Psychology - MSc - 2024/25 Entry | Birmingham City University

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.

This course is open to International students.

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

This course is 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 on campus where you'll be able to find out more about your course, learn about postgraduate finance and get an insight into studying at BCU. Booking for the next event isn’t open yet. Register your interest below and we’ll email you as soon as booking goes live.

Next Event: 29 June 2024

Register interest

Entry Requirements

Essential Requirements

Typical Offers (UK Students)
Applicants must have a minimum 2:2 honours 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.
All exemptions must be approved by the Admissions Tutor prior to starting the course.
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).
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.

Additional information for EU/International students

Essential
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.
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.
Other accepted qualifications	Visit our English language page

If you have a qualification that is not listed, please contact us.

Fees & How to Apply

Please select your student status to view fees and apply

UK Student
International Student

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: Sep 2024

Distance Learning
1 Year
£10,500 in 2024/25

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.

Award: MSc

Starting: Jan 2025

Distance Learning
1 Year
£10,500 in 2024/25

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: Sep 2024

Distance Learning
1 Year
£10,500 in 2024/25

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.

Award: MSc

Starting: Jan 2025

Distance Learning
1 Year
£10,500 in 2024/25

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.

Access to computer equipment

You will require use of a laptop, and most students do prefer to have their own. However, you can borrow a laptop from the university or use one of our shared computer rooms.

Printing

You will receive £5 print credit in each year of your course, available after enrolment.

Field trips

All essential field trips and associated travel costs will be included in your course fees.

Access to Microsoft Office 365

Every student at the University can download a free copy of Microsoft Office 365 to use whilst at university and for 18 months after graduation.

Key software

You will be able to download SPSS and Nvivo to your home computer to support with your studies and research.

Key subscriptions

Subscriptions to key journals and websites and available through our library.

Excess printing (optional)

Once you have spent your £5 credit, additional printing on campus costs from 5p per sheet.

Books (optional)

Some modules may suggest that you purchase a key textbook. All module key texts will be in the University library, but in limited numbers. Many students choose to purchase a copy.

Memberships (optional)

You may wish to join a union or professional body related to this course, such as the British Psychological Society (BPS).

Accommodation and living costs

The cost of accommodation and other living costs are not included within your course fees. More information on the cost of accommodation can be found in our accommodation pages.

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.

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):

Download course specification

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We 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

How does the online course work?

You have pre-recorded video lectures that you can watch in your own time as well as activities to complete such as quizzes, journals and formative assessments. You will also have online seminars (usually five per module) that you can participate in live and these are generally offered at a variety of times and are recorded if you cannot make that time. You will also be required to read around the subject area using journals.

How is the course assessed?

All by coursework. There are different types of coursework such as posters, pre-recorded presentations, lab reports, essays and critical reviews.

Should I do the course full-time or part-time?

If you are planning to work then really the part-time option is more appropriate. As Psychology is a new subject area for most students on the course there is a lot to cover and you need adequate time to read around the topics.

What equipment do I need?

As this is an online course you will need a computer and a good internet connection. A microphone headset would also be helpful for the online seminars.

Can I come to the campus if I wish?

You can come in to use the library and resources and you may meet members of staff if you wish, but this is instead of your online contact time not as well to make it fair for all students.

If we struggle with the research methods section of this course will there be any kind of assistance or statistics workshops provided? Whether it be online or face to face?

If you struggle with the research methods then you can read through the textbooks, ask the module co-ordinator, chat with your peers and we also have advisers who support statistics in the centre for academic success - http://www.bcu.ac.uk/student-info/learning-support/academic-skills

Which books do I actually need to buy?

Most of the books will be available as ebooks via the University or you are welcome to come in and use the library. Some will have chapters digitised and put on moodle for you. There will be alternative texts listed in the module guides that might be cheaper and also available as an ebook. If you are wanting a physical copy second hand versions are usually fine and places like abebooks.com are quite good. Access to journal articles is provided through the university and journals will form most of your assignment reading.

How do we pay our fees?

The finance policy is here - http://www.bcu.ac.uk/about-us/corporate-information/policies-and-procedures/finance-policies

Will the web-conferences (online seminars) be scheduled repeatedly at different times?

Yes, and they will also be recorded so that students who cannot make them can still use them as a video lecture.

Will there be many online tests?

The only online quizzes (we do not like the word tests!!) will be for you to check your understanding. All credits are gained from online coursework

How easy is it to go 'on ahead' with work?

Regarding getting ahead - all topics will be uploaded at the start of the course. So you can work ahead to some extent. Certainly you can do all the textbook reading as soon as you want. But I will ask that people do not post to discussion forums 'out of order'. This is so we get everyone involved in each topic debate at the same time. This allows us to maximise the amount of engagement and discussion on each topic by having as many people as possible on that forum at the same time. We also intend to run web conferencing sessions which will not occur till the week of the topic

Is SPSS a programme that we have to buy ourselves or will the university provide us with a download for the time that we need this?

SPSS is provided by the university. There are instructions on Moodle about how to download it

Should I join the BPS?

We would suggest that you sign up as a student member. You get access to some journals as well as career advice (and a monthly magazine).

This course is accredited by:

The British Psychological Society (MSc Psychology)

The Psychology MSc is accredited by the British Psychological Society.

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:

Clinical neuropsychology
Educational psychology
Forensic psychology
Health psychology
Occupational psychology
Counselling psychology
Teaching and research
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 the School of Social Sciences, home to students from all around the world!

All of our undergraduate and postgraduate social sciences courses are open to international students, and our courses have been tailored to take a global approach to learning.

International Services

Our international pages contain a wealth of information for international students who are considering applying to study here, including:

Explore some of the good reasons why you should study here
Find out how to improve your language skills before starting your studies
Find all the information relevant to applicants from your country
Learn 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 Natalie

Dr Aris Terzopoulos

Lecturer in Psychology

Aris started his career teaching children in primary education and assessing and supporting children with special educational needs. In order to improve his impact on students, he completed an MA in Literacy Development and Literacy Difficulties at the Institute and Education in London.

More about Aris

Dr Aris Terzopoulos

Lecturer in Psychology

Aris started his career teaching children in primary education and assessing and supporting children with special educational needs. In order to improve his impact on students, he completed an MA in Literacy Development and Literacy Difficulties at the Institute and Education in London.

More about Aris

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 Lauren

Dr Rebecca Semmens-Wheeler

Senior Lecturer

Dr Rebecca Semmens-Wheeler has a background in neuropsychology, consciousness and cognition. She has a strong interest in mental health, wellbeing which she brings to her current teaching, research, and practice in positive psychology and counselling, yoga and mindfulness. She is currently an associate counsellor with the Wellbeing team.

More about Rebecca

Dr Pelham Carter

Senior Lecturer in Psychology

Pelham was drawn to Psychology initially by his interest in animal behavior, then followed maze experiments and finally using virtual environments to explore human behavior.

More about Pelham

Dr Olga Fotakopoulou

Senior Lecturer in Developmental Psychology, Academic Lead for Equality, Diversity and Inclusion and Athena Swan Lead.

Olga is a developmental psychologist and is interested in human development from birth to adolescence with a special interest in socio-cognitive, emotional and pro-social development. She has worked as a researcher of children’s development since 2004 and as a counsellor in various educational and clinical settings.

More about Olga