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Psychology at University of Bath - UCAS

Course options

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

Course summary

Explore key psychological theory alongside the in-depth advanced research skills and techniques needed to analyse data and provide valuable insights. Alongside the study a range of key topics in psychology, you’ll focus on the in-depth methods and approaches to quantitative and qualitative research. This will allow you to gain the essential skills needed to progress your studies or become a working researcher in the fields of psychology. You’ll enhance your understanding of the techniques used in the analysis of large-scale data and how to effectively present key insights and findings. This course is designed to provide high-quality training to potential doctoral students, as well as essential research skills that are desirable in a number of private and public sector roles. Why choose a Master of Research (MRes) degree An MRes is a master’s degree with a focus on research. The knowledge and expertise you’ll gain will prepare you for doctoral study and a range of non-academic careers that require strong research skills. South West Doctoral Training Partnership This MRes is recognised by the Economic & Social Research Council (ESRC), specifically, as part of the larger South West Doctoral Training Partnership (SWDTP). It can be taken as a course in its own right, or if you hold an SWDTP studentship you can take the 1+3 (MRes + PhD) pathway. If you wish to be considered for a 1+3 SWDTP studentship, then you must apply for your preferred PhD route and not the stand-alone MRes. You should follow our how to apply guidelines. For those holding a 1+3 SWDTP studentship, progression from the MRes to the MPhil or PhD stage is dependent on an acceptable level of achievement. Learn from experts in their field You’ll learn from experts in psychology. Their passion, knowledge and research shape their teaching to enhance your learning experience. Gain important career skills We work to provide you with the tools and support to prepare you for employment and further study. This includes advanced quantitative and qualitative research skills, and bibliographic skills; and the use of appropriate technology to undertake tasks that use these skills. Graduate prospects There is increasing demand for high-level quantitative and qualitative research skills from a wide range of private and public sector recruiters. Many firms and government departments are now committed to data-driven decision-making, making use of the increased availability of big data. This course will equip you with a hybrid skill set that combines quantitative, computing and analytical skills with an understanding of psychology research and enquiry. This MRes also equips you to go into further study at PhD level.

Assessment method

  • Coursework
  • Dissertation
  • Examinations
  • Project output (other than dissertation or report)
You are expected to spend approximately 35 hours per week studying, with around 8-10 of those hours being structured classes. This will be made up of a combination of lectures and seminars.


Entry requirements

You should have a bachelor’s honours degree or international equivalent, typically a 2:1 or above. To apply for this course you should have an undergraduate degree in psychology or related discipline. Before submitting an online application you will need to do the following: 1. Identify a supervisor Before applying for MRes Psychology, you must first find an academic who would be interested in supervising you. You can find a suitable supervisor on the research and staff page for the Department of Psychology. You can also browse Pure, the University’s research portal, for profiles of individual academics as well as the research centres, institutes and units to which they belong. Your proposed research area must be related to the academic's research interests. Some academics may suggest specific areas for you to consider. 2. Make contact, discuss and develop a research proposal Once you have identified a suitable supervisor (or supervisors), email them to indicate your interest in applying for the MRes program, attaching a relevant research proposal. You should describe how your research interests match theirs and refer to at least 1 published article of theirs that you have read. Also state how your undergraduate qualifications and work experience have prepared you for the research you wish to carry out and why you are seeking a place at Bath. Your proposal should not be more than 4 pages in length and must include a brief description of your proposed objectives, methods of investigation, the historical background to the project; and how it will contribute to the field (who will benefit from this research; how will they benefit; what will be done to ensure that they have the opportunity to benefit). This proposal is not binding, and may be modified in consultation with your supervisor or during the course of the research. Once accepted onto the program, however, you can only change supervisors in exceptional circumstances. Alternatively, you might contact a supervisor, express your intention to study with them, and discuss ideas for your research, prior to submitting a proposal to them. Once an academic staff member has agreed to supervise you, you may then apply formally to the MRes program, including your proposal, and indicating which staff member has agreed to supervise. We may make an offer based on a lower grade if you can provide evidence of your suitability for the degree. If your first language is not English but within the last 2 years you completed your degree in the UK you may be exempt from our English language requirements.


English 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 can be found on our web pages and are liable to increase annually. UK and Islands fees are regulated by the UK government and are subject to parliamentary approval. For all other fees, you should budget for an increase of up to 8% for every further year of study. For information on tuition fees visit our web pages: https://www.bath.ac.uk/topics/tuition-fees/ You will need to budget at least £100 for the cost of photocopying, printing and binding. You will also need to budget for the cost of textbooks. Some courses involve visits away from campus and you may be required to pay some or all of the costs of travel, accommodation and food and drink. If you’re on a placement, you’re responsible for your own travel, accommodation and living costs. You should also consider the financial implications if you go on an unpaid or overseas placement.

Sponsorship information

You could be considered for a bursary or scholarship to help you study at Bath. You do not have to pay it back.

Psychology at University of Bath - UCAS