Develop a sound understanding in psychological theory and research while studying entirely online, to convert your existing bachelor's degree into a Masters in Psychology and take your first step towards a career as a psychologist.
Duration
1 year (full-time)
2 or 3 years (part-time)
Number of Credits
MSc: 180 credits
PGDip: 120 credits
PGCert: 60 credits
Start date
September 2023
January 2024
Degree Type
MSc
Modules
Why this course
This programme is accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS) and covers the core content you need to apply for Graduate Basis for Chartership (GBC).
Study from anywhere in the world at times that suit you.
We provide a supportive learning environment and regular opportunities to talk to your module tutors.
Flexibility to study 1 year full-time or 2/3 years part-time to fit around other commitments.
Learn from the real-life experiences of our expert staff and guest speakers who include leading psychologists.
Skills
On this MSc, you'll learn the scientific underpinnings of the discipline of psychology across a range of key areas, including social, developmental, cognitive and biological psychology. You’ll learn to critically evaluate psychological theory and research, as well as training in quantitative and qualitative research methods. You'll have access to an online learning environment, including real-time (live) interactions with staff and other students online.
Teaching of research methods is embedded in most modules, to give you strong contextual understanding and the ability to apply methods into different, real-life contexts. You’ll learn a range of research skills and methods, to allow you to investigate behaviour and independently conduct psychological research as an integral part of applied psychology.
The learning, teaching and assessment structure of the programme is designed to give you multiple opportunities to practice and demonstrate skills through authentic assessment tasks, e.g. practical reports which simulate the skills required of professional psychologists and researchers.
Accreditation by the British Psychological Society
As this programme is accredited by The British Psychological Society (BPS), when you graduate you will be able to gain Graduate Basis for Chartership (GBC) which will allow you to pursue other professional psychology postgraduate programmes, and take the next step towards a career as a chartered psychologist.
Support as a distance learner
As a distance learner you will have support from the School of Psychology through regular contact with your module convenors, access to specialist services and a wide range of e-books and research journals at the University Library. You’ll also learn from enthusiastic and dedicated tutors, who are also practitioners and involved in the latest research. You are also welcome to visit our campus in London and benefit from our world-class library and specialist research equipment (including EEG and an fMRI scanner).
How you'll learn
The programme is designed with a flexible framework to ensure you can study in your own space, with both full-time (studying for 1 calendar year) and part-time (across 2 or 3 years) options available. Both provide a clear learning structure: live online interactive classes primarily in the evening (currently two evenings, 6pm - 9pm UK time, per week during the Autumn and Spring semesters) and structured online learning (which includes recorded classes, participating in forum discussions and practice tests). Part-time students have a break from real-time classes approximately every third week. A year-long research project is taken with the guidance of a specialist supervisor leading to the submission of the MSc Dissertation.
Time commitment
In total, for each week during the taught semesters studying full-time, there are 6 hours real-time classes and 6 hours structured online learning, and approximately 23 hours of independent study and assessment preparation. The third semester will be dedicated to finalising the dissertation with a time commitment of around 35 hours of independent study. Thus, the full-time programme requires an average commitment of 35 hours over 52 weeks. Part-time study options, over 2 or 3 years, are also available.
Upcoming Events:
Career options
This programme is predominantly directed at students who wish to embark on a career as a chartered psychologist in the UK through further professional study that require Graduate Basis for Chartership with the BPS. It is also an exciting opportunity for those who seek a career change, require psychological knowledge for career advancement or have a general interest in psychology as a discipline.
This programme reflects the needs of a dynamic, future-orientated job market and will teach you a range of skills including effective communication, reflective and critical thinking, creativity, data analysis, and interpersonal sensitivity and awareness.
The strong focus on applying psychological knowledge to benefit individuals in real-life contexts, as well as developing knowledge and judgement of ethical principles, will prepare you for employment in a range of different industries.
How our careers service supports you
Our careers team is available to support you from the start of your studies until after you graduate. We will help you build your CV, prepare for interviews, and meet and learn from successful graduates working at the top of their careers.
Application Info
How to apply
Postgraduate programmes
You can now apply for any programme for any entry point in 2023.
All postgraduate taught applications can be made via our online application form.
- Check our application deadlines
- View our entry requirements for postgraduate programmes
- View our general entry criteria and application FAQs below
If you need any help or advice with your application, or just want to ask us a question before you apply, please do not hesitate to contact us.
International students
Please note that most international applicants have to pay a deposit before securing their place.
- See our Finance pages for more details
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Tuition fees and funding
September 2023 entry tuition fees
Year 1 fees, see links in table below for more information.
2023/24 entry funding
Specific Entry Requirements
Students must hold a Bachelor’s degree from a British University or equivalent as verified by NARIC. This can be in any subject, but for students with first degrees in non-STEM subjects there is an additional requirement to hold a GCSE grade C (or 4) or equivalent in Maths. Students with a BPS accredited first degree in Psychology, who achieved below a second-class honours degree and therefore failed to qualify for GBC, may be admitted in consultation with the programme convener.
Need help before you apply?
Course Facilities
Our Research
For an overview of the research carried out by psychology academics within the School of Psychology, please visit the departmental research pages.
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