University of Essex

MSc by Dissertation Psychology

University of Essex

Course overview

The Master's by Dissertation (MSD) in Psychology allows students to work one-on-one with one of the university's expert staff members and focus their attention on designing, conducting, and writing up innovative psychological studies.

Students get to study in a stimulating and vibrant research environment and have access to excellent research facilities. In general, students enjoy the same access to neuroscience and other research equipment as the academic staff and access to the research participant pool, which is essential for their experimental research.

Students also benefit from the supportive supervision given by their staff and the friendly and collegiate atmosphere provided by fellow students. This ensures that the university has an exemplary record in supporting its MSD students to produce high-quality theses within one year.

Entry requirements

Applicants will normally be required to attend an interview/Skype interview for acceptance, and acceptance is subject to research expertise in the department.

 

Grade Requirements:

  • Applicants will need a 2.2 Honours Degree, or equivalent, in Psychology or a related subject.

English Language Requirements:

  • Applicants who don't have English as their first language will be required to have an overall IELTS score of 7.0 or equivalent, with a minimum of 5.5 in all other components.

Scholarships

  • Alumni Loyalty Discount

    First Class or Distinction, 2.1 or Merit, 2.2 or successful completion of a Masters, Graduate or PG Diploma - 20%.

    Up to 20% of fees

  • Essex Futures BT– Masters Scholarship

    School of Computer Science and Electronic Engineering (CSEE) is delighted to be offering up to six scholarship worth £5,500 each for 1 year full time.

    Up to £5,500

  • Essex Preparation Programme Bursary

    £250 cash bursary.

    Up to £250

  • Global Talent Masters Scholarship

    You could be eligible for a scholarship worth £5,000, paid as a discount on your tuition fee.

    Up to £5,000

  • Hong Kong Undergraduate Scholarship

    The awards offered are a discount of £5,000 per year for a maximum of three years of full-time undergraduate study, up to a maximum of £15,000.

    Up to £15,000

  • Hugh Brogan Bursary

    If you are applying to study a History MA degree, you could be eligible for one of four available cash bursaries worth £2,500.

    Up to £2,500

  • International Baccalaureate Excellence Scholarship

    If you're starting at Essex in 2026-27 and achieve academic excellence in your International Baccalaureate, we will offer you a scholarship of £2,000 for your first year of study.

    Up to £2,000

  • Performance Sports Scholarships and Bursaries

    Tier 1 - Tuition fee discount up to 100%, Tier 2 - Cash bursary (of varying amounts), Tier 3 - Access to the above performance package benefits, with a value of up to £1,500.

  • Postgraduate Masters (PGT) International Health Bursary

    The University is offering a bursary of £776 for Masters (PGT) international students.

    Up to £776

  • Postgraduate Premium Pathway Scholarship

    You could be eligible for a tuition fee discount of £6,500, for your first year of study at Essex.

    Up to £6,500

  • Sociology and Criminology - Fuller PGT Scholarship

    The Department of Sociology and Criminology is offering scholarships of £11,025 to support six postgraduate students to study within the department in 2026-2027.

    Up to £11,025

  • The Always Essex Staff Discount Scholarship

    33% discount of the first-year tuition fee (first two years for part-time study).

  • The Eleonore Koch Travel Fund

    The School of Philosophical, Historical & Interdisciplinary Studies is offering a bursary of up to £5,000.

  • The Essex MBA Dean's Award

    The school is able to offer fee discounts between 10% - 100% of tuition fee value.

  • The International Undergraduate Scholarship

    The award is offered as a £5,000 discount on your tuition fees for the first year of study in 2026-27 only.

    Up to £5,000

  • The Ronald J. Hill Fund

    The department of Government is offering a bursary of £3,000 to assist one postgraduate student within the department of Government to assist with tuition fees or living costs.

    Up to £3,000

  • The Undergraduate Premium Pathway Scholarship

    You may be eligible for a tuition fee discount of £5,000, for each year of study at Essex up to a maximum of 3 years.

    Up to £5,000

  • University of Sanctuary Scholarship

Career opportunities

The University offers a range of scholarships and bursaries for postgraduate study. General awards include the Academic Excellence International Master's Scholarship for high-achieving international students and the Essex Global Talent Scholarship for self-funding international students. Home/UK students with a strong academic background may be eligible for the Master's Excellence Scholarship. Other options include the Early Bird Discount and various country-specific and subject-related awards.

Cost of study

The tuition fee for the MSc (by Dissertation) Psychology from the University of Essex is  £22,550 per year for international students. (Fees will increase for each academic year of study.)

Admission

To apply for the course, applicants can apply directly to the university through its online application portal. For personalised help with your application, please speak to one of our trained counsellors.

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