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Master of Science

MSc Psychology (Conversion) Online

Thinking of a career in psychology? Or just want to expand your knowledge in the field? Studying MSc Psychology (Conversion) at 52avav is a great place to start. Specifically designed for non-psychology graduates, this course is a great introduction to critical psychological skills, knowledge and values applied to real world contexts.

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Key Facts

Entry requirements

An undergraduate degree at 2:2 or above in any discipline (or equivalent).

Undergraduate Psychology degrees accredited by the BPS cannot be accepted for this programme.

Course requirements ➔

Entry requirements

Duration options

12 months (full-time)

24 months (part-time, 2 days per week as a guide)

Next start date

February 2025

See all Start Dates

Apply

 

You can apply directly with 52avav to study one of our online courses.

 

Unique modules such as Professional Development and Applications of Professional Psychology enhance your future career prospects.

We have an overall 5 Star rating from QS World University Rankings and 5 stars in Teaching, Employability, Online Learning, Academic Development and Inclusiveness.

Get to know our lecturers' unique areas of research, explore their specialisms and unique journeys through the field of Psychology.

Course Details

MSc Psychology (Conversion) Online

If you’re looking to make the change to psychological study and already have an undergraduate degree in another discipline, then our Master’s in Psychology Conversion course is your place to start.

On completion, you’ll be equipped with core knowledge and understanding of key psychological theories, principles and concepts, that can be applied to everyday life as well as a professional setting. You’ll have also built skills in scientific reasoning, be able to understand the role of evidence and make critical judgements in psychological arguments.

Employability is embedded into this course from the beginning. Our unique Professional Development and Applications of Professional Psychology modules will allow you to explore and prepare for your career while you study.

You’ll graduate with skills such as problem solving, research, communication and self-evaluation – competencies that can be applied to future studies, as well as enhancing your professional skills.

Why study the MSc Psychology (Conversion) Online with us?

  • Flexibility to learn your way: Choose to study online full-time or part-time (roughly 2 days per week). Studying at our online campus gives you the opportunity to work at your own pace and around your other commitments, within given deadlines, with the benefit of our expertise, experience and employability focus.
  • Award-winning Employability support: From day one to beyond graduation, you’ll have access to 1:1 support from our experienced Employability Service, including mentoring, work experience support, CV and job application advice and resources.
  • High-quality teaching: Our lecturers are experts in contemporary psychology. They bring the course to life with their individual perspectives, unique career paths and cutting-edge research - from gender differences, to addressing how different factors impact bystander intervention into sexual violence, and how digital innovations can support mental health.
  • An innovative approach: Practical course content and state of the art online lab facilities will set you up for success in your future career.

Upcoming Application Deadlines

The application deadlines for our February 2025 intake are as follows:

  • International students from outside the UK requiring a Student Route Visa: Monday 9th December 2024
  • International students from inside the UK requiring a Student Route Visa: Monday 13th January 2025
  • Domestic and Online students: Friday 31st January 2025

Course Structure

  • Neuroscience of Behaviour (15 credits)
  • Cognitive Psychology (15 credits)
  • Personality and Individual Differences (15 credits)
  • Social and Critical Psychology (15 credits)
  • Lifespan Development (15 credits)
  • Applications of Professional Psychology (15 credits)
  • Research Methods (30 credits)
  • Dissertation (60 credits)
  • Professional Development (0 credits)

Year one

  • Social and Critical Psychology (15 credits)
  • Research Methods (15 credits)
  • Lifespan Development (15 credits)
  • Professional Development (0 credits)

Year two

  • Neuroscience of Behaviour (15 credits)
  • Cognitive Psychology (15 credits)
  • Applications of Professional Psychology (15 credits)
  • Personality and Individual Differences (15 credits)
  • Dissertation (60 credits)

Neuroscience of Behaviour

This module is the study of the biological bases of human behaviour, using quantitative design and analysis and considering ethics. You will use methods including the recording of physiological signals and brain-imaging techniques to address questions such as: What is the relationship between genes and behaviour or bodily reactions and emotion? What is the purpose of sleep? How are memories stored in the brain?

Cognitive Psychology

In this module you will develop knowledge of theories, concepts, and research about human cognition. Covering a range of topics and approaches to understanding Cognition, including the historical roots, conceptual aspects to the subject area, social cognition, mental representation, decision making, memory, language, and consciousness.

Personality and Individual Differences

Reviewing the main theories of personality and using contemporary empirical evidence you will explore the complex relationship between personality and behaviour. With sessions focusing on personality disorders and problems assessing and classifying such disorders, the module will also enable you to examine some of the broader societal issues relating to individual differences in personality.

Social and Critical Psychology

This module will introduce you to new topics within social psychology, but arguably more importantly, new perspectives by which to view topics such as social constructionism, social psychology of the self, problems of experimental social psychology, group performance and decision making, and crowd behaviour.

Lifespan Development

Exploring key theories of psychological development throughout the lifespan you will learn to think critically about these theories and consider how psychological wellbeing could be enhanced at every stage of a person’s development.

Applications of Professional Psychology

In this module you will consider the pragmatic, ethical and methodological aspects of applying psychological principles and knowledge to real-life contexts by learning how psychology is used in a range of professional practices, such as health, education, sport and may other professional psychology careers, helping to inform your own future career choices.

Research Methods

By developing your ability to design psychological investigations and assess the data collected, and understanding the ethical implications of various methods used, on this module you will develop a range of transferable skills that are highly valued in employment settings, including communication, numeracy and critical thinking.

Dissertation

This module involves an independent research study in a clearly defined area of psychology involving both a theoretical and an empirical component. You will be supported by tutors to develop the study in an area that you are passionate about, helping bring to life the knowledge you have gained throughout the course with confidence.

A distinctive element of the course is our in-built Employability module, designed with our conversion students in mind. On this module you’ll be guided through identifying industry relevant experiences, building up a professional network, recognising and articulating your strengths and presenting these via your CV, professional applications, interviews and more. By the end of the module candidates will feel confident to approach graduate level employers and further education opportunities.

Exact days of the week vary per intake, however you can expect: 

  • 1 x 1-hour LIVE practical class per module.
  • 2 x 1-hour asynchronous lectures per module (can be watched at any time).
  • During Term 1 you will have 6 hours of teaching per week, with two modules running concurrently. 
  • During Term 2 you will have 7 hours of teaching per week for the first 5 weeks, followed by 6 hours of teaching per week for the remainder of the term. This includes two taught modules running concurrently with the dissertation module. 
  • Term 3 is dedicated to the write up of your dissertation.  

Term 1 example: 

Day

Time

Subject

Session

Wed

13:30 - 14:30

Social & Critical Psychology

Class

Wed

14:45 - 15:45

Applications of Professional Psychology

Class

 

Exact days of the week vary per intake, however you can expect: 

  • 1 x 1-hour LIVE practical class per module.
  • 2 x 1-hour asynchronous lectures per module (can be watched at any time).
  • Eight taught modules and one dissertation module studied across six terms spanning two calendar years.

Term 1 example: 

Day

Time

Subject

Session

Wed

13:30 - 14:30

Social & Critical Psychology

Class

Course Start Dates

  • MSc Psychology (Conversion)
    • Full-time: Online
    • Part-time: Online
  • MSc Psychology (Conversion)
    • Full-time: Online
    • Part-time: Online
  • MSc Psychology (Conversion)
    • Full-time: Online
    • Part-time: Online
  • MSc Psychology (Conversion)
    • Full-time: Online
    • Part-time: Online
  • MSc Psychology (Conversion)
    • Full-time: Online
    • Part-time: Online

Make an Enquiry

Course requirements

The course demands show you the requirements, prior knowledge and commitments our course will involve.

Find out more ➔

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Study On Campus

If you’re looking for a more traditional university experience, why not consider studying on campus? You can study this course from September 2024 in Leeds and London Bloomsbury.

Find out more ➔

study on campus

Course Information

 

To get a full picture of how you can fit the online courses around your existing commitments, take a look at our course date breakdown.

Calendar

 

Assessments are designed to meet the programme and module learning outcomes and are both formative and summative. The formative assessments include the preparation and feedback from teaching sessions (e.g. lectures, seminars, workshops and presentations). Summative assessment that contributes to the grade, may include written assignment, group work/studies, project and possibly exams.

 

Student reading in library

 

Full-time study

  • Terms one and two are for taught modules.
  • Term three is for the research and writing up of your dissertation.
  • In Term three you will also do our Professional Development module, which is non-credit bearing.

Part-time study

  • Terms one to four are for taught modules.
  • Terms five and six are for the research and writing up of your dissertation.
  • In Term five you will also do our Professional Development module, which is non-credit bearing.
Students studying

Employability We Set You Up For Success

We care about your career, which is why we offer support with job applications and other work experience opportunities as soon as you accept your place.

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Fees and Applying

 

You can apply for the MSc Psychology (Conversion) Online directly with the University.

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2024/25 Course Fee (for courses starting on or after 1 July 2024)

Online: £9,450

2025/26 Course Fee (for courses starting on or after 1 July 2025)

Online: £9,850


By studying a Master's degree you could be eligible for a Postgraduate Loan.

If you’re a 52avav alumnus, you may be eligible to receive our £1000 Academic Master's Alumni Discount.

We also have a range of scholarships and bursaries available to help you invest in your future.

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We have students from over 120 different countries throughout our campuses, with a dedicated team to help international students.

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