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MSc
Psychological Research Methods

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Key Information

Campus

Brayford Pool

Start Date

September 2025

Typical Offer

See More

Duration

1 Year

Part-time

2 Years

Academic Year

Course Overview

The MSc in Psychological Research Methods is intended for students interested in pursuing a research career in psychology and related areas, including those planning to go on to complete a PhD. Students will have the chance to cover a broad range of psychological research methods which could be used to address real-world problems in human behaviour, perception, cognition and emotion.

The programme is also suited to students from a non-psychology background wishing to consider a career in psychology, as the programme is accredited by the British Psychological Society to confer the graduate basis for chartered membership.

The programme is distinctive in its focus on applied research methods and the extent to which it draws upon the unique research interests, expertise, and experience of staff members in the School.

Why Choose Lincoln

Accredited by the British Psychological Society

Research links

Teaching delivered by experts in the field

Opportunities to undertake work experience

YouTube video for Why Choose Lincoln

How You Study

You will study a broad range of research methods in psychology with a focus on quantitative techniques in core modules.

The thesis module enables you to specialise in a particular area of psychology research alongside an academic supervisor of your choice and optional modules such as the advanced internship allow you to gain further in depth experience of specialist areas.

Teaching is predominantly delivered on two days per week for full-time students, with part-time students expected to be mostly present for one day per week. Delivery times are subject to time tabling constraints.

As with all postgraduate level study, the programme also involves a significant proportion of independent study.

You will also be expected to complete research for your thesis, which is a great opportunity to further explore an area of research which is of particular interest to you or aligned to your research goals. Recent topics have ranged from eye tracking studies of face perception and emotion, through to interview-based studies of close personal relationships in the military.

Research

This course has links to the School of Psychology's Perception, Action, and Cognition research group who investigate topics such as face perception, neural plasticity, sleep, and human to dog emotion communication.

a collection of brain scans on display

Modules

              † Some courses may offer optional modules. The availability of optional modules may vary from year to year and will be subject to minimum student numbers being achieved. This means that the availability of specific optional modules cannot be guaranteed. Optional module selection may also be affected by staff availability.

              Advanced Research Methods in Psychology 2025-26PSY9250MLevel 72025-26This module covers basic concepts underlying multivariate analysis, such as factor analysis and multiple regression as well as qualitative data analysis. Students gain an appreciation of advanced statistical procedures and methods via hands on practical experience in computer workshop sessions. By the end of the course students will understand how to select appropriate methodologies in relation to research aims and be able to critically appraise the advantages and limitations of these methodologies in relation to research aims.CoreApplied Neuropsychology 2025-26PSY9216MLevel 72025-26This module is designed to examine the implications of neuropsychological research and theory for practice across a broad spectrum of problems presented by individuals with cognitive disorders. Students can learn how the application of neuropsychological approaches and techniques guide assessment, diagnosis and treatment of a range of neurological and neurodegenerative conditions. Where appropriate, the cognitive status of real-life patients with brain disorders can be examined. This module may be of particular interest to those students intending to pursue a career in applied areas of psychology, health related occupational professions, or research involving neuropsychological populations.CoreBrain, Behaviour and Lifespan Development 2025-26PSY9249MLevel 72025-26Using a combination of lectures and interactive seminars, this module will focus on the development of the brain from birth through to adulthood and later life. Contemporary research addressing how environmental and genetic factors influence the brain and behaviour will be appraised allowing students to apply a systematic approach to critically evaluate new scientific evidence in the field of Developmental Psychology.CoreEvolution and Human Social Behaviour 2025-26PSY9247MLevel 72025-26This module will introduce evolutionary theory and how it can be applied to psychology. It will focus on the major topics within the field, such as natural selection and human evolutionary history, sexual selection, mating strategies, biological bases of attractiveness , altruism, social cognition, and biological signals. Additionally, time will be spent covering the history of evolutionary theory.CoreFrom the Lab to the Real World: Psychology Research in Practice 2025-26PSY9226MLevel 72025-26The module focuses on the illustration and application of psychological research for tackling real-world societal problems. Sessions in this module will typically be delivered by different guest speakers who will present discussions and activities based on their own experiences of applied research. Sessions will cover both the theoretical understanding of applied research, and the practical challenges involved.CoreMSc Thesis 2025-26PSY9008MLevel 72025-26The thesis is designed to allow students to explore their interests in a specific area of research in more detail. It provides the opportunity to design, implement, analyse, and write-up a substantial piece of empirical work.CorePostgraduate Psychology Tutorial 2025-26PSY9244MLevel 72025-26CoreResearch Methods in Perception and Cognition 2025-26PSY9221MLevel 72025-26The aim of the module is to give students hands on experience of the methodologies used in perception and cognition research. The module introduces a range of commonly used methods, typically including cognitive psychology, electrophysiology and neurostimulation. Essential skills required to create and run laboratory based experiments in psychology will be covered in workshop sessions. Overall, the module aims to widen students’ understanding and appreciation of the main principles of how research methods are applied in basic science.CoreResearch Methods in Psychology 2025-26PSY9251MLevel 72025-26The module will discuss a range of research methods and skills used in psychological research including a broad coverage of different statistical techniques in psychology. The module will discuss research designs, data preparation, data analysis, and dissemination. Both quantitative and qualitative research methods and skills will be covered.CoreAdvanced Research Internship 2025-26PSY9217MLevel 72025-26As part of this module students have the opportunity to learn about a specific area of research undertaken by a member of staff. This typically involves learning about a member of staff's research publications, research support structures (e.g., grant applications and/or lab work), data collection and data analysis methods, and research dissemination activities (e.g., conferences submission, peer review submission of work). Students can only choose this option if an appropriate member of staff has been identified and has agreed to supervise the applied research work. Students are typically involved in literature review work, data collection, data analysis and other work related to the specific research interests of the member of staff. The aim of this optional module is for a student to be immersed and engaged in a specific area of research, and to have the chance to carry out pilot research work in this area.OptionalAdvanced Topics in Developmental Psychology 2025-26PSY9227MLevel 72025-26The focus of this module is on recent research and current applications in development. Taking a topical approach, this module discusses child and adolescent development in relation to contexts and correlates of typical and atypical development, developmental problems and applications. Topics may include specific developmental problems and/or disorders, problems and transitions in adolescence, context-based problems, and interventions.OptionalWork Experience 2025-26PSY9270MLevel 72025-26The University has a strong commitment to providing academic programmes with public and private sector employers through student work placements. A work placement is a three way co-operative activity between employer, student and University from which all parties are expected to benefit. This module provides students with the opportunity to enhance their practical and transferable skills while gaining insight in how to use the theories and methods learned in their masters programme in a work environment. By linking academic experience to the world of work students also have the opportunity to reflect on possible career pathways and on how to apply psychological perspectives to future workplaces.Optional

              What You Need to Know

              We want you to have all the information you need to make an informed decision on where and what you want to study. In addition to the information provided on this course page, our What You Need to Know page offers explanations on key topics including programme validation/revalidation, additional costs, contact hours, and our return to face-to-face teaching.

              British Psychological Society

              This programme is accredited with the British Psychological Society (BPS) and for those with BPS Graduate Basis of Chartership (GBC), acts as Stage 1 training towards becoming a Chartered Forensic Psychologist.

              A drawing of someone kneeling with The British Psychological Society written next to it

              Facilities

              The Sarah Swift Building is the home of the School of Psychology, and the building houses specialist teaching and research spaces, as well as general teaching and learning facilities for the wider University. The School of Psychology's research facilities include a sleep lab, Lincoln Infant and Child Development Lab, a motor lab, an imagination and decision lab, an eye tracking lab, an EEG lab, and a TMS lab, as well as many other general purpose lab facilities.

              A student sat with their head on an eye tracking machine

              How you are assessed

              Assessments vary from research proposals, to research reports, essays, and presentations.

              The University of Lincoln's policy on assessment feedback aims to ensure that academics will return in-course assessments to students promptly - usually within 15 working days of the submission date.

              Career Development

              Postgraduate study is an investment in yourself and your future. It can help you to further or completely change your career, develop your knowledge, enhance your salary, or even prepare you to start your own business. This programme is particularly suited to you if you are considering completing a PhD in psychology or working in psychological research.

              The course can also provide you with the chance to learn fundamental analytical, organisational, and presentational skills which could be applied across a range of careers.

              Why Postgraduate Study?  

              I loved that various topics were taught by experts in the field and teaching was based on direct experience. As an international student I received extra support from my tutor, which helped me adjust academically and complete my assessments on time. The course gave me more confidence in writing, as well as an appreciation of critical thinking and ethics in research. Overall, the Psychological Research Methods course was a great experience.

              Nenpan Gowon

              MSc Psychological Research Methods

              How to Apply

              Postgraduate Application Support

              Applying for a postgraduate programme at Lincoln is easy. Find out more about the application process and what you'll need to complete on our How to Apply page. Here, you'll also be able to find out more about the entry requirements we accept and how to contact us for dedicated support during the process.

              A student listening in a seminar

              Entry Requirements 2025-26

              Entry Requirements

              The admissions criteria for the programme are a minimum 2:2 undergraduate degree and the equivalent to a C in GCSE maths. Applicants with non-standard entry requirements will also be considered, including those with relevant experience (for example, mature students with work experience). These applicants will be requested for additional information to assess their aptitude for the programme and are invited for interview.

              Applicants may be interviewed before they are accepted on the course, to make sure that they are suitable for the course. Students can study this programme either full-time (one year), or part-time (normally two years).

              If you have studied outside of the UK, and are unsure whether your qualification meets the above requirements, please visit our country pages for information on equivalent qualifications:


              https://www.lincoln.ac.uk/studywithus/internationalstudents/entryrequirementsandyourcountry/ for information on equivalent qualifications.


              Overseas students will be required to demonstrate English language proficiency equivalent to IELTS 6.0 overall, with a minimum of 5.5 in each element. For information regarding other English language qualifications we accept, please visit the English Requirements page:

              https://www.lincoln.ac.uk/studywithus/internationalstudents/englishlanguagerequirementsandsupport/englishlanguagerequirements/


              If you do not meet the above IELTS requirements, you may be able to take part in one of our Pre-session English and Academic Study Skills courses. These specialist courses are designed to help students meet the English language requirements for their intended programme of study.


              https://www.lincoln.ac.uk/studywithus/internationalstudents/englishlanguagerequirementsandsupport/pre-sessionalenglishandacademicstudyskills/

              Course Fees

              You will need to have funding in place for your studies before you arrive at the University. Our fees vary depending on the course, mode of study, and whether you are a UK or international student. You can view the breakdown of fees for this programme below.

              Course Fees

              The University offers a range of merit-based, subject-specific, and country-focused scholarships for UK and international students. To help support students from outside of the UK, we offer a number of international scholarships which range from £1,000 up to the value of 50 per cent of tuition fees. For full details and information about eligibility, visit our scholarships and bursaries pages.

              Course -Specific Additional Costs

              For each course you may find that there are additional costs. These may be with regard to the specific clothing, materials or equipment required, depending on your course. Some courses provide opportunities for you to undertake field work or field trips. Where these are compulsory, the cost for the travel, accommodation and your meals may be covered by the University and so is included in your fee. Where these are optional you will normally (unless stated otherwise) be required to pay your own transportation, accommodation and meal costs.

              With regards to text books, the University provides students who enrol with a comprehensive reading list and you will find that our extensive library holds either material or virtual versions of the core texts that you are required to read. However, you may prefer to purchase some of these for yourself and you will be responsible for this cost.

              Funding Your Study

              Postgraduate Funding Options

              Find out more about the optional available to support your postgraduate study, from Master's Loans to scholarship opportunities. You can also find out more about how to pay your fees and access support from our helpful advisors.

              Two students working on a laptop in a study space

              Academic Contact

              If you would like further information about this course you can contact the Programme Lead.

              Tim Hodgson

              thodgson@lincoln.ac.uk

              Postgraduate Events

              To get a real feel for what it is like to study at the University of Lincoln, we hold a number of dedicated postgraduate events and activities throughout the year for you to take part in.

              A group of students sat around a table, working together on a project
              The University intends to provide its courses as outlined in these pages, although the University may make changes in accordance with the Student Admissions Terms and Conditions.