MSc Psychological Research Methods

1 Year On Campus Masters Program

University of Exeter

Program Overview

The MSc Psychological Research Methods at the University of Exeter provides students with advanced training in psychological theory, research design, and data analysis. It suits those aiming for academic, research, or professional psychology careers, combining hands-on research with methodological expertise.

Curriculum Structure:
In the first term, students develop core skills through modules like Advanced Statistics for Psychology and Research Design in Psychology, learning to plan and conduct empirical studies with precision. Later, modules such as Qualitative Research Methods and Cognitive and Social Neuroscience deepen understanding of diverse research approaches and their applications. The program concludes with an independent Research Project and Dissertation, allowing students to apply their learning to a specific psychological question under expert supervision.

Focus areas: "Research design, data analysis, cognitive and social neuroscience, qualitative methods"
Learning outcomes: "Students gain the ability to design, conduct, and evaluate advanced psychological research using quantitative and qualitative methods."
Professional alignment (accreditation): Accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS).
Reputation (employability rankings): Ranked among the top UK psychology departments for research quality and graduate prospects (QS, Guardian).

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

Students on the University of Exeter's MSc Psychological Research Methods develop advanced practical skills through hands-on projects in its specialised research centres. They utilise facilities like the Mood Disorders Centre and have access to a full suite of experimental labs. The programme's core experiential components are:

Software: Advanced training in R, MATLAB, and SPSS for data analysis and computational modelling.
Research Project: A major independent dissertation conducted within one of the department's research groups.
Laboratories: Access to specialised labs for cognitive neuroscience, social psychology, and mood disorders research.
Centre Links: Direct engagement with the Mood Disorders Centre and Centre for Research in Animal Behaviour.
Methods Training: Practical workshops in fMRI, EEG, eye-tracking, and qualitative methods.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of the MSc Psychological Research Methods at the University of Exeter are equipped for careers in academic research, healthcare analysis, and applied psychology, with specialist methodological skills in cognitive, clinical, and neuroscience research. Typical roles include Research Assistant, Data Analyst, Psychological Wellbeing Practitioner, and Policy Advisor.

Career Zone offers job matching, personalised coaching, employer networking, and placement opportunities with research groups and national organisations.
Graduates secure roles in high technology, healthcare, management, and research—with high employment rates and competitive salaries.
The program is part of the ESRC South West Doctoral Training Partnership and collaborates with the NHS, Wellcome Trust, and University research institutes.
Training includes advanced statistics, laboratory experience, and research design for a long-term research career.
Graduates thrive in diverse research, healthcare, and policy environments.

Further Academic Progression:
Graduates frequently advance to PhD study, clinical training, or applied research leadership in universities and healthcare.

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