Social Psychology MSc - 2027/8
Awarding body
University of Surrey
Teaching institute
University of Surrey
Framework
FHEQ Level 7
Final award and programme/pathway title
MSc Social Psychology
Subsidiary award(s)
| Award | Title |
|---|---|
| PGDip | Social Psychology |
| PGCert | Social Psychology |
Modes of study
| Route code | Credits and ECTS Credits | |
| Full-time | PLD61013 | 180 credits and 90 ECTS credits |
| Part-time | PLD61014 | 180 credits and 90 ECTS credits |
QAA Subject benchmark statement (if applicable)
Other internal and / or external reference points
N/A
Faculty and Department / School
Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences - Psychology
Programme Leader
FASOLI Fabio (Psychology)
Date of production/revision of spec
01/10/2026
Educational aims of the programme
- To develop students' ability to conduct social psychological research using qualitative and quantitative methods through training in the systematic and critical evaluation of theory and empirical evidence.
- To enable students to connect social psychological theories and empirical research to contemporary social issues, and to understand their practical applications and implications for action.
- To equip students with the skills to critically evaluate interventions across a range of social domains.
- To offer opportunities to develop the basic interpersonal, technical, and creative skills required for the effective analysis and formulation of problems into research questions and, where appropriate, testable hypotheses.
- To provide students with an in-depth knowledge of theoretical and methodological approaches to the discipline.
Programme learning outcomes
| Attributes Developed | Awards | Ref. | |
| Knowledge and understanding of theoretical and methodological approaches to social psychology | K | PGCert, PGDip, MSc | |
| Knowledge and understanding of the practical applications and action implications of social psychological theories and empirical findings | K | PGCert, PGDip, MSc | |
| Knowledge and understanding of the research design principles and quantitative and qualitative techniques to manage and analyse psychological data | K | PGDip, MSc | |
| Knowledge and understanding of ethical considerations when undertaking research and framing interventions. | K | MSc | |
| To critically evaluate the contributions and limitations of social psychological theories and research methods in addressing social problems | KC | PGDip, MSc | |
| To evaluate actual and potential psychologically informed interventions in a variety of social domains | C | MSc | |
| To design, conduct, and evaluate social psychological research | CPT | MSc | |
| Communicate work in a professional manner for academic and non-academic audiences in written and verbal formats | PT | MSc | |
| Analyse and interpret social psychological theoretical analyses and quantitative and qualitative empirical evidence in a competent and critical manner | CP | MSc | |
| Use learning strategies and information technology effectively, and manage personal development | PT | PGCert, PGDip, MSc | |
| Demonstrate reflective engagement with the learning process, including the development of knowledge and skills arising from academic study, to support ongoing personal and professional development. | KCPT | PGCert, PGDip, MSc |
Attributes Developed
C - Cognitive/analytical
K - Subject knowledge
T - Transferable skills
P - Professional/Practical skills
Programme structure
Full-time
This Master's Degree programme is studied full-time over one academic year, consisting of 180 credits at FHEQ level 7. All modules are semester based and worth 15 credits with the exception of project, practice based and dissertation modules.
Possible exit awards include:
- Postgraduate Diploma (120 credits)
- Postgraduate Certificate (60 credits)
Part-time
This Master's Degree programme is studied part-time over two academic years, consisting of 180 credits at FHEQ level 7. All modules are semester based and worth 15 credits with the exception of project, practice based and dissertation modules.
Possible exit awards include:
- Postgraduate Diploma (120 credits)
- Postgraduate Certificate (60 credits)
Programme Adjustments (if applicable)
N/A
Modules
Year 1 (full-time) - FHEQ Level 7
Module Selection for Year 1 (full-time) - FHEQ Level 7
Full-time students are required to complete four modules per semester in total.
In Semester 1, students need to complete three compulsory modules and one optional module. Students can choose a compulsory research methods training module that suits their level of foundational knowledge. They should select either Advanced Research Methods and Design (PSYM147), recommended for those with a first degree in Psychology or who studied psychology as part of their degree, or Academic Research Training (PSYM130), recommended for those without a psychology background.
In Semester 2, students need to complete one compulsory module and three optional modules. Students can choose a compulsory quantitative data analysis module that suits their level of foundational knowledge. They should select either Advanced Quantitative Data Analysis (PSYM187), recommended for those with a first degree in Psychology or Fundamentals of Quantitative Data Analysis (PSYM188), recommended for those without a psychology background.
Year 1 (part-time) - FHEQ Level 7
Module Selection for Year 1 (part-time) - FHEQ Level 7
Part-time students split the modules across two years and they are required to complete two modules (either compulsory or optional) per semester.
In Semester 1 of Year 1, students can choose a compulsory research methods training module that suits their level of foundational knowledge. They should select either Advanced Research Methods and Design (PSYM147), recommended for those with a first degree in Psychology or who studied psychology as part of their degree; or Academic Research Training (PSYM130), recommended for those without a psychology background.
In Semester 2, students need to complete one compulsory module and one optional module. Students can choose a compulsory quantitative data analysis module that suits their level of foundational knowledge. They should select either Advanced Quantitative Data Analysis (PSYM187), recommended for those with a first degree in Psychology or Fundamentals of Quantitative Data Analysis (PSYM188), recommended for those without a psychology background.
Year 2 (part-time) - FHEQ Level 7
Module Selection for Year 2 (part-time) - FHEQ Level 7
Part-time students split the modules across two years and they are required to complete two modules (either compulsory or optional) per semester
Opportunities for placements / work related learning / collaborative activity
| Associate Tutor(s) / Guest Speakers / Visiting Academics | N | |
| Professional Training Year (PTY) | N | |
| Placement(s) (study or work that are not part of PTY) | N | |
| Clinical Placement(s) (that are not part of the PTY scheme) | N | |
| Study exchange (Level 5) | N | |
| Dual degree | N |
Other information
The School of Psychology is committed to developing graduates with strengths in Employability, Digital Capabilities, Global and Cultural Awareness, Sustainability, and Resourcefulness and Resilience. This module supports students in building knowledge and skills across these areas.
Employability: Students gain transferable skills including critical analysis of literature, research design, data analysis, and effective written and oral communication. They learn to apply social psychology to real-world contexts, such as designing campaigns and interventions. Assessments develop independent and teamwork abilities, alongside leadership and time management skills.
Digital Capabilities: Students are trained to use software for surveys, eye-tracking, and data analysis (e.g., Jamovi). They also develop skills in presentation and communication tools (e.g., PowerPoint, Prezi) and collaborative platforms (e.g., Teams, Padlet). Students will engage with online learning environments, specialist digital resources and emerging technologies, including the critical and responsible use of AI-supported tools to enhance information retrieval, analysis and professional or academic judgement.
Sustainability: The programme addresses key social issues linked to UN Sustainable Development Goals, such as inequality, wellbeing, and environmental challenges. Students analyse theories of social influence, evaluate campaigns, and design interventions. Optional modules and dissertations allow further focus on sustainability topics.
Global and Cultural Capabilities: Students explore social psychology in diverse cultural contexts, challenging Western-centric assumptions. They examine cross-cultural evidence and consider how interventions apply globally. A diverse student body supports exposure to varied perspectives.
Quality assurance
The Regulations and Codes of Practice for taught programmes can be found at:
Please note that the information detailed within this record is accurate at the time of publishing and may be subject to change. This record contains information for the most up to date version of the programme / module for the 2027/8 academic year.