Social Cognition: Research and Applications MSc

1 Year On Campus Masters Program

University College London

Program Overview

The MSc Social Cognition: Research & Applications at UCL explores how human emotional, cognitive, and neural systems shape social perception, decision-making, and behaviour. It’s suited for students interested in research, applied psychology, or neuroscience in domains like politics, health, or organisational behaviour. University College London+2Prospects+2

Curriculum Structure:
In the first year of the two-year part-time (or first phase of full-time) programme, students take Intermediate Statistics: Data Analysis & Visualisation with R (PALS0049), which builds strong quantitative analysis skills, and Moral Cognition, where they examine how people make ethical judgments. They also study Understanding Individuals & Groups, learning the psychological mechanisms of social identity, group processes, and intergroup relations. In the next phase, they progress to Social Cognition, Affect & Motivation, in which they explore emotion, motivation, and social judgment, and Current Issues in Attitude Research, where they critically evaluate how attitudes form, change, and drive behaviour. Finally, Social Neuroscience introduces neural underpinnings of social interaction and Dissertation (MSc Social Cognition) gives them space to design and carry out independent research, applying both theory and methodology. 

Focus areas: “Social judgment; emotion and motivation; group cognition; social neuroscience; ethical decision-making.”
Learning outcomes: “Understand social-cognitive theory, analyse social behaviour with rigorous methods, and conduct original research in social cognition.”
Professional alignment (accreditation): While not a regulated clinical qualification, graduates gain strong transferable research skills applicable to academic, consultancy, policy, and industry roles.
Reputation (employability rankings): UCL is ranked #9 globally by QS. 

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

This programme focuses on applying behavioural science theories to real-world challenges through practical projects and hands-on research. Students develop intervention design and evaluation skills using UCL's specialist labs and research centres. This applied approach is delivered through:

  • UCL's Behavioural Research Labs: Access to the Bridget Dolan Laboratory and other experimental facilities for designing and testing behavioural interventions.

  • Industry and Policy Projects: Opportunities to work on live briefs with external partners through the UCL Centre for Behaviour Change.

  • Substantial Research Project: A major dissertation where students design, implement, and evaluate a full behaviour change intervention.

  • Practical Workshops: Hands-on training in qualitative and quantitative research methods, including data analysis software like R and SPSS.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of the MSc Social Cognition: Research and Applications at UCL gain advanced expertise in understanding human social behaviour through cognitive and neuroscientific lenses. Typical job roles include Research Analyst, Behavioural Scientist, User Experience Researcher, and Project Leader in health or social sectors.

Key points:

  • UCL’s career services offer personalized mentoring, internship placements, job fairs, and networking events with industry and academic partners.

  • Approximately 97% of graduates enter full-time employment or further study within 15 months, working in sectors such as scientific research, education, communication, and health; salary ranges vary widely but commonly start around £25,000-£35,000.

  • The program benefits from UCL’s world-leading research reputation and partnerships involving advanced neurocognitive labs and multidisciplinary teams.

  • The MSc provides a strong foundation for research careers, underpinned by cutting-edge technology and high-impact interdisciplinary projects.

  • Graduates demonstrate success in both professional and academic progression.

Further Academic Progression: Graduates may pursue doctoral research in social cognition, neuroscience, psychology, or related fields at UCL or internationally.

Program Key Stats

£39,200 (Annual cost)
£ 90
Sept Intake : 31st Mar


30 %
No
Yes

Eligibility Criteria

3.3
3 or 4 Years

N/A
N/A
N/A
7.0
96
2:1

Additional Information & Requirements

Career Options

  • Academic Researcher
  • PhD Candidate
  • Behavioural Scientist
  • User Experience (UX) Researcher
  • Market Research Analyst
  • Data Analyst
  • Policy Advisor
  • Social Researcher in government
  • Consultant in communications or marketing
  • Research Officer in charities or NGOs

Book Free Session with Our Admission Experts

Admission Experts