Psychology MSc
2 Years Part-Time | September Start

You will develop a comprehensive knowledge of Psychology, exploring social, developmental, cognitive and biological Psychology, as well as individual differences, philosophies and research methods. You will learn through discussion-based sessions, interactive lectures, tutorials and online discussions.

Unlike at many universities, all of Northumbria’s MSc Psychology modules are taught exclusively to postgraduates on this course, rather than mixing with undergraduate students. This allows for a high level of interaction and group work throughout, and lower student to staff ratios. Our students come from a wide variety of backgrounds and usually range in age from 21 to 60+, giving you a unique opportunity to learn from each other’s experiences.

Research workshops will allow you to develop and enhance your qualitative and quantitative methods competence, data collection and analysis. You will be encouraged to take responsibility for your own learning, demonstrating applied understanding and knowledge at the forefront of the discipline. You will learn to defend your work effectively to a wide range of audiences.

Assessment is varied, either seen-exam based or through written assignments such as laboratory reports, research article critiques, data analysis assignments, presentations or conventional essays. You will also undertake a major research thesis, on a topic of your choice. The breadth of expertise amongst our staff gives us a good chance of supporting your interests, wherever they may lead.

We know that embarking on a masters course is a big decision and knowing whether you will have enough time to balance all of life’s other demands is important.  

During this course your on-campus lectures, workshops and seminars will all be timetabled on a Tuesday in year one and Monday in year two. For a masters programme like this we expect a commitment of around 35 hours per week - how you do your self-directed study is completely up to you. We want you to be able to fit your studies in with your life, whether that be at our City Campus Library, the University Library Digital Commons, open 24/7 during term time, or at home with access to e-books and journals - make it work for you.     

Our staff are active researchers; passionate about their subject and dedicated to the discovery of new knowledge through innovative and exciting research projects.

You will learn from those at the forefront of their fields. In fact, our strength in Psychology research has significantly increased, with Northumbria ranked top 20 in the UK for research which has outstanding reach and significant impact on individuals and communities (REF 2014).

You will learn from dedicated academics extensive research and teaching backgrounds. Current staff research projects include working memory, neurocognitive performance and function, psychobiological pathways and the psychobiology of stress and the nutritional influences on performance and mood.

You will learn in a professional research environment, with access to state-of-the-art laboratories equipped with industry-standard equipment. You will be able to collect and analyse your data using the most up-to-date software tools. 

You’ll spend much of your time in the Experimental Psychology Lab, which has been designed to facilitate group work, and will have access to a designated working space for Masters students. You’ll make constant use of the eLearning Portal, where electronic reading lists, lecture capture and online submission and feedback tools will support your learning.

Depending on which area you choose to explore for your thesis, you will have access to the facilities in one of Northumbria’s innovative research centres including the Brain Performance and Nutrition Research Centre and The Northumbria Centre for Sleep Research. 

Research is embedded into the structure of this degree, and from the very beginning you will experience a mix of research-led, research-tutored and research-based teaching.

You will learn how knowledge in Psychology is developed through research and how to design and carry out research studies using a range of methodologies. Developing your own advanced research skills and critical understanding, you will have the opportunity to work alongside active researchers at the forefront of research in the Psychology fields. You will be encouraged to ask and explore innovative research questions, reflecting upon the research process and knowledge creation, culminating in the production of a research thesis.

Psychology can offer you a hugely rewarding career, and this course – which will give you the Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership with the BPS – is an essential first step. 

If you want to specialise in Health, Occupational or Sport and Exercise Psychology then your next step will be a Stage 1 Masters, which we also offer here at Northumbria. We can offer you a fast track graduation so that you can move straight on to your Stage 1 qualification, and progress in your career as quickly as possible. You’ll complete your Stage 2 qualification in employment, and ultimately register as a Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) practitioner. (This is also the route to Forensic Psychology, which is offered at other local universities.)

If you want to specialise in Counselling, Educational or Clinical Psychology then you will need to apply for a highly competitive doctoral programme. You are likely to need substantial experience to be successful in gaining a place, and at Northumbria we will support you in finding that experience. We will open doors to the many volunteering opportunities at the University and within the sector, and the MSc will also qualify you to apply for a valuable Assistant Psychologist role. 

The third route to a career in Psychology is the academic route, and we can support interested students in applying for our MRes and subsequently a PhD. This would qualify you to lecture and carry our psychological research in a university setting.

Our MSc Psychology has been designed with your employability in mind, and will prove valuable even if you decide not to pursue a career in Psychology. You will develop a critical approach to analysing qualitative and quantitative data, which will equip you to make sound informed decisions – one of the most important aspects of leadership. Our previous graduates have secured specialist roles in management, advertising, marketing and human resources, with many moving into the public sector for careers in the police and prison services, health and social services or education.