Psychology is an empirical science that aims to understand how and why humans and non-human animals act in the ways they do and to apply that knowledge in a wide variety of settings. The discipline is very wide-ranging spanning from the observations of basic neural mechanisms to analyses of complex human relationships. This breadth and natural applicability to many different aspects of society have made it the largest scientific discipline for study in Higher Education in the UK and the second largest discipline overall. The Masters in Psychology is an excellent avenue for those who did not do an undergraduate degree in psychology to study the subject and to then train to become a professional psychologist, or to become a researcher in the field or to simply use the knowledge and skills gained in another career.

The programme of studies is designed to develop students’ knowledge, understanding, research and practical skills in psychology. This is achieved through the following modules, each worth 30 credits:

• Research Methods
• Cognitive Psychology & Psychobiology
• Developmental Psychology & Personality/Individual Differences
• CHIPS & Social Psychology  (Conceptual & Historical Issues in Psychology)
• Research Thesis (60 Level M credits)

The MSc in Psychology is an ideal platform for individuals wishing to become involved in psychology either professionally or academically and also for those who wish to seek progression in certain types of career.

• UEL is recognised as one of the UK’s leading modern universities and is among the top ten post-1992 universities in the UK for research. The university was also ranked Number 1 for all UK universities for the amount spent on facilities per student by The Times University Guide in 2007.
• The School of Psychology at UEL has a long tradition of excellent teaching and research. Six broad research groups exist: Applied & Professional Psychology Research Group; Brain, Cognition & Behaviour Research Group; Critical Psychology Research Group; Developmental Research Group; Health & Social Psychology Research Group; and Psychology Learning & Teaching Research Group.
• Our School of Psychology offers postgraduate programmes in all main areas of professional applied psychology (it was the first department of psychology in the UK to develop a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology and a Doctorate in Educational Psychology) and therefore benefits from extensive expertise across a range of related areas.
• Students have an opportunity to participate in innovative research with specialists in their fields as part of their research dissertation.
• Its London location and the flexibility of both modes of study (full-time or part-time) and points of entry (either Semester A in September or Semester B in February) meets the differing needs of the diverse types of students applying for postgraduate education.

• An undergraduate degree (or equivalent) of at least a 2:2 level (or equivalent, for example, a qualification from outside the UK but due to high demand preference is given to 2:1 or those with relevant work experience in a field related to psychology or further academic qualifications since graduation.  
• Previous qualifications can be in any discipline and therefore do not need to be in an area of science. (NB: Due to professional body regulations, students cannot enter the programme with AP(E)L credits). The option of taking the PG Dip ‘(with empirical project)’ is only available to those with at least 60 prior credits in Psychology – see below”.
• Students of all backgrounds, irrespective of age, gender or cultural background are encouraged to apply.
• In the case of applicants whose first language is not English, then IELTS 6.5 (or equivalent) is required. International qualifications will be checked for appropriate matriculation to UK Higher Education postgraduate programmes.

The programme uses a variety of teaching and learning methods designed to enable participants to develop active learning techniques, reflect on practice and attain the learning outcomes for each module. Teaching methods vary from module to module and include lectures, seminars, tutorials, group exercises, peer study groups and individual supervision. Direct class contact is supplemented by on-line interactive web environment materials, individual reading, completion of exercises and preparation for assignments.

Learning resources include IT and general psychology laboratories (which includes specialist research hardware and software), access to electronic journals and databases, and specialist library facilities.

A wide range of assessment procedures are employed in line with UEL’s Assessment Policy to ensure a high standard of academic and professional competence. Exams and coursework are moderated, whilst dissertations are double marked, using a range of criteria explicitly outlined in the programme handbooks and known to students in advance. Assessments will include coursework, written unseen exams and a written research dissertation.

Our postgraduate programmes in Psychology are designed to enhance employability and students’ career prospects. There is no formal placement system on the programme, but students are encouraged to undertake relevant voluntary work within the field.

Students will have an opportunity to design and conduct an independent piece of research on the topic of their choice, using qualitative or/and qualitative methods of analysis. Dissertations can take the form of an empirical project.

A Dissertation is undertaken by students on an individual basis. Every student is allocated a personal supervisor. Supervisory meetings are flexible and student-driven. They take place on a one-to-one basis and are to be organised between the supervisor and student; on average, meetings should occur every fortnight.

The Masters in Psychology can be used in a variety of ways. For some careers (e.g. clinical psychology, educational psychology or counselling psychology), an accredited qualification in Psychology is a prerequisite for entry onto professional training programmes. For others (e.g. occupational psychology) the qualification can be used towards eventual Chartership in the field.

Those students who find the academic side of psychology more appealing will be ideally placed to apply for research positions following completion of their comprehensive empirical project. This can therefore be used as a stepping stone to a research doctorate.

Finally, the skills gained through studying psychology are transferable to a wide range of professional careers.

• On joining the programme you will take part in a relevant and comprehensive Induction programme to help you settle in.
• Students are allocated a personal tutor who can provide support to address learning queries and discuss any issues affecting progress.
• The programme operates a genuine open door policy, which means that members of staff, including module tutors, programme leader and dissertation supervisor are accessible to students and can be contacted through UELPlus and email.
• There are substantial learning, library and research resources accessible on and off campus.
• Lectures and seminars are accompanied by comprehensive lecture notes, handouts and on-line materials, accessible from your home or work place.
• The campus provides computer and experimental labs.
• You will receive training in appropriate research methods, enabling you to develop your research skills and apply these in a variety of settings.
• You will have a dedicated dissertation supervisor who is familiar with the topic area and is there to guide and support you during the specialist research stage.
• Specialist support (e.g. financial advice, careers advice, counselling and learning support) is available from Student Services. The University also has disability and dyslexia advisors.

• You will study the programme in an institution that is very research active, with ongoing projects that range from critical social psychology to fundamental neuroscience.
• The strong applied nature of the school means that you will be coming into contact with professionals who are working actively in their field.
• Many of your fellow students will come from a variety of backgrounds, which means your learning experience will be enhanced by a multidisciplinary perspective.
• The programme offers experiential opportunities for students to become more reflective, self-aware, and to practise and develop new skills.
• Programme management is structured to be very responsive to students needs, actively seeking students’ suggestions (through both informal means as well as formal committee meetings every semester) and integrating these into the programme.
• Teaching staff are committed to delivering their modules flexibly and innovatively.
• You will study at a location in close proximity to Central London.
• The programme venue is accessible by ample and convenient public transport.