Psychology at UEA
Find out more about studying Psychology at UEA, and browse our other courses.
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Key Details
Learn to think like a social psychologist in seeking to understand and solve modern life’s most practical and theoretical problems. From the proliferation of social media to more traditional human encounters, we each take part in hundreds of social interactions every day. But how do they impact the way we think, feel, and behave?
Our Social and Applied Psychology Master’s programme covers a range of the latest social and applied issues through the lens of psychology. You’ll get to grips with methodologies for social psychological research, including experimental design, measuring implicit and explicit attitudes, interviews and focus groups, experimental questionnaire design and field experiments.
You’ll also develop transferable skills in oral and written communication and analysis of complex data sets. The course builds to a substantial piece of Master’s research, which you’ll undertake with the supervision of active researchers.
You’ll also benefit from a tailored research placement, through which you can acquire and hone specific skills you need to further your research goals.
The course is ideal if you're a high-calibre graduate of psychology or a related discipline, looking to develop the specific methodological and analytical skills essential to social or applied psychological research. It's great preparation for a PhD in social or applied psychology, or a career with a significant research element, such as at a university, in the third sector, or within government. Take a look at the School of Psychology’s webpage to find a researcher who works on the topic that interests you. You may pursue a career as a researcher in social or applied psychology or work in government sectors, mental health and well-being services, education or as a behavioural technician and recreational therapist.
Find out more about studying Psychology at UEA, and browse our other courses.
Find out moreYou’ll gain a deeper understanding of social and applied psychology and how it can be used to answer important social questions. You’ll learn about cutting-edge research methods, such as measuring implicit and explicit attitudes, interviewing and focus groups, and field experiments. You’ll also explore theoretical topics such as prejudice and intergroup relations, identity, attitudes and decision-making, applied social psychology, and critical social psychology.
In addition to learning about social and applied psychology, you’ll also develop the skills necessary to conduct research in this field. You’ll learn how to collect and analyze data, and you’ll be introduced to programming techniques that can be used to automate data analysis. You’ll also have the opportunity to conduct your own independent research project, to explore a topic of your own interest in greater depth.
Past dissertation topics have included:
You’ll also have the opportunity to choose optional modules that complement your studies and areas of interest.
Finally, you’ll have the opportunity to gain hands-on experience and valuable contacts through an external placement. Placements can be arranged in various settings, such as research labs, special schools, clinical settings, and museums. This is a fantastic way to gain experience in a real-world setting and to make connections with potential employers.
Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring, review and update of modules. Where this activity leads to significant (but not minor) changes to programmes and their constituent modules, the University will endeavour to consult with students and others. It is also possible that the University may not be able to offer a module for reasons outside of its control, such as the illness of a member of staff. In some cases optional modules can have limited places available and so you may be asked to make additional module choices in the event you do not gain a place on your first choice. Where this is the case, the University will inform students.
You’ll experience a wide range of teaching methods, including lectures, seminars, workshops, and research placements, and the hands-on use of state-of-the-art research equipment.
Independent study
Your schedule will include timetabled classes, private study, completion of coursework assignments and preparation for sessions. You’ll also complete a major independent research project under expert supervision.
Assessment is through coursework, including critical reviews, research proposals and a research project.
This Master’s degree will give you advanced training in social and applied psychology research methods. It’s the ideal preparation for a PhD in Social or Applied Psychology, or a career with a significant research component.
Example of careers that you could enter include:
Discover more on our Careers webpages.
UK and International fee-paying students. Choose UK or International above to see relevant information. The entry point is in September each year.
Bachelors degree - 2.2
Psychology or related degree (eg. medicine, neuroscience or biological science)
Our Admissions Policy applies to the admissions of all postgraduate applicants.
UK and International fee-paying students. Choose UK or International above to see relevant information. The entry point is in September each year.
Bachelors degree - 2.2 or equivalent
Psychology or related degree (eg. medicine, neuroscience or biological science)
Applications from students whose first language is not English are welcome. We require evidence of proficiency in English (including writing, speaking, listening and reading):
IELTS: 7.0 overall (minimum 6.5 in all components)
Test dates should be within 2 years of the course start date.
We also accept a number of other English language tests. Review our English Language Equivalencies for a list of qualifications that we may accept to meet this requirement.
If you do not yet meet the English language requirements for this course, INTO UEA offer a variety of English language programmes which are designed to help you develop the English skills necessary for successful undergraduate study:
Our Admissions Policy applies to the admissions of all postgraduate applicants.
Tuition fees for the Academic Year 2025/26 are:
UK Students: £8,825
International Students: £22,700
If you choose to study part-time, the fee per annum will be half the annual fee for that year, or a pro-rata fee for the module credit you are taking (only available for Home students).
We estimate living expenses at £1,136 per month.
Further Information on tuition fees can be found here.
Scholarships and Bursaries
The University of East Anglia offers a range of Scholarships; please click the link for eligibility, details of how to apply and closing dates.
Please see Additional Course Fees for details of course-related costs.
Applications for Postgraduate Taught programmes at the University of East Anglia should be made directly to the University.
To apply please use our online application form.
If you would like to discuss your individual circumstances prior to applying, please do contact us:
Postgraduate Admissions Office
Tel: +44 (0)1603 591515
Email: admissions@uea.ac.uk
International candidates are also encouraged to access the International Students section of our website.
Social and Applied Psychology starting September 2025 for 1 year