MSc Social and Applied Psychology

Course Overview

Learn to think like a social psychologist in seeking to understand and solve modern life’s most practical and theoretical problems. From the proliferation of social media to more traditional human encounters, we each take part in hundreds of social interactions every day. But how do they impact the way we think, feel, and behave?

Our Social and Applied Psychology Master’s programme covers a range of the latest social and applied issues through the lens of psychology. You’ll get to grips with methodologies for social psychological research, including experimental design, measuring implicit and explicit attitudes, interviews and focus groups, experimental questionnaire design and field experiments.

You’ll also develop transferable skills in oral and written communication and analysis of complex data sets. The course builds to a substantial piece of Master’s research, which you’ll undertake with the supervision of active researchers.

You’ll also benefit from a tailored research placement, through which you can acquire and hone specific skills you need to further your research goals.

The course is ideal if you're a high-calibre graduate of psychology or a related discipline, looking to develop the specific methodological and analytical skills essential to social or applied psychological research. It's great preparation for a PhD in social or applied psychology, or a career with a significant research element, such as at a university, in the third sector, or within government. Take a look at the School of Psychology’s webpage to find a researcher who works on the topic that interests you. You may pursue a career as a researcher in social or applied psychology or work in government sectors, mental health and well-being services, education or as a behavioural technician and recreational therapist.

This course is open to

UK and International fee-paying students. Choose UK or International above to see relevant information. The entry point is in September each year.

Typical International Entry Requirements

Degree classification

Bachelors degree - 2.2 or equivalent

Degree Subject

Psychology or related degree (eg. medicine, neuroscience or biological science)

English Foreign Language

Applications from students whose first language is not English are welcome. We require evidence of proficiency in English (including writing, speaking, listening and reading):  

• IELTS: 7.0 overall (minimum 6.5 in all components)

Test dates should be within 2 years of the course start date.

We also accept a number of other English language tests. Review our English Language Equivalencies for a list of qualifications that we may accept to meet this requirement. 

If you do not yet meet the English language requirements for this course, INTO UEA offer a variety of English language programmes which are designed to help you develop the English skills necessary for successful undergraduate study:  

• Pre-sessional English at INTO UEA  

• Academic English at INTO UEA 

Admissions Policy

Our Admissions Policy applies to the admissions of all postgraduate applicants.

Employability

This Master’s degree will give you advanced training in social and applied psychology research methods. It’s the ideal preparation for a PhD in Social or Applied Psychology, or a career with a significant research component.

Example of careers that you could enter include:

• Research associate
• The third sector
• Government setting

Discover more on our Careers webpages.