Psychology, MSc (Conversion Degree)

This MSc is an excellent fast-track route suitable for appropriately qualified individuals who do not have an undergraduate degree in psychology but who wish to study core areas of psychology and pursue a career in psychology. The programme is accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS) as conferring eligibility for Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (GBC). GBC is necessary if a student is interested in becoming a chartered psychologist. The programme is also suitable for those who have obtained a previous degree in psychology (home and overseas) that is not recognised by the BPS, and it may also be of particular interest to health and social care professionals with some background in psychology at degree level.

The programme provides a broad scientific education in psychology with a strong grounding in psychological theories and research methods, and explores how psychological research is conducted, analysed and reported. The programme is delivered through a series of guided learning exercises, culminating in an independent research project. Students receive carefully designed academic support throughout the programme. Students develop a strong understanding of psychology as a discipline and acquire a range of skills, including critical thinking and analytical and research skills. On successful completion of the programme students will be able to evaluate, interpret and integrate arguments, evidence and empirical findings. These skills are appropriate to psychology as a discipline and suitable for a diverse range of employment opportunities.

School

Health & Social Care

Location

Avery Hill Campus

Attendance

1 year full-time
2 years part-time

Entry Requirements

Applicants should have:

EITHER A degree (grade 2.1 or above) in a non-psychology specialism with at least 60 credits (or equivalent) in psychology at honours level

A degree (grade 2.1 or above) from a psychology programme not accredited by the British Psychological Society.

– Applicants with a previous degree but lacking 60 credits in psychology at honours level are encouraged to contact the School to discuss the possibility of acquiring the required psychology credits prior to applying for the programme.

Where English is not an applicant's first language, proficiency in academic English must be demonstrated through IELTS, TOEFL or Cambridge Certificate (please contact the School for information on the minimum requirement).

Assessment

Assessments are varied and may include seen and unseen exams, essays, critical reflections, presentations, research poster and practical reports.

Professional recognition

This programme is accredited by the British Psychological Society as conferring eligibility for the Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership with the society, provided that the student has achieved an overall pass mark of 50% and has also passed the research project.

Career options

Award holders are attractive to prospective employers owing to the high level of numeracy and literacy attained during the programme. Opportunities are available in business, commerce, counselling and education (with additional training), research, human resource management and the social sciences.

Aims of the programme

To teach students a scientific understanding of mind, brain, behaviour and experience, and the complex interactions between these.
To foster students' understanding of real-life applications of theory to the full range of experience and behaviour.
To help them to develop a range of research skills and methods for investigating experience and behaviour, culminating in an ability to conduct research independently.
To develop their knowledge, leading to an ability to analyse, discuss and critically evaluate theory, research findings and applications.

Content

Applied Psychology Project (60 credits)
Advanced Developmental Psychology (15 credits)
Brain, Behaviour and Cognition (30 credits)
Individual Differences and Abnormal Psychology (30 credits)
Research Methods in Psychology (30 credits)
Social Psychology: Current Social Issues (15 credits)

Your time at university should be enjoyable and rewarding, and it is important that it is not spoilt by unnecessary financial worries. We recommend that you spend time planning your finances, both before coming to university and while you are here. We can offer advice on living costs and budgeting, as well as on awards, allowances and loans.

Find out more about our fees and the support available to you at our: