On this programme you will learn how to answer questions about social phenomena and think like a social psychologist
This programme provides students with an in-depth understanding of the theories, concepts and research that make up social psychology. You will study an exciting, unique problem-based approach to providing empirical answers to social psychological questions and receive thorough training in social psychology’s research methods and analysis.
Why study Social Psychology at Edinburgh?
- Psychology is rated 3rd in the UK by Times Higher Education for the quality and breadth of the research using the latest Research Excellence Framework (REF 2021).
- We're ranked 6th in the UK and 30th in the world for psychology (QS World University Rankings by subject 2025).
Showcasing Psychology at Edinburgh
Programme structure
This programme contains two semesters of taught compulsory courses and optional courses followed by a dissertation. The taught courses and their assessments take place between September to December (Semester 1) and January to April (Semester 2). Planning for the dissertation will take place until April and carried out between April and August.
Dissertation
The dissertation is the capstone component of the programme and involves conducting an independent research project in a chosen area, and in close collaboration with a supervisor. Sometimes dissertations are subsequently published as journal articles.
There is a wide range of staff available for supervision within the department.
Course options
On this programme you will take the following core courses:
- Current Approaches in Social Psychology
- Problem-Based Social Psychological Research
- Psychological Research Skills
- Univariate Statistics and Methodology using R
- Multivariate Statistics and Methodology using R
Optional courses available in addition to these are:
- Qualitative Research Methods (taught by the Social Psychology research group)
- Neuroscience of Language
- Atypical Development
- Applied Psychological Testing
- Clinical Neuropsychology
- Brain Imaging in Cognitive Neuroscience
- Or any other course open to MSc students including courses from the school of health and social sciences, and the school of social and political sciences.
When to apply
We operate a gathered field approach to applications. You may submit your application at any time.
All complete applications that satisfy our minimum entry requirements will be placed on a shortlist and held until the next batch processing deadline. Applications will then be ranked and offers made to the top candidates.
Find out more about the degree programme and how to apply:
Connect with us
If you have any programme-specific enquiries please get in touch with the programme director:
Dr Sarah Stanton (Programme director)
Feel free to get in touch with our friendly Postgraduate Team with any questions you might have about academic or English language requirements, course information, enquiries about your application and information on arriving at the University.
Postgraduate Research Administration Team (MScR/PhD enquiries):
Email: pplspgoffice@ed.ac.uk
How to apply and fees & funding information:
Degree Finder for MSc Social Psychology
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