Scholarships
The scholarships below are open to international students and those applying from England, Wales and Northern Ireland with a 2.1 or above for a postgraduate course.
The programme – launching in September 2025 – is designed for aspiring researchers and professionals. It provides advanced training in research methodologies, data analyses and practical skills, preparing you for a dynamic career in research or data-driven roles.
This programme offers a blend of core psychology research skills and specialist knowledge, with individualised training in relevant research techniques.
You'll dive deep into the principles of psychology research design and data analysis, before specialising in the specific practical, technical and advanced analysis skills required for completion of your own research project.
You’ll also have the opportunity to gain research lab work experience and to develop real-world applications of your research.
Whether you're aiming for a career in academia or looking to bring advanced research skills to the professional world, this programme will give you the tools you need to succeed.
SGSSS studentships
Abertay’s MSc Research Methods is approved by the Scottish Graduate School of Social Sciences (SGSSS), who administer PhD studentships and research methods training across Scotland. SGSSS studentship-holders can complete both an MSc in Research Methods and a subsequent PhD at Abertay University. If you are interested in applying for this opportunity, please read SGSSS’s studentship competition information (link to: https://www.sgsss.ac.uk/studentships/) and speak to potential PhD supervisors as early as possible.
MSc Research Methods in Creative Industries (for SGSSS-funded students only)
If you are interested in applying social science research to the creative industries and are awarded an SGSSS studentship, you can choose to complete an alternative pathway: MSc Research Methods in Creative Industries. This pathway includes the core Research Methods in Psychology programme but focuses on applying a social science approach to the creative industries (e.g., game design, film), with industry input and supervision by an academic from our renowned Department of Games and Arts.
Transfer to PhD (for non-SGSSS funded students only)
If you successfully complete the MSc Research Methods modules and are interested in pursuing a PhD at Abertay, non-funded students can apply to transfer to PhD Year 2 instead of graduating with the MSc. This would allow you to complete your PhD within a shorter timeframe, a valuable saving.
Externally delivered 40 credit module, for SGSSS-funded students..
This module will provide you with core data analysis skills across platforms. You will develop quantitative skills in Excel, Jamovi and R that will serve as a solid foundation for more advanced statistical analysis training in Term 2. For all students studying the programme.
This module is an introduction into the world of academia, providing an understanding of the UK research context, key research practices and the funding landscape. You'll also develop skills in critical research evaluation and scientific communication. For non SGSSS-funded students.
This module will provide students with the opportunity to link work experience with their academic study, by undertaking a psychology-relevant work placement. For non SGSSS-funded students.
This module provides a student-driven, advanced exploration of research methodologies, emphasising the application of analytical techniques to individual research projects. You'll identify your own development needs and will leverage external asynchronous resources, alongside Graduate School drop-in sessions and regular supervision meetings to facilitate your acquisition of advanced research skills. For non SGSSS-funded students.
This module explores topics related to the onset of a research project - such as choosing techniques, equipment and associated ethical issues. You'll be equipped with the practical skills necessary to apply this knowledge. For all students on this programme.
To make a difference in the world it is of vital importance that research has an impact in some way, advancing academic knowledge and influencing audiences outside academia (e.g., businesses, government, the media, civil society and the public). Research impact encompasses all the changes driven by research (e.g., our awareness and understanding of problems, and how it changes our behaviours). In this module we will draw on a range of evidence-based principles that underpin impact planning, delivery and measurement to equip you with the skills they need to effectively and confidently embed impact in their research. You'll also learn about non-academic research-based roles, where professionals use an understanding of research to inform their practice. For non SGSSS-funded students and SGSSS-funded students following the MSc Research Methods in Psychology pathway.
The module aims to provide you with a critical and comprehensive understanding of the main factors that shape diversity in human behaviour, and how this diversity can be studied and measured. For SGSS-funded students following the MSC Research Methods in Creative Industries pathway.
This module will allow you to develop skills enabling them to operate as competent, independent researchers through the collection, examination and presentation of data in a professional, accurate and ethical way. You'll produce a thesis and presentation based on a student-led research project aligned to a field of psychology that builds on skills developed throughout the programme. For all students studying this programme.
When applying to us, you must select a research supervisor who you think best suits your own research proposal. Our team are experts in many fields of psychology. Introduce yourself to their research areas below.
Applicants should have:
Applicants will be asked to state their preferred research area and name potential supervisors on application; this will be reviewed by the admissions tutors to ensure suitable supervision can be provided.
We accept a wide range of qualifications from applicants across the world.
Typically, international applicants should have:
Applicants will be asked to state their preferred research area and name potential supervisors on application. This will be reviewed by the admissions tutors to ensure suitable supervision can be provided.
All courses at Abertay University are taught in English. If your first language is not English, you will need to demonstrate that you meet our English language requirements.Please see English Language Requirements for the full list of accepted qualifications and further details.
For questions about specific entry requirements, please contact admissions@abertay.ac.uk.
For more information on the application process, tuition fees and scholarships, studying in Scotland, and to contact our International Team, please visit our International Students page.
Learn more about Abertay's English language requirements, as well as visa information.
Explore English language requirements for entry to Abertay University.
All the information you need about visa requirements for studying here at Abertay University.
The course fees you'll pay and the funding available to you depends on factors such as your nationality, location, personal circumstances and the course you are studying. Visit the links below and scroll down to find the Postgraduate section.
Find out about grants, bursaries, maintenance loans and living costs in our postgraduate taught fees and funding section.
The scholarships below are open to international students and those applying from England, Wales and Northern Ireland with a 2.1 or above for a postgraduate course.
This £1,000 award is open to all prospective new postgraduate students from England, Wales and Northern Ireland.
This £3,000 award is open to all prospective new international postgraduate students at Abertay University.