Psychological Research Methods

The course will develop your theoretical understanding, and give you the practical and interpersonal skills required for carrying out research. Our aim is to encourage you to make the complex transition to become a fully independent research scientist.

You’ll carry out a work placement, typically in an external company, charity or third sector organisation. This provides a fantastic opportunity for you to develop relevant work-based employment skills, and to develop a network of contacts relevant to future career goals. Students benefit hugely from this experience, combining skills and experience with personal and professional development.

There is no provision or expectation of study abroad. However, some students choose to conduct their placement abroad.

Students will be able to study for this course remotely if necessary.

If you’re interested in studying a module from this course, the Postgraduate Certificate or the Postgraduate Diploma then please email Graduate Admissions to discuss your course of study.

The Division of Psychology has outstanding laboratory space fitted with high-quality equipment. It has excellent computing infrastructure, and both research and teaching activities are supported by in-house technical staff with computing, programming, electronic and audio-video expertise.

We’ve invested heavily in research infrastructure, including our own pre-school kindergarten, which provides an outstanding facility for developmental research and teaching. Purpose-built laboratory space has also been created to support human electrophysiology research (EEG/ERPs), health research (including GSR and heart rate monitoring), face research (including eye-tracking) and vision research (including stereoscopic displays).

The University of Stirling is rated 2nd in Scotland for research impact in Psychology, Psychiatry and Neuroscience (Research Excellence Framework 2021), with 100% of our research impact and environment rated as world-leading or internationally excellent.

Our Masters students get involved in our lively and collegial community of research excellence.

A minimum of a second class honours degree (2.1 preferred) or equivalent in a relevant subject. Applicants without these formal qualifications but with significant appropriate/relevant work/life experience are encouraged to apply.

Other routes of entry

If you don't currently meet our academic requirements, INTO University of Stirling offers a variety of preparation programmes that can earn you the qualifications and skills you need to progress onto some of our courses. Explore INTO University of Stirling to see the pathway and pre-masters routes available.

International entry requirements

View the entry requirements for your country.

Students should indicate in their application which of the four specialist pathways (Child Development, Cognition and Neuropsychology, Evolutionary Psychology, Perception and Action) they intend to follow.

If English is not your first language you must have one of the following qualifications as evidence of your English language skills:

• IELTS Academic or UKVI 6.0 with a minimum of 5.5 in each sub-skill.
• Pearson Test of English (Academic) 60 overall with a minimum of 59 in each sub-skill.
• IBT TOEFL 78 overall with a minimum of 17 in listening, 18 in reading, 20 in speaking and 17 in writing.

If you need to improve your English language skills before you enter this course, our partner INTO University of Stirling offers a range of English language courses. These intensive and flexible courses are designed to improve your English ability for entry to this degree.

Find out more about our pre-sessional English language courses.

See our information on English language requirements for more details on the language tests we accept and options to waive these requirements.

"The academic knowledge and research skills gained throughout the MSc have helped me tremendously to secure a fully funded PhD studentship and pursue a career as a psychology researcher.” 

Anna Bobak, MSc 2011-12, now Lecturer in Psychology at Stirling

Opportunities for practical hands-on skills development are built in, including training on giving oral presentations. A self-reflective approach to personal development is encouraged.