Scholarships
The scholarships below are open to international students and those applying from England, Wales and Northern Ireland with a 2.1 or above for a postgraduate course.
Course detail
Start Date
SeptemberDuration
Full-time: 12 months (Sep start) | Part-time: 24 months (Sep start)Award Title
MScUCAS Code
Apply DirectWhat's it all about?
The programme – launching in September 2025 – is designed for aspiring researchers and professionals. It provides advanced training in research methodologies, data analyses and practical skills, preparing you for a dynamic career in research or data-driven roles.
This programme offers a blend of core psychology research skills and specialist knowledge, with individualised training in relevant research techniques.
You'll dive deep into the principles of psychology research design and data analysis, before specialising in the specific practical, technical and advanced analysis skills required for completion of your own research project.
You’ll also have the opportunity to gain research lab work experience and to develop real-world applications of your research.
Whether you're aiming for a career in academia or looking to bring advanced research skills to the professional world, this programme will give you the tools you need to succeed.
MSc and PhD pathways
SGSSS studentships
Abertay’s MSc Research Methods is approved by the Scottish Graduate School of Social Sciences (SGSSS), who administer PhD studentships and research methods training across Scotland. SGSSS studentship-holders can complete both an MSc in Research Methods and a subsequent PhD at Abertay University. If you are interested in applying for this opportunity, please read SGSSS’s studentship competition information (link to: https://www.sgsss.ac.uk/studentships/) and speak to potential PhD supervisors as early as possible.
MSc Research Methods in Creative Industries (for SGSSS-funded students only)
If you are interested in applying social science research to the creative industries and are awarded an SGSSS studentship, you can choose to complete an alternative pathway: MSc Research Methods in Creative Industries. This pathway includes the core Research Methods in Psychology programme but focuses on applying a social science approach to the creative industries (e.g., game design, film), with industry input and supervision by an academic from our renowned Department of Games and Arts.
Transfer to PhD (for non-SGSSS funded students only)
If you successfully complete the MSc Research Methods modules and are interested in pursuing a PhD at Abertay, non-funded students can apply to transfer to PhD Year 2 instead of graduating with the MSc. This would allow you to complete your PhD within a shorter timeframe, a valuable saving.
Request your Postgraduate Guide
Our Postgraduate Guide contains information about all our postgraduate programmes. It also has pages dedicated to the University, the beautiful city of Dundee, how to apply, support services ... and much more!
How can we help you?
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Tailored Learning: Our programme is designed to meet your individual needs, with personalised learning paths that adapt to your interests and career goals.
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Academic Expertise: The opportunity to work with leading researchers in developmental psychology, language, forensic psychology, social cognition, vision science, laterality evolutionary psychology and the creative industries.
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Cutting-Edge Skills: Master the latest research techniques, from advanced data analysis to experimental design, preparing you for the future of research.
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Flexible Learning: Enjoy a blend of in-person and online learning, allowing you to balance your studies with other commitments.
What you learn
Throughout this programme, you'll develop:
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A deep understanding of psychology research design and analysis
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Specialised methods relevant to your chosen area of research
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Practical skills in data management, ethical research conduct, and open science practices
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Advanced analytical techniques using state-of-the-art software and tools
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The ability to plan and execute high-quality, publishable research
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Transferable skills in communication, project management, and critical thinking
The benefits
By choosing our MSc Research Methods in Psychology programme, you'll:
- Prepare for Doctoral Studies: Lay a solid foundation for PhD research, with potential pathways to convert your MSc into the first year of a PhD programme.
- Boost Your Career Prospects: Gain skills highly sought after in both academia and industry, from data science to market research.
- Join a Vibrant Research Community: Become part of Abertay's dynamic research environment, collaborating with leading academics and fellow researchers.
- Make Real-World Impact: Learn how to apply your research skills to solve real-world problems in psychology or creative industries.
- Develop a Global Perspective: Engage with international research contexts and build a global network in your field.
Embark on a journey that will transform your understanding of research and open doors to exciting career opportunities.
Modules
SGSSS Core Research Methods (SGSSS)
Externally delivered 40 credit module, for SGSSS-funded students..
Core Data Analysis (GRS503)
This module will provide you with core data analysis skills across platforms. You will develop quantitative skills in Excel, Jamovi and R that will serve as a solid foundation for more advanced statistical analysis training in Term 2. For all students studying the programme.
Professional Research Skills (PSY511)
This module is an introduction into the world of academia, providing an understanding of the UK research context, key research practices and the funding landscape. You'll also develop skills in critical research evaluation and scientific communication. For non SGSSS-funded students.
Work-Based Learning (PSY420)
This module will provide students with the opportunity to link work experience with their academic study, by undertaking a psychology-relevant work placement. For non SGSSS-funded students.
Advanced Research Methods. (GRS504)
This module provides a student-driven, advanced exploration of research methodologies, emphasising the application of analytical techniques to individual research projects. You'll identify your own development needs and will leverage external asynchronous resources, alongside Graduate School drop-in sessions and regular supervision meetings to facilitate your acquisition of advanced research skills. For non SGSSS-funded students.
Practical and Technical Research Skills (PSY512)
This module explores topics related to the onset of a research project - such as choosing techniques, equipment and associated ethical issues. You'll be equipped with the practical skills necessary to apply this knowledge. For all students on this programme.
Research Impact and Applications (PSY513)
To make a difference in the world it is of vital importance that research has an impact in some way, advancing academic knowledge and influencing audiences outside academia (e.g., businesses, government, the media, civil society and the public). Research impact encompasses all the changes driven by research (e.g., our awareness and understanding of problems, and how it changes our behaviours). In this module we will draw on a range of evidence-based principles that underpin impact planning, delivery and measurement to equip you with the skills they need to effectively and confidently embed impact in their research. You'll also learn about non-academic research-based roles, where professionals use an understanding of research to inform their practice. For non SGSSS-funded students and SGSSS-funded students following the MSc Research Methods in Psychology pathway.
Human Psychology: Why are we different? (PSY567)
The module aims to provide you with a critical and comprehensive understanding of the main factors that shape diversity in human behaviour, and how this diversity can be studied and measured. For SGSS-funded students following the MSC Research Methods in Creative Industries pathway.
MSc Dissertation PSY514 (PSY514)
This module will allow you to develop skills enabling them to operate as competent, independent researchers through the collection, examination and presentation of data in a professional, accurate and ethical way. You'll produce a thesis and presentation based on a student-led research project aligned to a field of psychology that builds on skills developed throughout the programme. For all students studying this programme.
Meet our Research Supervisors
When applying to us, you must select a research supervisor who you think best suits your own research proposal. Our team are experts in many fields of psychology. Introduce yourself to their research areas below.
Dr Clare Cunningham
Evolutional psychology and non-human animals
I supervise research on non-human animals, particularly how human-animal interactions impact human cognition and behaviour. I also supervise projects that look at how evolution has shaped human and animal cognitive processes.
Professor Sheila Cunningham
Social cognition, development and education
I supervise research on social cognitive processing, especially stereotyping and self-processing biases. I also supervise projects on how these processes develop in childhood and adolescence, and how they can be applied in education (e.g., supporting learning and subject choices)
Dr Julie Gawrylowicz
Investigative interviewing, eyewitness memory, jury decision-making
I supervise research on factors that impact the reliability of eyewitness testimony and the outcomes of investigative interviews. I am particularly interested in how we can support vulnerable people within the criminal justice system.
Dr Corinne Jola
Dance, empathy, and vulnerable individuals
I supervise qualitative and quantitative research on empathic abilities and embodied practices. My research explores how dance and movement impact on wellbeing, cognitive function, and social connectedness across the lifespan, from childhood through to old age, including those with neurodegenerative disorders like dementia or Parkinson's disease.
Professor Ver Kempe
Language development, language learning, language evolution
I supervise projects that look at how language input influences learning and how this in turn may have shaped the evolution of languages. I am interested in work with learning agents like children, adults, large language models (LLMs) or robots.
Dr Neil Kirk
Cognitive Psychology, dialect and voice perception
I supervise projects that relate to the experiences of speaking your MIND (that is, Minority, Indigenous, Non-standard and Dialect) varieties, which often get forgotten about in psychological research. I am interested in how these varieties are processed, whether they can be replicated by AI voices, and how listeners perceive both natural and synthetic speech.
Ms Noelle McAra
Pedagogical research
I supervise mainly pedagogical research aimed at improving the student experience and increasing retention. I am happy supervising both qualitative and quantitative research in this area.
Dr Janet McLean
Cognition, development and education
I supervise research projects that explore the cognitive processes underlying learning in children and adults, with a focus on maths and language. This includes investigating how attention, memory, and problem-solving skills contribute to learning and how insights from cognitive research can be applied to improve mathematics instruction.
Dr Rebecca Sharman
Neurodiversity and video games
My primary research focus is neurodivergent experiences, identity, and relationships. I also supervise projects on the psychological benefits of playing video games.
Dr Christopher Watkins
Evolutionary social psychology. The psychology of close/personal relationships
My research focuses on social perceptions based on physical characteristics, and factors involved in romantic attraction and pair bonding, drawing on perspectives from evolutionary biology and anthropology, as well as behavioural ecology and cognitive/social psychology. Research in this area sheds light on how we respond to potential dating partners, rivals, friends, and allies/associates.
Dr Lara Wood
Socio-cognitive development, gender, cultural evolution
I supervise research that focusses on applied cultural evolution, predominantly with children and young people. This broad topic includes investigating social learning biases (who do we copy, when, and why), children and adolescent's gender stereotyping and related gender concepts, and young people's epistemic vigilance (who they believe and why) particularly in polarising contexts.
Dr Penny Woolnough
Forensic and investigative psychology
I supervise research on investigative psychology, with a specific interest in major crime investigation relating to missing person investigation and search. I also supervise projects on wider topics relating to forensic psychology (e.g., eyewitness memory; prison officer decision making; mental health and crime) and am passionate about translating research to practice.
Dr Lynn Wright
Laterality, individual differences and pedagogy
I supervise research on individual differences, and have a specific interest in laterality/handedness. I am also interested in pedagogical research, particularly related to higher education, and supervise research projects examining many aspects of student engagement and student experience.
Entry Requirements
Applicants should have:
- An undergraduate degree (2:1 or better) in Psychology or a related subject (e.g., social science, neuroscience, statistics).
- A desire to develop their skills in a particular area of psychological research.
Applicants will be asked to state their preferred research area and name potential supervisors on application; this will be reviewed by the admissions tutors to ensure suitable supervision can be provided.
We accept a wide range of qualifications from applicants across the world.
Typically, international applicants should have:
- The equivalent of a lower second class (2:1) in Psychology or a related subject (e.g, social science, neuroscience, statistics, biology).
- A desire to develop skills in a particular area of psychological research
Applicants will be asked to state their preferred research area and name potential supervisors on application. This will be reviewed by the admissions tutors to ensure suitable supervision can be provided.All courses at Abertay University are taught in English. If your first language is not English, you will need to demonstrate that you meet our English language requirements.
Please see English Language Requirements for the full list of accepted qualifications and further details.
For questions about specific entry requirements, please contact admissions@abertay.ac.uk.
For more information on the application process, tuition fees and scholarships, studying in Scotland, and to contact our International Team, please visit our International Students page.
Information for International Applicants
Learn more about Abertay's English language requirements, as well as visa information.
English Language Requirements
Explore English language requirements for entry to Abertay University.
Visa Information
All the information you need about visa requirements for studying here at Abertay University.
International Students
Find everything you need to know about applying to Abertay as an international student.
Fees & funding
The course fees you'll pay and the funding available to you depends on factors such as your nationality, location, personal circumstances and the course you are studying. Visit the links below and scroll down to find the Postgraduate section.
More information
Find out about grants, bursaries, maintenance loans and living costs in our postgraduate taught fees and funding section.
Abertay Postgraduate Taught rUK Scholarship
This £1,000 award is open to all prospective new postgraduate students from England, Wales and Northern Ireland.
International Postgraduate Abertay Scholarships
This £3,000 award is open to all prospective new international postgraduate students at Abertay University.
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Join us as a Postgraduate
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You’ll benefit from training and professional development opportunities, as well as support with funding applications, placement opportunities, teaching support, public engagement and outreach activity.
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