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Psychology at University of Buckingham - UCAS

Course options

2024 - 2025
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There are other course options available which may have a different vacancy status or entry requirements – view the full list of options

Course summary

We currently offer the opportunity to gain a postgraduate degree by research at the level of MSc or PhD. Study can be on either a full-time or a part-time basis. The School of Psychology fosters a culture of collaborative, multidisciplinary research and you will join a vibrant community that includes regular work-in-progress seminars to foster an active research environment. You will join one of our four research hubs described below, all of which are engaged in inter-institutional collaborations, including some with non-academic partners such as health-care providers. Our Research Hubs Centre for Research into Expertise Acquisition, Training and Excellence (CREATE) The main focus of the centre is the exploration of the drivers of excellence in performance (whether cognitive, creative or practice-based). We welcome applications from potential MSc and PhD candidates across a wide range of related topic areas, including:

  • Insight and creativity
  • The drivers of performance excellence and expertise development (e.g. in music, theatre, puzzle-solving, board-games and medicine)
  • Hobbies, motivations and characteristics of niche populations
  • Psychology of music, choreography and dance
  • Time perception and those with ‘natural’ time-keeping abilities
CREATE staff are at the forefront of creativity research in the UK, and are founder members of the UK Creativity Researchers group, which meets annually; we also collaborate with a number of external contacts in the performance fields (such as music conservatoires), as well as internal colleagues in Applied Computing and the University of Buckingham Medical School. Centre for Health and Relationship Research (CHR) The main aim of the hub is to study the impact of the interpersonal world and support structures on health and well-being in clinical and non-clinical settings. This overarching focus has led to the study of topic areas such as:
  • Prevalence, impact of and psychosocial challenges facing people following spinal cord injury
  • Biopsychosocial understanding of pain and developing interventions for successful pain management
  • Social norms as a predictor of health behaviours in young people
  • Social factors affecting uptake of health behaviours
  • The role of social support in living well with chronic conditions
Together, these projects represent a body of work which seeks to fight patient isolation and to understand health experiences in the context of a social world. The hub aims to identify methods for supporting patients as they live with long-term conditions, including through developing interventions, assessment techniques and knowledge dissemination. We aim to share our findings through the design of downloadable materials, such as patient information leaflets and newsletters, which will allow for research outcomes to be demonstrated to patients and their support networks. With connections and active research work taking part at four local NHS hospitals, we can offer excellent opportunities for research studies with tangible impact. In addition to postgraduate research in health psychology, we also offer a taught MSc in Health Psychology. Cyber and Interpersonal Behaviour Research (CIBR) CIBR offers diverse research opportunities in the following areas:
  • Cyberpsychology, including cyberbullying and other online risks
  • Motivations and social effects of gaming
  • Cyber versus real world behaviour
  • Bystander behaviour, prosocial behaviour and social identities
  • Group dynamics and cohesion
  • Social inference and emotion regulation
  • Mental resilience and its relationship to social support
The aim of the research in this area is to explore human behaviour, social experiences and group dynamics in both online and offline contexts. We are happy to consider research proposals on a wide range of topics relevant to our hubs, but may also be looking to fill specific research roles in some areas.

Assessment method

Candidates spend a considerable part of their studies undertaking supervised research, at the end of which they submit a thesis embodying the results of that research. This thesis must demonstrate familiarity with, and an understanding of the subject, its principal sources and authorities. It should display critical discrimination and a sense of proportion in evaluating evidence and the judgements of others. The subject should be dealt with in a competent and scholarly manner.

Qualified teacher status (QTS)

To work as a teacher at a state school in England or Wales, you will need to achieve qualified teacher status (QTS). This is offered on this course for the following level:

  • Course does not award QTS

How to apply

International applicants

With staff and students from over 90 countries around the world, the University enjoys a wonderful and culturally diverse atmosphere. Voted top for student satisfaction in the National Student Survey since 2006, we provide support for students from outside the UK including: assistance with visa application and renewal; guaranteed accommodation in halls of residence; and a personal tutor to support your academic studies. Academic staff are available to help and advise, and operate an open-door policy. We have the best staff to student ratio of any university in the UK. Our students have formed a number of overseas clubs, and there is a sports and social programme each term to ensure you enjoy your time with us. Our idyllic setting between Oxford and Milton Keynes offers access to a range of cultural and social activities and Bicester Village, the renowned shopping outlet is a short bus ride away. English Language requirements: it is very important that your English level is of a good standard for you to be successful in your studies. All applicants must achieve specific requirements in all four components (listening, reading, speaking and writing). Please check our website for more details of the undergraduate or postgraduate language requirements for your course. https://www.buckingham.ac.uk/international/english-language-requirements/

Entry requirements

Minimum 2.1 Honours degree in psychology or related discipline; applicants whose 1st language is not English require IELTS 6.5 (with 6.0 or above in each component).

Fees and funding

Tuition fees

England £24800 Whole course
Northern Ireland £24800 Whole course
Scotland £24800 Whole course
Wales £24800 Whole course
Channel Islands £24800 Whole course
EU £43500 Whole course
International £43500 Whole course
Republic of Ireland £43500 Whole course

Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website .

Additional fee information

No additional fees or cost information has been supplied for this course, please contact the provider directly.

Sponsorship information

The University would like to encourage students – both undergraduates and postgraduates – to come to Buckingham regardless of their financial circumstances. The bursaries and scholarships we offer are awarded on merit and/or on financial need. You may only accept one University award. All awards are subject to your meeting the University’s academic entry requirements and abiding by the University’s rules and regulations. To be eligible to apply for a scholarship you will need to have been offered a place to study at Buckingham. For details of our current range of scholarships and bursaries please see our website: https://www.buckingham.ac.uk/admissions/scholarships

Psychology at University of Buckingham - UCAS