Social Psychology MSc — 2027 entry

On this MSc, you'll study鈥痶he鈥痵cience of how we think, feel and behave in social contexts and immerse yourself in theories, methods and evidence-based research within social psychology.

Key course information

Typical offer
2:2 minimum
Start date
September 2027
Attendance
Full-time
Duration
1 year
Scholarships
Funding available
UK fees
拢11,800
Overseas fees
拢26,900
Subject area
Psychology

Why choose this course?

  • Learn from lecturers who are active researchers in areas such as individual differences, emotions, prejudice and discrimination, social communication, and topics central to equality, diversity and inclusion.
  • Apply social psychology to drive positive social change and address global challenges linked to the , including good health and wellbeing, gender equality, reduced inequalities, and peace, justice and strong institutions.
  • Tailor the course to suit your interests by choosing from a wide range of optional modules, including The Self and Relationships, Morality and Emotions, Psychology of Real-World Behaviour Change, and the Psychology of Sustainable Development.
  • Access our state-of-the-art psychology facilities, including a six-room virtual reality suite and two observation laboratories,鈥痶o delve into the science of how we think about ourselves and other people, and how we influence and relate to one another.
  • We鈥檙e preparing you for the future by integrating AI into every course, building digital skills, confidence and creativity that employers value in tomorrow鈥檚 workplace.
Find out more information

Statistics

1st in the UK

Psychology is ranked 1st in the UK for overall student satisfaction in the Postgraduate Taught Experience Survey 2025

100%

Of our psychology graduates go on to employment or further study (Graduate Outcomes 2026, HESA)

Course details

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What you will study

On our masters in Social Psychology, you鈥檒l gain the knowledge and skills needed to address real-world societal, intergroup and interpersonal issues by exploring topics such as prejudice and discrimination, moral judgement, and emotions.

You'll examine how individuals and groups interact to construct and maintain identities and how psychological principles can be applied to promote social change, strengthen communities and improve relationships.

We鈥檒l provide you with an in-depth understanding of contemporary approaches鈥痑nd the skills required to conduct research in the field, through cutting-edge methods and techniques. We鈥檒l also give you an insight into qualitative and quantitative research methods, including the use of statistical software, ensuring you have a solid foundation to collect, analyse and interpret data.

You鈥檒l complete a research dissertation that will allow you to carry out studies on important topics in the field, with previous students researching:

  • Psychosocial Factors Influencing Loneliness Among LGBTQIA+ Individuals
  • Examining the Impact of Idealised and Body-Positive Social Media Imagery on Men鈥�s Body Image
  • Bullying and Children's Rights: A Quantitative Study of Defending and Passive Bystander Behaviours in Online Bullying Among Children Aged 13 to 16
  • What Are Narcissistic Friends For? Evaluating How Narcissism Affects Friendship Quality and Fulfillment of Friendship Functions.

Research groups

You鈥檒l be invited to join鈥痮ur Social Psychology Research Group where our members conduct research for the EU, UK research councils, industry organisations and charities. Recent projects have included:

  • Dyadic Nostalgia in Couple Relationships
  • Enhancing LGBTQ2+ Inclusion in STEM and Energy Research
  • Perceptions and Effects of Gender-Based Violence Subversive Humour.

You鈥檒l participate in discussions about research topics, findings and publications, and you鈥檒l benefit from our links with renowned research institutions across the world. We also have a host of external speakers who visit us and present their work, and a collection of seminars and workshops, allowing you to network with like-minded individuals.

Facilities

Our psychology facilities will give you access to the latest equipment, including a virtual reality suite to simulate real-life scenarios and two observation labs. You'll be able to monitor eye tracking and physiological measures such as earlobe temperature, heart rate and galvanic skin response, both in the lab and remotely, using mobile data loggers.

You鈥檒l also have access to an extensive library of psychometric and clinical tests, 20 bookable project rooms, a breakout space, equipment lockers and a computer lab.

Course structure

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The structure of our programmes follows clear educational aims that are tailored to each programme. These are all outlined in the which include further details such as the learning outcomes:

Modules

Modules listed are indicative, reflecting the information available at the time of publication. Modules are subject to teaching availability, student demand, and/or class size caps.

The University operates a credit framework for all taught courses based on a 15-credit tariff, meaning all modules are comprised of multiples of 15 credits.

Please note that modules are listed by the academic calendar and are reflective of a September start date. For students that start a programme in February, the modules listed as semester two will take place in the spring term and modules listed as semester one will take place in the autumn term.

Course options

Year 1

Semester 1

Compulsory

SOCIAL CHANGE AND INFLUENCE

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This module provides students with an advanced understanding of current theories and conceptualisations of social change and influence, including facilitators of and constraints on change. It offers a critical engagement with these theories and an application of them to a range of social issues that are a focus of the United Nations Sustainability Development Goals. The applied aspect includes a consideration of the value of psychological conceptualisations of social change and influence for policy making, public health, and equality. This core module will allow students to build knowledge and skills that will prepare students for the rest of the programme and the optional modules.

QUALITATIVE RESEARCH METHODS

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This module introduces students to the core principles and practices of qualitative research and provides the skills needed to design, conduct, and critically evaluate a small-scale qualitative project. Students will learn a range of qualitative data collection methods and analytic approaches, and will develop an understanding of how these methods are applied within psychological research.The module is suitable for those with little or no prior experience, while also offering opportunities for more experienced students to deepen their knowledge. Advanced captured content on 黑料社Learn enables students to explore additional analytic methods, and those with prior experience are encouraged to extend their practical skills by applying a new analytic procedure in their project.Students will also develop reflective skills to consider how their cultural background, social identity, gender, experiences, and prior knowledge influence data collection, analysis, and interpretation. The module prepares students to undertake a qualitative dissertation project, should they choose to do so.

ADVANCED RESEARCH METHODS AND DESIGN

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This module will provide students with knowledge, skills, and practical experience of advanced research methods and design. It emphasises a critical and creative approach to evaluating research methods and design and applying them to scientific questions. It will support the development of novel, theoretically significant, rigorous, and impactful research proposals.

ACADEMIC RESEARCH TRAINING

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This module equips students with the skills to design and undertake academic research in psychology, in preparation for developing their own dissertations. The module will cover key aspects of research design, including literature review, forming hypotheses, ethical conduct, and study design and methods, both quantitative and qualitative. Students will propose a study design; implement the study via small-scale data collection and analysis; and present and discuss the findings in an individual research report. 

Optional

SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY OF LANGUAGE AND COMMUNICATION

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This module will offer an advanced overview of topics connected with the social psychology of language and communication. Students will learn how key phenomena of social psychology such as stereotyping, discrimination, interpersonal and intergroup relations are formed, maintained, transmitted, and changed through communication and language means. Specifically, the module will focus on social issues that are the focus of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (e.g., gender inequality). In the process of doing so, students will learn the key theoretical and empirical developments of social psychology of language and communication and will get acquainted with different research approaches. Moreover, they will familiarise themselves with the applications of discussed theories and will use them to identify ways in which language and communication can be used to address social issues. Finally, the module will allow students to be critical of scientific evidence as well as of the strengths and weaknesses of applying theoretical knowledge to social issues.

APPLIED PSYCHOLOGY AND PUBLIC POLICY

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This module will introduce students to key concepts in public policy development and how psychological theory and evidence can influence policy. Throughout the module students will be encouraged to build on their previous learning and apply their psychological knowledge and research skills to critically evaluate policy approaches to global societal challenges that are a focus of the United Nations Sustainability Development Goals. They will engage in problem-based decision-making to develop interventions for change.  By the end of the module students will be equipped with critical understanding of the relevant psychological approaches to addressing public policy issues (e.g. understanding policies from the perspective of risk and behaviour change) and will have developed the knowledge and practical skills to engage in problem-based decision-making. This module will allow students to build knowledge and skills that will prepare them for the rest of the programme and the world of work.

THE SELF AND RELATIONSHIPS

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This module focuses on the interplay between the self - people's cognitions, emotions, and motivations relating to themselves - and interpersonal relationships in adulthood. Self-related constructs and processes permeate the way that we think, feel, and behave in social interactions and ongoing relationships. At the same time, our experiences with other people, especially close others, affect the way we feel about ourselves in the short-term and feed into the way we view ourselves in the long-term. There are also notable individual differences in both effects. These reciprocal processes underlie much of everyday social experience and wellbeing, and can help us to understand our own relationships and feelings, as well as inform applications in therapeutic and organisational settings. In this module, we will discuss theory and research addressing different ways that the self and relationships are interdependent and attempt to synthesise the literature to achieve a more holistic understanding of the issues.

Semester 2

Compulsory

FUNDAMENTALS OF QUANTITATIVE DATA ANALYSIS

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This course is a lab-based, practical introduction designed for students with little or no prior experience in statistics. It focuses on developing foundational skills in data analysis using the freely available jamovi software, alongside an understanding of the underlying concepts. Students with more advanced statistical knowledge should consider PSYM187 - Advanced Quantitative Data Analysis instead.

ADVANCED QUANTITATIVE DATA ANALYSIS

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This module is offered to students on specialised MSc programmes in the School of Psychology, who are required to take either this advanced module or PSYM188 Fundamentals of Quantitative Data Analysis depending on the extent of their prior statistics training. This module is designed to extend students' skills by equipping them with a range of advanced quantitative methods and associated statistical techniques that are used in research in psychology and closely related social science disciplines. This will help students to develop a broader and more advanced analytical skillset which enables a greater flexibility in how they can approach research datasets. These skills will be very good preparation for using quantitative techniques in doctoral research, professional psychology training, and/or careers that use data analysis (e.g., research, social statistics), enhancing students' employability in these sectors. This module is a suitable option for students who already have a good grounding in statistics from their undergraduate/prior studies, as this module assumes familiarity with basic statistical concepts and mainstream tests such as ANOVA and regression. Students who do NOT have a strong grounding in statistics from their prior studies should instead choose PSYM188 Fundamentals of Quantitative Data Analysis.

Optional

CHRONIC CONDITIONS

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This module builds on the modules covered in Semester 1 (Contemporary Health Psychology and professional practice and Maintaining health throughout the lifespan).  A range of chronic conditions are covered, some which are a global challenge and others which are less well known.  Students will learn about these conditions and how the different health psychology theories are used to understand the various beliefs and behaviours associated with these conditions and how they may be targeted in interventions for change.  This module provides students with advanced knowledge and understanding of the application of theory to practice relating to chronic conditions.     This module has been designed in accordance with requirements (Stage 1) of the British Psychological Society's Division of Health Psychology accreditation criteria. This module addresses the following curriculum areas for a British Psychological Society accredited Health Psychology Master's degree: contexts and perspectives in health psychology, physiological and psychosomatic disease processes, client groups and other stakeholders, measurement issues, health-related behavior and cognitions, interventions and healthcare and professional settings.     This module builds employability skills by broadening knowledge of chronic conditions and interventions, and will help students to understand how to apply health psychology theory and practice to different chronic conditions and patient populations. 

PSYCHOLOGICAL ASPECTS OF HEALTH CARE

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This module covers psychological factors that influence the patient's passage through the health care system from symptom perception to help seeking to the consultation with a focus on specific aspects of health care such as surgery and vaccinations. This module has been designed in accordance with requirements (stage 1) of the British Psychological Society's Division of Health Psychology accreditation criteria. This module addresses the following curriculum areas for a British Psychological Society accredited Health Psychology Masters degree: contexts and perspectives in health psychology, client groups and other stakeholders, health-related behaviour and cognitions, interventions, measurement issues and healthcare and professional settings. This module will help students to better understand how health psychology theory can help us understand the patient experience of healthcare.

MORALITY AND EMOTIONS

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This module will examine critical perspectives in moral psychology, discussing critical debates about what moral concepts are. Building on previous topics in social psychology, we will discuss and evaluate whether morals are universal or culturally relative; whether morals are based on intuitions/emotions or reasoning, and what makes a moral judgement. We will also discuss what makes moral emotions unique, evaluating four different kinds of moral emotions (other-condemning, self-conscious, other-praising, other-suffering). We will discuss how moral convictions and moral character impact thoughts and behaviours. The module will cover theoretical and empirical findings that explore implications of moral concepts. We will also critically evaluate how different moral concepts should be defined and assessed, based on empirical research, which will result in the development of a literature review and research proposal.

THE PSYCHOLOGY OF SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT

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This module introduces students to psychological perspectives on understanding and addressing environmental and sustainability challenges. The module provides an overview of theoretical formulations and research evidence related to 1) people鈥檚 understandings and perceptions of environmental risks, 2) environmental and materialistic values, 3) environment and wellbeing, and 4) pro-environmental behaviour change. The module is based on the research-practitioner model and aims to enable students to develop an understanding of how psychological research can help tackle environmental challenges by drawing on empirical research evidence. By the end of the module students should have an advanced understanding of some of the principles and theoretical and methodological developments in the area, and understand the value of this knowledge for helping to tackle environmental challenges.

THE PSYCHOLOGY OF REAL-WORLD BEHAVIOUR CHANGE

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This dual-level module seeks to both explore theories and models of people's behaviour, and to illustrate these via application to real-world, contemporary issues. Students will be introduced to a range of psychological approaches that can be used to understand and influence behaviour (e.g., motivational approaches, nudging), and to a range of applied behavioural contexts including health (e.g., how can we help people be more active?) and environmental (e.g., how can we help people consume less energy?).Each lecture serves to introduce both one psychological theory or concept, and a specific real-world behavioural challenge, to which that theory (and others) may be applied.Lectures are supplemented by seminars and workshops. Seminars involve unassessed group presentations and critical discussions of research papers relating to the application of psychological strategies to contemporary behaviour change challenges. Workshops centre on group-based, problem-based learning, with students addressing a real-world behaviour change problem.

SOCIAL AND MORAL DEVELOPMENT

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This module introduces students to theories, methods, and research findings in the area of social and moral development during childhood and adolescence. We begin by looking at development in the context of important relationships, such as peers and friends, families, and schools. We next examine the development of the self and other categories that make up who we are (e.g., ethnicity). This module relies on socio-cultural and eco-cultural perspectives to try to understand development in context to increase your global and cultural capabilities.

POSITIVE DEVELOPMENT ACROSS THE LIFE COURSE

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Positive development is essential for human flourishing, encompassing the growth of competencies such as cognitive ability, creativity, empathy, and psychological resilience. This module explores positive development across the lifespan, moving beyond traditional research that often focuses on risk factors and pathological outcomes.Students will critically engage with key developmental domains including physical, cognitive, social, emotional, and behavioural, and examine the processes and predictors that shape these competencies across different life stages. The module takes an interdisciplinary approach, integrating insights from developmental, positive, and applied psychology, as well as genetics. This includes discussions on individual differences in environmental sensitivity and the role of genetic factors, particularly in shaping developmental trajectories through gene-environment interactions. While the primary focus is on childhood, the module also explores key aspects of positive development in adolescence, adulthood, and old age.Beyond theory and basic science, the module encourages students to apply research insights to real-world contexts. As part of the assessment, students will design an evidence-based intervention or policy aimed at fostering positive development, ensuring they develop both theoretical understanding and practical skills.

Semester 1 & 2

Compulsory

MSC DISSERTATION

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It is a requirement of the University that taught postgraduate programmes include a dissertation and/or major project module. For this module, students will conduct their own piece of empirical research in an area relevant to their Masters course under the supervision of a member of the academic staff. For the assessment, students will write either a qualitative or mixed-method research report of a comparable length to a published single-study journal article.Overall student workload: 600 hoursThis includes 12 hours of tutor supervision. These hours will include development of theoretical framework, aims and hypotheses, recruiting samples, fieldwork and liaison with key personnel as appropriate, data recording and analysis, interpretation and writing up. Specific times for these subsections cannot be given as they vary from project to project.

Module selection for Year 1 (full-time) - FHEQ Level 7

For further information regarding programme structure and module selection, please refer to the .

Teaching and learning

You鈥檒l be taught by lecturers who are active researchers, ensuring everything you learn is up-to-date and relevant to鈥痚mployers.鈥疶hese may include:

Learning methods

  • Group work
  • Independent study
  • Lectures
  • Online learning
  • Seminars
  • Workshops

Assessment

We use a variety of methods to assess you, including coursework, essays, examinations and presentations.

Check individual module information to see full details at a module level.

General course information

Contact hours

Contact hours can vary across our modules. Full details of the contact hours for each module are available from the 黑料社's module catalogue. See the modules section for more information.

Timetable

New students will receive their personalised timetable during Welcome Week. In later semesters, at least one week before the start of the semester.

Scheduled teaching can take place on any day of the week (Monday 鈥� Friday), with part-time classes normally scheduled for one or two days. Wednesday afternoons tend to be for sports and cultural activities.

View our code of practice for the scheduling of teaching and assessment (PDF) for more information.

Location

This course is based at Stag Hill campus. Stag Hill is the University's main campus and where the majority of our courses are taught. 

Career opportunities

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We offer careers information, advice and guidance to all students whilst studying with us, which is extended to our alumni for three years after leaving the University.

100%
Employability

Of our psychology graduates are in employment or further study within 15 months of graduating (Graduate Outcomes 2026, HESA).

With a masters degree in Social Psychology from 黑料社, you'll have valuable analytical, experimental and research skills that are in high demand in a wide range of careers.

Our alumni take on roles as consultants, market researchers, social researchers and support鈥痺orkers. They work鈥痜or governments, charities, think-tanks and pressure groups, with previous graduates employed by the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory and the Office for National Statistics.

The broad and transferrable skills that you鈥檒l develop are also highly relevant in other fields,鈥痠ncluding analysis, design, development and healthcare.鈥疢any of our graduates go on to complete a PhD, investigating an area of personal interest.

Learn more about psychology careers on the .

Hear from our students

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Entry requirements

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UK qualifications

A minimum of a 2:2 UK honours degree in psychology, or a recognised international equivalent.

We may be able to take relevant work experience into consideration if you don't meet these requirements. If you have at least one year of relevant experience in a full-time graduate-level role (or a minimum of two years鈥� experience in a relevant graduate-level part-time role) please provide full details of your role and responsibilities in your personal statement and CV when you submit your application.

Country-specific qualifications

International students in the United Kingdom

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English language requirements

IELTS Academic: 7.0 overall with 6.5 in each element.

These are the English language qualifications and levels that we can accept.

If you do not currently meet the level required for your programme, we offer intensive pre-sessional English language courses, designed to take you to the level of English ability and skill required for your studies here.


Selection process

Selection will be based upon the candidate鈥檚 application and references. Applications that do not meet the standard criteria are referred to the admissions tutor.

Credit Transfer and Recognition of Prior Learning

We recognise that many students enter their course with valuable knowledge and skills developed through a range of ways.

If this applies to you, the recognition of prior learning process may mean you can join a course without the formal entry requirements, or at a point appropriate to your previous learning and experience.

There are restrictions on some courses, and fees may be payable for certain claims. Please with any queries.

Study abroad

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Study and work abroad

There may be opportunities to acquire valuable European experience by working or conducting research abroad during your degree or shortly afterwards.

Fees and funding

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Fees per year

Explore  website for more information if you are unsure whether you are a UK or overseas student. View the list of fees for all postgraduate courses.

Fee options

UK
拢11,800
Overseas
拢26,900
UK
拢5,900
Overseas
拢13,500
  • Fees for part-time routes are applicable in each year of the course
  • These fees apply to the academic year 2027-28 only. Fees are reviewed annually, and tuition fees may increase for courses running over more than one year.

Read our tuition fees guidance to find out more about payment schedules and how to pay.

Additional costs

  • General programme related costs such as study materials
  • Potential costs involved in conducting independent learning remotely e.g. internet connection etc.

Find out more about additional costs that may be incurred during your time at 黑料社.

Funding

You may be able to borrow money to help pay your tuition fees and support you with your living costs. Find out more about postgraduate student finance.

Register your interest

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Apply online

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  1. Select your course

    Choose the course option you wish to apply for.

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    Create an account and sign into our application portal.

Apply options

UK applications

Social Psychology MSc

Full-time, 12 months, September 2027

UK status

UK applications:
open
Closing date:
Tuesday 31 August 2027
Select

Please note that we may have to close applications before the stated deadline if we receive a high volume of suitable applications. We advise you to submit your application as soon as it is ready.

Overseas applications

Social Psychology MSc

Full-time, 12 months, September 2027

UK status

Overseas applications:
open
Closing date:
Friday 23 July 2027
Select

Please note that we may have to close applications before the stated deadline if we receive a high volume of suitable applications. We advise you to submit your application as soon as it is ready.

UK applications

Social Psychology MSc

Part-time, 24 months, September 2027

UK status

UK applications:
open
Closing date:
Tuesday 31 August 2027
Select

Please note that we may have to close applications before the stated deadline if we receive a high volume of suitable applications. We advise you to submit your application as soon as it is ready.

Overseas applications

Social Psychology MSc

Part-time, 24 months, September 2027

UK status

Overseas applications:
open
Closing date:
Friday 23 July 2027
Select

Please note that we may have to close applications before the stated deadline if we receive a high volume of suitable applications. We advise you to submit your application as soon as it is ready.

Admissions information

Once you apply, you can expect to hear back from us within 14 days. This might be with a decision on your application or with a request for further information.

Our code of practice for postgraduate taught admissions explains how the Admissions team considers applications and admits students. Read our postgraduate applicant guidance for more information on applying.

Need more information?

Contact our Admissions team or talk to a current 黑料社 student online.

Terms and conditions

When you accept an offer to study at the 黑料社, you will be agreeing to follow our policies and procedures, student regulations, and terms and conditions.

We provide these terms and conditions at the offer stage. You will be asked to accept these when you accept the offer made to you. You will be provided with these terms and conditions again at registration by way of reminder.

Disclaimer

This online prospectus has been published in advance of the academic year to which it applies.

Whilst we have done everything possible to ensure this information is accurate; some changes may happen between publishing and the start of the course.