MSc Environmental Psychology

Why choose this course

• Study on the only one-year full-time (or two-year part-time) degree in the world to focus on both sustainability and environmental design (established in 1973), to discover how our physical environment influences the way we act, feel and think.

• Access our state-of-the-art psychology facilities, including a virtual reality suite and two observation laboratories, and use the latest equipment to conduct experiments.

• Learn from lecturers who are active researchers in environmental change, restorative environments, sustainable living and much more.

• Join our Environmental Psychology Research Group to take part in seminars and workshops, and benefit from our links with renowned research institutions across the world.

• Join the 100 per cent of our psychology graduates who go on to employment or further study (Graduate Outcomes survey 2023, HESA).

What you will study

You’ll explore the relationship between people and their physical environment at every scale, from personal space in offices to climate change awareness. You’ll gain the knowledge and skills to support the design, management and use of environments that benefit human function and health.

You’ll address issues around architectural psychology, social change and sustainable development, while reviewing the major theoretical formulations and models within environmental psychology. We’ll also give you an insight into qualitative and quantitative research methods, including the use of statistics, ensuring you have a solid foundation to collect, analyse and interpret data.

You’ll select one optional module to delve into topics, including applied psychology and public policy, chronic conditions and psychological aspects of healthcare.

You’ll also complete a research dissertation that will allow you to carry out research on important topics in the field. Previous student projects have ranged from climate change perceptions to privacy in open-plan offices, biophilic design, and the emotional and cognitive benefits of nature engagement. We’ll match your interests with the expertise of our academic staff, ensuring you get the best support.

Research groups

You’ll be invited to join our Environmental Psychology Research Group where we investigate how people interact with different types of environments, how these interactions impact people’s personal wellbeing, and how we should go about developing and managing healthy places and spaces for all, and much more.

You’ll participate in discussions about research topics, findings and publications, and you’ll benefit from our links with renowned research institutions across the world. We also have a host of external speakers that visit us and present their work, and a collection of seminars and workshops, allowing you to network with like-minded individuals.

Teaching

Your teaching will be delivered through a combination of:

• Case studies

• Group work (e.g. discussion groups)

• Lectures

• Online learning

• Seminars

• Workshops.

Outside of these, you’ll be expected to carry out independent study, including coursework, place analyses and reading.

There may be occasions when the delivery of your teaching is supported by graduate teaching assistants. The University has a set of procedures that govern the use of postgraduate research students in this way.

Modules listed are indicative, reflecting the information available at the time of publication. Please note that modules may be subject to teaching availability, student demand and/or class size caps.

The University operates a credit framework for all taught programmes based on a 15-credit tariff. Modules can be either 15, 30, 45, 75 and 120 credits, and additionally for some masters dissertations, 90 credits.

The structure of our programmes follows clear educational aims that are tailored to each programme. These are all outlined in the programme specification which include further details such as the learning outcomes:

Year 1 Full Time

• Academic Research Training
• Advanced Research Methods and Design
• Key Questions in Environmental Psychology
• Qualitative Research Methods
• Social Change and Influence
• Psychological Aspects of Health Care
• Quantitative Research Methods
• The Psychology of Architecture and Planning Research
• The Psychology of Global Challenges
• The Psychology of Real-world Behaviour Change
• The Psychology of Sustainable Development
• Dissertation 8000-10000 Words

Optional modules for Year 1 (full-time) - FHEQ Level 7

In Semester 1, students can choose a research methods training module that suits their level of foundational knowledge. They should select either Advanced Research Methods and Design (PSYM147), recommended for those with a first degree in Psychology or a related social science; or Academic Research Training (PSYM130), recommended for those without. In Semester 2, students should choose one of the optional modules from the three available options.

Year 1 Part Time

• Academic Research Training
• Advanced Research Methods and Design
• Key Questions in Environmental Psychology
• Quantitative Research Methods
• The Psychology of Architecture and Planning Research

Optional modules for Year 1 (part-time) - FHEQ Level 7

In Semester 1, students can choose a research methods training module that suits their level of foundational knowledge. They should select either Advanced Research Methods and Design (PSYM147), recommended for those with a first degree in Psychology or a related social science; or Academic Research Training (PSYM130), recommended for those without.

Year 2 Part Time

• Qualitative Research Methods
• Social Change and Influence
• Psychological Aspects of Health Care
• The Psychology of Global Challenges
• The Psychology of Real-world Behaviour Change
• The Psychology of Sustainable Development
• Dissertation 8000-10000 Words

Optional modules for Year 2 (part-time) - FHEQ Level 7

In Semester 2, students should choose one of the optional modules from the three available options.

Timetable

Course timetables are normally available one month before the start of the semester.

New students will receive their personalised timetable in Welcome Week, and in subsequent semesters, two weeks prior to the start of semester.

Please note that while we make every effort to ensure that timetables are as student-friendly as possible, scheduled teaching can take place on any day of the week (Monday – Friday). Wednesday afternoons are normally reserved for sports and cultural activities. Part-time classes are normally scheduled on one or two days per week, details of which can be obtained from the Academic Hive.

Study and work abroad

There may be opportunities to acquire valuable European experience by working or conducting research abroad during your degree or shortly afterwards. It is possible to do this in the summer period with an Erasmus+ grant working on your dissertation or as a recent graduate. In order to qualify your Erasmus+ traineeship must be a minimum of two months.

We offer careers information, advice and guidance to all students whilst studying with us, which is extended to our alumni for three years after leaving the University. Our graduates have lifetime access to Surrey Pathfinder, our online portal for appointment and events bookings, jobs, placements and interactive development tools.

Applying your knowledge to current world problems, we’ll prepare for your career. 100 per cent of our postgraduate psychology graduates go on to employment or further study (Graduate Outcomes survey 2023, HESA). Our alumni take on roles as creative analysts, environmental planning consultants, planning officers, project managers, renewable energy consultants, sustainability engagement officers and workplace consultants. They work for consultancy organisations and the Government, as well as starting their own businesses.

The broad and transferrable skills that you’ll develop are also highly relevant in other fields, including design, engineering, landscape architecture and planning. Many of our graduates go on to complete a PhD, investigating an area of personal interest.