MSc by Research in Psychology
Full-time
Part-time
One year
Two year
May 2025
In a nutshell
Students on the MSc by Research in Psychology will conduct independent research under the supervision of an academic supervisor within one of the psychology research groups.
Our research groups are committed to advancing the understanding of human behaviour at a theoretical level while translating knowledge into real-world applications and interventions to improve mental health and wellbeing, cognition, and performance. Our research adopts a rigorous approach to studying the human mind, brain, and behaviour with a focus on delivering a positive societal impact. Supported by extensive facilities, our research is centered around the following main themes: Applied Cognition; Neurodiversity; Psychological Health and Wellbeing across the Life Course; and Politics, Policy, and Practice. We are also home to the Autism and Criminal Justice Hub.
You will:
- Join an inclusive, nurturing, and supportive community passionate about psychological research.
- Conduct psychological research that can be applied to real-world problems.
- Develop skills that prepare you for a research career in industry or academia.
- Have access to excellent facilities and laboratories.
- Develop transferable skills sought by charity, public, and private sector employers.
students accepted
All about the course
The MSc by Research in Psychology will enable you to develop valuable skills in conducting research, ethical research practice, data collection, data analysis, open and reproducible science practices, oral and written communication, and scientific writing. You will have access to a wide range of training, supervisory expertise, and excellent research facilities. The research training you receive will be individually tailored to your needs and programme of research. Your supervisory team will discuss this with you once you join the programme.
Find out more about the Doctoral School.
You will be fully immersed within our thriving research community and there is the possibility to transfer to a PhD towards the end of your initial programme of study.
For further information please contact the Programme Leader Dr Robert Bendall: r.c.a.bendall@salford.ac.uk
Please note that it may not be possible to deliver the full list of options every year as this will depend on factors such as how many students choose a particular option. Exact modules may also vary in order to keep content current. When accepting your offer of a place to study on this programme, you should be aware that not all optional modules will be running each year. Your tutor will be able to advise you as to the available options on or before the start of the programme. Whilst the University tries to ensure that you are able to undertake your preferred options, it cannot guarantee this.
Teaching satff
Dr Robert Bendall
Robert is the Programme Leader for the MSc by Research in Psychology, Co-Lead of the Applied Cognition Research Group, and Co-Chair of Salford Open Science and Reproducibility Group. Robert is a Chartered Psychologist (CPsychol, AFBPsS) who conducts research in affective science – an interdisciplinary field seeking to understand affective and emotional processes. Adopting a range of methodological approaches, including behavioural experiments, neuroscientific techniques, and psychometric questionnaires, Robert’s research is currently focused on the following main themes:
- The influence of emotion and affective stimuli on visual attention (e.g., visual search and change detection)
- The impact of individual differences, including emotion regulation and personality traits, on mental health and cognition (e.g., visual attention)
- The relationships between affect, emotion regulation, and sleep
- Cognitive restoration, nature-based interventions, and ecotherapy
Robert welcomes applications from postgraduate research students (MSc by Research and PhD) relating to affective science, emotion regulation, visual attention, sleep, cognitive neuroscience, mental health, cognitive restoration, nature-based interventions, and ecotherapy.
The School of Health and Society
The School of Health and Society is a forward-thinking, dynamic school with a commitment to lifelong learning and real-world impact.
Our courses are informed by the latest research, and we work closely with organisations from both the public and private sector to ensure our teaching is at the forefront of practice. The University has received approval for a new health building on the Frederick Road campus which will create brand new teaching spaces, including new Podiatry spaces. Construction will begin in late 2024, with completion expected by Autumn 2026. This state-of-the-art facility will serve as a health and wellbeing hub, supporting popular healthcare courses and community services. It will feature sustainable design elements and provide modern clinical facilities to enhance student learning and community engagement. Find out more about our new Health Building.
In time community healthcare clinics will also take place there as partnerships are developed to explore research opportunities and to provide a range of therapeutic sessions.
Facilities
You will have access to an extensive range of excellent research facilities. These include dedicated psychological, physiological, and neuroimaging testing suites. Psychology has functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) systems, electroencephalogram (EEG) systems, including an ANT Neuro 64-channel mobile EEG system, transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) system with Brainsight neuronavigation software, several eye-tracking systems, including mobile wearable eye trackers, and Biopac physiological recording systems. We also have an observation suite and testing space for children.
What about after uni?
Our MSc by Research in Psychology degree provides excellent preparation for further academic research study (e.g., PhD). It also equips graduates for postgraduate training in a future career as a professional psychologist (e.g., clinical, forensic, organizational, or educational psychologist) or for a career in charity, public, and private sectors.
In addition to subject-related knowledge, our MSc by Research in Psychology degree provides valuable transferable skills frequently sought by employers, including data analysis and statistics, written and oral communication, data synthesis and critical analysis, teamwork, project management, and time management.
Our MSc students have gained places on prestigious academic training programmes (e.g., Doctorate in Clinical Psychology) and academic positions at world-class universities. Graduates have also secured employment within organizations including BBC, Channel 4, Google, Home Office, HMRC, Deloitte, Barclays, NHS, and Charities Aid Foundation.
What you need to know
Applicant profile
Applicants for the MSc by Research in Psychology come from a variety of backgrounds. Often, applicants can demonstrate some previous research experience (e.g., an undergraduate dissertation) and have a basic knowledge of research methods and either qualitative or quantitative approaches to data analysis. Most applicants will have been awarded an undergraduate degree in psychology or a related discipline such as biology/biological sciences, neuroscience, nursing, social work, criminology, engineering, computer science, or human geography.
Undergraduate degree
A minimum of an upper second class (2:1) undergraduate degree or equivalent in psychology or a related discipline.
English language requirements
If you are an international student and not from a majority English-speaking country, you will need IELTS 7.0 with no element below 6.5. We also accept a range of other English language qualifications.
If you do not have the English language requirements, you could take the Pre-Sessional English course to gain entry onto this degree.
Salford Alternative Entry Scheme (SAES)
We welcome applications from students who may not meet the stated entry criteria but who can demonstrate their ability to pursue the course successfully. Once we have received your application we will assess it and recommend it for SAES if you are an eligible candidate.
There are two different routes through the Salford Alternative Entry Scheme and applicants will be directed to the one appropriate for their course. Assessment will either be through a review of prior learning or through a formal test.
To be considered for the Salford Alternative Entry Scheme you must have already achieved or be working towards GCSE Maths and English Grade C/4 (or equivalent).
How much?
As a postgraduate research student, you will need to pay annual tuition fees. These vary according to the programme you are studying. Both we and other organisations offer a range of scholarships and discounts to postgraduate research students.
More information about fees and funding.
Salford graduates, including those who studied a programme delivered by Robert Kennedy College, are entitled to a 20% discount on programme fees.
You should also consider further costs which may include books, stationery, printing, binding and general subsistence on trips and visits.
| Type of study | Year | Fees |
|---|---|---|
| Full-time home | 2025/26 | £4,786 per year |
| Full-time international | 2025/26 | £16,800 per year |
| Part-time | 2025/26 | £2,395 (Home) |
Additional costs
You should consider further costs which may include books, stationery, printing, binding and general subsistence on residential travel and accommodation visits.
Scholarships for international students
If you are a high-achieving international student, you may be eligible for one of our scholarships. Explore our International Scholarships.
All set? Let's apply
Still have some questions? Register for one of our Open Days or contact us:
By email: enquiries@salford.ac.uk
By phone: +44 (0)161 295 4545