University of Leicester

What you'll study

This programme combines advanced taught modules with a substantial independent research project. Core content emphasises experimental design, quantitative and qualitative methods, advanced statistics, and practical skills in the collection, management and analysis of psychological data. You will learn to design and run experiments, carry out complex multivariate analyses, apply psychometric techniques, and use contemporary software tools for data analysis and experiment presentation.

• Research design and methodology – advanced approaches to experimental, quasi-experimental and observational studies, including issues of validity, reliability and reproducibility.
• Quantitative methods and statistics – frequentist and modern approaches to inference, regression and multilevel modelling, factor analysis and structural equation modelling; emphasis on interpretation and reporting of results.
• Qualitative methods – approaches such as thematic analysis, interpretative phenomenological analysis and mixed-methods integration where relevant to psychological enquiry.
• Psychometrics and measurement – scale development, reliability and validity assessment, item response theory basics and practical testing of instruments.
• Practical laboratory and technical skills – training in experimental software, psychophysiological recording where available, ethical conduct of research, participant recruitment and data management best practice.
• Research project (MRes dissertation) – an extended, supervised empirical project that forms the major component of the degree, from proposal and ethics application through data collection, analysis and dissemination.

Teaching typically combines lectures, practical workshops, small-group seminars and one-to-one supervision. Assessment is by a mixture of coursework, practical assignments, methodological portfolios and the research dissertation.

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally expected to hold a good honours degree in Psychology or a related discipline, with evidence of training in research methods and statistics. Candidates with a lower classification but with substantial research experience, professional experience in a research role, or strong quantitative skills may be considered. Applicants whose first language is not English must demonstrate competence through a recognised English language qualification at an appropriate level. You will normally be asked to provide academic transcripts, a personal statement outlining research interests and experience, and references; some applicants may be invited to interview.

Career prospects

Graduates of this MRes are well placed to progress to doctoral study (PhD) or to enter research-focused roles. Typical destinations include research assistant or coordinator posts in academic research groups, hospitals and health services, and government or charity-funded research programmes. The course also provides relevant training for careers in data analysis, evaluation and consultancy, market research, policy analysis and roles that require rigorous quantitative and qualitative research skills. The emphasis on project design, statistics and academic writing also supports applications for clinical or professional training routes where research experience is valued.

Why study at University of Leicester

The University of Leicester's Department of Psychology has an active postgraduate community and a strong culture of methodological training. Students benefit from supervision by research-active staff across cognitive, developmental, social and clinical psychology, with opportunities to collaborate on interdisciplinary projects across the university. The department provides access to specialist research facilities, computing resources and training workshops in statistics and research software. Small-group teaching and individual supervision ensure close support during the research project, and the programme is designed to build both the technical competence and the critical judgement needed for independent psychological research.