Psychology by Research

Entry requirements

An applicant for the Masters by Research shall normally hold one of the following:

• A UK first or upper second class honours degree (or equivalent)
• Appropriate, relevant qualification or relevant experience which is regarded by the University as equivalent

All applications must include two references on headed paper from your referees which should be uploaded as a supporting document. Please note, we can not accept applications without these two references. At least one referee should be able to comment on your academic/professional ability. References provided by relatives are not acceptable.

All applicants for research degrees must submit an application form accompanied by a research proposal to the Faculty’s Research Application Panel (RAP). Please read our information on how to write a research proposal.

You can find more information on our Graduate School website.

Months of entry

September, October

Course content

The MSc Psychology by Research allows you to conduct an independent psychological study in a vibrant research culture. The School of Psychology and Therapeutic Studies at the University of South Wales is home to internationally-recognised academics with diverse research interests. We offer a comprehensive range of equipment and laboratory space, and a supportive atmosphere in which to conduct your research.

You can choose an area of psychology that interests you most and pursue a relevant research project in that area. Research topics include, but are not restricted to:

• Health Psychology
• The Psychology of Addiction
• Online Romantic Relationships
• The Psychology of Deception
• The Psychology of Dysfunctional Phone Use
• Social Identity
• Psychology of the Paranormal
• Child Development
• Sports Psychology

You will also receive training in research methodology, covering both qualitative and quantitative approaches. A prior knowledge of statistics is preferable, although you will get formal training in statistics and relevant computer applications.

You will work independently for the most part, but you will be supported by close supervision from academic members of staff, with whom you will meet on a regular basis to assess your progress.

A full-time candidate will normally devote on average at least 35 hours per week to the research; a part-time candidate on average at least 12 hours per week.

To share and develop your ideas, you will be encouraged to present your research to colleagues at regular seminars throughout the year, and to interact and discuss your work with other research students.

The MSc Psychology by Research involves completing your Research Methodology training and submitting a dissertation of your own research of around 40,000 words, at the end of which you will receive an oral examination by an external assessor.

Facilities include observation and interview rooms equipped with a two-way mirror, CCTV and audio, which allows research and interview practice sessions to be conducted and recorded. We also have a custom-built air conditioned PC laboratory which provides access to specialist software for running psychology experiments and conducting careers guidance interviews.

The Cognitive Neuropsychology Suite houses specialist psychology equipment such as eye tracking equipment, EEG (electroencephalogram) and ECG (electrocardiogram) facilities for recording electrical activity in the heart and scalp and a driving simulator.

The University offers a wide range of psychological services to the general public through our psychology clinics which include autism, behaviour analysis, health and sport psychology interventions.

The MSc Psychology by Research will provide a good basis for anyone who wants to pursue a career in research. It is also ideal for those who wish to improve their research skills to a professional level to support applications for a PhD, or for a clinical or educational professional training programme.

As a USW student, you will have access to advice from the Careers and Employability Service throughout your studies and after you graduate.