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PhD/MPhil/MSc by Research Research in Psychology

Course type
Postgraduate Research/Doctorate
Course qualification
PhD/MPhil/MSc by Research
Subject area
Psychology
Delivery mode
Full-time
Part-time
Course length
One year
Two year

Students on the MSc by Research in Psychology will conduct independent research under the supervision of an academic supervisor within one of the psychology research groups.

Course summary

What is the fee?

For all course options, see fees and funding

Where will I study?

School of Health and Society

How long will I study?

One year, Two year

Overview

Students on the MSc by Research in Psychology will conduct independent research under the supervision of an academic supervisor within one of the psychology research groups.

Our research groups are committed to advancing the understanding of human behaviour at a theoretical level while translating knowledge into real-world applications and interventions to improve mental health and wellbeing, cognition, and performance. Our research adopts a rigorous approach to studying the human mind, brain, and behaviour with a focus on delivering a positive societal impact. Supported by extensive facilities, our research is centered around the following main themes: Applied Cognition; Neurodiversity; Psychological Health and Wellbeing across the Life Course; and Politics, Policy, and Practice. We are also home to the Autism and Criminal Justice Hub.

You will:

  • Join an inclusive, nurturing, and supportive community passionate about psychological research.
  • Conduct psychological research that can be applied to real-world problems.
  • Develop skills that prepare you for a research career in industry or academia.
  • Have access to excellent facilities and laboratories.
  • Develop transferable skills sought by charity, public, and private sector employers.

How you'll learn

Assessment

The MSc by Research in Psychology is awarded upon the completion of a thesis reporting original research under the guidance of an academic supervisor. You will present your thesis in an oral examination (viva voce). This oral examination is usually attended by two academic examiners (one examiner from the º£½ÇÂÒÂ× not involved in your research and one examiner from a different university), a viva chair, and the student.

Future careers

Our MSc by Research in Psychology degree provides excellent preparation for further academic research study (e.g., PhD). It also equips graduates for postgraduate training in a future career as a professional psychologist (e.g., clinical, forensic, organizational, or educational psychologist) or for a career in charity, public, and private sectors.

In addition to subject-related knowledge, our MSc by Research in Psychology degree provides valuable transferable skills frequently sought by employers, including data analysis and statistics, written and oral communication, data synthesis and critical analysis, teamwork, project management, and time management.

Our MSc students have gained places on prestigious academic training programmes (e.g., Doctorate in Clinical Psychology) and academic positions at world-class universities. Graduates have also secured employment within organizations including BBC, Channel 4, Google, Home Office, HMRC, Deloitte, Barclays, NHS, and Charities Aid Foundation.

Modules

The MSc by Research in Psychology will enable you to develop valuable skills in conducting research, ethical research practice, data collection, data analysis, open and reproducible science practices, oral and written communication, and scientific writing. You will have access to a wide range of training, supervisory expertise, and excellent research facilities. The research training you receive will be individually tailored to your needs and programme of research. Your supervisory team will discuss this with you once you join the programme.

Find out more about the Doctoral School.

You will be fully immersed within our thriving research community and there is the possibility to transfer to a PhD towards the end of your initial programme of study.

For further information please contact the Programme Leader Dr Robert Bendall: r.c.a.bendall@salford.ac.uk

Please note that exact modules and content offered may vary in order to keep content current and, for courses that offer optional modules, may depend on the number of students selecting particular options. When accepting your offer of a place to study on a programme with optional modules, you should be aware that optional modules may not all run each year. Your tutor will be able to advise you as to the available options on or before the start of the programme. Whilst the University tries to ensure that you can undertake your preferred options, it cannot guarantee this.

Entry requirements

Applicant profile

Applicants for the MSc by Research in Psychology come from a variety of backgrounds. Often, applicants can demonstrate some previous research experience (e.g., an undergraduate dissertation) and have a basic knowledge of research methods and either qualitative or quantitative approaches to data analysis. Most applicants will have been awarded an undergraduate degree in psychology or a related discipline such as biology/biological sciences, neuroscience, nursing, social work, criminology, engineering, computer science, or human geography.

Standard entry requirements
Undergraduate degree

A minimum of an upper second class (2:1) undergraduate degree or equivalent in psychology or a related discipline.

English language requirements

If you are an international student and not from a majority English-speaking country, you will need IELTS 7.0 with no element below 6.5. We also accept a range of other English language qualifications

If you do not have the English language requirements, you could take the Pre-Sessional English course to gain entry onto this degree.

Alternative entry requirements
º£½ÇÂÒÂ× Alternative Entry Scheme (SAES)

We welcome applications from students who may not meet the stated entry criteria but who can demonstrate their ability to pursue the course successfully. Once we have received your application we will assess it and recommend it for SAES if you are an eligible candidate.

There are two different routes through the º£½ÇÂÒÂ× Alternative Entry Scheme and applicants will be directed to the one appropriate for their course. Assessment will either be through a review of prior learning or through a formal test.

To be considered for the º£½ÇÂÒÂ× Alternative Entry Scheme you must have already achieved or be working towards GCSE Maths and English Grade C/4 (or equivalent).

Fees and funding

As a postgraduate research student, you will need to pay annual tuition fees. These vary according to the programme you are studying. Both we and other organisations offer a range of scholarships and discounts to postgraduate research students.

More information about fees and funding.

º£½ÇÂÒÂ× graduates, including those who studied a programme delivered by Robert Kennedy College, are entitled to a 20% discount on programme fees.

You should also consider further costs which may include books, stationery, printing, binding and general subsistence on trips and visits.

Additional costs

You should consider further costs which may include books, stationery, printing, binding and general subsistence on residential travel and accommodation visits.

Scholarships for international students

If you are a high-achieving international student, you may be eligible for one of our scholarships. Explore our International Scholarships.

How to apply

Still have some questions? Register for one of our Open Days or contact us:

By email: enquiries@salford.ac.uk
By phone: +44 (0)161 295 4545

Enrolment dates

May 2026

September 2026

January 2027

May 2027

September 2027

Student information

Terms and conditions