus areas:
"quantitative and qualitative research methods, advanced data analysis, cognitive neuroscience methods, intervention design"
Learning outcomes:
"Graduates will master advanced methodological tools in psychology, design and conduct independent empirical studies, and critically interpret and present research findings for applied or academic contexts."
Professional alignment (accreditation):
This MSc is not accredited by the British Psychological Society for chartered status, but it provides a strong foundation for research-intensive careers, doctoral training or specialist methodological roles in psychology.
Reputation (employability rankings):
Birkbeck’s School of Psychological Sciences is ranked in the UK’s top universities for teaching and research impact, and graduates of this programme are highly competitive for roles in academic research, market analysis, health research or policy-related organisations

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

Students develop advanced research skills through hands-on projects using the department's specialist facilities including EEG and virtual reality labs. The programme's experiential components include:

Research Project: A substantial empirical dissertation
Facilities: Access to EEG, virtual reality, and other research laboratories
Software: Training in SPSS, R, and other statistical packages
Technical Skills: Development of research design and data analysis capabilities
Methodology Training: Practical instruction in both quantitative and qualitative methods

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of the MSc Psychological Research Methods at Birkbeck, University of London develop advanced skills in quantitative and qualitative psychological research techniques, preparing them for research-intensive roles across psychology, education, healthcare, and policy sectors. Typical job roles include Research Psychologist, Market Research Analyst, Educational Psychologist, and Human Resources Officer. The program equips students with a strong foundation in research design, data analysis, and scientific communication essential for diverse psychological careers.

Progression and Future Opportunities:

Birkbeck’s Careers and Enterprise service provides personalized career guidance, CV and interview workshops, internship placement support, and networking opportunities with research institutions and employers.
Graduates enjoy strong employment prospects, with median salaries around £33,500 fifteen months post-graduation, reflecting competitive positioning in research and psychology fields.
The university maintains partnerships with healthcare providers, academic research centres, and public sector organisations, enhancing opportunities for placements and professional networking.
The MSc is recognized for rigorous research methodology training, supporting progression to doctoral-level study or professional psychology training.
High graduate satisfaction and positive employment outcomes demonstrate the program’s effectiveness in career preparation.

Further Academic Progression:
Graduates can pursue PhD research or MRes degrees in psychology or related disciplines, preparing for clinical, academic, or applied psychology careers, with opportunities for ESRC funding and tailored research training.