MA Migration Studies
The MA in Migration and Refugee Studies at Sussex is a one-year full-time or two-year p...
MRes Psychological Methods
Falmer
INTAKE: September
Program Overview
The MRes Psychological Methods program at the University of Sussex is designed to provide students with an in-depth understanding of the key methods and techniques used in psychological research. This research-focused program emphasizes the development of critical skills in research design, data collection, and statistical analysis. Students are trained to apply these methods in real-world psychological research, making them well-prepared for a variety of research roles in academia, industry, or public health. The program offers a solid foundation for students who wish to pursue a PhD or engage in high-level psychological research.
Curriculum: The curriculum of the MRes Psychological Methods program integrates both theoretical knowledge and practical application of psychological research methods. Core modules cover key topics such as experimental design, advanced statistical analysis, qualitative research methods, and the ethical considerations in psychological research. Students are trained in the use of modern software tools for data analysis and learn how to critically assess existing psychological research. The program also includes opportunities for students to undertake independent research projects, allowing them to apply the techniques learned in a real-world setting. A significant component of the curriculum is the dissertation, where students conduct a major research project under the supervision of faculty, contributing original findings to the field.
Research Focus: The research focus of the MRes Psychological Methods program at Sussex is centered on the application of innovative research methodologies to answer pressing psychological questions. The university’s faculty conducts cutting-edge research across various areas of psychology, including cognitive psychology, clinical psychology, social psychology, and neuropsychology. Students in the program are encouraged to engage with ongoing research projects and contribute to advancing the field through their own studies. Sussex is known for its strong emphasis on interdisciplinary research, offering students the opportunity to collaborate with experts from related fields such as neuroscience, education, and behavioral science. The research environment at Sussex is designed to foster critical thinking and intellectual curiosity, enabling students to push the boundaries of psychological inquiry.
Industry Engagement: The MRes Psychological Methods program at Sussex has strong connections with both academic and industry partners, providing students with opportunities to engage with real-world psychological research. The university collaborates with various healthcare organizations, research institutes, and commercial entities to apply psychological research in practical settings. Students benefit from these industry ties through placements, internships, and collaborative projects that allow them to gain experience in applied research. Additionally, the program's emphasis on methodological rigor ensures that students are well-equipped to meet the needs of industries that require high-level research skills, such as healthcare, education, marketing, and technology.
Global Perspective: The University of Sussex prides itself on offering a global perspective in its MRes Psychological Methods program. The program attracts students from around the world, creating a diverse and dynamic learning environment. The research conducted at Sussex addresses global challenges in psychology, including mental health issues, cognitive development, and social behavior. Students have the opportunity to engage with international research projects and are encouraged to consider the global implications of their work. The program’s focus on international methodologies and cross-cultural research prepares graduates to work in global settings, whether in international organizations, multinational companies, or academia.
Location
Falmer
Score
IELTS 7
Tuition Fee
£ 25000
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Academic Qualifications: Applicants should have successfully completed a bachelor's degree or its equivalent from a recognized institution with a minimum overall score of 65% or equivalent.
English language proficiency:
- IELTS: A minimum overall score of 6.5 or 7.0 with no individual component below 6.0.
- TOEFL: A minimum overall score of 95.
- PTE Academic: A minimum overall score of 67.
- Some postgraduate programs may have specific subject prerequisites or additional requirements.
The University of Sussex offers a range of scholarships and financial support for international students to help make studying in the UK more accessible. These scholarships recognize academic excellence, support for underrepresented groups, and the ambition to help students thrive in their studies.
Sussex International Scholarships: The University offers a range of scholarships specifically for international students, including the Sussex Excellence Scholarships.These awards typically cover a portion of the tuition fees and are available for students pursuing undergraduate or postgraduate degrees.
Postgraduate Scholarships: International postgraduate students can benefit from the Sussex Graduate Scholarship, which provides a discount on tuition fees for eligible students with strong academic records.This scholarship is available for a variety of postgraduate programs and is aimed at supporting students who wish to advance their studies in the UK.
Chevening Scholarships: The University of Sussex is a partner in the Chevening Scholarship program, which is the UK government’s global scholarship program.Chevening Scholarships are awarded to outstanding individuals from around the world who wish to pursue postgraduate studies in the UK.
Erasmus Mundus Scholarships: The University of Sussex is involved in several Erasmus Mundus programs, offering scholarships for international students from EU and non-EU countries.These scholarships support students pursuing joint Master’s degrees across European universities.
Specific Country Scholarships: The University also offers country-specific scholarships for students from particular regions, such as Africa, India, and China.These awards are often designed to make studying at Sussex more accessible for students from those regions.
Graduates of the MRes Psychological Methods program at the University of Sussex are equipped with a range of highly valuable skills, including advanced research techniques, critical thinking, and expertise in statistical analysis. These skills open doors to diverse career opportunities in both academic and professional settings.
Academic Researcher (PhD Candidate): Many graduates of the MRes Psychological Methods program choose to continue their academic journey by pursuing a PhD in psychology or a related field. The program provides an excellent foundation for doctoral studies, allowing students to develop the skills necessary to design and conduct independent research. PhD candidates can contribute to the advancement of psychological knowledge in various areas such as cognitive psychology, clinical psychology, social psychology, and neuroscience. A PhD can lead to roles as a university professor or researcher in academic institutions.
Psychological Researcher (Applied or Clinical Settings): Graduates with a background in psychological research are highly sought after in applied psychology and clinical settings. As a psychological researcher, individuals may work within hospitals, mental health organizations, or research institutions. In this role, they design and conduct studies to better understand psychological conditions, mental health treatments, cognitive behaviors, and other aspects of human behavior. They may collaborate with clinicians, healthcare providers, or policymakers to implement evidence-based practices and interventions.
Data Analyst: The advanced statistical and research design skills developed during the MRes Psychological Methods program are highly transferable to data analyst roles across various industries. Graduates can work as data analysts in sectors such as healthcare, market research, government, or technology. In these roles, they apply their research methods expertise to collect, analyze, and interpret data, helping organizations make data-driven decisions. This is especially relevant in industries where consumer behavior, mental health, or social science research is critical.
Market Research Analyst: Psychological research skills are valuable in the field of market research. Graduates of the MRes Psychological Methods program can pursue careers as market research analysts, where they use advanced research methods to gather and analyze data on consumer behavior, preferences, and trends. These professionals provide valuable insights to businesses looking to improve their products, services, or marketing strategies. Market research analysts work in a wide range of industries, including retail, advertising, and technology.
Human Resources (HR) Specialist: The research and analytical skills acquired in the MRes Psychological Methods program can also be applied in human resources, particularly in roles related to employee behavior, performance, and organizational development. Graduates can work as HR specialists, using psychological research methods to improve recruitment processes, design employee training programs, and assess organizational effectiveness. They may also conduct research into employee well-being, motivation, and job satisfaction to improve workplace dynamics.
Health and Social Care Researcher: Graduates of the MRes Psychological Methods program can pursue careers in health and social care research, focusing on the application of psychology in healthcare settings. They may work for research institutions, healthcare providers, or public health organizations to design studies, evaluate interventions, and contribute to evidence-based policy development. This role often involves studying the psychological aspects of health behaviors, chronic illness, and treatment outcomes to improve patient care.
Policy Advisor/Analyst (Social and Behavioral Policy): Many MRes graduates move into roles as policy advisors or analysts, where they apply their research skills to influence public policy. In this career, graduates use psychological research to inform decisions in areas such as education, healthcare, social services, and criminal justice. They may work for government agencies, non-profit organizations, or think tanks, contributing to the development of evidence-based policies that address pressing social issues.
Educational Psychologist: For those interested in the education sector, the MRes Psychological Methods program can serve as a stepping stone toward a career as an educational psychologist. In this role, graduates apply psychological research methods to understand how students learn and develop. They work with schools, educational institutions, and governmental organizations to assess and improve educational practices, support students with learning difficulties, and develop interventions that enhance the learning environment.
Consultant in Psychology or Research Methods: Graduates may also choose to work as independent consultants, offering their expertise in psychological research and methods to various organizations. Consultants are hired to provide insight and recommendations on research design, data analysis, and research methodology. These professionals may work with academic institutions, private companies, or public sector organizations to improve research practices and implement evidence-based strategies.
Neuropsychologist or Cognitive Researcher: For those interested in brain function and cognition, pursuing a career as a neuropsychologist or cognitive researcher is a viable option. Graduates of the MRes Psychological Methods program who specialize in neuroscience can work in clinical, academic, or research environments to explore how brain processes influence behavior, cognition, and psychological conditions. These professionals often collaborate with neurologists and medical researchers to improve diagnostic and therapeutic methods for neurological disorders.
Social and Behavioral Scientist: Graduates may also work as social scientists, conducting research to better understand human behavior in social contexts. Social scientists design studies to explore topics such as group dynamics, behavior change, social influence, and cultural impacts on psychology. These roles can be found in academic settings, research institutions, or government agencies focused on public policy and social welfare.
