Experimental Psychology

The MSc by Research in Experimental Psychology course is based upon independent research carried out under the supervision and guidance of principal investigators and researchers within a research group or lab, in areas such as behavioural neuroscience, cognitive neuroscience, social psychology and psychological disorders, and developmental science.

First year of study

You are initially registered with Probationary Research Student (PRS) status. During the first year, you will be expected to attend various courses, lectures and seminars that will enable you to gain the most out of your time at Oxford and assist you with the design and analysis of your own area of research. These will typically include:

• graduate statistical workshops
• skills training courses eg in MATLAB and fMRIB methods
• analysis of research methods

The Medical Science Division also offers a large number of courses on transferable skills such as teaching and communicating scientific findings which you are encouraged to attend as a part of your MSc by Research studies.

You are expected to be fully integrated within your own chosen group or lab and attend group or lab meetings as well as attending related seminars and conferences.

Second year of study

You will be expected to transfer your status from PRS to MSc by Research before the end of your 4th Term of study with us. For this, you will be required to submit a written report summarising your progress to date, which you will then discuss and defend in an oral examination (a transfer viva).

Once you have transferred your status, you will be able to conclude your studies with the submission of a 50,000-word thesis and an oral examination, your final viva voce.

Assessment of your progress on the course is monitored through termly progression reports and at two key stages:

• transfer of status
• thesis submission

You will need to have successfully completed all both stages to be awarded an MSc by Research in Experimental Psychology from the University of Oxford.

1. Academic ability

Proven and potential academic excellence

Applicants are normally expected to be predicted or have achieved a first-class or strong upper second-class undergraduate degree with honours (or equivalent international qualifications), as a minimum, in psychology or a cognate discipline that is relevant to your proposed research.

For applicants with a degree from the USA, the minimum GPA sought is 3.5 out of 4.0.

You do not need to have a previous master’s level degree to apply for this course. 

No Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or GMAT scores are sought.

2. English language requirement

Standard level

3. SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS

• Three references (letters of recommendation)
• Official transcript(s) of previous university-level degrees
• CV/résumé
• Research proposal: Up to 2,500 words

Want to improve your English level for admission?

Prepare for the program requirements with English Online by the British Council.

• ✔️ Flexible study schedule
• ✔️ Experienced teachers
• ✔️ Certificate upon completion

📘 Recommended for students with an IELTS level of 6.0 or below.

Enroll in the course

• Clarendon Scholarships. This unique scheme offers around 140 new, fully-funded scholarships each year to academically outstanding graduate students, as well as providing a lively and stimulating community of scholars.
• Hill Foundation Scholarships. The Hill Foundation Scholarships fund Russian students to study for full-time graduate courses in any subject at Oxford. The Hill Foundation is a charity which aims to create a community of Oxford scholars and alumni who will work to improve Russian life and culture.The scholarship will cover 100% of University and college fees and a grant for living costs (of at least £14,296). Awards are made for the full duration of your fee liability for the agreed course.