THE UNIVERSITY of EDINBURGH

DEGREE REGULATIONS & PROGRAMMES OF STUDY 2026/2027

Timetable information in the Course Catalogue may be subject to change.

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DRPS : DPTs :  School of Philosophy, Psychology and Language Sciences DPTs
Jump to: Year 1

Year 1 Academic year: 2026/27, Starting in: September

Notes:
PROGRAMME AIMS:
The MSc by Research (MScR) in Psychology provides a hands-on opportunity to develop advanced research skills and knowledge in a specialist area. Students undertake a significant research project under expert supervision, enhancing their ability to formulate research questions, design studies, and interpret findings. It prepares students for independent research by emphasising study design, data analysis, critical thinking, and scholarly communication. The program is ideal for those planning to pursue doctoral studies or careers requiring strong research capabilities.

PROGRAMME STRUCTURE:
This programme offers you the opportunity to focus on conducting a research project in a specific area of psychology while still being able to take some taught courses (methodological or content-oriented). The programme is intended for those who already have a strong background in psychology and strong research skills, typically from undergraduate study.

The main part of the programme involves writing a dissertation in collaboration with a supervisor. Candidates should have a clear idea of their preferred research topic and have identified two possible supervisors before applying. It is recommended that contact your preferred supervisor(s) and discuss the proposed research with them before applying.

Once enrolled, the supervisor(s) will support you in developing the topic and carrying out the research. You can be embedded within supervisors¿ research groups, working alongside other postgraduate students.

The programme can include taking two taught courses (further courses may also be attended, but not for credit), which are offered from the wide range of topics taught at the Masters level within Psychology.

For more information see this programme's Degree Finder page.

Students should note that not all courses will necessarily be available in any given year and should consult their supervisor. The supervisor must approve choice of courses.

Please note that students with ESRC funding, or students who plan to apply for ESRC PhD funding, will be required to take ESRC accredited research training courses. As this programme includes only 40 credits of coursework, to meet the training requirements the remainder of the required research training must be taken in the first year of the PhD programme. ESRC students, or those who plan to apply for ESRC funding, must discuss the training requirements with their supervisor.

There are no compulsory courses in this year of this programme.

Course options

Group A

Select exactly 180 credits in this group.

Psychology Level 11 courses

Select exactly 40 credits from Psychology Level 11 courses
Notes:
Courses appropriate to the student's research will be selected from the School of Philosophy, Psychology & Language Sciences list of Postgraduate courses by the student and supervisor.
AND

Dissertation with Coursework (MScR, Psychology General)

Select exactly 140 credits of the following courses
OR

Dissertation (MScR, Psychology General)

Select exactly 180 credits of the following courses

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