Masters applications for 2025 entry are now closed.
Applications for September 2026 will open on Wednesday 24 September. Applications are now open for programmes with a January 2026 start. View our programmes »
| UCAS code |
1234 |
| Duration |
1 year full time
2 or 3 years part time |
| Entry year |
September 2026 |
| Campus |
Streatham Campus
|
| Discipline |
Psychology
|
| Contact |
|
Overview
- Explore the intersection of psychology and data science to investigate human behaviour, cognition and mental health.
- Gain essential skills in Python, AI, cloud computing and databases, with full support for those new to coding.
- Develop experimental and critical thinking skills by learning directly from leading academics conducting pioneering research in psychology and data science and by utilising advanced equipment and labs.
- Undertake a substantial empirical research project that allows you to apply your skills in a real-world context.
- Graduate with a distinctive skillset that prepares you for PhD study or careers across healthcare, research and beyond.
Top 150 in the world for Psychology
11th in the UK for internationally excellent research in Psychology
Top 10 for Psychology in 3 major UK league tables
Extensive research facilities including eye tracking, tDCS Lab, and Biobehavioural and Virtual reality Lab, EEG/EERP and TMS laboratories, audio-visual recording suite and MRI scanner.
Entry requirements
Normally a 2:1 Honours degree or equivalent in Psychology. A degree in another discipline may be accepted if it included substantial content in Psychology, research methodology and statistics. Due to the nature of the programme we require applicants to have studied and achieved a 2:1 or equivalent in at least two statistics/research methods modules previously. BA Psychology will also be considered if at least two statistics/research methods modules have been studied.
Please also see our guidance on essential documentation required for an initial decision on taught programme applications.
Entry requirements for international students
English language requirements
International students need to show they have the required level of English language to study this course. The required test scores for this course fall under Profile B2.
Please visit our English language requirements page to view the required test scores and equivalencies from your country.
Course content
This MSc brings together psychology and data science, giving you the skills to explore complex questions about the mind and behaviour in a rapidly evolving digital world. You’ll learn how to work with large datasets, apply advanced statistical methods, and use tools such as Python and cloud computing – all taught in a supportive way that requires no prior coding experience. Alongside technical training, you’ll develop a strong foundation in psychological theory and ethical research practice. The programme is designed to be highly applied: you’ll test your skills through practical exercises, collaborative projects, and a substantial piece of independent research. By bridging traditional and computational approaches, the course equips you to contribute to new discoveries in areas ranging from cognition and mental health to neuroscience, while preparing you for diverse career opportunities in research, healthcare and data-driven roles.
The modules we outline here provide examples of what you can expect to learn on this degree course based on recent academic teaching. The precise modules available to you in future years may vary depending on staff availability and research interests, new topics of study, timetabling and student demand.
180 credits of compulsory modules
Compulsory modules
| Code | Module |
Credits |
|---|
| PSYM201 |
Advanced Statistics | 30 |
| PSYM234 |
Methods in Cognitive, Affective and Developmental Psychology and Neuroscience | 15 |
| PSYM230 |
Advances in Clinical Psychology and Neuroscience | 15 |
| HPDM172 |
Computational Skills for Health and Life Sciences | 15 |
| HPDM171 |
Coding in Python for Health and Life Sciences | 15 |
| PSYM210 |
Research Apprenticeship | 90 |
Fees
2026/27 entry
UK fees per year:
£13,300 full-time; £6,650 part-time
International fees per year:
£28,900 full-time; £14,450 part-time
Scholarships
The University of Exeter offers a wide range of scholarships to support your education, with £7 million available for international students applying to study with us in the 2026/27 academic year, including our prestigious Exeter Excellence Scholarships *. We also provide awards for sport, music and other achievements, as well as regional and partner scholarships with organisations such as Chevening, The Beacon Trust and the British Council. For more information on scholarships and other financial support, please visit our scholarships and bursaries page.
University of Exeter Alumni Scholarship
We are pleased to offer University of Exeter alumni beginning a standalone postgraduate programme in 2026/27 with us a scholarship towards the cost of your tuition fees. Full details can be found here.
*Terms and conditions, including deadlines, apply. See our website for details..
Teaching and research
Course Structure
This programme is full-time and campus-based, with regular weekly contact. Teaching will take place primarily at Exeter’s Streatham Campus, with access to specialist psychology and data science facilities. Module delivery is coordinated to minimise timetable clashes and ensure smooth progression through the programme.
Our Aim
The programme aims to provide transformative education at the intersection of psychology and data science, equipping students with the skills to tackle pressing questions in mental health, cognition, neuroscience, and human behaviour.
Teaching
You’ll learn through a blended approach including lectures, seminars, coding workshops, practical exercises, and tutorials, all supported by online resources via the University’s electronic learning environment (ELE). The course fosters a safe, collaborative environment where you can share ideas, test hypotheses, and develop research skills under guidance from leading academics.
Research
Students complete a substantial independent research project, applying computational and psychological methods to a topic of their choice, supported by expert supervision.
Learning
The programme combines campus-based teaching with high-quality online resources for guided independent study. You’ll develop technical, analytical, and ethical skills, applying them to real-world challenges in psychological research.
Assessment
Each module includes both formative and summative assessment. Formative elements provide opportunities for discussion and feedback, while summative assessments allow you to demonstrate achievement of learning outcomes across knowledge, cognitive skills, and transferable research capabilities.
Facilities
Based at Exeter’s Streatham Campus, the programme gives you access to state-of-the-art psychology and data science facilities, just a short walk from the city centre. Key resources include:
- Advanced psychology labs and research equipment
- Computing suites for Python, AI, and data analysis
- Support and resources from the Institute for Data Science and Artificial Intelligence (IDSAI)
- Extensive library and digital archives for research and study
You’ll learn in a collaborative, interdisciplinary environment, working alongside experts across psychology, data science, and health sciences.
Programme Directors
Psychology data science is an interdisciplinary field that brings together scientists from different backgrounds to answer questions about mind and behaviour. Our programme has two directors, Dr. Doretta Caramaschi, whose research bridges neuroscience, genetics and mental health, and Dr. Hamad Javaid, who applies artificial intelligence and biomedical engineering to psychological and neural data, reflecting this interdisciplinary environment.
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Dr Doretta Caramaschi
Dr Hamad Javaid
Dr Doretta Caramaschi
Dr Doretta Caramaschi is a Lecturer (Education and Research) with a primary focus on neurodevelopment and epigenetics. With a background in neuroscience and molecular epidemiology, she investigates neurodiversity and its relationship to mental health. Her research focuses on ADHD, autism, epilepsy, depression, and anxiety in children and young people. Passionate about understanding children’s brain development, Dr Caramaschi employs epidemiological approaches, including surveys, as well as genetic and epigenetic methods. She works closely with individuals with lived experience to inform and refine her research.
Profile page
Dr Hamad Javaid
Dr Hamad Javaid is a researcher specialising in biomedical devices, signal processing, and the application of artificial intelligence in neuroscience and healthcare. His work explores EEG signal analysis, machine learning in psychology, and explainable AI, with a particular interest in robotics in healthcare. He holds a Ph.D. in Biomedical Engineering from PSU, Thailand, and an MSc. in Electrical and Electronics Engineering from the University of Bradford, UK.
Profile page
Careers
Who is this course for?
This programme is designed for psychology graduates or those with a strong interest in human behaviour who want to develop cutting-edge data science skills. It is ideal for students seeking to combine psychological insight with computational techniques, including Python, AI and advanced statistical analysis, to tackle real-world research questions. No prior coding experience is required. The course suits those aiming for research careers, PhD study, or data-driven roles in healthcare, education, neuroscience, or related fields.
Employer-valued skills this course develops
This programme equips students with highly sought-after skills that are valued across research, healthcare, education, and data-driven industries. Graduates develop expertise in data analysis, Python programming, AI, cloud computing, and statistical methods, alongside strong problem-solving, critical thinking, and ethical research skills. The course also fosters interdisciplinary collaboration, independent project management, and the ability to translate complex data into actionable insights, preparing students for careers in psychological research, data science roles, and further academic study such as PhD programmes.
Careers services
All of our students have access to Career Zone, which gives access to a wealth of business contacts, support and training as well as the opportunity to meet potential employers at our regular Careers Fairs. Our academic staff and practitioners will introduce you to relevant established professional networks.
Read more
Top 150 in the world for Psychology
11th in the UK for internationally excellent research in Psychology
Top 10 for Psychology in 3 major UK league tables
Extensive research facilities including eye tracking, tDCS Lab, and Biobehavioural and Virtual reality Lab, EEG/EERP and TMS laboratories, audio-visual recording suite and MRI scanner.
