Psychology Conversion MSc

What is special about this course?

Are you interested in the science of human behaviour and thought? Are you thinking about a career change or interested in how psychology might contribute to your existing career or interest? If so, this MSc Psychology Conversion programme is ideal for you.

This British Psychological Society (BPS) accredited online course will provide you with a broad and critical awareness of psychological theory and practice. Throughout the course, you will develop an understanding of what drives people's behaviour, why we are unique and in what ways we are the same. You will explore the theories which explain human behaviour and how they are relevant in today's society.

You will examine the core fields of psychology, including biological, individual differences, cognitive, social, and developmental psychology, as set out by the British Psychological Society. Learning in these core domains will be supported by an exploration of research methods.

Alongside acquiring the key concepts and core knowledge of psychology, you will build strong project management, analytical (including statistical analysis) and report-writing skills. Your learning experience will culminate in a substantial research project/dissertation, for which you will have support from your supervisor.

On successful completion of the programme you will be eligible to apply for Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership of the BPS. This allows you to apply for further masters-level study in specialised vocational areas of psychology.

The majority of the course is online, with a schedule of weekly activities which can be completed in your own time. There is a one-day virtual induction at the end of August and a 4-day residential programme in Inverness in late March. Attendance at these two elements is compulsory to be eligible for BPS registration on graduation.

Special features

• The course is mainly delivered online, which means you can fit your studies around your work and personal commitments wherever you are, with the exception of the induction and residential elements
• The written Learning Resources are supplemented by online discussions and weekly tutorials, which help to reinforce your understanding of topics. You should allow time to take part in these regularly
• On successful completion of the full MSc programme you will be eligible to apply for Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership of the BPS. This allows you to go on to further masters-level study in specialised vocational areas of psychology

Entry requirements

• An undergraduate honours degree in any subject
• An ordinary degree with at least 120 credits of masters level study will also be considered
• You must be resident in the UK during term-time
• This course is not open to international students who require a Student Route visa to study in Scotland

PgCert

You will study the following module: 

• Advance research methods

Plus two of the following core modules:

• The individual in contemporary society OR another option module at Level 10 or 11 (dependent on your previous psychological study)
• Social and evolutionary psychology OR Development psychology: birth to death

PgDip

You will study the following modules:

• Cognitive psychology and intelligence
• Behavioural neuroscience

You will also select the remaining module from the PgCert list:

• Social and evolutionary psychology OR Developmental psychology: from birth to death 

MSc

To achieve the award of MSc you must complete the six core modules for the PgCert and PgDip and a research project/dissertation.

Fees

For students normally domiciled in Scotland, with a term-time address in Scotland, the following fees apply:

This includes

• EU nationals with settled or pre-settled status in the UK,
• EEA/Swiss nationals with settled status in the UK
• EEA/Swiss nationals with pre-settled status who are self-employed or migrant workers in the UK.

Rest of UK students

For students normally domiciled in the rest of the UK (England, Wales and N. Ireland) or assessed as rest of the UK for fee status, the following fees apply:

Fees are payable in advance each academic year unless otherwise agreed.

This course is not available to students domiciled outside of the UK or for international students requiring Student Route visa sponsorship to study in the UK. For students living in the UK and assessed as international fee status, the following fees will apply:

This includes EEA/Swiss nationals with pre-settled status who are not self-employed or migrant workers in the UK.

A no fee increase guarantee is available for self-funding full-time and structured part-time rest of the UK, EU and international postgraduate students for continuous study for the same award, up to the permitted standard time limit for the relevant award.

Funding

Eligible Scotland-domiciled students studying full-time can access loans up to £11,500 from the Student Awards Agency for Scotland (SAAS). This comprises a tuition fee loan up to £7,000 and a non-income assessed living cost loan of £4,500. 

Eligible Scotland-domiciled students studying part-time can apply for a tuition fee loan from SAAS.  You must be intending to complete the course in no longer than twice the length of time it would take for a full-time student. For example, if your course is available to full-time students as a one-year programme, you will be funded for a maximum of two years' part-time study. If your course does not have a full-time option, you must complete within three years. You can apply for a tuition fee loan up to £7,000, which will be paid pro-rata for each academic year of study. 

Full details can be found on the SAAS website. Applications for loans open in April.

Students from the rest of the UK who meet the eligibility requirements may be able to apply for a loan from the Student Loan Company.

Additional costs

• The residential is held in Inverness and is compulsory for completion of your degree to meet the requirements of the British Psychological Society. You will be responsible for your travel and accommodation costs