Psychology MSc / PGDip

Our British Psychological Society (BPS) conversion courses are designed for graduates of other disciplines who wish to pursue a career in psychology but whose first degree is not recognised by the BPS. Entry on to the MSc Psychology does not require you to have studied any psychology previously.

This course attracts a range of students including those who have recently completed an undergraduate degree in a subject other than psychology or a non-accredited degree and also applicants who have come from jobs in the public and private sector, who are looking for a career change. Successful completion of the course provides graduates in other disciplines with a route to becoming a professional psychologist.

• MSc Psychology is a 180-credit qualification which requires no previous experience or study of psychology.
• PGDip is a 120-credit qualification which requires that you have already completed 60 credits of study in psychology.

The PG Dip and MSc students are taught together, with the MSc students taking their additional modules from term two onwards. This means that, assuming you meet the entry criteria for both courses, it's easy to transfer from one to the other at any point in the first term.

Accreditation by the British Psychological Society (BPS)

Successful completion of either qualification confers the Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (GBC) with the BPS. This is the first step towards becoming a chartered Psychologist and provides the basis for further professional training in psychology.

As a graduate member of the BPS you will also receive additional benefits including:

• using the designated graduate member title MBPsS
• creating contacts and other networking opportunities by joining professional and membership groups
• free online access to the Society's academic journals
• reduced rates for our members for conferences and events.

What you'll study

Psychology is the systematic study of behaviour and experience. As a discipline it is wide-ranging and overlaps with both biological sciences, such as neurology, physiology and genetics, and with social sciences such as sociology and anthropology.

The course is designed to provide dedicated supportive teaching tailored to the particular needs of postgraduate conversion students and to facilitate the development of a strong course identity among students

The course curriculum covers all of the core knowledge areas within psychology and will also deepen your range of quantitative and qualitative research skills and methods, culminating in an independent research project.

Assessment methods

During the course you'll be assessed in a variety of ways and on a modular basis; through examination (both seen and unseen exams are used), coursework (including essays, laboratory reports and literature reviews), oral presentation and via your research project.

Your future career in Psychology

With the Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (GBC) with the BPS secured, you will be eligible upon graduation to undertake further training as a professional psychologist (in areas such as clinical, forensic, educational, occupational, counselling, or sport psychology).

Alternatively you might choose to pursue an academic and / or research career in various areas of psychology (by working as a research assistant or associate or by completing a dedicated Research Methods Masters or studying for a PhD), or you may choose to exploit the transferable skills you have learned on the course to pursue a career outside of psychology.

Students will need an undergraduate degree (minimum 2.1) or other recognised equivalent qualification. Students whose undergraduate degree is a 2.2 or equivalent will also be considered, but will be required to demonstrate relevant experience and knowledge and the ability to study at the required academic level. Students without such qualifications will be considered on an individual basis but will be required to demonstrate how their experiences and knowledge would enable them to study this course at Masters Level in their Personal Statement