MSc Research in Psychology

1 Years On Campus Masters Program

University of Central Lancashire

Program Overview

The MPhil / PhD / MSc (Res) in Psychology at the University of Central Lancashire (UCLan) is a research-focused degree designed for students who want to contribute new knowledge to psychology through independent study. It suits those aiming to pursue academic or professional research careers in areas such as cognitive neuroscience, forensic psychology, or clinical psychology.

Curriculum structure:
Over the course of one to three years, students embed themselves in a research project supervised by expert faculty, drawing on UCLan’s specialized labs—such as the Cognitive Psychology Complex, Brain Imaging Laboratory, and Child Observation Suite—to design and conduct their investigations. During this time, they also participate in a comprehensive training programme that covers grant writing, open science practices, public engagement, and ethical research conduct, strengthening both their academic and professional competency. The culmination of the course is a thesis or dissertation, which students defend in a viva voce, representing a significant original contribution to the field.

Focus areas:
“neuroscience; cognition; forensic psychology; health psychology; developmental psychology; advanced research”

Learning outcomes:
Graduates will develop high-level expertise in designing and executing psychological research, master advanced data collection and analysis methods, articulate and defend complex scientific ideas, and produce a thesis that contributes to academic or applied psychology.

Professional alignment (accreditation):
This research degree is ideal for those aiming for PhD study, academic careers, or high-level research roles, though it does not directly confer practice-based psychology registration (e.g., as a Chartered Psychologist).

Reputation (employability):
UCLan offers state-of-the-art research facilities and a supportive supervisory structure; its research graduates often progress to doctoral programmes, academic posts, or specialist research roles in healthcare, policy, and industry.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

Students develop practical clinical research skills through hands-on projects using UCLan's specialist psychology facilities. They have access to the School of Psychology's research laboratories and clinical assessment resources. The programme's experiential components include:

Clinical Research Project: A dissertation focused on clinical psychology applications
Psychology Laboratories: Access to dedicated research facilities including observation suites
Clinical Assessment: Training in psychological assessment and diagnostic techniques
Therapeutic Approaches: Introduction to evidence-based clinical interventions
Research Methods: Development of clinical trial design and service evaluation skills

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of the University of Lancashire’s Psychology MPhil, PhD, and MSc by Research programs develop advanced research skills and expertise applicable to academic, clinical, and applied psychology careers. Typical roles include Academic Researcher, Clinical Psychologist (post-doctoral training), Psychology Lecturer, and Research Consultant. These programs emphasize rigorous research training leading to evidence-based practice and knowledge advancement.

Key points:

The university offers dedicated research support services, including personalized career planning, research skills workshops, and access to NHS and industry research networks.
Employment prospects include academic positions, research roles in healthcare and industry, with salary levels varying by role and experience.
Partnerships with NHS Trusts and research institutions provide opportunities for collaborative projects and placements.
The programs have strong long-term accreditation and credibility within academic and clinical psychology fields.
Graduates typically progress to roles requiring high-level research competence or further clinical training.

Further Academic Progression: Graduates may continue to professional doctoral training (e.g., Clinical Psychology) or progress to postdoctoral research and academic careers.