Programme structure: Research Methods in Psychology (MSc) - what's running in 2027/28

Please note: Programme and unit information may change as the relevant academic field develops. We may also make changes to the structure of programmes and assessments to improve the student experience.

    What do the Levels represent?

    What do the teaching blocks (TB) mean?

    If you are selecting optional units, ensure that you have a balanced workload through the year.

  • Year 1 (2027/28)

The programme is closed to external applicants and is only available for ESRC funded students on the SWDTP 1+3 PhD.

Unit name Unit code Credit points Status Teaching Block
Apprenticeship in Psychological Research PSYCM0043 20 Mandatory TB-4
Digital Methods and Data Skills SSLFM0002 20 Mandatory TB-1
Dissertation (Conversion) PSYCM0071 60 Mandatory AYEAR
You will be enrolled on 40cp from the following depending on your previous programme of study:
Introduction to Qualitative Research Methods in the Social Sciences (GSoE) EDUCM0004 20 Optional TB-1
Psychological Research Methods (Conversion) 2 PSYCM0082 20 Optional TB-2
Understanding Data: Experimental Design and Statistics for Life Scientists BIOLM0006 20 Optional TB-1
Psychological Research Methods (Conversion) 1 PSYCM0081 20 Optional TB-1
Select 40cp from the following
Advanced Evolutionary Psychology PSYCM0046 20 Optional TB-1
Advanced Nutrition and Behaviour PSYCM0049 20 Optional TB-1
Advanced Issues in Social Psychology PSYCM0054 20 Optional TB-2
Advanced Drug Use and Addiction PSYCM0072 20 Optional TB-1
Advanced Animal Learning and Cognition PSYCM0073 20 Optional TB-2
Advanced Social Neuroscience PSYCM0076 20 Optional TB-2
Advanced Developmental Science PSYCM0085 20 Optional TB-1
MSc in Research Methods in Psychology   180    

Award requirements

The pass mark set by the University for any level 7 unit is 50 out of 100.

For detailed rules on the award of credit, reassessment and award of a qualification please see the Regulations and Code of Practice for Taught Programmes and the relevant faculty handbook.

Degree classifications:

A classification will be awarded in the following qualifications:

  • Taught postgraduate Masters degree, including a Master of Research (MRes)
  • Postgraduate Diplomas and Certificates where these are specifically named entry-level qualifications
  • Exit awards of Postgraduate Diplomas and Certificates in designated programmes (as described in the programme specification) where students choose to withdraw from the intended programme but otherwise achieve the necessary credit points for the exit award.

A classification is not awarded for exit awards where students are required to withdraw from the programme on academic grounds.

The overall final programme mark is calculated as the average of all unit marks in the programme, weighted by credit point value.

The classification of the award in relation to the final programme mark is as follows:

  • Distinction = final programme mark of 70+
  • Merit = final programme mark of 60-69
  • Pass = final programme mark of 50-59
  • Fail = final programme mark of 49 or less

* The MA in Law has separate regulations for awarding distinction and merit.

Diploma/certificate stages:

To be awarded a postgraduate diploma, students must have successfully completed 120 credit points, of which 100 must be at level 7.

To be awarded a postgraduate certificate, students must have successfully completed 60 credit points, of which 40 must be at level 7.