MSc by Research in Psychology
The MSc by Research in Psychology, within the Faculty of Social and Applied Sciences, aims to develop researchers who are conceptually aware, who can utilise a range of skills and methods, and who can practise and develop their own research capabilities, and disseminate that research in a meaningful way.
Programme structure
20% Alumni discount
UK and EU Christ Church alumni are eligible for a 20% discount on self-funded Postgraduate Taught Masters and Masters by Research.
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he MSc by Research draws students from a number of disciplines. The taught modules explore those philosophical, epistemological and methodological questions that are common to all research and allow for interdisciplinary discussion, exchange and insight. After these taught modules, students will then undertake an individual research project that will take the form of a dissertation or other research output agreed with their supervisor (e.g. two journal articles).
Full-time students will have 8 months to complete their research, while part-time students will have 20 months to complete. Upon successful completion of the Research Project students will be awarded an MSc by Research in Psychology.
Key features of the programme
All members of the Psychology team are research active and many are involved in research projects with external partners (e.g. schools, charities, BBC), as well as national and international collaborations. We employ quantitative, qualitative and mixed methods, which allows us to engage with, and supervise, a wide range of projects. As well as conducting research in applied settings, we also run studies from our psychology lab suite, which includes state-of-the-art facilities such as observation room, eye tracking and EEG, all under the supervision of our dedicated psychology technician.
Research areas
Our research is concerned with social and cognitive development in children and adolescents. In particular, we are interested in children’s learning and development in their social context.
Themes of work within the group include:
- Parental scaffolding behaviour and home learning.
- Prosocial helping and bystander behaviour.
- Cyberbullying.
- Young children and technology.
- Achievement motivation and peer collaboration.
Read more about our Learning and Development research.
This theme brings together a range of academics with applied and practice-focused research interests across a wide range of psychological areas.
Although diverse in specific research topics, members of the group share an interest in the following overarching themes:
- Attitudes, experiences and behaviours of people in real and particular social groups, e.g. migrants, adolescents, audiences.
- The cultural and societal context of these processes, including public discourse and the mass media.
- Developing theory and knowledge in an applied context with real and a priori groups.
- Critical, qualitative, and mixed-methods psychology.
- Sustainability, including public reactions to environmental policy; attitudes and engagement; discourses surrounding environmental issues.
Read more about our Society and Environment research.
Thinking and creativity play a major role in everyday life. Whether in business, healthcare the media, science or education, thinking and creativity are a key to success. Research conducted by the members of the group includes:
- Techniques used to enhance creative problem solving.
- Creative writing ability.
- How personality influences musical creativity.
- The interpretation of art.
Read more about our Creativity and Cognition research.
This research theme brings together a range of academics with research interests across a wide range of psychological areas that are broadly related to the areas of health and well-being.
Research conducted by members of the group covers a wide range of topics including:
- Well-being and anxiety in musicians and arts performers.
- The influence of the environment on well-being.
- The integration of the environment into therapeutic contexts.
- The potential for intention and energy centres to enhance health and well-being.
- Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and psychological flexibility.
Read more about our Health and Wellbeing research.
Supervisors
How to apply
Before you begin your application you will need to consult with the relevant academic to help determine a viable research project. Once you have contacted a supervisor, you will need to complete the following application information form.
Once completed, please start your full application online. You will be required to upload your application information form during the online application.
For further information, please read our guidance on how to apply online.
About Psychology
By joining the Faculty MSc by Research in Psychology you will join a vibrant community of staff, undergraduate and postgraduate students. Psychology is one of the most diverse and fascinating subjects. We have an equally diverse team of research-active staff working at the forefront of their research areas, who will challenge, inspire and support you in your chosen career path.