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Psychology of Individual Differences at The University of Edinburgh - UCAS

Course options

2025 - 2026
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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

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
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? This MSc is for you 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. This 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 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. 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.

Entry requirements

Entry requirements for individual programmes vary, so please check the details for the specific programme you wish to apply for on the University of Edinburgh website. You will also need to meet the University’s language requirements.

Fees and funding

Tuition fees

No fee information has been provided for this 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

Tuition fees vary between degree programmes. Find the specific fees for your chosen programme on our website.
Psychology of Individual Differences at The University of Edinburgh - UCAS