Master's degree in psychology - School of Psychology and Clinical Language Sciences

Our courses

Enhance your career with a master's at Reading.

Whether you're looking to develop specialist expertise and work in psychology, or to hone transferable skills that you can take into a range of careers while studying an exciting subject, we have courses that will take you further.

As well as learning from staff who are active researchers in the field, you'll have opportunities to gain experience in research centres, on placements in neuroscience, developmental psychopathology and clinical research.

MSc Theory and Practice in Clinical Psychology

Learn key skills and enhance your knowledge with the guidance of experienced clinicians and researchers.

Undertake 320 hours of placement activity in one of our affiliated clinics, with one of our research groups, or with local healthcare partners.

Read our FAQ document for more information on this course.

MSc Research Methods in Psychology

This distinctive, long-standing course provides extensive training in analytical and methodological skills that are essential for psychologists, and any career where analytical techniques are relevant.

Teaching and supervision by active researchers mean that you will have the opportunity to learn about, and be involved in, the latest research developments.

MSc Cognitive Neuroscience

This course trains you in cognitive and affective neuroscience, with a focus on neuroscience methods.

You’ll have the chance to get involved with research from the Centre for Integrative Neuroscience and Neurodynamics.

MSc Language Sciences

The MSc Language Sciences course equips you with knowledge from the core areas of language sciences.

You'll also gain specialist knowledge in neuroscience, language development or multilingualism.

Your future career

All our MSc courses are research intensive, providing essential training in analytical ability, research methods and critical thinking, and other transferable skills that will be valuable in your future career. They'll help prepare you to succeed in a range of different fields.

100% of graduates from Psychology are in work or further study within 15 months of the end of their course. (Based on our analysis of HESA data © HESA 2022-2024, Graduate Outcomes Surveys 2019/20-2021/22; includes Postgraduate (Taught) and Postgraduate (Research) Psychology responders only.

Clinical careers

Our School has a strong focus on clinical psychology, with a NHS-partnered clinic on site and the Charlie Waller Institute, which provides expert training to practising mental health professionals. We offer a range of master's-level courses for those pursuing a career in clinical psychology.

For those looking to make a switch to a psychology career, or who lack British Psychological Society accreditation, then our MSc Psychology Conversion course will provide you with the essential knowledge needed.

For those looking for hands-on experience to support their career progression, our popular MSc Theory and Practice in Clinical Psychology course provides you with an extended placement in a research or clinical setting.

Research careers

Research is at the heart of our School, and we offer several master’s courses that will equip you with the skills to excel in a research career.

MSc Research Methods in Psychology is a course led by active researchers. Not only will you learn the skills that are essential for all researchers, but you can get involved in the latest psychological developments.

Our MSc Cognitive Neuroscience and MSc Language Sciences courses are perfect for preparing for doctoral research in fields of your particular interest.

Other career options

Training in psychology can provide you with the skills needed to succeed in a variety of careers. Our graduates have gone on to work in journalism, teaching, data science, public policy, marketing and programming.

Find out more about what options will open up to you by studying a master’s in psychology:

Career guidance for master's students