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.
Any optional modules listed above are illustrative only and may vary from year to year. Modules may be subject to minimum student numbers being achieved and staff availability. This means that the availability of specific optional modules cannot be guaranteed.
Semester two
Compulsory modules
ADVANCED EXPERIMENTAL METHODS (PSYC641)
Credits: 30 /
Semester: semester 2
The module aims to introduce students to advanced experimental methods that might be required to become an independent researcher. The focus will be on underlying theory and putting this theory into practice. Subject areas may include addiction, appetite and obesity, EEG, language acquisition, experimental psychpathology, and sensation and perception. The module will be taught via lectures, tutorials, and laboratory work. Learning will be assessed via a critique of a scientific article and practical report.
ADVANCED STATISTICS AND METHODS (PSYC643)
Credits: 30 /
Semester: semester 2
This module explores a range of advanced quantitative research methods and statistical analyses used in psychological research. Techniques covered include, regression models, mediation and moderation, meta-analysis, SEM and Bayes techniques. The module will be taught via a series of three hour sessions and learning outcomes will be assessed via a written examination and coursework report.
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.
Any optional modules listed above are illustrative only and may vary from year to year. Modules may be subject to minimum student numbers being achieved and staff availability. This means that the availability of specific optional modules cannot be guaranteed.
Final project
Compulsory modules
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.
Any optional modules listed above are illustrative only and may vary from year to year. Modules may be subject to minimum student numbers being achieved and staff availability. This means that the availability of specific optional modules cannot be guaranteed.
How you'll learn
Teaching is face to face, delivered by top-class researchers from day one. You will be taught in numerous laboratories equipped with advanced technologies such as eye-trackers, EEG or fNIRS.
How you're assessed
You will be assesed using a range of assessments from research grant proposals to in-class statistical tests to essays, as well as completing your research project over the summer.
Liverpool Hallmarks
We have a distinctive approach to education, the Liverpool Curriculum Framework, which focuses on research-connected teaching, active learning, and authentic assessment to ensure our students graduate as digitally fluent and confident global citizens.
Course options
Studying with us means you can tailor your degree to suit you. Here's what is available on this course.
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.
Support for students with differing needs from the Disability advice and guidance team. They can identify and recommend appropriate support provisions for you.
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.
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 support from day one to graduation and beyond
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
£11,700
International fees
Full-time place, per year
£28,300
Fees stated are for the 2025-26 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 fees and funding.
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.
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.
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
7.0 overall, with no component below 6.5
TOEFL iBT
100 overall, with minimum scores of listening 21, reading 21, writing 21 and speaking 23. TOEFL Home Edition not accepted.
Duolingo English Test
130 overall, with no component below 120
Pearson PTE Academic
69 overall, with no component below 61
LanguageCert Academic
75 overall, with no skill below 70
PSI Skills for English
C1 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.
Liverpool bursts with diversity and creativity which makes it ideal for you to undertake your postgraduate studies and access various opportunities for you and your family.
To fully immerse yourself in the university experience living in halls will keep you close to campus where you can always meet new people. Find your home away from home.
Discover what expenses are covered by the cost of your tuition fees and other finance-related information you may need regarding your studies at Liverpool.
Contact us
Have a question about this course or studying with us? Our dedicated enquiries team can help.
