MSc Cyberpsychology
    Duration12 month(s)
    Tuition Fee
    GBP 16,000 / Year
    Next IntakeSeptember 18, 2023

    MSc Cyberpsychology

    About

    Why choose this course?

    Cyberpsychology examines the relationship between humans and technology. Psychologists working in this field aim to develop scientific understanding of the complex interactions between our lives, our behaviours, and our psychological experience in both digital and technological contexts.

    Researching a wide variety of areas in technology, social media, gaming, virtual reality, human psychology, and ethics, psychologists in this field work to uncover new understandings of human-computer interactions. On our MSc Cyberpsychology, you will learn how the Internet and digital technologies affect behaviour, attitudes, and the societal impacts of living in a digital age. You will gain the vital skills and knowledge necessary to be able to work in a variety of sectors that benefit from understanding the psychological impacts of living in a digitally connected world.

    This Master’s course will be of particular interest to students who wish to develop psychological insights into human interactions with the Internet and digital technologies, and to learn to apply this knowledge in a wide variety of sectors. For example: students will take a critical approach to key technological debates underlying the sector, and evaluating the psychological factors pertaining to online criminal behaviour. The course is open to Psychology graduates as well as graduates from other cognate science disciplines (e.g. media studies, computer science), providing the foundations required to pursue a career in the developing field of cyberpsychology. The course will also be of value to anyone wishing to extend and develop their skillset in their current job and will be relevant to anyone who works within an organisation with an online presence or where understanding human interaction with different emerging technologies would be beneficial.

    Teaching on this course is informed by leading-edge research, and offers opportunities toward joining the field as a critical thinking leader.

    Our programme is designed for both psychology graduates and graduates of related disciplines, such as those seeking a career change from IT or media. The programme will help you pursue a career in cyberpsychology, contributing expertise to any organisation that uses digital technologies or as an academic researcher in the field.

    Foundations

    The programme provides the foundations for a career in psychology as a researcher by enabling you to build a solid framework upon which to launch your career. You will develop knowledge of the key models, principles, and research practices in cyberpsychology, and explore the many ethical, cultural, legal, and political issues arising from the growth in technology in society.

    Learning

    You will learn from experienced applied psychologists, with innovative and inspiring learning methods to enable you to enhance your skills and grow as a researcher. Teaching is delivered in a supportive and friendly environment, where staff help you direct your learning toward your areas of interest. Staff are active researchers, with expertise in technology, online communication, cyber bullying, crime, and how technology affects our daily lives.

    Our team

    Our team are especially proud to be members of the British Psychological Society (BPS) Cyberpsychology Section, and contribute to the ongoing developments in this exciting field.

    Within the School we are a diverse group of people welcoming those of any ethnicity, culture, religion or sexual orientation to join our community and contribute to the profession of Psychology. Our team are members of professional bodies – including Advance HE, the British Psychological Society (BPS) as chartered psychologists, and the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC). You will have the opportunity to learn from experienced practitioners in Psychology, including cyber, occupational, counselling, and clinical psychology. Find out more about our staff.

    Join us at the next Postgraduate Open Evening and meet some of our team.

    Our place

    The course is part of the School of Psychology in the Faculty of Education, Health, and Wellbeing. The School of Psychology is the professional home to over 50 teaching and research staff, bringing a broad range of interests and experience to benefit students learning on our portfolio of courses. Our School is recognised as one of the leading providers of Psychology education, using innovative teaching methods focusing on the application of scientific and theoretical principles to the study of people’s lives. Psychology staff are grouped into a variety of highly active research clusters through our Centre for Psychological Research, publishing in the latest academic journals and working to make a real-world impact on people’s lives.

    We provide multiple opportunities to enhance your career and create networks inside and outside of the department: including volunteering networks, peer mentoring, and the opportunity to become a research assistant for our academic staff using the Research Opportunities Network.

    On campus

    The course is based at our City Centre campus in the Millennium City building, where you can learn a multidisciplinary environment alongside our colleagues in nursing and social care. The building offers a unique learning space in our psychology labs, simulated environments for creative research projects, and our cyberpsychology lab with the latest in virtual reality and eye-tracking equipment.

    Training support

    We offer many levels of support, such as academic, research, and cohort tutors who provide personal support and professional mentoring in relation to many aspects of the training. While in training you will have access to our professional practice resources, teaching materials, CPD activities and regular tutorials with members of the team. We also support graduates as they enter the workplace, as alumni and members of the professional community. We work in partnership with Advance HE, the nationally recognised body in teaching quality, to continually develop the quality of our courses with modern teaching and learning practices.

    Join the CRUW

    As a cyberpsychology student you automatically join the Cyberpsychology Research at the University of Wolverhampton (CRUW) research cluster, and have the opportunity to work closely with research supervisors on areas of interest to you. CRUW provides a framework within with the department’s research contributions to Cyberpsychology are brought to life through a forum in which collaborative discussion and research planning can take place in a supportive way.

    Our team has published widely in this field, and in doing so generated research tools which have made major contributions to research in the field. Our freely available tools include:

    • Social Media Motivations Scale (SMMS)
    • Blogging Motivations Questionnaire (BMQ)
    • Presentation of Online Self Scale (POSS)
    • Propensity for Online Community Contribution Scale (POCCS).

    Continue Reading

    Completing he course will enhance employment prospects and support those already employed to develop their professional skills in a number of ways. First, the course will offer domain-specific skills, for example, online data collection methods, specialist quantitative and qualitative research methods, and understanding online behaviour in various applied contexts. Second, students will develop domain general skills, including analytical and critical thinking, report writing, oral presentation skills, academic writing, data collection, and data analysis and interpretation.

    You will gain knowledge and job-relevant skills as you explore areas, such as:

    • A systematic understanding of knowledge, and a critical awareness of current problems and new insights in the field of work and employment.
    • In-depth knowledge of the BPS Ethical Framework, as well as a critical understanding of its applications in resolving associated ethics dilemmas in practice.

    Our aims are to:

    • Develop the profession of Cyberpsychology by producing graduates who are skilled in the principals of assessment, intervention planning, and evaluation.
    • Provide a grounding in the foundations of business and work psychology, ensuring graduates are able to
    • Instil core competencies in reflective practice, assessment, research, and evidence-based practice.
    • Offer in-depth understanding of theoretical models of practice relevant to professional practice in the public and private sectors.
    • Enable an appreciation for and commitment towards ethics in practice and research.
    • Provide opportunities to develop competence in systemic practice and organisational working to include involvement with audit, service evaluation, consultation, teaching and leadership.
    • Support anti-discriminatory practice attending critically to wider social, cultural and political contexts.

    The University of Wolverhampton prides itself on preparing you with a number of desirable graduate attributes, including specialist knowledge and enterprise, technological literacy, research skills, and effective communication.

    1. Writing: Every piece of work you submit receives feedback and advice to help develop your skills as a writer. Our aim is to support you in expressing your ideas clearly, concisely, and with impact.
    2. Critical thinking and reasoning: Analysis of research, assumptions, methods, ethics, and how research is applied is a key part of psychology. You must consider each source that you use, and reference your work. Critical thinking skills enable graduates to navigate the increasingly complex modern world, and understand what is beneath the surface of any current issue. 
    3. Communication: Learning to communicate is key to a successful career. Throughout your programme you will develop skills to improve your presentation abilities, and articulate an argument to have meaningful impact.
    4. Problem Solving: The ability to provide solutions based on logical analysis of a problem is a skill many employers desire, as it requires you to think outside-the-box and understand the underlying factors at play. These skills are developed purposefully as part of a degree in psychology, and help students achieve autonomy throughout their studies.
    5. Research and analysis: A key part of many careers is the skill with which information can be gathered, organised, understood, and analysed for useful conclusions. A degree in Psychology promotes these skills from the start.
    6. Teamwork: Working collaboratively with others on tasks, building positive relationships in the workplace, and maintaining connections over time are valuable skills for any graduate. Studying with us presents opportunities to build these skills, and learn how to productively work with a variety of different people and personalities.

    Disciplines

    Institute of Human Sciences

    Requirements

    Entry Requirements

    Foundation Programme

    We offer two International Foundation Year (IFY) programmes, allowing progression onto a wide range of undergraduate degrees at the University of Wolverhampton:

    • The 1 Year stand-alone International Foundation Year (IFY)
    • The 4 Year integrated International Foundation Year (IFY) programme which includes a foundation year and degree

    The 1 year stand-alone International Foundation Year (IFY) course is designed for international students (yr for students for whom English is not their first language) whose qualifications are insufficient for direct entry to undergraduate study and/or those whose English language level does not meet the minimum criteria. The 1 year IFY course provides preparation in academic subjects, English language and study skills up to the required level for progression onto most undergraduate degree courses at the University of Wolverhampton (subject to professional body requirements) in Arts; Education, Health and Wellbeing; Science and Engineering and Social Sciences. The IFY is delivered at our Telford and City Campuses. Entry to these foundation programmes may require you to have studied specific subjects at high school

    The 4 Year International Foundation Year (IFY) integrated degree routes in Arts; Education, Health and Wellbeing; Science and Engineering and Social Sciences are designed for international students (or for students for whom English is not their first language). This route will suit students whose qualifications fall below the entry requirements to undergraduate study and/or those whose English language level does not meet the minimum criteria. The 4 year integrated IFY courses prepare students in academic subjects, English language and study skills enabling progression onto most undergraduate degree courses at the University of Wolverhampton, subject to professional body requirements. The IFY is delivered at both of our Telford and City campuses. Entry to these foundation programmes may require you to have studied specific subjects at high school.

    Students from Jordan wishing to pursue the International Foundation Year (IFY) at the University of Wolverhampton will need to obtain a Certificate of Secondary Education with an overall score of 75% with no less than 70% in each subject

    Please note: you only need to take a foundation programme if your qualifications are not suitable for your chosen degree.

    Undergraduate

    The University considers students for undergraduate study who have completed Secondary School Certificates.

    Postgraduate

    For entry to a postgraduate degree programme (Master’s) at the University of Wolverhampton, students typically need to have completed a three or four-year undergraduate degree (Honours Bachelor degree or Professional degree) at an accredited university or college. Exact requirements will depend on the postgraduate degree you are applying for and the institution you have studied at.

    • Degree from Government/ Recognised Private University GPA 2.2/4 minimum
    • Higher Diploma 2.5/4 and Bachelor 2.0/4

    Please note: This information is provided as a guide only. Some courses may have specific entry requirements that are listed on the relevant course page. Please check for any additional subject/course specific requirements before submitting your application.

    English Requirements

    • IELTSMin 6.5

    English Program Requirements

    You can demonstrate your English language ability by studying with us on our online Pre-sessional English and Academic Skills courses which will allow you to gain entry to most undergraduate or postgraduate degree courses. You can do our online Pre-sessional course from your own home - you do not need to be on our campus in order to study but you will need access to a PC or laptop and a good quality internet connection in order to fully participate.  Our new online Pre-sessional courses will help you to improve and develop your English language and academic skills and will prepare you for your degree programme at the University of Wolverhampton. 

    Other ways of demonstrating your English language abilities are:

    • With a qualification (eg a high school certificate) from your country that has been approved by the University of Wolverhampton as meeting the minimum English language entry competency. See your country for details.
    • By demonstrating that you completed your secondary or university education at a secondary (high) school or university in a country approved by the University as teaching in the medium of English.
    • If you are a national of one of the following countries you do not have to prove your level of English; Antigua and Barbuda, Australia, The Bahamas, Barbados Belize, Canada, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Jamaica, New Zealand, St Kitts and Nevis St Lucia, Trinidad and Tobago, United States of America
    • By presenting one of the international qualifications listed below.  It should have been completed no more than two years before of the start date of your degree course.

    Fee Information

    How to Apply

    1. First of all, decide which course is right for you.
    2. Check the entry requirements, including the minimum English requirements for your chosen course.
    3. Check the visa requirements.
    4. Make your application - via our on-line course directory or directly to the University via Admissions or the International Office, find out how to do it below.

    MSc Cyberpsychology

    University of Wolverhampton

    University of Wolverhampton

    United Kingdom

    United Kingdom, Wolverhampton