MSc Psychology (Conversion) Online

Program Overview

MSc Psychology (Conversion) Online

Overview

The MSc Psychology (Conversion) Online is a postgraduate course designed for non-psychology graduates who want to pursue a career in psychology. The course is accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS) and allows students to progress to become a Chartered Psychologist after graduation.

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.
• Duration options: 12 months (full-time), 24 months (part-time, 2 days per week as a guide)
• Study mode options: Full-time or Part-time
• Next start date: June 2025

Course Details

The MSc Psychology (Conversion) Online is designed to provide students with core knowledge and understanding of key psychological theories, principles, and concepts. The course covers a range of topics, including neuroscience, cognitive psychology, personality, and social psychology.

Course Structure

• Full-time: Terms one and two are for taught modules, term three is for the research and writing up of the dissertation.
• Part-time: Terms one to four are for taught modules, terms five and six are for the research and writing up of the dissertation.

Modules

• Neuroscience of Behaviour: The study of the biological bases of human behaviour, using quantitative design and analysis and considering ethics.
• Cognitive Psychology: Theories, concepts, and research about human cognition.
• Personality and Individual Differences: The complex relationship between personality and behaviour.
• Social and Critical Psychology: New topics within social psychology, including social constructionism and the social psychology of the self.
• Lifespan Development: Key theories of psychological development throughout the lifespan.
• Applications of Professional Psychology: The pragmatic, ethical, and methodological aspects of applying psychological principles and knowledge to real-life contexts.
• Research Methods: Developing the ability to design psychological investigations and assess the data collected.
• Dissertation: An independent research study in a clearly defined area of psychology involving both a theoretical and an empirical component.
• Professional Development: A non-credit bearing module designed to help students identify industry-relevant experiences, build a professional network, and develop their strengths and present them via their CV, professional applications, interviews, and more.

Employability

The course is designed to enhance employability, with unique modules such as Professional Development and Applications of Professional Psychology. The University of Law has an overall 5-Star rating from QS World University Rankings and 5 stars in Teaching, Employability, Online Learning, Academic Development, and Inclusiveness.

Fees and Funding

• 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
• Postgraduate Loan: Eligible students may be able to receive a Postgraduate Loan.
• Academic Master's Alumni Discount: ULaw alumni may be eligible to receive a £1000 discount.
• Scholarships and Bursaries: A range of scholarships and bursaries are available to help students invest in their future.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

This MSc Psychology (Conversion) Online program is designed for individuals with an undergraduate degree in a non-psychology field who are interested in pursuing a career in psychology or expanding their knowledge in the field. The program provides a comprehensive introduction to critical psychological skills, knowledge, and values, applying them to real-world contexts.

Objectives:

• Equip students with core knowledge and understanding of key psychological theories, principles, and concepts.
• Develop skills in scientific reasoning, critical judgment, and evidence-based decision-making in psychological arguments.
• Enhance employability through modules focused on professional development and applications of psychology.
• Prepare students for further education, such as a PhD, and for becoming a Chartered Psychologist in various fields like clinical, educational, health, or forensic psychology.

Outline:

Course Structure:

• Full-time: 12 months
• Part-time: 24 months (approximately 2 days per week)

Modules:

Full-time:

• Neuroscience of Behaviour: Explores the biological bases of human behavior, using quantitative design and analysis, considering ethics.
Covers topics like the relationship between genes and behavior, bodily reactions and emotion, sleep, and memory storage in the brain.
• Cognitive Psychology: Develops knowledge of theories, concepts, and research about human cognition.
Covers topics like historical roots, conceptual aspects, social cognition, mental representation, decision making, memory, language, and consciousness.
• Personality and Individual Differences: Reviews main theories of personality and explores the relationship between personality and behavior using contemporary empirical evidence.
Focuses on personality disorders, assessment, classification, and broader societal issues related to individual differences.
• Social and Critical Psychology: Introduces new topics and perspectives within social psychology, including social constructionism, social psychology of the self, problems of experimental social psychology, group performance and decision making, and crowd behavior.
• Lifespan Development: Explores key theories of psychological development throughout the lifespan, encouraging critical thinking and considering how to enhance psychological well-being at each stage.
• Applications of Professional Psychology: Examines the pragmatic, ethical, and methodological aspects of applying psychological principles and knowledge to real-life contexts.
Covers how psychology is used in various professional practices like health, education, sport, and other professional psychology careers.
• Research Methods: Develops skills in designing psychological investigations, assessing data, and understanding ethical implications of various methods.
Enhances transferable skills like communication, numeracy, and critical thinking.
• Dissertation: Involves an independent research study in a chosen area of psychology, combining theoretical and empirical components.
Students receive support from tutors to develop the study in an area of passion, applying knowledge gained throughout the course.

Part-time:

Year One:

• Social and Critical Psychology
• Research Methods
• Lifespan Development
• Professional Development

Year Two:

• Neuroscience of Behaviour
• Cognitive Psychology
• Applications of Professional Psychology
• Personality and Individual Differences
• Dissertation

Professional Development Module:

• This module is designed specifically for conversion students, guiding them through identifying industry-relevant experiences, building professional networks, recognizing and articulating strengths, and presenting these through CVs, professional applications, interviews, and more.
• By the end of the module, students gain confidence in approaching graduate-level employers and further education opportunities.

Assessment:

• Assessments are designed to meet program and module learning outcomes and are both formative and summative.
• Formative assessments include preparation and feedback from teaching sessions (lectures, seminars, workshops, and presentations).
• Summative assessments contribute to the grade and may include written assignments, group work/studies, projects, and possibly exams.

Teaching:

• High-quality teaching: Lecturers are experts in contemporary psychology, bringing the course to life with their individual perspectives, unique career paths, and cutting-edge research.
• Innovative approach: Practical course content and state-of-the-art online and physical lab facilities support student success in future careers.

Careers:

• Successful completion of this BPS-accredited course allows students to pursue further education (like a PhD) and work towards becoming a Chartered Psychologist in various fields.
• The program offers flexibility with full-time and part-time online study options, allowing students to work at their own pace and around other commitments.