MSc Psychology

1 Year On Campus Masters Program

University of Essex

Program Overview

The MSc in Psychology at University of Essex is a conversion-course that gives students from non-psychology backgrounds the chance to gain a master’s-level understanding of human thought, feeling and behaviour and become eligible for the Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (GBC) of British Psychological Society. It suits those keen to switch into psychology from another discipline or augment their qualification with advanced research, methods and theory in psychology.

Curriculum structure
Since this is a one-year full-time mode (for conversion students) you will study across two terms and complete your research project in the summer. In the first term you will take modules such as Advanced Brain and Behaviour, Advanced Cognitive Psychology, Advanced Personality and Individual Differences and Statistics in Psychology, which ground you in how the brain, cognition, personality and quantitative methods interrelate. In the second term you progress to Advanced Psychology of Health, Advanced Developmental Psychology, Advanced Social Psychology alongside your Research Methods in Psychology core, applying theory to health, lifespan and social contexts and gaining the tools to carry out your dissertation. Finally you complete the MSc Psychology Research Project (≈10 000 words) where you design, execute and report an original empirical investigation under supervision.

Focus areas: “brain & behaviour; cognition; personality & individual differences; health psychology; developmental & social psychology; quantitative research methods; empirical research project”
Learning outcomes: “demonstrate advanced understanding of key psychology domains; apply psychological theory to diverse contexts (health, development, social); design, analyse and report original empirical research; achieve GBC eligibility for professional psychology training”
Professional alignment (accreditation): Accredited for the Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (GBC) of the British Psychological Society.
Reputation (employability rankings): The Department of Psychology at Essex is ranked 17th in the UK for research power in the latest Times Higher Education measure

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

Students develop practical research skills through hands-on laboratory work and a major research project. They have access to the Department of Psychology's specialist facilities including EEG and eye-tracking equipment. The programme's experiential components include:

Research Project: A substantial independent empirical project
Laboratory Access: Use of EEG, eye-tracking and other research equipment
Software: Training in SPSS, R, and other statistical packages
Technical Skills: Development of research design and data analysis capabilities
Practical Training: Hands-on experience with psychological research methods

Progression & Future Opportunities

The MSc Psychology at the University of Essex offers graduates advanced insight into psychological principles, research methods, and real-world application, leading to strong career prospects across diverse sectors including healthcare, education, and research. Graduates typically work in roles such as trainee psychologist, mental health support worker, research assistant, or policy advisor, reflecting robust employment outcomes.

Progression & Future Opportunities:

The university supports employability with personalized career coaching, sector-specific workshops, research project opportunities, and internship placements in hospitals, schools, and community organisations.
Approximately 88–90% of graduates secure employment or further study within six months; typical starting salaries are in the range of £28,000 to £35,000.
Essex’s psychology department partners with NHS trusts, mental health charities, research institutes, and educational bodies enhancing student experience and job networking.
The MSc is accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS), ensuring long-term professional value and eligibility for graduate membership.
Typical roles include Trainee Psychologist, Mental Health Practitioner, Research Assistant, and Policy Advisor.

Further Academic Progression:
Graduates may pursue doctoral research (PhD or DClinPsy) or specialised courses such as the MA Psychoanalytic Studies for careers in clinical psychology, psychoanalysis, or academic research.