Consumer Psychology with Business

This Masters degree is designed for graduates wishing to start, or further develop, careers in Consumer Psychology and Business and is delivered by schools which enjoy an international reputation in their respective fields. The marriage of both disciplines is a natural one, as understanding behaviour and specifically consumer behaviour in the world of business can be crucial to organisational success. Today’s successful businesses and organisations need highly trained people who can help them understand their consumers and understand issues such as: what makes them choose one product over another? Do brand names and advertising really affect our thinking? Will the internet change the face of urban and suburban shopping areas?

In the first semester, Consumer Psychology and Business studies will be in equal proportions, however in Semester 2 there will be a greater focus on consumer psychology, and the dissertation is undertaken in this field. It is also possible to undertake a Business with Consumer Psychology Masters degree that will involve a dissertation in Business. Candidates may choose between the MA or MSc routes, ,which are differentiated by the nature of the dissertation. The MSc dissertation will involve undertaking empirical research, whilst the MA dissertation will involve an extended literature review.

Consumer Psychology with Business Scholarship: There is a scholarship ring-fenced to this programme that is worth £5K and jointly provided by the School of Psychology and the Business School. This is administered by the Business School and more details can be found here.

Consumer Psychology with Business Course Structure

Cognitive neuroscience and the visual arts: This module will link recent findings from cognitive neuroscience to the understanding and appreciation of visual art. The module will address how knowledge of visual perception, attention, memory, social expression and emotion can all be used to provide insight into how visual art, both "fine" and applied art communicates its message to us, as viewers. The module will also address how knowledge of the brain and its control over behaviour can assist in creating more effective commercial art, especially print advertisement and package label design. < more >

Consumer and Applied Psychology: This module examines some non-traditional career paths available to individuals with a degree in psychology. Through structured examinations, students will learn a range of scientific and real-world skills (such as research techniques, problem formulation, branding, profiling, experimental design, problem solving, qualitative-research, brainstorming, etc). The main focus will be consumer psychology (marketing/business) however, other areas of applied psychology may also be examined (e.g., organisational psychology, personality psychology). < more >

Marketing Strategy: This module critically evaluates the contributions of various schools of thought in marketing, and examines the relevant analytical models and management practices, with emphasis on the strategic importance of marketing to all organisations. <more>

Corporate Strategy: This module analyses strategic decision-making within business. You will develop a critical understanding of the strategic processes of business management, the interconnections with the functional domains of marketing, human resource management and corporate finance, and the management of knowledge systems. <more>

Issues in Quantitative and Qualitative Analysis: This module provides students with an understanding of the background, issues and controversies surrounding some of the methodologies and statistics used to accomplish research objectives. <more>

Communicating Research in Psychology: This module is an introduction to communicating research in psychology. It takes the form of group-focused practical work, consolidated by short lectures associated with specific aspects of communication in psychology. Written, graphic and oral forms of communication in psychology will be covered during the course. <more>

Advanced Statistics: This module focuses on the statistical techniques that are used in studying psychology, and provides some of the basic skills needed to read about and conduct research in the discipline. <more>

Proposal (Psychological Research): In this module students will prepare a research proposal and work out practical methods for conducting the research. The goal of this module is to fully prepare the student for successful completion of the research thesis. <more>

Optional Modules (choose 1)

Management And Organisational Behaviour: This module provides an integrated analysis of management as an academic discipline, drawing on the work of classical and contemporary writers in the field, and as a practical strategic activity in a dynamic environment of continual change. <more>

Human Resource Management: This module develops a critical awareness of the key human resource management issues that arise within organisations. You will examine the theory and practice of human resource management in a variety of organisational settings, including an international dimension. <more>

Finance for Managers: This module is designed for those who aim to achieve a basic understanding of financial management and control, and who require an understanding of finance in order to manage an organisation effectively. Financial planning and control are central themes, as well as the appraisal techniques of investment projects. <more>

Dissertation: Approximately 10,000 words.

Entry Requirements

Entry to the MSc/Diploma in Consumer Psychology with Business programme requires a good undergraduate degree, preferably in a related subject, e.g. business, psychology, marketing, finance, management from a university, or a similar qualification from any other institution. Alternatively, possession of a suitable professional qualification and relevant practical experience may also be accepted. In general, however, applicants are judged on their individual merits and age, work experience and other factors are also considered.

If your native language is not English, you must provide satisfactory evidence that you have an adequate knowledge and understanding of written and spoken English. IELTS and TOEFL test scores of no less than 6.0 or 560, respectively, are usually acceptable. It may be necessary for applicants falling short of this minimum standard to attend an intensive English Language course before registering for the academic programme. Such a course is available at Bangor, and full details are here.