University of Surrey
Surrey, England, UK
12mths full-time
Our degree programme lays particular emphasis on the application of psychology to real-world problems, based on a combination of pure and applied research. You learn about the core areas of psychology, studying social, developmental and cognitive psychology, biological bases of psychology, and individual differences.
In addition we enable you to conduct academic research by teaching you vital statistical and research methods skills for psychological research, as preparation for your independent MSc research project on a topic of your choosing.
As well as the specific subjects that you study, students of psychology also develop key transferable skills which are highly valued by employers. These include critical thinking, argument synthesis, scientific methods and practice, data analysis, report writing, presentation skills and teamwork.
We provide excellent teaching, as verified by the Quality Assessment Agency, and use a variety of teaching styles and methods to promote your learning and understanding. You are taught by lecturing staff who have an international reputation in their specialist fields.
We work to provide a lively, friendly and supportive environment for our students and boast an excellent record both for graduate employment and for providing students with the basis for subsequent professional training in psychology and other areas.
Programme structure
Psychology is a rewarding and valuable degree, both for the subject areas it covers and the skills you learn while studying these subjects. For instance, advances in science, international conflicts and our enjoyment of the arts are all shaped by factors such as our biology, the capacity of human thought, patterns of communication and social interaction, and the operation of our perceptual systems. Psychology seeks to explore these factors.
Qualified psychologists have a commitment both to scientific research and to the practical application of knowledge. They work and conduct research in laboratories, schools, offices, industry, clinics, hospitals, prisons and many other settings in which people live and work.
This MSc programme is aimed primarily towards people wishing to pursue a career change in any field of psychology and has been designed to prepare you for your professional journey by helping you develop a broad knowledge base across the key areas of psychology in a contained period of time. The course is intensive and only available as a full-time study option. It is not suited to being combined with significant work commitments. Individual modules cover the core areas of psychology and introduce their related research methods in subject tutorials. Statistical and analytical techniques will be taught to prepare you to conduct your own research. The MSc research project and dissertation gives you the opportunity to extend your studies further on a topic of interest to you, supervised by a member of staff.
Our School of Psychology provides a vibrant and enthusiastic environment for teaching, learning, as well as research. It is no surprise that our graduates readily find interesting and rewarding employment in business, industry, the public sector and research when they graduate.
The skills you gain are highly valued in both academic and workplace settings. As a Psychology graduate from Surrey, you are skilled in applying your knowledge, analytic and critical thinking, and working in teams. You will be able to plan, solve problems, analyse and present your own work. All these skills are relevant for a future career in psychology, and are also transferable to other future careers or study choices.
Compulsory Modules:
- Conceptual and Historical Issues in Psychology
- Fundamental Concepts of Social Psychology
- Brain and Behaviour with Research Methods
- Social and Cognitive Development with Research Methods
- Perception and Cognition with Research Methods
- Personality, Intelligence, Individual Differences & Psychopathology
- Introduction to Statistics and Data Analysis
- Preparation for Academic Research in Psychology
MSc Dissertation:
These MSc core modules and the MSc dissertation provide the basis for accreditation of the degree by the British Psychological Society.
Optional Modules:
Students are required to choose Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for Health Psychology or one other optional module.
Entry requirements
Applicants are considered for the MSc in Psychology (Conversion), if they have a UK first or 2.1 honours degree or equivalent in a relevant field including social sciences, human sciences or natural sciences, medicine, nursing, teaching, social work, management, marketing, research, human resources, psychotherapy, or counselling. In addition to holding an honours degree, all applicants need to have a GCSE grade B in Mathematics and English Language or Literature (or equivalent). Previous work experience is also essential, although this does not have to be in a related field. Applicants with considerable work experience who do not necessarily meet the qualification requirements (although you must have a previous degree) will be considered on an individual basis.
How to apply
For more information on the course and how to apply please visit the course website.
General enquiries:
+44 (0)1483 681 681
Admissions enquiries:
+44 (0)1483 682 222
admissions@surrey.ac.uk