MSc Social and Applied Psychology (Part Time)
Course options
Key Details
- Attendance
- Part Time
- Award
- Degree of Master of Science
- Course Length
- 2 years
- Course Start Date
- September 2023
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Course Overview
From the proliferation of social media to more traditional human encounters, we all take part in hundreds of social interactions every day. But how do they impact on the way we think, feel, and behave?
Our MSc in Social and Applied Psychology allows you to look at a range of the latest social issues through the lens of psychology. The programme combines research methodology training with in-depth study of topics at the cutting-edge of the field. Among other things, it will equip you with the skills to understand research into social behaviour, and it will offer you an optional, tailored research placement, through which you can acquire and hone advanced research skills.
You can complete the course in one year full-time or over two years part-time. It is ideal if you are a high-calibre psychology graduate, or a graduate of a related discipline. It is an excellent choice if you are preparing for a PhD in social psychology, or if you’re looking to pursue a career with a significant research element, such as at a university, in the third sector, or within government.
This MSc in Social and Applied Psychology combines research method training with in-depth study of social psychological topics.
You’ll study prejudice and intergroup relations, identity, attitudes and decision-making, emotion and social cognition, as well as applied social psychology and critical social psychology. You’ll get to grips with research methodologies for conducting social psychological research, including experimental design, measuring implicit and explicit attitudes, interviews and focus groups, experimental questionnaire design and field experiments.
One of the programme’s key strengths is the opportunity it gives you to experience modern psychological research methods first hand, and to undertake bespoke placements to acquire skills specific to your research aims. It will also equip you with the ability to understand research into social behaviour, prepare research proposals, and undertake your own original research, analysis and synthesis – all within one of current psychology’s most fast-moving and fundamental areas. Plus you’ll develop your transferable skills in oral and written communication, and in the analysis of complex data sets.
The programme includes compulsory modules to give you a solid grounding in the subject’s key areas, and optional modules, which you’ll select according to your specific interests. It builds towards a substantial piece of Master’s research, which you will undertake with the supervision of active researchers in the field. Before applying, you are welcome to contact our academics to discuss the topics you’re interested in researching and find out how we can help you explore those areas. At the end of this course, you will be able to think like a social psychologist in seeking understanding of and solutions to practical and theoretical problems.
Study and Modules
Structure
You can complete this programme in one year of full-time study, or over two years part-time. You’ll take three compulsory modules, complete a dissertation and choose two out of three optional modules.
In the first year, you'll study Social and Applied Psychology Theory and Methods in the Autumn semester, and one of the three optional modules provided in the Spring. We also advise you to get in touch with your dissertation supervisor to initiate the planning of your project that you will complete in year 2.
Social Psychology Theory and Methods
The aim of this compulsory module is to advance your understanding of how social questions can be addressed using social psychology, and to provide you with the conceptual and research tools to do so. With a strong relevance to current social issues, you will delve into the intriguing theories, methods and evidence-based research within social psychology. In this compulsory module, you will examine the scientific study of behaviour at an advanced level. You’ll expand your awareness of research topics and methods at the cutting-edge of social psychology. And you’ll delve into theoretical topics including prejudice and intergroup relations, identity, attitudes and decision-making, as well as applied social psychology and critical social psychology.
You'll also learn a range of commonly used methods and practical skills for conducting social psychological research, including measuring implicit and explicit attitudes, interviewing and focus groups, experimental design and field experiments, plus digital tools and research ethics.
At the end of the course, you’ll have a good understanding of the topics social psychologists are interested in and the way they approach their study. you will be able to understand key theories and concepts in social psychology, evaluate published research in social psychology, and make well-informed contributions to discussions about social issues.
Optional modules
You will choose optional modules to complement your studies and areas of interests. Exact modules offered will vary each year but usually include both quantitative and qualitative research options, as well as Research placement and professional skills.
Research placement and professional skills
This optional module brings together our expert researchers and research organisations, along with our Careers Service, so that you gain both advanced practice knowledge and the skills you’ll need to increase your employability. In particular, you’ll have the opportunity to gain hands-on experience and valuable contacts by undertaking a placement in an external setting. Your module leader will help and guide you in your search for a suitable placement organisation. The type of placement is flexible, as long as you’re able to demonstrate that you’ll be utilising your research skills.
Compulsory Modules
Optional A Modules
(Min Credits: 20, Max Credits: 40)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.
Teaching and Learning
You’ll experience a wide range of teaching methods throughout the course, including lectures, seminars, workshops, 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 will also complete a major independent research project under expert supervision.
Assessment
You’ll primarily be assessed through coursework, including critical reviews, research proposals and a research project.
Structure
In the second year, you will study Psychology LabSkills in the Autumn, one optional Spring module (see above), as well as completing your dissertation.
Practical Skills for Psychological Research
This module introduces the techniques and computer programmes used in psychology data collection and analysis. You will receive guided hands-on experience and acquire skills that you can put to use in your dissertation research.
You will also learn how to conduct both systematic reviews and meta-analysis, gaining an understanding of how each technique can help you in your research. You’ll use E-Prime software to construct experiments, as well as receive an introduction to PsychoPy and running online experiments using Gorilla. You will also learn about the Qualtrics Survey platform
Dissertation
The dissertation is your opportunity to demonstrate your ability to carry out a piece of independent research on a subject of your choosing. It also allows you to go into greater detail in the area that interests you most.
Topics from previous years have included:
- Conspiracy theory beliefs: The role of social identity and intergroup emotions
- The effect of group status and power to reactions to derogatory comments about outgroup members
- Motivating climate change mitigation efforts with availability heuristic priming
- Are there gender differences in adolescents’ attentional biases towards empathic stimuli?
Compulsory Modules
Optional A Modules
(Min Credits: 0, Max Credits: 20)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.
Teaching and Learning
You’ll experience a wide range of teaching methods throughout the course, including lectures, seminars, workshops, 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 will also complete a major independent research project under expert supervision.
Assessment
You’ll primarily be assessed through coursework, including critical reviews, research proposals and a research project.
Entry Requirements
- Degree Classification
- Bachelors degree - 2.1 or equivalent
- Degree Subject
- Psychology or related degree (eg. medicine, neuroscience or biological science)
- English Foreign Language
We welcome applications from students whose first language is not English. To ensure such students benefit from postgraduate study, we require evidence of proficiency in English. Our usual entry requirements are as follows:
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IELTS: 7.0 (minimum 6.5 in each component)
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PTE (Pearson): 76 (minimum 67 in each component)
Test dates should be within two years of the course start date.
Other tests, including Cambridge English exams and the Trinity Integrated Skills in English are also accepted by the university. The full list of accepted tests can be found here: Accepted English Language Tests
INTO UEA also run pre-sessional courses which can be taken prior to the start of your course. For further information and to see if you qualify please contact intopre-sessional@uea.ac.uk
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- Intakes
This course is open to UK, EU and International applicants. The annual intake for this course is in September each year.
Fees and Funding
Tuition fees for the Academic Year 2023/24 are:
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UK Students: £7,850 (full time)
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International Students: £19,800 (full time)
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 £1,023 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.
Course Related Costs
Please see Additional Course Fees for details of course-related costs.
How to Apply
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.
FURTHER INFORMATION
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.
Employability
After the Course
This Master’s degree programme will equip you with advanced training in social psychology research methods. It’s the ideal preparation if you’re interested in studying for a PhD in Social Psychology, or a career with a significant research component, such as in a university, the third sector or within government.
Careers
A degree at UEA will prepare you for a wide variety of careers. We've been ranked 1st for Job Prospects by StudentCrowd in 2022.
Examples of careers you could enter include:
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Research associate
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The third sector
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Government setting