Psychology - MSc
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Looking for a psychology conversion course? Our MSc Psychology degree is an online conversion course, fully accredited by the British Psychological Society. This is an an online conversion course, fully accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS), designed to help students with a non-Psychology degree gain a Psychology Master's qualification....
- Level Postgraduate Taught
- Study mode Distance Learning
- Award MSc
- Start date January 2025
- Fees View course fees
- Subject
- Location Online Learning
This course is:
Open to International Students
Overview
Looking for a psychology conversion course? Our MSc Psychology degree is an online conversion course, fully accredited by the British Psychological Society.
This is an an online conversion course, fully accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS), designed to help students with a non-Psychology degree gain a Psychology Master's qualification.
This course has been designed for students wanting to pursue careers in chartered areas of psychology who need to gain the psychological background in order to gain the accreditation by the BPS. This distance learning (online) course allows you to study around your own commitments, reflecting the inclusivity at the heart of Birmingham City University.
If you have any questions about how the course is run, please check out our Course In Depth tab for a full FAQ.
What's covered in this course?
The course covers the core areas of psychological knowledge so that our graduates gain breadth and depth across key psychological theory and research. For example in Lifespan we answer questions such as how do babies recognise faces, and how do we acquire language? In Applied Social Psychology we examine cross-cultural psychology and the formation of groups and what impact this has on the real world. We also look at examples of atypical behaviours and how psychological disorders are assessed and diagnosed.
In the course we cover two research methods modules (quantitative and qualitative) where you get an opportunity to carry out a small-scale study and write this up as a laboratory report. For your final dissertation you will work one-to-one with a member of staff to carry out a piece of research in an area that interests you. We find that most people will align this with the area of psychology that they wish to pursue. You’ll be taught how to submit a research ethics proposal, how to write a laboratory report as well as presenting a poster similar to an academic conference and writing a critical review. All of your assignments will be coursework based rather than exams.
Across the course we embed real world examples and make links to chartered careers in psychology to ensure that you are ready for your next step in becoming a psychologist. Our alumni on the course are already studying for doctorates in clinical and educational psychology as well as working in hospitals, schools, prisons and the charity sector. We also have a number following in our footsteps pursuing careers as academics by completing a PhD!
Accredited By
Overall, my time at BCU was an amazing experience, and I have no doubt that anyone who has applied or is thinking about applying will not regret it. It was a challenging journey, but it was worth it, and I am now confident that I can take on anything that comes my way. From the first introduction sessions, I was incredibly impressed by the dedication of the course leaders and tutors. My advice is not to be afraid to ask questions.
The course has been a fantastic learning experience, and I have thoroughly enjoyed it. However, I do have one regret - that it didn't last longer!
Alexandra Stanford, MSc Psychology student
Why Choose Us?
- Staff contact and online delivery provide ample opportunity for you to pursue related interests outside the course in areas such as clinical, educational and forensic psychology. You are encouraged to bring these experiences to the forefront of your learning experience, ensuring you are developing into a well-rounded, lifelong learner.
- This course is accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS) and gives you Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (GBC) when you pass the course.
- Our staff are research active, allowing research-informed teaching and learning activities. You will be given the opportunity to learn and participate in a number of research projects throughout the year and we hold regular academic research seminars, which are recorded for our online students.
- A number of our recent conversion course students have been successful in gaining further training and employment in highly competitive areas of psychology, including Clinical Doctorate courses and research posts with national charitable organisations.
- You will be allocated a personal tutor, who will provide pastoral and academic support, as well as preparing you for your career in Psychology.
- Our Psychology department has a wide range of psychology testing labs to suit all needs, including our BPS computer lab, which consists of more than thirty networked computers with Psychology-specific software such as SPSS, NVivo and others such as Opensesame and Gorilla experimental software.
- The Division of Psychology also offers MSc Forensic Psychology and MSc Health Psychology, providing you with many networking opportunities.
OPEN DAY
Join us for a virtual Open Day where you'll be able to learn about this course in detail. Booking isn't open yet for this event, register your interest and we’ll email you as soon as booking goes live.
Next Event: 5 February 2025
Entry Requirements
Essential requirements
Essential Requirements
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Applicants must have a minimum 2:2 degree and GCSE Mathematics (or equivalent) at Grade C or above. If you do not have GCSE Mathematics at the required level, we accept other Level 2 equivalents, or we may ask you to pass BCU's GCSE equivalency tests. |
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All exemptions must be approved by the Admissions Tutor prior to starting the course. |
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The British Psychological Society (BPS) requires all graduates to obtain a minimum of 50 per cent overall in order to meet the criteria for Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (GBC). |
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Please note that you will not be able to progress on to the MSc level and work towards eligibility for Society membership if you do not hold an undergraduate degree, regardless of whether you have postgraduate qualifications. This is a requirement set by the British Psychological Society. |
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Additional information for EU/International students
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Applications from international applicants with equivalent qualifications are welcome. Please see your country page for further details on the equivalent qualifications we accept. In additional to the academic entry requirements listed above, international and EU students will also require the qualifications detailed in this table. |
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| English language requirements 2020/21 | ||
| IELTS |
6.0 overall with 5.5 minimum in all bands If you do not meet the required IELTS score, you may be eligible for one of our pre-sessional English courses. Please note that you must have a Secure English Language Test (SELT) to study on the pre-sessional English course. More information. |
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| Other accepted qualifications | Visit our English language page | |
If you have a qualification that is not listed, please contact us.
Fees & How to Apply
UK students
Annual and modular tuition fees shown are applicable to the first year of study. The University reserves the right to increase fees for subsequent years of study in line with increases in inflation (capped at 5%) or to reflect changes in Government funding policies or changes agreed by Parliament. View fees for continuing students.
Award: MSc
Starting: Jan 2025
- Mode
- Duration
- Fees
- Distance Learning
- 1 Year
- £10,500
- Distance Learning
- 2 Years
- Show fees
- £1167 per 20 credits
- Year 1 - 60 credits
- Year 2 - 120 credits
Fees for Distance Learning students
This course can be studied on a Distance Learning study basis. The cost per year of study is based on credit requirements for that year.
International students
Annual and modular tuition fees shown are applicable to the first year of study. The University reserves the right to increase fees for subsequent years of study in line with increases in inflation (capped at 5%) or to reflect changes in Government funding policies or changes agreed by Parliament. View fees for continuing students.
Award: MSc
Starting: Jan 2025
- Mode
- Duration
- Fees
- Distance Learning
- 1 Year
- £10,500
- Distance Learning
- 2 Years
- Show fees
- £1167 per 20 credits
- Year 1 - 60 credits
- Year 2 - 120 credits
Fees for Distance Learning students
This course can be studied on a Distance Learning study basis. The cost per year of study is based on credit requirements for that year.
Personal statement
You’ll need to submit a personal statement as part of your application for this course. This will need to highlight your passion for postgraduate study – and your chosen course – as well as your personal skills and experience, academic success, and any other factors that will support your application for further study.
If you are applying for a stand alone module, please include the title of the module you want to study in your Personal Statement.
Not sure what to include? We’re here to help – take a look at our top tips for writing personal statements and download our free postgraduate personal statement guide for further advice and examples from real students.
Course in Depth
Modules
In order to complete this course a student must successfully complete all the following CORE modules (totalling 180 credits):
The applied social psychology module focuses on exploring how social psychological theory and research can be applied to real life and equips you with the knowledge and understanding to effect change in individuals, groups and society. Throughout the module you will be presented with a number of contemporary social issues that will be underpinned by three broad perspectives:
- Crosscultural psychology
- Individual differences
- Critical social psychology
This module aims to develop key transferable skills such as online group discussion, critical evaluation and evidence-based reasoning. The module consists of research-led teaching, which explores key debates and methodologies used in neuropsychology and cognitive psychology. The GBC areas of biological and cognitive psychology are supplemented through this module.
This module aims to investigate human development throughout the lifespan focusing on changes to biological, cognitive, social and emotional elements of psychological functioning. The module will provide you with an understanding of the general principles and concepts, different theoretical perspectives, research methodologies, contemporary debates and areas of application of Lifespan Development.
Introduction to Psychopathology will introduce the key perspectives in psychology which contribute to the explanation of abnormal states and their impact on disordered thinking, functioning and behaviour. The diagnosis and assessment process of a psychological disorder will play a central role in this module.
This module provides you with an overview of the purpose, design, and conduct of qualitative research in psychology. This module provides students with grounding in the use of qualitative research methods and analysis techniques commonly used in psychology. All sessions are structured to facilitate both conceptual learning and the development of applied research skills. More specifically, this module aims to help you develop skills in research and inquiry and develop academic attributes such as being able to think critically about different methodologies and knowledge claims.
This module introduces students to key concepts in research methods and analysis, and begins to prepare students for undertaking advances independent research. The QAA and BPS outline learning outcomes which need to be achieved in order to read the graduate basis for Chartership status. These include practical and research skills, which this module directly relates to.
Understanding research issues is an essential skill for psychologists operating in an evidence-based paradigm. The ability to produce an in-depth dissertation and present a logical argument using such research is a crucial skill for a successful psychology graduate.
Download course specification
Download nowWe focus on ensuring the core elements of psychology are taught in an applied, real-world context. We expect you to be active in the online learning community bringing your experiences, ideas and questions to the forefront of the learning journey.
The coursework is designed in such a way that you can tailor it to your interests, whilst developing your softer, employability skills as well.
The course will allow you to interact and learn alongside students from all over the country and the world, expanding your networks and perceptions of psychology.
Delivery
This course is delivered fully online, enabling you to study at a time that suits you, across a three Term period within the Academic Year. Each 20-credit module is studied over ten weeks with your final Dissertation project module consisting of 60 credits and completed over a two Term period. Some modules will include the completion of two Assessment elements occurring at different points within the module’s duration. You will be required to successfully complete 180 credits to be awarded the MSc in Psychology.
You don’t have to attend any face-to-face sessions, and delivery of course materials is done through our e-learning platform, Moodle, and via live, online sessions, which are repeated so that you can choose whether to access them in the daytime or evening. Relevant recordings from live sessions can be subsequently accessed throughout the duration of the course, alongside lecture slides and interactive learning materials embedded within Moodle.
You can choose to study with us full-time over one year or part-time over two years. As a guide, you should be allowing around 16 hours a week for part-time study, on average, as a combination of directed study (engaging with the online materials) and personal study.
We have both a September and January enrolment periods. Please be aware that the January enrolment modular learning pathway involves modules being taught across the Summer Term.
Please see our Online Learning FAQs for more information on what to expect when studying with us.
Assessment
You will be assessed throughout your course, with assignments set at the end of each module. Assessment will be primarily by coursework, e.g. essays, research papers, reports, presentations, reflective journals, portfolios or posters. None of the modules are assessed by online exam.
FAQ
This course is accredited by:
The British Psychological Society (MSc Psychology)
Find out more about British Psychological Society accreditation.
Employability
Employment Opportunities
To pursue a career as a professional psychologist further training at MSc and or doctorate level is required. This can lead to employment in the areas of:
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Clinical neuropsychology
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Educational psychology
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Forensic psychology
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Health psychology
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Occupational psychology
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Counselling psychology
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Teaching and research
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Sports and exercise science.
GBC graduates who do not wish to pursue a career in Professional Psychology also enter into employment areas such as, recruitment consultancy, human resources, civil service, researcher and data analyst, Improving Access
International
Welcome to Birmingham City University, home to students from all around the world!
Most of our undergraduate and postgraduate courses within the faculty of Business, Law and Social Sciences are open to international students, and our courses have been tailored to take a global approach to learning.
Our international pages contain a wealth of information for international students who are considering applying to study here, including:
- Details of the entry requirements for our courses
- Some of the good reasons why you should study here
- How to improve your language skills before starting your studies
- Information relevant to applicants from your country
- Where to find financial support for your studies.
The University is conveniently placed, with Birmingham International Airport nearby and first-rate transport connections to London and the rest of the UK.
Facilities & Staff
Our MSc Psychology course is delivered through the Moodle online learning resource, with online study materials to guide you through the appropriate topics, as well as providing links to other resources. You will also need textbooks, and a full reading list is provided with each module syllabus.
Although it is taught by distance learning, you will still have regular contact with your module tutor by email or telephone. You also have access to all the facilities at our City Centre Campus.
Our staff
Dr Natalie Kelly
Lecturer in Psychology; Co-Course Director, MSc Psychology
Natalie's research focuses on visual perception and attention, and how such processes are affected by factors such as healthy ageing and atypical neurological development (ASD, ADHD).
More about NatalieDr Lauren Kelly
Senior Lecturer in Psychology | Co-Course Leader for MSc Psychology
Lauren is experienced in teaching a range of postgraduate and undergraduate psychology modules. Her favourite areas are cognition and psychopathology. She is pleased to be part of the online MSc Psychology teaching team. She loves online teaching because it enables her to interact with and aid in the learning of a diverse range of students from...
More about LaurenDr Jessica Ann Diaz
Lecturer in Psychology, Deputy Course Lead MSc Psychology
Dr Jessica A. Diaz is a lecturer in Psychology with a particular interest in cognitive neuroscience, focusing on human perceptual learning and neural plasticity, decision-making, and cognitive development. She also has an interest in how the brain processes numerical information and how this could link to dyscalculia.
More about Jessica AnnDr Marisa Kolovos
Lecturer, Level 4 Year Tutor BSc Psychology
Dr Marisa Kolovos is a Social Psychologist with a primary research interest in cultural identity and the functioning of cultural groups. She completed her PhD on intergroup tolerance at Canterbury University. Prior to joining Birmingham City University in 2019, she worked as Head of Student Services.
More about MarisaDr Foyzul Rahman
Lecturer in Psychology
Dr Foyzul Rahman completed his PhD in 2021 on the topic of social cognition and neurocognitive ageing under the supervision of Drs Charlotte Hartwright and Dan Shaw and Prof Klaus Kessler, at Aston University. Specifically, the PhD involved collecting neuroimaging (MRI) data from older adults and mapping this onto their behavioural theory of mind...
More about Foyzul