Program Overview
The Master of Science in Psychology at Plymouth University is a rigorous postgraduate programme delivered on-campus at Plymouth University. Designed for graduates and professionals seeking advanced expertise in social sciences, the programme develops both theoretical foundations and applied skills essential for today's competitive environment.
Spanning 12 months, students engage with cutting-edge research, industry-relevant case studies, and practical projects. Instruction is delivered in English by research-active faculty with professional expertise.
The programme culminates in a dissertation or capstone project. Graduates are well-prepared for leadership roles, research careers, and doctoral study in social sciences.
Key Program Features
Why choose Plymouth?
Plymouth is one of the top Psychology departments in the UK. Programmes run in conjunction with the School’s existing taught programmes, including its BPS-accredited BSc (Hons) Psychology and MSc in Psychological Research Methods programmes.
Psychology staff that are qualified to teach
80 per cent of staff in the School of Psychology have teaching qualifications, and many are Higher Education Academy Fellows. All new staff are required to qualify for a fellowship of the HEA. Nationally only 38 per cent of university academics are qualified to teach – you deserve better than that.
We have 22 specialist laboratories which can be booked by students and staff. Labs range from single participant rooms through to labs with a range of networked or standalone computers and social interaction or group participation rooms.
Career Opportunities
Graduates of the Psychology programme at Plymouth University develop the advanced knowledge, analytical skills, and professional networks that leading employers in social sciences value. Common career destinations include:
- Leadership / Management Role: Apply advanced knowledge in leadership positions across industries.
- Research & Academia: Pursue doctoral studies or an independent research career.
- Consulting: Provide specialist expert advice to organisations in the field.
- Policy & Government: Shape public policy and sectoral regulation.
- Entrepreneurship: Launch innovative ventures leveraging deep specialist expertise.
Graduates have secured roles at multinational corporations, government agencies, research institutions, NGOs, and high-growth startups. Many also progress to doctoral (PhD) programmes.
Program Curriculum
Core modules
PSYC705 Health and Wellbeing 20 credits This module introduces students to health psychology and clinical approaches to understanding and promoting mental wellbeing. You will learn about biopsychosocial approaches to understanding mental health and gain professional experience and skills in case formulation. 100% Practicals PSYC706 Current Topics in Psychology 20 credits This course allows students to develop an in depth and critical appreciation of two areas of psychological research (two topics drawn from the current research programmes of the School's staff). 50% Coursework 50% Examinations PSYC707 MSc Research Project 60 credits Students, supported by academic supervisors and specialist workshops, are required to conduct a complete piece of research, from establishing a research area, formulating a research question, conducting a literature search, designing and conducting a study that meets appropriate ethical standards, analysing the data and communicating the research in writing. 100% Coursework HIPL600 Interprofessional Learning 3 PSYC715 Individual Differences, Social and Developmental Psychology 20 credits This module provides an in-depth and critical understanding of research in individual differences, social and developmental psychology. Here you will critically examine the leading theories that compete to explain our social behaviour and underlying psychological processes, how they developed, and why they can lead to such different outcomes. 100% Examinations PSYC716 Cognition and Biological Psychology 20 credits This module provides a comprehensive examination of the core topics in cognitive and biological psychology. Here you will learn about the key phenomena, theories and biological mechanisms that underpin our cognitive processes and emergent behaviour in learning, memory, reasoning, and language. 100% Examinations PSYC750 Personal and Professional Development 0 credits This module will enhance students awareness of the transferable skills they possess, focus thinking about future employment, spur reflection on recent learning, and promote the effective use of feedback to enhance academic performance.
Admission Requirements
Extended entry requirements
- In addition to the above, evidence of academic study within the last five years is required.
- Meeting the academic minimum is the first stage of an application being considered. Applicants must also submit a strong personal statement in order to be considered further. Applicants should demonstrate evidence of their interest in Psychology.
- We will require an academic reference as part of the application process.
Tuition & Financial Information
Tuition Fee
GBP 14,250/year (international)
Tuition fee discount for University of Plymouth graduates
If you studied your undergraduate degree at Plymouth, you may be eligible for a fee discount if you complete your postgraduate studies here as well.
- 20% discount on tuition fees for home students
- £2,000 discount on tuition fees for international students
Financial Aid & Scholarships
Financial Aid & Funding Opportunities
A range of funding options may be available to students enrolling at Plymouth University. Explore all options early — many scholarships have deadlines months before programme start.
- University Scholarships: Plymouth University may offer merit-based, need-based, or programme-specific scholarships for postgraduate students. Contact the international or financial aid office for current awards.
- Government Scholarships (): National governments often fund outbound and inbound student mobility. Check your home country's government scholarship schemes (e.g., national student loan bodies, ministry of education awards).
- International Scholarships: Major funders include: Commonwealth Scholarships, Fulbright (USA programmes), Chevening (UK), Erasmus+ (Europe), DAAD (Germany), Campus France, Australia Awards, and many more.
- Employer Sponsorship: Professionals returning to study may negotiate tuition sponsorship with their employer, particularly for MBA or executive programmes.
- Graduate Assistantships / Fellowships: Some universities offer funded research or teaching assistant positions that include a stipend and partial or full tuition waiver.
- External Foundations: Rotary Foundation, Aga Khan Foundation, Ford Foundation, and many discipline-specific bodies fund postgraduate study globally.
- Payment Plans: Flexible instalment plans may allow you to spread tuition payments across the academic year.
About Plymouth University
Plymouth University
Botswana, Botswana
Visit the university profile page to learn more about this institution.
University Profile- Language English
- Duration 12 months
- Credits 60 ECTS / 180 credits (1-year programme)