Psychology M.Sc.
The Psychology graduate program (MSc) is a research-intensive program with three distinct fields of study providing a sound preparation for careers in health, science or communications-related fields and a natural stepping stone to pursue further doctoral (PhD) studies, including our brand new PhD program in Psychology.
The Master of Psychology program offers three unique areas of study:
Health Psychology focuses on affect regulation, analysis of healthcare systems, attachment relationships, cross-cultural relations, community and family dynamics, dreams, emotional intelligence, human sexuality, personality and psychopathology, and stress and coping.
Developmental Psychology studies the acquisition of language, attachment relationships, community and family dynamics, culture and development, identity formation, and psychosocial functioning both in youth and aging.
Cognition/Perception/Neuroscience examines cognitive enhancement and dementia, psycholinguistics, number representation, neural mechanisms of memory and learning, visual cognition, multi-sensory perception and action, neural plasticity and the molecular/cellular foundations of stress biology and neuropsychiatric disorders.
With this degree, graduates have the knowledge, skills, and training to prepare them for traditional positions within academia (university) or to pursue non-academic career paths in industry, government or community-related fields. The MSc in Psychology is a research focused program. It does not offer clinical training.
Experiential Learning
In the Psychology Graduate Program, there are numerous opportunities to engage in experiential learning. Primarily, experiential learning takes place through your own thesis research which entails advanced, one-on-one ‘learning through doing’ with your faculty advisor. Additional opportunities could include laboratory research training, broader academic training, community-based research projects, and travel to conferences/workshops to present research and engage with professional academic communities in your field of study. The networking opportunities and skill development you will receive in the Psychology Graduate Program has helped our students go on to careers in academia, government, non-profit, and industry.
Research, evaluate, and help solve the psychology and neuroscience issues of today. Meaningful questions lead to meaningful answers and opportunities. With the option to choose from three distinct areas of psychological study, students apply techniques best suited to their research with the guidance of experienced faculty in quantitative and qualitative methods.
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Eligibility Requirements
- B.A. or B.Sc. honours degree (a four year undergraduate bachelor's degree) in Psychology
- Minimum B+ (77%) or equivalent in the last two years of full-time study, or last ten full academic credits
- An average of A- (80%) 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
Eligibility Requirements
- B.A. or B.Sc. honours degree (a four year undergraduate bachelor's degree) in Psychology
- Minimum B+ (77%) or equivalent in the last two years of full-time study, or last ten full academic credits
- An average of A- (80%) 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
- Proof of English Proficiency: All international applicants must provide proof of an adequate level of English proficiency regardless of their citizenship status or country of origin. Please visit our How to Apply: International page for details on English Language Proficiency requirements
- A GRE test score is not required for admission into this program
All applicants, domestic and international, must submit the following documents to complete their application:
- Transcripts: Unofficial copies of all post-secondary transcripts
- 2 letters of reference: Academic references are preferred; however, professional references will be accepted. Reference forms will be emailed to the referees that you have appointed on OUAC
- Plan of Study/Personal Statement: 1-2 pages outlining your objectives in a graduate program. Any specific research interests, relevant experiences, and/or career aspirations can be included
- Writing Sample: A sample of your writing of about 20 pages or less. The preferred submission format is PDF. 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
- Proof of Citizenship (ie. copy of passport or birth certificate)
- Supervisor: A potential supervisor must be chosen as an admission requirement for this program. Please list your supervisor on your OUAC application and discuss this in your plan of study. Please visit the program's Faculty and Research page for a listing of faculty and areas of research. Applicants are responsible for reaching out to a faculty member
For more information on submitting transcripts, re-sending reference links and other application questions, please visit our How to Apply: Domestic or International pages and review Step 4, as well as review our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ).
Learn more about tuition & fees
Eligible full-time students are offered minimum funding packages during their funded period of $18,000 annually. This includes a Graduate Teaching Assistantship employment offer valued at approximately $13,000 annually. Specific funding details are included in individual admission letters.
Students are supported in competing for external awards during their studies, such as the Ontario Graduate Scholarship. A full list of external awards is available on our Scholarships & Awards page.
This program also offers unique funding opportunities for its students, such as the Carol Ernest Prize. The program can provide more information about this type of support.
Trent has clear pathways for graduate students to apply and be admitted to study for their master's or doctorate at either of our campuses. Please review admission requirements for your program before applying.
The M.Sc. Psychology program has truly prepared me for success. I am grateful for the support of my professors who have not only helped me acquire the knowledge and skills necessary to excel in the field, but who have also encouraged me to achieve my personal goals throughout my time at Trent University. I am confident in my abilities as a result of the program, and I look forward to applying these foundational teachings as I move forward in my academic career.
Dr. Saryazdi’s research broadly explores how sensory, cognitive, and social factors interact to influence everyday activities of both healthy and clinical populations.
Dr. Blair research lab utilizes the iMotions suite to conduct integrated biometric data collection (including heart rate, galvanic skin response, facial expressions, and eye tracking) to investigate a range of psycho-social issues. Their primary research examines how romantic relationships are shaped by physical affection and social approval, with particular attention to LGBTQ experiences and family dynamics. In a newer line of work, Dr. Blair studies the psychological underpinnings of ideologically motivated mass violence and the role of Holocaust education in addressing contemporary antisemitism and declining Holocaust knowledge.
