Psychology Reading

Whether you're joining this MSc from a completely different field or returning to study after some time in the workforce, we’re here to help you succeed in earning your BPS-accredited Psychology MSc. This programme is designed to equip you with the essential skills and knowledge to excel in psychology, and it assumes no prior background in the subject. You’ll gain hands-on training in a range of research methods—including qualitative techniques—and have the chance to apply these in empirical studies, whether in a lab or natural setting, depending on your interests.

Please remember, this reading is purely optional and not a prerequisite. This list is simply here for those who want to explore psychology in an informal, enjoyable way before the programme begins.

 

Introductory Textbooks

• Classic Case Studies in Psychology by Geoff Rolls
  Explore some of the most influential and intriguing case studies in psychology, from famous experiments to lesser-known breakthroughs. This book provides a solid foundation in classic psychological concepts and key historical moments.

 

• Opening Skinner's Box by Lauren Slater
  This book examines ten of psychology's greatest experiments, including controversial and mind-bending studies, providing insight into human behaviour and the moral questions surrounding psychological research.

• The Man Who Mistook His Wife for a Hat by Oliver Sacks
  A captivating collection of neurological case studies, where Oliver Sacks dives into the complexities of the human mind through the stories of patients with unusual conditions.

 

• Thinking, Fast and Slow by Daniel Kahneman
  Nobel laureate Daniel Kahneman explores the two systems that drive our thinking—one fast, intuitive, and emotional, the other slower, more deliberate, and logical. This book will deepen your understanding of decision-making and cognitive biases.

 

• Psy-Q by Ben Ambridge
  A fun and interactive book that invites you to solve psychological puzzles and games, offering a hands-on way to explore concepts and theories within psychology.

• The Mind of a Bee by Lars Chittka
  Written by QMUL's own Lars Chittka, this book takes a fascinating look at bee cognition, exploring complex behaviours in these small but sophisticated creatures, and drawing connections to human psychology.
• Bird Brain by Nathan Emery
  Another contribution from QMUL staff, this book uncovers the intelligence of birds, revealing surprising parallels to human cognition and providing a fresh perspective on animal psychology.

• The Psychology Book: Big Ideas Simply Explained by Nigel Benson, Catherine Collin, Joannah Ginsburg, Voula Grand, Merrin Lazyan, and Markus Weeks
  This visually engaging book distils complex ideas into easily understood explanations, making it a perfect introduction to the major concepts and figures in psychology.

 

 

If you're interested in gaining foundational knowledge, consider these open-access textbooks:

• General Psychology: An Introduction by Tori Keans and Deborah Lee
  This open textbook provides a comprehensive introduction to psychology, perfect for new students.
• Introduction to Psychology and Neuroscience by Leanne Stevens
  Another accessible resource covering the basics of psychology and neuroscience, ideal for getting familiar with fundamental ideas.
• Research Methods in Psychology by Carrie Cuttler, Rajiv S. Jhangiani, and Dana C. Leighton
  This textbook covers essential research methods and is invaluable for students beginning their studies in psychology.

Statistics and Research Methods

For an introduction to statistics in a psychology context, these books make complex topics approachable:

• Statistics without Tears: An Introduction for Non-Mathematicians by Derek Rowentree
  Designed for those who might feel uneasy about maths, this book demystifies statistical concepts in an easy-to-understand way.

 

• Naked Statistics: Stripping the Dread from the Data by Charles Wheelan
  A fun and accessible guide to statistics, exploring why data analysis matters and how it can reveal insights into behaviour and trends.