MSc Psychological Research Methods
Lincoln, United Kingdom
MSc
DURATION
2 years
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Full time, Part time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
EARLIEST START DATE
Jan 2027
STUDY FORMAT
Key Summary
About: This MSc in Psychological Research Methods trains you to design, run and report empirical studies. You’ll build scientific foundations in methods, ethics, philosophy, experimental and applied techniques, pick six optional modules, and produce a thesis paper (6,000–8,000 words) for journal submission. Teaching uses lectures, seminars, workshops, practicals and supervision; expect 2–3 hours independent study per contact hour. Entry: first or upper‑second honors in psychology; international IELTS 6.0 (min 5.5).
Career Outcomes: Graduates enter roles like Research Assistant, Data Analyst, Clinical Researcher, Academic or PhD candidate, Policy Adviser, Applied Psychologist, and work in universities, healthcare, government and private research organizations.
The Course
This programme is designed to prepare students for a career which requires a solid understanding of research methods in specific areas of Psychology.
To support this aim, students have the opportunity to develop a firm scientific basis in psychological research methods, not only with the aim of making it possible to understand the state of the art, but also with the aim of making it possible to develop original research ideas, independently work out such ideas, employ rigorous methodological standards, and disseminate results and conclusions at the highest possible level.
What distinguishes this programme is its focus on learning about applied research methods and techniques in different areas of Psychological research, and the opportunity for students to put together their own programme of study by choosing between several module options. Students are asked to write up their Thesis project as a paper (6,000-8,000 words) that can in principle be submitted to a peer-reviewed journal at a later date.
How You Study
The training programme is designed to comprise research skills and methods, scientific, ethical and philosophical underpinnings, and research designs typically used when aiming to understand psychological structures and processes. The Thesis project, as well as module option choices, provide the opportunity for students to develop a specialist knowledge-base in a particular area of Psychology.
Students are asked to choose six optional modules as part of this programme. A list of these optional modules can be found in the Modules tab.
The composition and delivery for the course break down differently for each module and may, for example, include lectures, seminars, workshops, practicals, independent study research and one-to-one learning. Students are expected to engage in at least 2-3 hours of independent self-study for each contact hour.
How You Are Assessed
Assessments vary from research proposals to seminar diaries, research reports, take-home exams, essays and presentations.
Assessment Feedback
The University of Lincoln's policy on assessment feedback aims to ensure that academics will return in-course assessments to you promptly – usually within 15 working days after the submission date.
Entry Requirements
First or upper second class honours degree in psychology or equivalent.
International Students will require the English Language at IELTS 6.0 with no less than 5.5 in each element, or equivalent.
