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).
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.
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.
Start your academic journey with us, where every module is a step toward unlocking your full potential in the world of psychological research.
Discover what you'll learn, what you'll study, and how you'll be taught and assessed.
| Compulsory modules | Credits |
|---|---|
| RESEARCH METHODS AND STATISTICS (PSYC640) | 30 |
| PRACTICAL RESEARCH SKILLS (PSYC644) | 30 |
| RESEARCH DISSERTATION IN PSYCHOLOGY (PSYC646) | 60 |
Programme details and modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change.
| Compulsory modules | Credits |
|---|---|
| ADVANCED EXPERIMENTAL METHODS (PSYC641) | 30 |
| ADVANCED STATISTICS AND METHODS (PSYC643) | 30 |
| RESEARCH DISSERTATION IN PSYCHOLOGY (PSYC646) | 60 |
Programme details and modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change.
You will complete your final project over the summer.
| Compulsory modules | Credits |
|---|---|
| RESEARCH DISSERTATION IN PSYCHOLOGY (PSYC646) | 60 |
Programme details and modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change.
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.
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.
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.
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:
Our curriculum is characterised by the three Liverpool Hallmarks:
All this is underpinned by our core value of inclusivity and commitment to providing a curriculum that is accessible to all students.
Studying with us means you can tailor your degree to suit you. Here's what is available on this course.
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.
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.
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.
From arrival to alumni, we’re with you all the way:
Want to find out more about student life?
Chat with our student ambassadors and ask any questions you have.
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.
Previous graduates have pursued a range of different careers:
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.
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.
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 tuition fees, funding your studies, and other costs to consider.
Full-time place, per year - £11,700
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.
You can pay your tuition fees in instalments.
All or part of your tuition fees can be funded by external sponsorship.
International applicants who accept an offer of a place will need to pay a tuition fee deposit.
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..
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.
We offer a range of scholarships and bursaries that could help pay your tuition and living expenses.
If you’re a UK student, either born in or with strong family connections to Merseyside, you could be eligible to apply for a fee discount of up to £4,500. You’ll need to demonstrate an active interest in global, community and environmental issues to be considered.
If you’re a UK University of Liverpool graduate joining a master’s degree with us, you could be eligible to receive £3,000 off your tuition fees. You must have graduated in the last two years and received a widening access scholarship during your undergraduate studies.
Apply to receive tailored training support to enhance your sporting performance. Our athlete support package includes a range of benefits, from bespoke strength and conditioning training to physiotherapy sessions and one-to-one nutritional advice.
The qualifications and exam results you'll need to apply for this course.
| Qualification | Details |
|---|---|
| Postgraduate entry requirements |
|
| 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. |
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.
| Qualification | Details |
|---|---|
| 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 | 135 overall, with writing not less than 140, speaking and reading not less than 125, and listening not 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 |
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.
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 |
|---|---|---|
| 6.5 overall, with no component below 6.5 | 6 weeks | On campus |
| 6.5 overall, with no component below 6.0 | 10 weeks | On campus and online options available |
| 6.5 overall, with no component below 5.5 | 12 weeks | On campus and online options available |
| 6.0 overall, with no component below 5.5 | 20 weeks | On campus |
| 5.5 overall, with no component below 5.0 | 30 weeks | On campus |
| 5.0 overall, with no more than one component below 5.0, and no component below 4.5 | 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 7.0 overall, with no component below 6.5, for further details.
Discover more about the city and University.
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.
Have a question about this course or studying with us? Our dedicated enquiries team can help.
Last updated 21 October 2024 / / Programme terms and conditions