University of Warwick

What you'll study

The programme provides intensive training in research methods and contemporary topics in psychology. Core teaching emphasises experimental design, statistical inference, and research ethics, alongside advanced modules in specialised areas such as cognitive, social, developmental and clinical psychology depending on staff expertise and student choice.

Typical elements include:

• Advanced Research Methods – design of experiments, longitudinal and multilevel designs, questionnaire and observational methods.
• Statistics and Data Analysis – frequentist and Bayesian approaches, multivariate statistics, regression models and training in software commonly used in psychological research (e.g. R and other packages).
• Specialist Topics – rotating modules covering current theory and empirical methods in fields such as cognitive neuroscience, social cognition, developmental processes, and health psychology.
• Research Practicum – supervised small‑scale empirical projects and laboratory placements that give hands‑on experience of data collection and analysis.
• Dissertation – an independent, empirically driven research project completed under academic supervision and written up in a thesis format.

Teaching is typically a mix of lectures, seminars, laboratory classes and one‑to‑one supervision. Assessment methods include project reports, examined coursework, practical data assignments, and the final dissertation.

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally expected to hold a good undergraduate degree (equivalent to a UK upper second class honours) in psychology or a closely related discipline. Candidates with a strong quantitative background or substantial research experience in a relevant area may also be considered; some applicants without a psychology degree are required to demonstrate prior training in core psychological concepts or research methods.

Selection is based on academic performance, references, a personal statement describing research interests and experience, and the fit between the applicant's aims and supervisor expertise. International applicants must demonstrate proficiency in English and meet the university's language requirements.

Career prospects

Graduates are equipped for a range of research‑oriented careers. Common destinations include:

• Research assistant or research associate roles in university laboratories or research institutes.
• Progression to PhD study in psychology, cognitive neuroscience, or allied disciplines.
• Analytical roles in the public and private sector such as market research, policy evaluation, user experience research and data analysis roles.
• Clinical, educational or health research posts where methodological expertise is required (often combined with professional qualifications where relevant).

The programme’s emphasis on rigorous methods and project experience makes graduates attractive to employers seeking strong empirical and quantitative skills.

Why study at University of Warwick

The Department of Psychology at Warwick is research‑active and offers training that combines theoretical breadth with methodological depth. Students benefit from supervision by active researchers, access to laboratory and digital research infrastructure, and participation in departmental seminar series that expose them to current debates and research techniques.

Warwick also provides central student support and careers services that help with CVs, applications for doctoral programmes and employment, and opportunities to network with academic and industry partners. The programme’s focus on transferable research skills prepares students for both academic and applied careers in psychological science.