COURSE CURRICULUM

The taught stage of the MSc Psychology programme provides a comprehensive foundation in core areas of psychological science, research methods and applied practice, equipping students with the theoretical knowledge and analytical skills needed for advanced study and professional development in psychology. Students begin with Research Methods and Data Analysis, which introduces key quantitative and qualitative approaches used in psychological research, with a focus on selecting and applying appropriate methods for independent research projects. Applied Psychology and Professional Skills develops awareness of how psychological knowledge and transferable skills can be applied across a range of careers both within and outside psychology, enhancing employability and professional readiness. Core subject modules include Social Psychology, which examines how social influences shape behaviour, attitudes and identity, including topics such as prejudice, conformity and social norms using both experimental and qualitative approaches, and Brain and Behaviour, which explores the neural mechanisms underlying perception, cognition and social behaviour. Lifespan Development focuses on psychological changes across different life stages, while Individual Differences, Health and Personality examines variations in intelligence, personality and health-related behaviours from both historical and contemporary perspectives. Cognition and Cognitive Neuropsychology provides an in-depth understanding of mental processes such as language, reasoning, decision-making and cognitive impairments, linking cognitive theory with neuropsychological evidence. Together, these modules total 105 credits and establish a strong scientific base in psychology. In addition, students choose one 15-credit optional module, either Psychology and Well-being, which explores how psychological principles can be used to understand, measure and improve well-being across populations and the lifespan, or Neuroscience in the Real World, which applies neuroscience to everyday behaviour, including social interaction, navigation and workplace functioning. Overall, the taught stage develops critical thinking, research competence and applied psychological understanding, forming a strong foundation for further academic study or professional progression in psychology.