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This unique programme offers an opportunity for advanced training in the psychology of individual differences. Students will gain knowledge and skills in two of the key subdivisions in the field, namely personality and cognitive abilities (intelligence), and will learn how to conduct research that addresses how and why people differ from one another psychologically, and how these differences matter in their lives.
Key research areas
Building on training in research methods and statistics, you will take courses on the theoretical and methodological aspects of individual differences research, and the findings in these areas.
Your MSc culminates in a research dissertation: an original, publication-quality piece of research, undertaken in close collaboration with an academic working on the area, or an adjacent area, of your dissertation topic.
The University of Edinburgh is uniquely positioned to offer this programme because of its long history of world-class researchers on individual differences. Staff involved in teaching and supervision include internationally recognised researchers whose expertise covers topics, such as:
- Measurement and psychometrics
- Personality
- Intelligence
- Life satisfaction and other aspects of well-being
- Life outcomes (health, education, employment)
- Organisational psychology
- Psychopathology
- Cognitive ageing
- Behavioural Genetics
Staff within the Individual Differences Research Group
As reported in the Times Higher Education Supplement, the most recent (2021) Research Exercise Framework rated Psychology at the University of Edinburgh 3rd in the UK for the quality and breadth of its research.
What will I learn?
In addition to being immersed in the history, theory, and findings in individual differences research, you will receive training in research methods within psychology, including research design and how to conduct advanced statistical modelling using the R statistical language.
You are also encouraged to take a course on how psychological assessment is used in the real world, which is one of the most practical applications of psychology. This knowledge and these skills are highly transferable, including to areas outside of psychology and academic research more generally.
Is this MSc for me?
If you are interested in learning how and why people differ from one another psychologically and behaviourally, the consequences of these differences, and how to answer questions in the area using the scientific method, and presenting these results to different audiences, then this MSc is for you.
The MSc in the Psychology of Individual Differences programme provides an understanding of advanced topics and methods in the field of individual differences, and how to design, conduct, and report research that build on and/or challenge the existing knowledge base. In addition, the MSc allows you to choose an optional course in another area, so there is some room to customise your learning. It provides excellent preparation for further research and knowledge of individual differences, whether you choose to pursue this in further research or a professional career.
Reputation, relevance and employability
There are few MSc programmes dedicated to individual differences in the UK, Europe, and the rest of the world. The University of Edinburgh is uniquely positioned to offer this programme because of its long history of world-class individual differences research and teaching, which is possible because some of the top researchers in the field have made this department their academic home. In addition, you will benefit from the breadth and strength of the interdisciplinary academic community at Edinburgh, having the opportunity to select outside options and attend research seminars across different disciplines.
This programme has an excellent reputation amongst employers and further research opportunities. Our students’ research projects are often presented at national and international conferences and published in academic or professional journals, and many of our graduates have gone onto PhD training and academic careers, as well as careers in professions, such as organisational psychology/human resources.
We maintain close contact with professional organisations such as the British Psychological Society (BPS).
Find out more about our community
The School of Philosophy, Psychology and Language Sciences is home to a large, supportive and active student community, hosting events and activities throughout the year which you can join. As a postgraduate student, you will have access to a range of research resources, state-of-the-art facilities, research, seminars and reading groups.