Psychology Conversion (MSc)

The MSc in Psychology is a conversion route for students who hold an undergraduate Honours degree in a subject other than psychology and who wish to change their career path to include psychology. The programme provides a detailed knowledge of the core areas of psychology and principal theoretical and methodological issues in the field.

Applications for this course have now closed for 2025 entry but will re-open for 2026. If you are interested in applying for this course at a future date, please register your interest.

Entry requirements

The qualifications listed are indicative minimum requirements for entry. Some academic Schools will ask applicants to achieve significantly higher marks than the minimum. Obtaining the listed entry requirements will not guarantee you a place, as the University considers all aspects of every application including, where applicable, the writing sample, personal statement, and supporting documents.

Application requirements

• CV that includes a history of your education and employment to date
• personal statement (500 words)
• sample of your own, single-authored academic written work (2,000 words)
• two original signed academic references
• academic transcripts and degree certificates

For more guidance, see supporting documents and references for postgraduate taught programmes.

English language proficiency

If English is not your first language, you may need to provide an English language test score to evidence your English language ability. See approved English language tests and scores for this course.

After your degree

Careers

Most students intend to pursue a career in research or clinical psychology, so many graduates go on to research assistantships or PhD places. Others have obtained positions in government, healthcare, or business.  

The MSc focuses on psychology as a science rather than as a clinical service, but many graduates pursue careers by obtaining research assistantships at teaching hospitals or other mental health centres or by taking a second Masters degree specialising in mental health.  

The Careers Centre offers one-to-one advice to all students as well as a programme of events to assist students in building their employability skills.

Further study

Many psychology graduates continue their education by enrolling in PhD programmes at St Andrews or elsewhere.