Social Cognition – (M.Sc.)

The MSc in Social Cognition is worldwide the first master´s degree that specialises in Social Cognition research. This unique 1-year program draws on cutting edge expertise on core domains of social cognition, attitudes, judgment and decision making, and on social neuroscience. With four core modules, and two specialist options, the program is tailored so that students can specialize in one of three strands of social cognition: mainstream social cognition, judgment and decision making, or social neuroscience.

Students on this program will learn how individuals construe the social world and the processes that underlie social judgment and behaviour. The program provides an understanding of how the human cognitive and neural systems have evolved to sustain social coordination and adaptation to the environment. Enrolled students acquire skills and knowledge relevant to careers in marketing, consumer behaviour, political behaviour, leadership, and intergroup conflict. It should appeal to all students who have an interest in pursuing research in social cognition, social neuroscience, or social psychology.

Social cognition is the field in social psychology that has the biggest impact on other areas of psychology, such as clinical psychology, cross-cultural psychology, health psychology, consumer psychology, educational psychology, organizational psychology, political psychology. Social cognition has developed measures and expertise now widely used to estimate people´s attitudes, self-esteem, prejudice level, or to reduce discrimination. Social neuroscience is one of the fastest growing areas in psychology.

UCL was ranked fourth in the recent Times Higher Education-QS World University Rankings. As one of the world's foremost commercial and political centres, London provides excellent opportunities for high-level applied research. As one of the world´s foremost commercial and political centres, London provides excellent opportunities for high-level applied research. The department has advanced technology for the study of socio-cognitive processes, including fMRI, eye-, speech- and motion-tracking equipment for dyadic and group settings, as well as a 360º video camera. Applications are ongoing throughout the year but early applications are encouraged.

For a September 2010 start applications should be submitted by 27 August 2010. For further information consult the program's website.