Through five modules you will learn about Consumer Psychology. We are proud that the teaching team includes renowned academics and our psychology research has been classified as world-leading and internationally excellent in the Government’s 2014 Research Excellence Framework (REF). You will be taught the workings of the consumer mind in order to explain why humans respond to different types of consumer stimuli. Specifically you will learn about what captures consumers attention, how their perception may be altered by different types of design element as well as factors that affect the consumer decision-making process.

You will also be taught social-psychological aspects of consumers’ functioning such as social influence tactics used in sales, persuasion and advertising alongside the role of consumer’s personality and identity. Furthermore, you will learn about the most commonly used statistical techniques as well as the theoretical and practical complexities of conducting psychologically based consumer research. You will be able to put your research skills into practice as you structure and execute your own piece of research.

This Masters degree is designed for graduates wishing to start, or further develop, careers in consumer psychology. The fact that this course is relevant to many job industries such as marketing, PR, advertising, and consumer research, marketing research and product development and is currently not commonly taught in the UK, will give the students a distinctive edge in a job market that is often competitive.

In order to further provide students with a springboard into the job market we will endeavour to facilitate research opportunities by encouraging students to engage with the Consumer Research Group based at ARU. Furthermore, the course staff work closely with a number of businesses with whom there may be opportunities for working experience or internships.

The abilities gained by undertaking the MSc in Consumer Psychology will place students in a strong position for pursuing a professional career in consumer psychology or further postgraduate study (eg, a PhD) and research, or employment in a university.