Birkbeck, University of London
Psychological Research Methods MSc
Birkbeck, University of London

Course modalities offered

Key Course Facts

Student Reviews

Below you can see course specific reviews of 10 graduates of Psychological Research Methods MSc and other courses in Languages and Area Studies at Birkbeck, University of London for each of the survey questions in comparison to the average for all UK degree courses in Languages and Area Studies .

Overall student satisfaction
77 /100
10 total respondents

Primarily based on data from undergraduate degree students.

The NSS is commissioned by the Office for Students

Salary

Salary of Graduates in CAH19

Important: Salary data below is not course specific, but contains data of all students of Languages and Area Studies at the university. Due to data collection methodology, salary data is mainly based on data related to undergraduate students.

  15 months after graduation 3 years after graduation 5 years after graduation
Median salary £33500 £18000 £27500
25-75 percentile range £24500 - £45000 £9500 - £27500 £11500 - £43000


Salary of all UK Graduates of CAH19

  15 months after graduation 3 years after graduation 5 years after graduation
Median salary £25625 £23693 £27744
25-75 percentile range £22269 - £29904 £17937 - £29563 £21216 - £36573

Course Description

Our MSc Psychological Research Methods provides in-depth training in both the quantitative and qualitative methods employed in contemporary psychological research. It covers:

  • critical appreciation of existing research and research methods
  • philosophical foundations of approaches to research within cognitive and social psychology
  • formulation of hypotheses
  • designing and reporting experiments using a range of research methodologies
  • subject-specific IT skills.

The course combines Birkbeck’s strengths in qualitative and quantitative psychological research methods. It provides you with the opportunity to conduct supervised research in a wide range of areas within contemporary psychology, such as psychosocial studies, brain and cognitive development, and computational cognitive neuroscience.

Highlights

  • We are consistently regarded as one of the top institutions teaching psychological sciences in the UK. In the 2021 Research Excellence Framework, and for the third time, we were ranked in the top ten universities in the UK.
  • This course provides you with a range of appropriate research skills and experiences for research at PhD level or in the private sector.
  • You will have an opportunity to attend research seminars organised by Birkbeck and a number of other local research centres and institutes.
  • If you have a strong academic record but require financial support to take this course, you may be eligible for the Kenway Legacy Scholarship which will cover the cost of your tuition fees.
  • ESRC funding may be available in conjunction with PhD study.

Careers and employability

Graduates can pursue career paths in psychology, education, human resources, market research or management. Possible professions include:

  • research psychologist
  • further education lecturer
  • market researcher
  • human resources officer
  • educational psychologist.

We offer a comprehensive careers service - Careers and Enterprise - your career partner during your time at Birkbeck and beyond. At every stage of your career journey, we empower you to take ownership of your future, helping you to make the connection between your experience, education and future ambitions.

Jobs & Career Perspectives

15 months after graduation, graduates of this course were asked about what they do and, if they are working, about their current job and their perspectives.

Current jobs

Required skill level of job after 15 months

Jobs of graduates of this course (15 months after graduation)

Example below based on all graduates of Psychological Research Methods MSc at Birkbeck, University of London

20% Process, plant and machine operatives
10% Engineering professionals
10% Elementary occupations
10% Engineering professionals
5% Managers, directors and senior officials
5% Science, engineering and technology associate professionals
5% Skilled trades occupations
5% Process, plant and machine operatives
5% Managers, directors and senior officials
5% Elementary occupations

Each of the six taught modules is separately assessed by one essay or an equivalent piece of written work, normally of 2000-2500 words. In addition, you must submit a dissertation with an empirical component of approximately 10,000 words. Apart from the module Structure and Measurement of the Human Brain, there are no written examinations. For the Matlab options, there will be programming assessments.

Entry Requirements / Admissions

Requirements for international students / English requirements

IELTS academic test score (similar tests may be accepted as well)

    • 6.5
    • Mphil / PhD

If English is not your first language or you have not previously studied in English, the requirement for this course is the equivalent of an International English Language Testing System (IELTS Academic Test) score of 7.0, and at least 6.5 in writing. If you don't meet the minimum IELTS requirement, we offer pre-sessional English courses and foundation programmes to help you improve your English language skills and get your place at Birkbeck.
Get advice on which foundation courses are best for you to still study Psychological Research Methods, MSc, if you do not meet the minimum requirements in terms of UCAS score, A levels, or English language requirements.

A second-class honours degree (2:2) or above in psychology or a relevant discipline.

Applications are reviewed on their individual merits and your professional qualifications and/or relevant work experience will be taken into consideration positively. We actively support and encourage applications from mature learners.

Costs

Tuition Fees Psychological Research Methods MSc

England UK £6270 year 1
Northern Ireland £6270 year 1
Scotland £6270 year 1
Wales £6270 year 1
International £10575 year 1

Additional fee information

Students are charged a tuition fee in each year of their course. Tuition fees for students continuing on their course in following years may be subject to annual inflationary increases.

Average student cost of living in London

Rent £518
Water, gas electricity, internet (at home) £50
Supermarket shopping £81
Clothing £35
Eating out £33
Alcohol £27
Takeaways / food deliveries £30
Going out / entertainment (excl.alcohol, food) £24
Holidays and weekend trips £78
Transport within city £17
Self-care / sports £20
Stationary / books £13
Mobile phone / internet £13
Cable TV / streaming £7
Insurance £51
Other £95
  
Average student cost of living £1092

London costs approx 34% more than average, mainly due to rent being 67% higher than average of other cities. For students staying in student halls, costs of water, gas, electricity, wifi are generally included in the rental. Students in smaller cities where accommodation is in walking/biking distance transport costs tend to be significantly smaller.

University Rankings

Positions of Birkbeck, University of London in top UK and global rankings.

Rankings of Birkbeck, University of London in related subject specific rankings.

Social Studies & Humanities

    • #11 
    • #100 
    Psychology
    THE World University Rankings by Subject
    [Published 19 October, 2023]
    • #8 
    • #101 
    Psychology
    GRAS Global Ranking of Academic Subjects - ShanghaiRanking
    [Published 27 October, 2023]
    • #24 
    • #151 
    Psychology
    QS World University Rankings By Subject
    [Published 22 March, 2023]
    • #28 
    • #296 
    Psychology
    URAP University Ranking by Academic Performance - By Field
    [Published 22 July, 2023]

See all 17 university rankings of Birkbeck, University of London

About Birkbeck, University of London

Birkbeck, University of London (BBK) was established in 1823, and takes a different stance towards admissions than many other universities. Applicants are encouraged by BKK to apply even if they don’t possess the traditional qualifications normally required, as applications here are also considered based on an assessment of your knowledge on the subject, and any work experience you might have. Being located in the very centre of London, students will have all the advantages of the city’s public transport connections, as well as the chance to live in such a diverse and vibrant city with all that it offers.

List of 197 Bachelor and Master Courses from Birkbeck, University of London - Course Catalogue

Student composition of Birkbeck, University of London

undergraduates:
4800
postgraduates:
2810
Total:
7610
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Where is this programme taught

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