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Psychology at UEA
Find out more about studying Psychology at UEA, and browse our other courses.
Find out moreMSc Social and Applied Psychology (Part Time)
Key details
- Attendance
- Part Time
- Award
- Degree of Master of Science
- Course Length
- 2 years
- Course Start Date
- September 2027
Other Start Dates
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14th
UEA is ranked 14th overall for research quality in Psychology, Psychiatry, and Neuroscience
Times Higher Education REF 2021 AnalysisTop 20
UEA is ranked top 20 in the UK for Research Quality
UEA is ranked top 20 in the UK for Research QualityCourse Overview
Why MSc Social and Applied Psychology at UEA?
How are behaviour, attitudes, and decisions shaped by the social world around us? Learn to apply social psychology to real-world challenges on this two-year part-time MSc Social and Applied Psychology.
Why Choose UEA
- Teaching excellence: Study in a department ranked 14th for research quality in Psychology, Psychiatry, and Neuroscience
- Research skills: Learn to design experiments, surveys, focus groups, and field studies in social psychology
- Career-building opportunities: Gain hands-on experience through an optional research or industry placement
What is the MSc in Social and Applied Psychology?
How do social norms shape behaviour? What drives persuasion, collective action, or conflict between groups? On this part-time MSc, you’ll explore the psychology behind social influence, identity, and behaviour change using experimental, survey-based, and immersive methods.
You’ll learn from leading experts in social and applied psychology whose research shapes current debates and practice. Through seminars, workshops, and real-world case studies, you’ll develop skills in research design, data analysis, and communicating findings to different audiences.
At UEA, you’ll study in a research-active environment focused on major social challenges, from inequality to public behaviour change. Optional research or industry placements also help you build professional experience for careers in policy, consultancy, research, or further study.
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Careers
Career Pathways
Our MSc Social and Applied Psychology Part-Time degree is an outstanding starting point for wide range of careers such as:
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PhD Researcher (Social Psychology): Conduct advanced research into social behaviour, identity, and decision-making
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Behavioural Scientist: Apply psychology to understand and influence real-world behaviour and decision-making
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UX Researcher: Study user behaviour and experiences to improve digital products and services
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Policy Advisor: Use research evidence to shape government policy and public programmes
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Programme Officer (Nonprofit): Support social research and community projects within charities and development organisations
Career Support
MSc Social and Applied Psychology includes an optional placement with a research or industry organisation, giving you valuable real-world experience. You’ll build professional networks and apply your skills in settings connected to your interests and future career goals. Alongside your modules, you’ll take part in training sessions designed to strengthen your employability and professional confidence. You’ll also have access to personalised careers support through Career Central(opens in a new window).
After the Course
MSc Social and Applied Psychology provides a strong foundation for progression to PhD study. Training in advanced quantitative and qualitative methods prepares you for careers in research, data analysis, and evidence-based practice. Your advanced understanding of social behaviour also supports careers in policy, user research, and behavioural research
Study and Modules
Structure
In your first year of the Social and Applied Psychology Master’s programme, you'll study human behavior. You'll also see how social psychology helps answer real-world questions. You’ll explore the latest research in social and applied psychology. This includes measuring both implicit and explicit attitudes. You'll also learn how to conduct interviews and focus groups. Plus, you’ll design and run field experiments. You'll explore theoretical topics such as prejudice, intergroup relations, identity, and attitudes. You'll also study decision-making and critical and applied social psychology.
Our MSc Social and Applied Psychology degree equips you with the skills and knowledge for advanced research, empowering you to make a real-world impact.
Compulsory Modules
Optional A Modules
(Credits: 40)Important Information
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.
Structure
You'll be introduced to the techniques and programming skills used in psychology data collection and analysis. You'll learn how to conduct systematic reviews and meta-analyses. You'll use E-Prime to construct experiments, and you'll learn about PsychoPy and running online experiments using Gorilla.
The dissertation is your opportunity to carry out a piece of independent research on a topic of your choosing. This is your chance to go into greater detail in an area that interests you.
Here are some examples of dissertation topics that have been completed by previous students:
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Conspiracy theory beliefs: The role of social identity and intergroup emotions
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The effect of group status and power on reactions to derogatory comments about outgroup members
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Motivating climate change mitigation efforts with availability heuristic priming
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Are there gender differences in adolescents' attentional biases towards empathic stimuli?
Think creatively about your dissertation topic. Choose something you’re passionate about. The dissertation is a great chance to explore a topic you care about. It also lets you contribute to the field.
Finally, gain hands-on experience and build valuable connections through a flexible external placement. Past placements have included research labs in the UK and abroad, as well as roles in special schools, museums, and the Ministry of Justice.
Compulsory Modules
Important Information
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, and Assessment
Teaching and Learning
You'll learn through a blend of lectures, smallgroup seminars and practical workshops. You'll engage with specialist topic sessions led by subject experts, critical discussions of key ideas, and applied classes designed to develop methodological and laboratory skills.
You'll select an advanced analysis module aligned with your dissertation, with options in quantitative or qualitative approaches.
The research project (dissertation) provides an opportunity to explore a chosen topic in depth, with a study that you design and carry out from inception to completion. You'll be supported throughout in supervisory meetings, offering personalised feedback to develop your skills set and project management abilities.
Our postgraduate students also regularly attend our weekly seminars by internal and external guest speakers, as well as research group meetings. This offers you additional opportunities to network and broaden your skills beyond your own topic. You'll join an active and supportive school community, with opportunities to participate in student led learning groups and societies focused on shared interests.
Career development is embedded across the degree, with dedicated sessions delivered by specialist careers advisers to support your future aspirations. You'll also have access to the Learning Enhancement Team(opens in a new window) and Student Support(opens in a new window) as well as teams dedicated to support your wellbeing, should you need it.
Assessment
Your progress will be assessed through coursework-based assignments. Here you'll develop your analytical and communication skills to produce assessments such as a research proposal, critical literature review, or report on your placement experience. Throughout the course, you'll receive written feedback. Modules include practice assessments to help you build confidence before submission.
For your dissertation, your supervisor will provide feedback throughout the year, both verbal and in writing after draft submission.
Varied assessments will help you graduate with a robust set of transferable skills.
Entry Requirements
- This course is open to
UK and International fee-paying students. Choose UK or International above to see relevant information. The entry point is in September each year.
- Typical UK Entry Requirements
Degree classification
Bachelors degree - 2.2
Degree Subject
Psychology or related degree (eg. medicine, neuroscience or biological science)
- Admissions Policy
Our Admissions Policy applies to the admissions of all postgraduate applicants.
- This course is open to
UK and International fee-paying students. Choose UK or International above to see relevant information. The entry point is in September each year.
- Typical International Entry Requirements
Degree classification
Bachelors degree - 2.2 or equivalent
Degree Subject
Psychology or related degree (eg. medicine, neuroscience or biological science)
- English Foreign Language
Applications from students whose first language is not English are welcome. We require evidence of proficiency in English (including writing, speaking, listening and reading):
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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(opens in a new window) for a list of qualifications that we may accept to meet this requirement.
If you do not meet the English language requirements for this course, our UEA International Study Centre offers a variety of English language programmes which are designed to help you develop the required English skills.
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- Admissions Policy
Our Admissions Policy applies to the admissions of all postgraduate applicants.
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Fees and Funding
Tuition fees for the Academic Year 2026/27 are:
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UK Students: £9,700
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International Students: £25,000
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).
If you choose to take this course with a placement year, your tuition fees for the first year will be as shown above. An additional fee of £3,500 will apply for the placement year (see our FAQs page for further details).
We estimate living expenses at £1,171 per month.
Course Related Costs
Please see additional course fees(opens in a new window) for details of course-related costs.
How to Apply
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(opens in a new window).
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(opens in a new window)
International candidates are also encouraged to access the International Students(opens in a new window) section of our website.