Psychology MSc

1 Years On Campus Masters Program

University of Leicester

Program Overview

The MSc Psychology at University of Leicester gives non-psychology graduates a full grounding in cognitive, social, developmental, biological and applied psychology, preparing them for advanced study or professional roles. It suits those wanting a comprehensive, BPS-recognised qualification and a route into research, applied psychology, or further training.

Curriculum Structure

In the first year students engage with Historical and Conceptual Themes in Psychology to understand the evolution of psychological thought, Brain and Behaviour to examine biological bases of mind, and Exploring Mental Processes and Individual Differences to study cognition, emotion, personality and variability among individuals. They also study Applied Human Behaviour, applying psychology to real-world contexts. In a second year (for the full-time course with dissertation), they take Lifespan Development to map psychological change over life stages, Professional Skills in Psychology to build practical competencies, and complete a Dissertation, conducting independent research that synthesizes theory, method and applied insight.

Focus areas (string):
“Cognitive psychology, biological psychology, lifespan development, individual differences, applied human behaviour, research methods, professional psychology skills”

Learning outcomes (in a string):
“Master core domains of psychology; understand behaviour across biology, cognition and development; apply psychological knowledge in real-world settings; conduct empirical research; develop professional skills for applied psychology careers.”

Professional alignment (accreditation):
Course is submitted for accreditation by British Psychological Society (BPS), aiming to provide Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (GBC) — a key step toward many psychology professions.

Reputation (employability rankings):
Leicester’s Psychology department ranks among the UK’s top 25 for subject quality, and its “added value” rating from the Guardian University Guide reflects strong student support and positive graduate outcomes.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

Students develop practical clinical skills through simulated patient assessments, case formulation exercises, and hands-on research in the University's psychology laboratories. This applied training is central to preparing for clinical careers, with key experiential components including:

Clinical Simulations: Practical training in assessment and formulation using realistic clinical scenarios.
Research Project: Conducting an independent empirical dissertation, often with a clinical focus.
Laboratories: Access to specialist equipment for cognitive and psychophysiological testing.
Software: Training in SPSS for statistical analysis of clinical data.
Professional Development: Curriculum designed to strengthen applications for Doctorate in Clinical Psychology (DClinPsy) training, with teaching from practicing clinicians.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of the MSc Psychology at University of Leicester gain BPS-accredited Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (GBC), enabling careers as clinical psychologist trainee, counselling psychologist assistant, educational support specialist, and research analyst:

The university's Careers and Employability Service provides CV workshops, interview coaching, and placement support in NHS, education, and research sectors.
High employability with 90%+ in graduate roles or further study within 15 months; average starting salaries around £32,000.
Partnerships with local NHS trusts and research organisations offer practical experience and networking opportunities.
BPS accreditation provides essential foundation for professional psychologist registration and long-term career progression.
Graduates develop transferable skills in research, data analysis, critical thinking, and human behaviour insight applicable across sectors.

Further Academic Progression: Graduates can pursue Doctorate in Clinical Psychology (DClinPsy), specialised MSc/PhD research, or professional training in counselling, forensic, or educational psychology.