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Harley McIntosh
‘The course is very intense yet rewarding. It covers such a broad spectrum of psychology. I have been constantly challenged to develop new skills and hone my research techniques.’ Harley McIntosh
Overview
This is the part-time version of the MSc in Psychology. For the full-time programme, please visit this page.
Why do we behave the way we do? What predicts our behaviour? And how can we study behaviour scientifically? Our MSc in Psychology attempts to answer these questions using the scientific method.
This programme is designed for graduates who want to convert their existing degree into a recognised psychology qualification, for people looking to change career, or for anyone with an interest in the science of behaviour.
The programme is accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS) and therefore confers Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (GBC).
It covers the major branches of psychology. This includes:
- Biological psychology
- Cognitive psychology
- Conceptual and historical issues
- Developmental psychology
- Individual differences
- Research methods
- Social psychology
It also provides a series of electives including cultural psychology, the psychology of motivation, the psychology of humour, occupational psychology and the psychology of religion and belief which are offered subject to demand. The programme also offers an opportunity to study a foreign language in the second term.
You will also learn a range of research skills, such as:
- Communicating findings
- Conducting laboratory experiments
- Designing studies
- Evaluating evidence
- Statistical analysis
You will have access to a dedicated psychology laboratory and testing cubicles and to specialist equipment which will enable you to carry out eye-tracking, and record brain electrical activity, heart rate, pulmonary response, blood pressure and olfactory testing.
Structure
This two-year, part-time MSc is divided into three terms of 12 weeks per year. There are formal University examination and assessment periods at the end of term 1 (January) and term 2 (May) and a resit examination period during the summer (July). There are other module-specific assessment points throughout the term (where you will be submitting coursework or making a group presentation, for example). You will submit your dissertation at the end of term 3 (September) in your second year of study.
Year 1
| Module Title | Overview |
|---|---|
| Biological Psychology | This module will give you a grounding in, and understanding of, the biological basis of behaviour. You will be introduced to the central nervous system and its functions, such as how nerve cells communicate and the role of the brain in behaviours such as sensation, perception, emotional recognition and expression, decision-making and others. You will also learn about the methods used by biological psychologists to understand these functions. The module will critically examine the relationship between biological processes and structures and behaviour. There will also be a practical psychophysiology component to this module. |
| Conceptual and Historical Issues in Psychology | This module focuses on the history of psychology and its emergence as an independent discipline in the nineteenth century. You’ll be introduced to a range of key conceptual areas of debate, which will encourage you to engage in discussions and consider opposing views in relation to key areas of conceptual debate within psychology. |
| Research Methods 1 | This module introduces research methods in psychology. It will train you how to evaluate, design, conduct and report independent research specific to psychology. The aim is to acquaint you with different areas and methods of conducting research and give you the basic statistics and research skills to apply and evaluate statistical, empirical and qualitative procedure at a beginner’s level. It will also introduce you to terminology and theory, as well as lab report procedure and format. |
| Research Methods 2 | This module builds on the content from Research Methods 1. It aims to hone the skills you already have and build new ones through lectures, practical classes and group work. The module will also introduce you to more advanced quantitative and qualitative analysis. |
Year 2
| Module Title | Overview |
|---|---|
| Cognitive Psychology | The module will introduce you to the abstract mental processes involved in human behaviours and abilities. You will be guided through human cognition from the principles of perception through to attention, learning and memory, and then onto higher order issues such as consciousness and thinking. |
| Developmental Psychology | Developmental psychology is an important field, which explores all types of human development. It examines how factors such as biological growth and environmental influences can impact upon human development. You will explore all aspects of human development from conception through to the school years into adolescence and early adulthood. It will focus on the development of the brain, cognitive abilities, social skills, gender and identity, and emotional development. |
| Individual Differences and Social Psychology | This module will focus on, and distinguish between, the overarching social approach and the role of individual differences and variation in social processes. It familiarises you with core concepts and theory relating to group processes as well as psychology of the individual within the greater social context. This module will also cover a broad view of different personality theories including trait theory and humanistic and psychodynamic approaches. |
| Research Methods 3 and Dissertation | This module comprises of a research project that incorporates all the skills you have learnt from Research Methods 1 and 2. It is a substantial piece of independent empirical work focused on a research topic of your choice. All research projects are supervised by specific members of staff who has a specialist expertise in your chosen area. You will begin by thinking of potential research ideas in Term 1, with the aim of submitting an application for ethical approval in Term 2. The module also includes a taught component, which introduces you to advanced research methods, including several more advanced statistical techniques. |
| Optional Module* | You will be able to choose one of the optional modules from the list below. |
Optional Modules*
*All optional modules run subject to availability, staffing and student demand.
| Module Title | Overview |
|---|---|
| Consumer Psychology | Why do people buy and consume what they do? What informs or influences their choices? This module introduces you to consumer behaviour and the psychological methods, principles and theories used to influence it. You will consider a variety of motivational and possible causal factors, including personality, social influence, neurobiology, and sensory and perceptual properties. |
| Cross-Cultural Psychology | This module introduces you to the major areas of cross-cultural variation in behaviour and thinking, as well as the methodologies used to uncover them. You will explore the issues related to universality and cultural variability in behaviour, emotion, perception, cognition, motivation, identity, and relationships. You will also examine the importance of a cultural, social and communicative contexts and gain a better understanding of how psychological processes and perceptions may differ across cultures. |
| Occupational Psychology | This module aims to develop your awareness of the role of occupational psychologists in modern-day organisational life. The module will examine the life cycle of an employee from entry to exit, considering some of the broader organisational issues that impact upon the employment relationship. In this optional module, you will critically evaluate the theories which have been offered to explain human behaviour in organisations by examining psychological principles in the workplace. |
| Psychology of Motivation | What motivates us to act and think in certain ways? It is believed that complex human behaviour a result of a motivation, but other forces can also influence it too. In this module, you will not only learn about biological, social and cognitive theories of motivation and emotion, but also apply this knowledge to a variety of complex human motivations of interest. |
| Psychopathology | Psychopathology is the study of mental disorders and maladaptive behaviours. It examines the causal processes, the role of psychological mechanisms, and the continuities and discontinuities between typical and atypical behaviours. You’ll be introduced to current research, theories, and treatments of mental disorders, with a particular focus on mental health in childhood, adolescence and adulthood. You will examine both the symptoms and classifications of mental disorders as well as therapies and diagnoses. |
| Language Module | This module gives you the opportunity to learn a language and how it’s used in a professional context. You will have the choice of Mandarin Chinese, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Russian and Spanish. |
How to apply
Applying to study at Regent's University London is quick and easy. We have put together some helpful information to guide you through the process. We accept direct applications and there is no application fee.
Not received your results yet?
That's fine, you can still apply even without your exam results. We can issue a conditional offer without your results. You just need be clear in your application which qualifications you are currently studying for.
Application deadlines
September 2020
Early deadline: Wednesday 11 December 2019.
Priority deadline: Wednesday 15 January 2020.
Late deadline: Wednesday 25 March 2020.
Extended deadline: Wednesday 10 June 2020.
Click here to find out more about application deadlines.
Step 1: Apply
You can apply in the following ways:
- Apply for online
- Apply using the paper application form
If you have not uploaded the relevant supporting documents during the online application process, you should ensure that we have the below supporting documents as soon as you have completed your application. These can be sent to the Regent’s Admissions Department via email to [email protected].
- Copies of academic transcripts and certificates from all university studies (i.e. undergraduate degree)
- Proof of your GCSE Mathematics graded A-C/9-4 (ie GCSE Certificate), or international equivalent
- One letter of academic recommendation
- A copy of your CV/resumé showing your work experience, if applicable
- A 500-700 word personal statement outlining the reasons for applying to your chosen programme, how you feel you will benefit from the programme of study, what contributions you will make to the university and how this will help your future career aspirations.
- A copy of your passport photograph (ID) page
- If you are not a native English speaker, proof of your English proficiency
Step 2: Receive a response to your application
You can expect to receive a decision on your application within 10 working days of receipt of your completed application and supporting documents.
We will assess whether you meet our entry requirements and will notify you of the decision via email.
Step 3: Accepting your offer
If you wish to accept the offer, please pay the advance tuition fee deposit (non-refundable) to confirm your place.
Please see here for information on how to pay.
Step 4: After you have accepted your place
Closer to the start of the term the Admissions Team will send information regarding the registration process. This will include information on completing your online enrolment prior to your arrival as well as a checklist of documents you will need to bring with you to fully register onto the programme.
Information for international students
If you are an overseas student requiring visa sponsorship to study in the UK, our team will be in touch with information on applying for your student visa and the documents you will need. More information can be found on our visas and immigration page.
Scholarships and funding
There are a wide variety of funding and scholarship opportunities to help you finance your studies.
For further information, please visit our scholarships and funding page.
Fees
Annual tuition fee
Starting September 2020: £15,000
The fee for the part-time MSc Psychology is paid in two equal instalments of £7,500 each over the first two terms of the first year.
Non-refundable advance deposit
Home/EU students: £1,000
Non-EU students: £4,000
Non-EU students in receipt of US Federal Loans: £1,000
What do fees include?
Fees cover the cost of all tuition and access to the University’s IT infrastructure and library learning resources.
What other costs should I budget for?
You will need to budget additional funds for accommodation and living expenses, travel, and any additional trips and visits, that you choose to participate in outside of the tuition offered as part of the programme.
The library hold a limited number of copies of core text books and where possible in e-format. You will be encouraged to purchase your own text books and will need to budget approximately £80-£100 per year, depending on your programme of study.
When are fees paid?
Fees are payable in the following instalments:
- An initial non-refundable advance deposit paid when you accept your offer of a place
- The advance deposit is allocated against the first term’s fees
- Tuition fees (including fees for subsequent terms) are due two weeks in advance of classes commencing
Calculating fee increases
- The University sets tuition fees on an annual basis in line with the University's financial year which runs from 1 August to 31 July
- The fees quoted here are for one academic year of study
- Fees for subsequent years of study are subject to fee inflation
- The University aims to keep annual fee increases in line with the University’s cost inflation. The expectation is that this will be no greater than UK consumer price inflation (CPI) plus 3%. There are occasionally variations to this dictated by the costs of running specific programmes or facilities required for our programmes
- As a registered charity, all fee increases are subject to approval of the Trustee Board thus ensuring that affordability for our students remains a primary concern in any decisions regarding fee increases
Teaching and assessment
You will be taught through a combination of:
- Lectures
- Seminars
- Laboratory classes
- One-to-one tutorials
- Independent learning
Contact hours and expected workload
This is an example of the notional learning hours for 20 and 10-credit modules
| 20 credit module - 200 learning hours | 10 credit module - 100 learning hours | |
| Directed learning | 40 hours | 20 hours |
| Lectures | 20 hours | 20 hours |
| Laboratory classes | 20 hours | |
| Self-directed learning | 160 hours | 80 hours |
| Preparation for class | 20 hours | 10 hours |
| Self-study after class | 50 hours | 50 hours |
| Preparation for assessments | 40 hours | 10 hours |
| Assessments | 50 hours | 10 hours |
| Total | 200 | 100 |
This is an example of the notional learning hours for a 60-credit modules (dissertation)
| 60 credit module | 600 learning hours |
| Directed learning | 20 hours |
| Lectures | 20 hours |
| Collaborative Learning | 10 hours |
| Tutorials (1:1 and group) | 10 hours |
| Self-directed learning | 570 hours |
| Preparation for class | 10 hours |
| Self-study after class | 30 hours |
| Preparation for assessment | 380 hours |
| Assessment | 150 hours |
| Total | 600 |
Teaching staff
You will be taught by a team of experienced and well-qualified psychologists. The overall Head of Programmes is Professor G Neil Martin, author of one of the UK’s leading textbooks in Psychology. The Course Leader for the MSc Psychology is Dr Marina Rachitskiy, whose research field is forensic psychology. The programme is taught by additional specialist staff members in Psychology:
- Dr Cristina Costantini
- Dr Kevin Cheng
- Dr Alastair Davies
- Dr Carla Gibbes
- Professor Ken Gilhooly
- Professor G Neil Martin
- Dr Marina Rachitskiy
- Dr Leslie Van der Leer
- Dr Ros Watling
Methods of assessment
You will be assessed through a combination of:
- A 10,000 word dissertation
- Essays
- Examinations
- Group presentations
- Laboratory reports
- Research posters
Disability Support
We welcome and support students with a wide range of disabilities and health concerns. This includes learning difficulties, visual and hearing impairments, mental health difficulties, autism spectrum conditions, mobility difficulties, and temporary or chronic health conditions.
Our dedicated Disability Officer is here to support you. We ask that you speak with Student Registry and our Disability Officer as early as you can to enable us to support you. Find out more about our disability support and contact us.
Entry requirements
Academic Requirements
A Regent’s education provides you with a high level of personal attention, and this begins from the moment you apply to study with us. We want to understand who you are and what your skills and interests may be – we are interested in your potential, as well as your prior achievements. We review each application comprehensively and on its individual merit, considering all of your skills, interests and attributes.
Typically, we will make an offer to a student holding a minimum lower second class (2:2) UK Honours undergraduate degree from a recognised institution and will assess your application for proficiency in Mathematics, asking for a GCSE Mathematics grade A-C / 9-4. Other equivalent international qualifications from recognised institutions will be accepted.
English Language Requirements
We require proof of English Proficiency. For example, we ask for:
- A completed Undergraduate degree studied in English from a majority English speaking country
- IELTS: 6.5 overall, with a minimum of 6.0 in each individual component
This list is not exhaustive, we will review the English qualifications you have as part of your application and be in contact if we require anything further.
For applicants who wish to improve their English language proficiency, please see our English language courses.
Regent's English Password Test (REPT)
For offer holders able to visit us in London, we can provide an on-campus English diagnostic test known as the Regent’s English Password Test (REPT). This test must be arranged in advance. To find out more information and to book a test, please visit the REPT page. Please note, the REPT test will be free of charge until 31 May 2020. From 1 June 2020, there will be a £50 charge to take the REPT test.
Careers
On successful completion of this programme you will be eligible for Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership of the British Psychological Society, which is a requirement for undertaking professional BPS postgraduate training programmes in psychology in the UK (e.g. training to become a clinical or educational or counselling psychologist).
Psychology as a subject is popular with employers across a range of areas from marketing through to civil service.