Master of Science in Psychology M.Sc.

Develop the strong research, evaluation and writing skills needed to solve key problems in psychology and neuroscience today.

Prepare for a future in academic or applied settings as you ask and seek answers to meaningful questions in three distinct areas of psychological study: health psychology, developmental psychology and cognition/perception/neuroscience. Guided by faculty members with expertise in both quantitative and qualitative methods, you will learn how to choose and apply the techniques best suited to informing your research.

Graduates of the program go on to further graduate training and teaching, psychometry, as well as research and management positions in mental health.

• Work with productive, respected researchers.
• Use state-of-the-art developmental observation laboratory, animal care facilities, eye- and limb-motion tracking systems and transcranial magnetic stimulation facilities as part of your research.

Psychology M.Sc. website

​Program Options

• M.Sc.
• Full-time studies
• Thesis-based program – three fields of study available: Health, Developmental, and Cognition/Perception/Neuroscience
• 2 years to complete
• September intake only

​Admission Requirements 

• B.A. or B.Sc. honours degree (a four year undergraduate bachelor's degree) in Psychology
• Minimum B+ (77%) or equivalent in the work of the last four semesters or the last two undergraduate years (last ten full credits)
• An average of A- (80%, GPA 3.7) in Psychology courses (preference will be given to applicants that have successfully completed at least one upper year (3rd or 4th year) undergraduate course in either statistics and / or research design and analysis
• Successful completion of an Honours Thesis or the completion of a major research project for credit
• Admission to the MSc program is based on the availability and agreement of an appropriate graduate faculty member(s) to serve as a supervisor or co-supervisors.  The applicant's plan of study must include the name(s) of proposed supervisor.
• The MSc in Psychology is a research focused program.  It does not offer clinical training.

A GRE test score is not required for admission into this program. However, applicants can submit a GRE score to enhance their application. 

Required Documents

Transcripts

Post-secondary transcripts and graduation certificates (where applicable) of all previous undergraduate and graduate work are required.  This includes transcripts for courses taken on a Letter of Permission, for transfer credit, or on an exchange program.   Transcripts must show all course work completed and grades received.   If applicable, evidence of degree completion is required.  Transcript must include a grading scale or transcript legend.

Please note: Transcripts are not required to be official and final when applying to the School of Graduate Studies.   Official transcripts are only required to be submitted if an applicant receives an offer of admission.

Previous or current Trent University students do not need to submit a transcript for degree and course work completed at Trent University.   Transcripts must be submitted for any course work completed at another institution – i.e.) study abroad, letter of permission, transfer credit.

Two Letters of Reference

Academic references are preferred; however, professional references will be accepted. Links for your referees to submit an online reference will be sent directly to the referees you have provided on your application. We recommend you contact your referees prior to submitting an application to confirm their availability and contact information. If your referee does not receive the link, you can suggest that your referee check their junk email folder and email setting.  The email may have unintentionally been blocked by their email server.

Proof of English Language Proficiency

Proficiency in English usage, both written and oral, is essential to pursue graduate studies at Trent University. It Is required for applicants to demonstrate an adequate level of English proficiency, regardless of their citizenship status or country of origin. Applicants who completed two or more years of post-secondary education at a university in Canada, Australia, Ireland, New Zealand, United Kingdom, and the USA are exempt from this requirement. If you have completed two or more years of post-secondary education at a university where the primary language of instruction is English, the School of Graduate Studies is prepared to consider alternate proof of English language proficiency.

For detailed information about English Language Proficiency requirements, see International Applications. 

Plan of Study          template

Typically 1-2 pages, outlining applicant's objectives in a graduate program. Any specific research interests (if known), relevant experiences, and/or career aspirations can be included. If a potential supervisor has been discussed, please identify this in your plan of study. 

A Writing Sample

Submit a sample of your writing of about 20 pages or less. Writing samples preferred format is PDF. Hard copies will not be accepted. Good choices for writing samples include:  an undergraduate essay, lab report, research report, journal article, a chapter from a masters thesis, or a published article. 

Detailed Resume or Curriculum Vitae

Additional information: 

Proof of Citizenship (ie. copy of passport or birth certificate) will be requested, only if an offer of admission is made.

Program contact information:

For any program specific inquiries or current application status, please contact the program directly: 

Email: psychologygrad@trentu.ca

Apply Now