Enter OTP
The MSc Psychological Research Methods at the University of Sheffield equips students with advanced skills in psychological theory, research design, and data analysis. It suits graduates aiming for a research career or doctoral study in psychology and related disciplines.
Curriculum Structure:
During the first year, students explore Advanced Statistics, Research Methods in Psychology, and Cognitive Neuroscience, developing strong methodological and analytical foundations. Modules such as Social and Developmental Psychology and Individual Differences enhance understanding of human behavior from multiple perspectives. The Research Project and Dissertation allows students to apply experimental and analytical techniques to an independent research topic aligned with their interests.
Focus areas: "Experimental design, data analysis, cognitive neuroscience, developmental psychology"
Learning outcomes: "Students will develop expertise in quantitative and qualitative research methods, enhance critical evaluation of psychological research, and gain the ability to design and conduct independent projects."
Professional alignment (accreditation): Accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS), offering eligibility for Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (GBC).
Reputation (employability rankings): The University of Sheffield is ranked among the top UK institutions for psychology research and graduate employability (QS, Guardian).
Students on an MSc Psychological Research Methods programme develop advanced, hands-on expertise in the tools and techniques of psychological science. They gain proficiency through dedicated practical classes, workshops, and a substantial independent research project, utilising university-specific research facilities and specialist software. The core experiential components are as follows:
Software: Advanced training in R, Python, SPSS, and JASP for statistical analysis, and often E-Prime or PsychoPy for experiment design.
Research Project: A central, supervised empirical dissertation acting as a capstone project, designed to be of publishable quality.
Laboratories: Access to the department's specialist research labs (e.g., eye-tracking, EEG, psychophysiology) for project work.
Quantitative & Qualitative Methods: Intensive workshops covering advanced statistics, neuroimaging analysis, and qualitative methods like IPA or thematic analysis.
Seminars & Conferences: Participation in departmental research seminars and often presentation of own work at an internal student conference.
Graduates of the MSc Psychological Research Methods at the University of Sheffield acquire specialist skills in psychological research design, statistics, and data analysis, preparing them for careers in academic research, healthcare, policy, and data science. Typical roles include Research Assistant, Data Analyst, Clinical Trial Coordinator, and Academic Researcher. The program offers intensive hands-on training and close mentoring in cutting-edge methodologies:
The university’s Careers Service provides career workshops, one-on-one coaching, and networking, particularly linking students to NHS trusts, research institutes, and data analytics firms.
Graduates report employment in research and healthcare sectors with starting salaries typically between £25,000 and £35,000.
Partnerships with healthcare organizations, charities, and academic research centers provide placements and collaborative research opportunities.
The program’s rigorous statistical training and ethical research focus offer long-term academic and professional value.
Graduates frequently progress to PhD programs or research roles in clinical and applied psychology.
Further Academic Progression:
Graduates may continue with doctoral research in psychology, clinical trials, or applied research settings.
Minimum 2:1 undergraduate honours degree in a relevant subject with relevant modules.India- Bachelor degree with minimum 60%USA- Bachelor degree with a GPA 3.0 IELTS 6.5 (with 6 in each component) or University equivalentTOEFL: Overall score of 88 with a minimum of 19 in Listening, 20 in Reading, 22 in Speaking and 19 in WritingMaterials Properties TechnologistLead Research ScientistResearch Scientist (Behavioral)Medical Investigator
Embark on your educational journey with confidence! Our team of admission experts is here to guide you through the process. Book a free session now to receive personalized advice, assistance with applications, and insights into your dream school. Whether you're applying to college, graduate school, or specialized programs, we're here to help you succeed.
The University of Sheffield
