MSc in Psychology

This masters degree provides a valuable opportunity to gain an advanced understanding of a range of areas in psychology, including cognitive, social, forensic and counselling psychology. You'll develop critical appraisal skills in the evaluation of psychological research and practice. You will also gain an understanding of the reciprocal relationship psychological research has with medicine, public policy, public opinion and the media. Completing this rigorous masters degree will enable you to source, select and review psychological research independently, evaluate its relevance for complex real-life issues, assess its validity, and clearly communicate your findings to a range of different audiences.

Key features of the course

• Enhances your analytical and communication skills, as well as developing research literacy skills
• Bespoke teaching materials and experienced tutors guide you through fascinating, cutting-edge topics and research
• Relevant for existing professionals or those wishing to pursue a career in all areas of public policy, social justice, management, health services and marketing.

Please note that this masters degree is not accredited by The British Psychological Society.

The learning outcomes of this qualification are described in four areas:

• Knowledge and understanding
• Cognitive skills
• Practical and professional skills
• Key skills

Course details

To gain this qualification, you need 180 credits as follows:

• Principles of social and psychological inquiry (DD801)
• Evaluating psychology: research and practice (DD803)

Please note that Evaluating psychology: research and practice (DD803) is worth 120 credits. Fees for postgraduate modules are based on the number of credits you study. Therefore the fee for this 120-credit postgraduate module will be double that for a 60 credit module Principles of social and psychological inquiry (DD801).

You should note that the University’s unique study rule applies to this qualification. This means that you must include at least 60 credits from OU modules that have not been counted in any other OU qualification that has previously been awarded to you.