MSc Psychology (Conversion)

We deliver this course entirely online, from enrolment through to research project submission and you’ll study through e-learning and our Virtual Learning Environment (VLE).

The MSc Psychology (Conversion) is structured to be convenient to online learners. You’ll study four core modules, as well as the core research project and option modules.

If you study part-time, you will undertake all your core modules in year one, with option modules and the research project in year two.

Day-to-day, you might study a topic via a mini lecture or video presentation, discuss the content with fellow students on our online forums and chat spaces, read a few chapters from a core text, and undertake a variety of different learning activities, which are clearly indicated in the module Moodle areas.

The core modules are Social Psychology and Individual Differences, Research Methods in Psychology, Cognitive and Biological Psychology, Lifespan and Atypical Development, and Dissertation (MSc). On completion of these modules, you will be able to synthesise key research and theories within critical evaluations. You’ll be able to evaluate research rationale, design and ethics and critically appraise the impact or application to real-world settings.

As well as the core modules, you’ll study two option modules. These focus on professional skills and introduce you to areas of psychology you could specialise in when you graduate.

Some of the option modules include educational psychology, forensic psychology, conceptual, and historical issues in counselling and psychotherapy, health psychology, coaching psychology, and clinical neuroscience. For each specialist module, you’ll learn from lecturers with expertise in these areas of Psychology. These optional modules allow you to tailor the course to your own personal interests or career goals.

Enhanced support is provided throughout the course, by each of the Module Leads and Programme Support Tutors, through Moodle and Microsoft Teams.

You’ll also have a personal tutor, who provides you with both academic and personal support throughout the course. In the Dissertation/Empirical Project module, you’ll be working closely with your supervisor.

To help you study at masters level, we organise a number of online skills sessions in areas such as critical reading and writing, literature review, making the most of library resources, and postgraduate and career options, to develop your knowledge and confidence further.

In accordance with the British Psychological Society's requirements, applicants are required to hold a minimum of a lower second class (2:2) UK honours degree (or international equivalent).

Applicants to the MSc route need not have studied any psychology before.

What to Include in Your Personal Statement

The personal statement should clearly discuss the following points:

• How your ongoing career plans would benefit from studying this psychology course
• Your commitment, motivation, and ability to dedicate appropriate time and resources to the course (we strongly recommend around 40 hours per week for full time routes, and around 20 hours per week for part time routes)
• Your familiarity with relevant IT

In addition, your personal statement will be evaluated on the strength of academic writing and clarity of communication.

Overseas applicants will require IELTS with an overall score of 6.5 with no less than 5.5 in any category, or an equivalent accepted English qualification. Accepted English qualifications can be viewed here.