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msc-psychology-conversion

MSc Psychology Conversion (Online)

Our MSc Psychology (Conversion) offers a great way to develop an enhanced critical understanding of psychological theories, methods and current debates while studying entirely online. The qualification is a great first step on your way towards a wide range of careers in psychology.

Overview

The online MSc Psychology (Conversion) offers you the opportunity to gain your first qualification accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS)*.

Over the course of the programme, you will explore key concepts, theories, methods and debates within core areas of psychology including critically examining how psychological theories and research methodologies are applied in real world settings.  You will also receive training in quantitative and qualitative research methods, so you are able to evaluate, design and conduct research.

The course emphasises transferable skills for global careers and enhances your understanding of ethics issues and reflective practice to boost your employability skills. The course provides a springboard for students who successfully complete the full programme, to progress onto further professional training in psychology (e.g., academic/research; clinical, health, occupational, educational, forensic, counselling psychology). 

*An application for accreditation has been submitted to the British Psychological Society (BPS). The course page will be updated as soon as accreditation is approved.

Key features

  • Once granted accreditation with the British Psychological Society (BPS), this course will provide Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (GBC) and the first step to becoming a psychologist in the UK.
  • The course is taught entirely online so can be studied from the comfort of your own home. Content is recorded with optional drop-in sessions, so students can manage their own weekly study schedule.
  • Delivered in our block teaching format for an immersive learning experience.
  • Built-in support for diverse learning needs and backgrounds.
  • Research-led teaching, with research active staff delivering teaching and supporting learning.
  • Students get to choose an optional module on specialised areas of Psychology.

The course is entirely coursework based with a range of assignment types such as essays, research reports, case study and presentations.

º£½ÇÖ±²¥ has been shortlisted for the Postgraduate Award in the 2025 Whatuni Student Choice Awards (WUSCAs), as voted for by students.

  • UK/EU
  • International

Key facts for UK/EU students

Institution code: D26

UCAS course code: C80071

Duration: One year, full time

Start date: September 2025

Fees and funding: UK/EU: £9,700

Contact us:

Dr Zoe Palfreyman

Email: zpalfreyman@dmu.ac.uk

Tel: 0116 2577760

Key facts for international students

Institution code: D26

UCAS course code: C80071

Duration: One year, full-time

Start date: September 2025

Fees and funding: £17,300

Contact us: 

Dr Zoe Palfreyman

Email: zpalfreyman@dmu.ac.uk

Tel: 0116 2577760

Entry criteria

  • 2:2 or above (with Honours) in any undergraduate degree from a UK university or equivalent overseas qualification.
  • 2:2 or above (with Honours) in a psychology degree which isn’t accredited through the British Psychological Society or given you Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership.

If English is not your first language an IELTS score of 6.5 overall with no less than 6.0 in each band (or equivalent) when you start the course is essential.

English Language tuition, delivered by our British Council-accredited Centre for English Language Learning, is available both before and throughout the course if you need it.

Structure and assessment

 

Course modules

Teaching and assessments

Academic expertise

 

The MSc consists of 4 modules covering the core areas of psychology, one optional module and the empirical project module as described below. Please note that ALL modules are compulsory for successful completion of the award and for recognition by the accrediting body. 

  • Biological Foundations and Development Across the Lifespan (30 credits): This module covers two of the core areas of psychology, starting with biological foundations of behaviour and exploring development over the lifespan.
  • Becoming a Researcher in Psychology (15 credits): This module introduces research within psychology and explores quantitative research methods and analysis.
  • Differences, Diversity and Qualitative Research Methods (30 credits): This module brings together the core areas of individual differences and qualitative research, as well as, exploring aspects of diversity.
  • Mind and Society (30 credits): This module explores two of the core areas of psychology, cognitive and social, and the interconnection of these two core areas, social cognition.
  • Optional Module (15 credits): For the optional module students have a choice of topics to study. They can choose between studying an introductory module on Health Psychology or Mental Health. Both modules are designed to introduce students to these popular topic areas of psychological enquiry, and cover both theory and real-world experiences.
  • Psychology Research Project (60 credits): This module is the independent research project.  Students will be able to choose from a selection of topics and with support from their supervisor, design, conduct and write up an independent piece of psychological research.

 

 

The programme is designed to fit with the learning needs of the student offering a balance of pre-recorded content supported by live online learning.  With the majority of the content being pre-recorded you can engage with the content at your own pace and use the provided quizzes and forum discussions to check your learning as you progress. The optional online interactive sessions will provide the opportunity for you to check back with tutors, engage with other students on your course, and further expand your development and learning through discussion and debate in a supportive environment.

Learning activities are designed to help you develop your teamwork, presentation and problem-solving skills, plus more traditional academic skills such as synthesis, evaluation and application. We also help you to develop your skills and understanding in professional areas such as ethics and reflective practice.

There is a significant focus on developing skills that are transferable to a variety of careers and contexts on an international level.

You will benefit from the support of a personal academic tutor, who you are encouraged to meet with regularly. We also offer a range of additional support services to help you develop the skills required for master’s level study.

We offer a wide variety of assessments, allowing students to demonstrate their learning in a range of ways.  For example, module assessments include essays, practical research reports, presentations, case studies and an empirical project.  Assessment methods will vary according to each module’s content and desired outcomes with deadlines distributed throughout the year, allowing time for constructive feedback.

 

All staff are research active within the field of psychology, many collaborating with external partners, such as the NHS, local authorities and charities. Staff often present at relevant national and international conferences and publish work within their specialised fields.

Facilities and features

Flexible online learning

Studying a distance learning course at º£½ÇÖ±²¥ means the majority of your learning takes place online, eliminating the need for travel or traditional face-to-face lectures. You'll have access to a variety of online learning materials designed specifically for independent, remote study. These typically include engaging online lectures, interactive course activities, and carefully curated reading materials—all accessible with just a computer and an internet connection.

Support every step of the way

From the moment you begin your course, you'll be supported by dedicated academic and personal tutors who provide guidance, mark assignments, and offer help whenever needed. You can contact your tutors via email or phone, ensuring you're never studying alone. In addition, you'll benefit from the full range of º£½ÇÖ±²¥’s student support services, including the award-winning careers and employability team and our wellbeing initiative, Healthy º£½ÇÖ±²¥.

Library services

As well as providing a physical space in which to work, Kimberlin Library offers online tools to support your studies, and our extensive online collection of resources accessible from our , e-books, specialised databases and electronic journals and films which can be remotely accessed from anywhere you choose. 

There is also a ‘Just Ask’ service for help and advice, live , online workshops, tutorials and drop-ins available from our , and weekly library live chat sessions that give you the chance to ask the library teams for help.

Opportunities and careers

Find the people who will open doors for you

º£½ÇÖ±²¥'s award-winning careers service provides guaranteed work experience opportunities º£½ÇÖ±²¥ Careers Team

The MSc Psychology (Conversion) course is designed to deliver a range of transferable skills (e.g., critical thinking, communication, problem solving and reasoning) and enhance your employability across a range of careers.

Successful graduates can go on to further training for one of the applied areas of psychology (e.g., clinical psychology, counselling psychology, educational psychology, forensic psychology, health psychology, occupational psychology, sports and exercise psychology). Graduates can also progress on to doctoral studies (e.g. PhD) .

A full day of annual employability and enhancement events are held in Spring each year to provide more insight into career opportunities.

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