MSc Psychology (online)

This module introduces the breadth of psychology as both a basic and applied science. You’ll explore key areas including the history and philosophy of psychology, clinical approaches to mental health, brain and behaviour, and social processes. This will help you understand how psychologists study behaviour and mental events using scientific evidence. 

Assessment example: Summarise a research paper of your choice for a non-specialist audience (e.g., a sixth form student who is interested in studying psychology at university). Explain the aims, methods, main findings, and at least one limitation of the target paper. 

This module introduces quantitative research design and statistical analysis in psychology. You’ll explore hypothesis testing, experimental designs, and techniques for comparing groups, including t-tests and ANOVA (statistical tests to see whether differences between group responses are significant). You’ll also develop practical skills in IBM SPSS Statistics (a statistical analysis platform that helps experts extract reliable insights from data). This will help you analyse data and report findings in APA style (a set of guidelines for how to write and format documents in the behavioural and social sciences). 

Assessment example: Prepare a structured quantitative mock research proposal following a provided template. This proposal should be grounded in any theoretical topic covered in the Introduction to Psychology module.   

This module examines how psychological theory and research inform health and wellbeing. You’ll explore biopsychosocial models, behaviour change theories, and qualitative approaches to health. This will foster your confidence in designing and evaluating theory-based health interventions. 

Assessment example: Identify a health problem that may be an interesting topic for behaviour change. In a 3-minute pitch, communicate your idea for a targeted health improvement intervention. The idea must be backed by health psychology theory. 

This module introduces quantitative and qualitative approaches to psychological research. You’ll explore questionnaire design, preregistration, correlational and regression analyses in IBM SPSS Statistics (a statistical analysis platform that helps experts extract reliable insights from data), and qualitative methods such as thematic and discourse analysis. On completion of this module, you’ll be able to test hypotheses and report findings in APA format (a set of guidelines for how to write and format documents in the behavioural and social sciences). 

Assessment example: Work in a group to measure a human behavioural trait or tendency. Pick three predictor variables from a list. Submit a preregistration document that describes the scale and prediction for correlation between your group variable and each predictor variable. For each correlation, do you predict the correlation will be significantly positive, negative, or not significant? 

This module introduces adult psychopathology and evidence-based psychological interventions. You’ll explore diagnostic classification, theoretical models of mental disorders, and treatments like cognitive behavioural therapy. This will help you understand how theory and evidence inform clinical practice. 

Assessment example: Create a leaflet that informs patients about depression. Your leaflet should be written in plain English and explain key characteristics/diagnostic criteria. It should outline how depression can be explained or understood and what the key treatment approaches are.   

This module explores the foundations of personality psychology and social influence. You’ll examine contemporary trait models and principles of psychometric measurement. You’ll also look at how attitudes, persuasion, and group dynamics shape behaviour at individual and collective levels. This will help you apply personality and social psychology principles to real-world contexts. 

Assessment example: Identify three personality dispositions and three social dynamics independently or from an available list. Develop three hypotheses about how pairs of dispositions and dynamics combine to predict some other outcome of interest. All hypotheses must be justified as plausible based on theoretical reasons or empirical evidence. 

This module examines the biological and cognitive foundations of behaviour. You’ll explore genetic, neural, and hormonal influences alongside core cognitive processes such as learning, memory, perception, and attention. On completion of this module, you’ll understand how biological systems underpin psychological functioning. 

Assessment example: Write an essay of up to 2000 words integrating what we know about the genetic, hormonal and neurological underpinnings of a cognitive process or behaviour (e.g., sensation, perception, attention, search, object recognition). 

This module explores human development across the lifespan, from infancy to old age. You’ll examine physical, cognitive, socio-emotional, and language development using key theories and research. This will help you understand developmental change across life stages. 

Assessment example: Write an 800-word PEEL-structured critical analysis of a developmental psychology study, evaluating its methods, findings, and contribution. Then submit a reflective commentary (up to 800 words) explaining how you used and critically engaged with GenAI, alongside the required GenAI Declaration Form. 

This module guides you through the full research process in psychology. Across 32 weeks, you’ll gain extensive training in topics such as forming an informed research question, ethical considerations in research, and guidance interpreting statistical analysis. You’ll also work with a research advisor to develop a research question, design and preregister a study, and collect and analyse data.  

You’ll then communicate your findings in a conference-style presentation and APA-format research paper. This is your chance to conduct a new piece of research and demonstrate your independent research skills on a topic that matters to you. 

Assessment example: Submit a 5000-word Research Paper, formatted in line with the most recent APA-guidelines (7th) and adhering to the author guidelines of the fictional “Journal of Southampton School of Psychology” (JSSP). A template will be provided.  

To join the course, you’ll need: 

• a minimum of a 2:2 class degree in any subject, equivalent to a UK bachelor’s degree; or  
• a minimum of a third-class degree in any subject, equivalent to a UK bachelor’s degree; and a minimum of 2 years’ employment in a recognised graduate role 

The assessment of the employment in a recognised graduate role and any specific responsibilities will be evidenced by your submission of: 

• a current detailed CV highlighting relevant employment in a recognised graduate role 
• a professional reference 
• a personal statement of around 300-500 words explaining your interest in the programme of study, how it fits with your career aspirations, and how the experience detailed in your CV has so far developed the skillset required to be a successful student at Level 7 

In your personal statement, highlight examples that demonstrate your abilities in:  

• time management 
• organisation 
• communication 
• teamwork 
• personal responsibility 
• critical thinking 
• problem-solving 

If you don’t meet the standard academic requirements, don’t worry. We review applications on a case-by-case basis and will assess whether your background and experience are suitable for this course.  

We would strongly recommend holding:    

• a degree in any subject, equivalent to a UK bachelor’s degree 
• additional relevant professional interests, experience or qualifications 

All non-standard applicants must submit: 

• a detailed CV highlighting your relevant professional and personal experiences 
• a personal statement of around 300–500 words explaining your interest in the programme of study, how it fits with your career aspirations, and how the experience detailed in your CV has so far developed the skillset required to be a successful student at Level 7 
• A reference will also be required, although the type of reference will depend on what evidence you are providing to be considered for entry.  

For example: 

• if you’re relying on professional experience, a professional reference may be requested 
• if you don’t have the required work experience, a personal or character reference may be accepted 

In your personal statement, highlight examples that demonstrate your abilities in:  

• time management 
• organisation 
• communication 
• teamwork 
• personal responsibility 
• critical thinking 
• problem-solving 

You’ll need to provide evidence of your English language ability equivalent to an IELTS (academic) score of 6.5. All components should have a minimum score of 6.0. For non-IELTS equivalents of this score, please refer to the table below:

Please note that you will not need to provide evidence of English language ability if:

• You’re a national of, or have completed a qualification equivalent to a UK degree in, one of the countries recognised for English language proficiency. Please contact our adviser team to confirm if your country qualifies.
• You can demonstrate that you’ve worked professionally in English for at least 2 years. In this case, a professional reference letter will be required.
• You have completed an undergraduate degree taught and assessed in English up to 2 years preceding the date of first enrolment at the University of Southampton. In the case of degrees taught by two or more partner institutions of which only one is taught and assessed in English, you must demonstrate that a minimum of 2 years have been taught and assessed in English.
• You have been awarded a degree that was fully taught and assessed in English between two and five years prior to the date of first enrolment at the University and can demonstrate that you’ve worked professionally in English for a minimum of 12 months in the last two years. In this case, a professional reference letter will be required.