MSci Stages, Modules, Credits

In Psychology our Year 1 and 2 modules form five strands. Within a year each strand is referred to as a module, so for example we have a module called "Brain and Behaviour 1" which is the first year module in the Brain and Behaviour strand. In each of the first two years we have three twenty credit modules (which run over Autumn and Spring terms) and two thirty credit modules (which also extend into the Summer term).

Modules are organised into 4-week teaching blocks, each consisting of four 2-hour teaching slots (lectures) and one tutorial.  You will also carry out practicals which bring together research skills learned in the Research Methods strand (e.g., experimental design, statistics) with ideas and issues raised in the other strands.

20-credit module structure:

30-credit module structure:

Years 3 and 4:

In the final two years of the MSci course you will take a range of advanced modules (some modules are dictated by the requirements of your specific MSci pathway, some modules you will choose yourself), a literature survey and an empirical project. The final years provide excellent opportunities for you to tailor your course to meet your academic interests. 

Advanced modules are typically taught in two 4-week teaching blocks with a reading week in the middle. It is important to note that Advanced Modules are assessed differently in Year 3 and Year 4. In Year 3 your assessment will align with that of students taking the module on the BSc course. In Year 4, an additional advanced assessment will be included (to reflect the higher level at which you are completing the module), and you will be marked according to the postgraduate marking guidelines. Please see the pages on assessment and feedback for more information on how marking guidelines differ for Years 3 and 4.

The literature survey is completed in the Autumn Term of Year 3 (Term 7), while the Final Year Project extends over most of Year 4.