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Research Methods in Psychology

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What you'll need

As part of the application process, you'll need to submit:

  • School or college transcripts/certificates
  • University transcripts and certified translations if applicable
  • Degree certificates
  • Personal statement outlining your learning ambitions

Our application process

  • Sign into our online portal, Apply Yourself, and start your application
  • Submit your application
  • We'll email you to let you know we're processing your application
  • Track the progress of your application using the Postgraduate Application Tracker (we'll send you a link to the tracker)
  • We'll email you when a decision has been made
  • If you've been made an offer, you can then accept or decline it using the Postgraduate Application Tracker.

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There are eight courses related to Research Methods in Psychology that you might be interested in.

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Master of Science

A Master of Science (MSc) is a master’s degree awarded for a postgraduate programme in the sciences.

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Course overview

Unlock your potential in psychological research with our MSc, offering advanced research training. Learn from world-leading experts within our esteemed Department of Psychology – the UK’s number 1 Research Environment and top 10 for Research Power (REF 2021).

Introduction

Our MSc is more than just a programme; it’s a gateway to unlocking your full potential in a supportive and dynamic environment. Embark on an exploration of advanced experimental methods, statistics, and research skills, where our dedicated academic staff deliver modules carefully designed for success as a researcher. In the recent Research Excellence Framework (REF 2021), we were placed 1st in the UK for our world-leading Research Environment and ranked in the top 10 for Research Power.

Discover Practical Research Skills: Engage in a vibrant exploration of quantitative and qualitative research, statistics, and project management. Immerse yourself in a bespoke curriculum, equipping you with a comprehensive and transferable skill set that forms the cornerstone for a successful academic journey and beyond (e.g., research, practice, industry, consultancy).

Harness the Power of Advanced Research Tools: We don’t just teach theory; we help you put it into practice. Work with state-of-the-art research facilities and techniques including behavioural experiments, specialised laboratories, EEG, MRI, neurostimulation (tDCS, TMS), fNIRS, eye-tracking, and psychophysics – tools that set you apart in the world of research. Through a blend of lectures, interactive tutorials, and hands-on laboratory work, see your knowledge come to life.

Specialise Your Research Dissertation: Conduct an extensive research project of your choosing, guided by our expert academic staff. Our cross-cutting research groups include Brain, Cognition, and Language (incorporating Neuroscience); Clinical Psychology; Appetitive and Addictive Behaviours; Forensic and Conflict; Lifespan Development and Health. Broaden your perspective and cultivate synergies across Departments in the Institute of Population Health, and Faculties of Health and Life Sciences, Science and Engineering, and Humanities and Social Sciences.

Forge Partnerships: Join our collaborative community and connect with impactful partners including industry leaders (e.g., Unilever, Liverpool Health Partners), mental health hospitals, prisons, schools, and neurological and neurosurgical NHS trusts (e.g., The Walton Centre). Foster valuable relationships that enhance not only your academic but also your professional pursuits.

Who is this course for?

Tailored for students aspiring to pursue doctoral-level studies or research positions in any psychology discipline (including ClinPsyD), to elevate their careers within the field. The course is eligible for Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) 1+3 studentships linked to a doctoral programme.

What you'll learn

  • Skilfully select appropriate research designs and methods of analysis to effectively address research questions.
  • Acquire proficiency in specialist software (e.g., R, SPSS, MATLAB, PsychoPy) for comprehensive data analysis and programming.
  • Develop the ability to design and conduct studies using a variety of techniques.
  • Learn to write grant proposals and effectively communicate research findings verbally and in writing, employing formats suitable for academic, professional consultancy, media, and general audiences.

Start your academic journey with us, where every module is a step toward unlocking your full potential in the world of psychological research.

Course content

Discover what you'll learn, what you'll study, and how you'll be taught and assessed.

Semester one

Compulsory modules

RESEARCH METHODS AND STATISTICS (PSYC640)

Credits: 30 / Semester: semester 1

This module explores the range of qualitative and quantitative research methods and statistical analyses used in psychological research. The module covers ANOVAs, factor analysis, ROC, mediation, multiple regressions, spatial statistics, cluster analysis, interviews, and field research to cite the main techniques. The module encompasses both theoretical content and practical skills that are transferable to research designs in psychology and in other subject disciplines. The module will be delivered via lectures, laboratory work, and online material. Learning will be assessed via a critical evaluation of research methodologies and a written examination.

PRACTICAL RESEARCH SKILLS (PSYC644)

Credits: 30 / Semester: semester 1

To provide students with the knowledge necessary to decide whether or not to pursue a career in academia and, if so, to obtain a PhD place, following by a Postdoctoral Fellowship and Full-time academic appointment.
To provide students with the skills necessary for writing successful PhD and research grant proposals.
To provide students with the knowledge and skills required for effectively communicating their research in a variety of forms, journal articles, posters, oral presentations, and to understand the importance of publication in high quality journals.
To provide students with the knowledge required for research consultancy work, and for dealing with the media.
To provide knowledge and training in the use of relevant computer software e.g. Excel, Refworks, Endnote.

RESEARCH DISSERTATION IN PSYCHOLOGY (PSYC646)

Credits: 60 / Semester: whole session

The module provides the students with the necessary skills to design and carry out a research study. In the process, students will acquire numerous skills including : data analysis, data visualisation, inferential statistics, and data interpretation. The students will acquire expertise in one field of research and valuable experience to prepare for a PhD.

Programme details and modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change.

Our curriculum

The Liverpool Curriculum framework sets out our distinctive approach to education. Our teaching staff support our students to develop academic knowledge, skills, and understanding alongside our graduate attributes:

  • Digital fluency
  • Confidence
  • Global citizenship

Our curriculum is characterised by the three Liverpool Hallmarks:

  • Research-connected teaching
  • Active learning
  • Authentic assessment

All this is underpinned by our core value of inclusivity and commitment to providing a curriculum that is accessible to all students.

Course options

Studying with us means you can tailor your degree to suit you. Here's what is available on this course.

Postgraduate Certificate

If you enrol on a master’s degree and complete 60 credits you may be able to exit the programme early and earn a Postgraduate Certificate (PGCert) for the work you have completed. This usually amounts to one semester when completed full-time.

Postgraduate Diploma

If you enrol on a master’s degree and have completed 120 credits you may be able to exit the programme early and earn a Postgraduate Diploma (PGDip) for the work completed. This usually amounts to two full semesters when completed full-time, without having to complete the final dissertation module.

Your experience

The group of highly selected students on this course are taught by experts from the Department of Psychology. Staff in the department are highly active and conduct internationally renowned research.

Virtual tour

Supporting your learning

From arrival to alumni, we’re with you all the way:

An exciting place for postgraduate study

  • Internationally recognised qualifications with a wide range of programmes
  • Access to some of the best specialist units in the UK
  • World-leading excellence in research and research-connected teaching
  • The MSc Investigative and Forensic Psychology is renowned worldwide and attracts a large number of international students and visiting speakers each year
  • Provides specialist training with taught and research components
  • Work alongside internationally-renowned academic researchers and experts in their field.

Careers and employability

This programme aims to provide students with a high level of academic and analytical skill, making them suitable for careers or further postgraduate study in a number of areas.

Career planning

Three career coaches standing outside the Careers Studio

Our campus Career Studio is a space for students and graduates to drop into and talk to a career coach. Career coaches are highly trained to help no matter what stage you are at in your career planning. You can access support to find and apply for full-time and part-time roles, placements, internships and graduate schemes. You will also find the help you need if you have a start-up idea or want to create a business plan. You can explore the world of work, prepare for job interviews, and access careers events and workshops. The Career Studio is open Monday to Friday from 10am-5pm, simply drop in at a time that works for you.

From education to employment

Two graduates in postgraduate robes.

We develop our programmes with employers in mind. You will be supported to enhance your long-term employment prospects as you learn. We do this by exposing you to professionals, a variety of sectors and supporting you to work collaboratively with others to develop transferable skills. You are equipped with a clearer view of what to focus on in your area of interest, and to reflect on your studies. Our digital employability tools give you a tech-enhanced curriculum experience and make it easy for you to prepare for the world of work. You can use tools like the Handshake platform to connect with employers and message the Career Studio 24/7.

Networking events

Postgraduate students hold a discussion while sat round a table in in the Liverpool Guild of Students.

You can start building good professional networks by attending events and employability activities. Our events are designed to develop your skills and expose you to many different employers, as well as to help you make contacts in your field. We help you improve your confidence when speaking to employers and give you access to unique opportunities. Our networking events also boost your understanding of the competencies and skills that employers are looking for in their recruitment process, giving you a competitive edge.

Your future

Previous graduates have pursued a range of different careers:

  • Joining research teams as research associates in many areas, such as Applied Psychology and Criminology
  • Working in the substance misuse field
  • Clinical training
  • Becoming members of police forces as “civilians” involved in intelligence work or as police officers
  • Working in prisons or with clinical forensic populations
  • Working in commercial or industrial research and development units.

Fees and funding

Your tuition fees, funding your studies, and other costs to consider.

Tuition fees

UK fees (applies to Channel Islands, Isle of Man and Republic of Ireland)
Full-time place, per year £10,800
International fees
Full-time place, per year £26,400
Fees stated are for the 2024-25 academic year.

Tuition fees cover the cost of your teaching and assessment, operating facilities such as libraries, IT equipment, and access to academic and personal support.

If you're a UK national, or have settled status in the UK, you may be eligible to apply for a Postgraduate Loan worth up to £12,167 to help with course fees and living costs. Learn more about paying for your studies..

Additional costs

We understand that budgeting for your time at university is important, and we want to make sure you understand any course-related costs that are not covered by your tuition fee. This could include buying a laptop, books, or stationery.

Find out more about the additional study costs that may apply to this course.

Additional study costs

We understand that budgeting for your time at university is important, and we want to make sure you understand any course-related costs that are not covered by your tuition fee. This could include buying a laptop, books, or stationery.

Find out more about additional study costs.

Scholarships and bursaries

We offer a range of scholarships and bursaries that could help pay your tuition and living expenses.

We've set the country or region your qualifications are from as United Kingdom. Change it here


Postgraduate Global Advancement Scholarship

  • International students

If you’re a new international student starting this course with us from September 2024, you could be eligible to receive a discount of £5,000 off your tuition fees.

Graduate Loyalty Advancement Scholarship

  • Home and international students
  • University of Liverpool current students and alumni only

Completed your undergraduate degree, or studied as an undergraduate exchange student, at the University of Liverpool?

You could get a loyalty discount of up to £2,500 off the tuition fees for this course from September 2024 entry.

  • £1,500 tuition fee discount for eligible UK University of Liverpool graduates
  • £2,500 tuition fee discount for eligible international University of Liverpool graduates.

ANID Chile Scholarship

  • International students
  • Chile

Postgraduate taught and research students from Chile are eligible for this scholarship.

Chevening Scholarships

  • International students

The University, in partnership with Chevening, is delighted to offer this generous scholarship to students who are studying a master’s programme and who have future leadership potential. Please note that there is a fee cap applied to MBA programmes that requires applicants to cover any additional tuition costs over £18,000. You will still receive all additional allowances.

CONACYT Award

  • International students
  • Mexico

The University of Liverpool has an agreement with CONACYT to support postgraduate taught and research students from Mexico.

FIDERH Award

  • International students
  • Mexico

20% reduction in tuition fees for postgraduate taught and research programmes. Must be Mexico national.

Fulbright Scholarship

  • International students
  • University of Liverpool alumni only
  • United States

One scholarship is available for a master’s student from the US and another is available for a postgraduate research student to undertake a three to six month research stay from the US

FUNED Awards

  • International students
  • Mexico

Up to ten awards are available for Masters or Research students from Mexico in receipt of FUNED loans. The award gives students a 20% reduction in fees for all applications received.

Graduate Association Hong Kong & Tung Postgraduate Scholarships

  • International students
  • China
  • Hong Kong

The University is able to offer competitive scholarships for both postgraduate taught master’s and research programmes.

HRM Princess Sirindhorn University of Liverpool Scholarship (Thailand)

  • International students
  • Thailand

The University is able to offer one award to a new postgraduate taught master’s student from Thailand.

The scholarship is open to all subjects offered as a one-year taught master’s programme.  However, priority will be given to those students who wish to study in a subject area associated with HRH Princess Sirindhorn such as science, IT, medicine, the arts, geography, history and languages.

JuventudEsGto Scholarship

  • International students
  • Mexico

Residents of State of Guanajuato, Mexico, wishing to study at postgraduate taught and research levels are eligible for this scholarship.

Marshall Scholarship

  • International students
  • University of Liverpool alumni only
  • United States

One scholarship is available for a master’s student from the US to cover the cost of tuition fees. Another, to the value of £20,000, is available for Doctoral study visit: https://www.marshallscholarship.org/

Turkish Ministry of Education Scholarship

  • International students
  • Turkey

Postgraduate taught and research students from Turkey are eligible for this scholarship, see the Turkish Ministry of Education website https://meb.gov.tr/ for more information.

University of Liverpool Humanitarian Scholarships for Master’s Programmes

  • International students

The three awards available cover full tuition fees, visas and support for accommodation and living expenses.

This scholarship is open to support people who have recognised status as either refugees or are under humanitarian protection under the 1951 Refugee Convention. This status must be held outside of the UK.

The scholarship is open for all postgraduate-taught programmes, excluding medicine, dentistry, veterinary and nursing.

University of Liverpool International College Excellence Scholarship

  • International students

The University of Liverpool will award five University of Liverpool International College students, who achieve the highest academic excellence (minimum 75%) in their UoLIC Pre-Master’s programme, the prestigious UoLIC Excellence scholarship.

University of Liverpool International College Impact Progression Scholarships

  • International students

University of Liverpool International College recipients of the Kaplan awards will receive the £3,000 Progression Impact Scholarship, deducted from first-year tuition fees, on successful progression to their UoL degree programme.

To be eligible for our Impact Progression Scholarships, students must apply for one of the Kaplan Impact Scholarships demonstrating their commitment to making an impact across issues of importance to the University and Kaplan. Themes include:

Sustainability
Women in STEM
Community
Career Focus (Employability)

Vice-Chancellor’s International Attainment Scholarship for China

  • International students
  • China

Details are:
1 (one) Full scholarship
2 (two) £10,000 scholarships
5 (five) £5,000 scholarships
10 (ten) £1,000 scholarships
All scholarships will be awarded after the formal registration at the University and will take the form of a fee waiver.

Please note: This scholarship cannot be combined with any other scholarships or bursaries provided by the University.

Entry requirements

The qualifications and exam results you'll need to apply for this course.

We've set the country or region your qualifications are from as United Kingdom. Change it here

Your qualification Requirements

About our typical entry requirements

Postgraduate entry requirements
  • An undergraduate degree in psychology or related subject (minimum 2.1.; with equivalent marks in modules focused on methods and statistics), or extensive research experience
  • Ideally some experience of working on research projects (eg, as a research assistant) or in a role that draws on research skills
  • A good understanding of research methods and inferential statistics
  • Reasonable IT skills (knowledge of SPSS would be advantageous).
International qualifications

If you hold a bachelor’s degree or equivalent, but don’t meet our entry requirements, a Pre-Master’s can help you gain a place. This specialist preparation course for postgraduate study is offered on campus at the University of Liverpool International College, in partnership with Kaplan International Pathways. Although there’s no direct Pre-Master’s route to this MSc, completing a Pre-Master’s pathway can guarantee you a place on many other postgraduate courses at The University of Liverpool.

English language requirements

You'll need to demonstrate competence in the use of English language, unless you’re from a majority English speaking country.

We accept a variety of international language tests and country-specific qualifications.

International applicants who do not meet the minimum required standard of English language can complete one of our Pre-Sessional English courses to achieve the required level.

English language qualification Requirements
IELTS 7.5 overall, with no component below 7.0
TOEFL iBT 108 overall, with minimum scores of listening 24, writing 24, reading 24 and speaking 24
Duolingo English Test 140 overall, no component below 130
Pearson PTE Academic 76 overall, with no component below 69
LanguageCert Academic 80 overall, with no skill below 75
PSI Skills for English C2 Pass in all bands
INDIA Standard XII National Curriculum (CBSE/ISC) - 75% and above in English. Accepted State Boards - 80% and above in English.
WAEC C6 or above

PRE-SESSIONAL ENGLISH

Do you need to complete a Pre-Sessional English course to meet the English language requirements for this course?

The length of Pre-Sessional English course you’ll need to take depends on your current level of English language ability.

Find out the length of Pre-Sessional English course you may require for this degree.

Pre-sessional English

If you don’t meet our English language requirements, we can use your most recent IELTS score, or the equivalent score in selected other English language tests, to determine the length of Pre-Sessional English course you require.

Use the table below to check the course length you're likely to require for your current English language ability and see whether the course is available on campus or online.

Your most recent IELTS score Pre-Sessional English course length On campus or online
7.0 overall, with no component below 7.0 6 weeks On campus
7.0 overall, with no component below 6.5 10 weeks On campus and online options available
6.5 overall, with no component below 6.5 12 weeks On campus and online options available
6.5 overall, with no component below 6.0 20 weeks On campus
6.0 overall, with no component below 5.5 30 weeks On campus
5.5 overall, with no component below 5.0 40 weeks On campus

If you’ve completed an alternative English language test to IELTS, we may be able to use this to assess your English language ability and determine the Pre-Sessional English course length you require.

Please see our guide to Pre-Sessional English entry requirements for IELTS 7.5, with no component below 7.0, for further details.

About our entry requirements

Our entry requirements may change from time to time both according to national application trends and the availability of places at Liverpool for particular courses. We review our requirements before the start of the new application cycle each year and publish any changes on our website so that applicants are aware of our typical entry requirements before they submit their application.

We believe in treating applicants as individuals, and in making offers that are appropriate to their personal circumstances and background. Therefore the offer any individual applicant receives may differ slightly from the typical offer quoted on the website.

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Fees and Finance

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Changes to Research Methods in Psychology MSc

See what updates we've made to this course since it was published. We document changes to information such as course content, entry requirements and how you'll be taught.

23 March 2023: New postgraduate taught course pages

New course pages launched.