Psychology Conversion (MSc)

Program Overview

Psychology Conversion (MSc) 2025 entry

Overview

For Honours graduates looking to change careers into psychology, start your journey by gaining knowledge of the core areas of psychology and principal theoretical and methodological issues in the field.

Application Deadline

Friday 14 February 2025

Duration

One year full time

School

School of Psychology and Neuroscience

Fees

• UK: £12,030
• Rest of the world: £29,990

Why Study This Course?

• This course is a conversion route for students who hold an undergraduate Honours degree in a subject other than psychology and who wish to change their career path to include psychology.
• The course equips students with the necessary skills to pursue a research degree at MPhil or PhD level in psychology or to go on to a clinical training programme.
• Students have access to laboratories in neurophysiology, psychopharmacology, psychophysics, animal learning and cognition, cognitive psychology, developmental psychology and social psychology.
• The course is accredited by the British Psychological Society.

Teaching

• Delivered through lectures, tutorials, workshops, and seminars.

Class Sizes

• Groups range from 25 to 150 students.

Dissertation

• A 15,000-word project with regular support.

Assessment

• Coursework only.

Modules

• Over two semesters, students will take nine modules covering fundamental aspects of psychology.

Compulsory Modules

• Assessment in Clinical Psychology
• Cognitive and Behavioural Neuroscience
• Conceptual Issues and Theoretical Perspectives
• Developmental Psychology
• Generic Research and Professional Skills in Psychology and Neuroscience
• Methods of Data Analysis in Psychology
• Perception
• Quantitative Research in Social Science
• Social Psychology
• Psychology Master's Research Project

What It Will Lead To

Careers

• The MSc focuses on psychology as a science rather than as a clinical service, but many graduates pursue careers by obtaining research assistantships at teaching hospitals or other mental health centres or by taking a second Masters degree specialising in mental health.

Further Your Education

• Most students intend to pursue a career in research or clinical psychology, so many graduates go on to research assistantships or PhD places.

Why St Andrews?

• The School of Psychology and Neuroscience hosts a weekly seminar programme typically held in the Old Library of the Psychology Building.
• The School also hosts an annual Jeeves Lecture as part of its seminar programme.

Entry Requirements

• A 2.1 Honours undergraduate degree in a subject other than psychology.
• Some knowledge of very basic mathematics is required for understanding the statistical techniques introduced in the programme.
• English language proficiency.

Application Requirements

• CV
• Personal statement (500 words)
• Sample of your own, single-authored academic written work (2,000 words)
• Two original signed academic references
• Academic transcripts and degree certificates

Fees and Funding

• UK: £12,030
• Rest of the world: £29,990

Scholarships and Funding

• Snowdon Trust Masters Scholarship
• GREAT Scholarship
• St Andrews Sanctuary Scholarship
• St Leonard's funding opportunities
• Graduate discount (15% off tuition fees)

Curriculum Development

• As a research intensive institution, the University ensures that its teaching references the research interests of its staff, which may change from time to time.