Online degree MSc Psychology

This is a conversion master’s degree – designed for people who didn’t study psychology at undergraduate level. To apply, you’ll need to meet one of the following sets of entry requirements:

Option 1:

• A UK honours degree at 2:2 or above (or equivalent international qualification) in a subject other than psychology.

Because this programme is designed to provide a pathway into psychology, you won’t be eligible if your undergraduate degree is already accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS). However, if you’ve studied some psychology previously – or hold a non-accredited psychology degree – you can still apply. Our team will review your academic background to confirm your eligibility.

Option 2:

• A non-honours degree with clear evidence of independent empirical research experience, such as a dissertation or thesis.

Thinking of transferring institutions or have you studied before? You can apply to transfer up to 60 credits in psychology-related learning towards your master's degree. Please note that credits can’t be awarded for the research module of this programme.

These credits must be relevant, current, and aligned with the subject matter of your chosen MSc Psychology pathway.

• Review our recognition of prior learning process.

• Speak to our Enrolment Team.

• Submit a recognition of prior learning form alongside your application.

Overseas qualifications may be accepted and will be subject to evidence of equivalency normally verified through ECCTIS (UK ENIC). 

If English isn't your first language, you’ll be asked to provide proof of your English language proficiency in one of the following forms, or an equivilant qualification. Alternatively, you may be accepted if you have previously studied in English at an appropriate level and attended a recognised institution.

IELTS

• Evidence of a score of IELTS Level 6.0 or above with no element below 5.5.

TOEFL iBT®

• Evidence of a score of 79 overall (with 18 in reading, 17 in listening, 20 in speaking and 21 in writing).

Trinity College London Integrated Skills in English (ISE)

• Evidence of a score of ISE II with distinction in each skill.

Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency or Cambridge Certificate of Advanced English

• Evidence of a score of 170 overall, with 160 in each component.

On this online Psychology programme, you’ll study a series of carefully designed modules. With flexible monthly starts, you’ll join the next available module and study alongside a cohort of psychology master's students learning the same subject at the same time.

• Biological Psychology

  Explore the biological foundations of human behaviour, including brain function, genetics and psychopharmacology. You’ll analyse how neurobiological systems influence emotion, motivation and mental health, and develop critical analysis skills using current research on disorders such as schizophrenia and depression. 

• Social Psychology

  Examine how people think, feel and behave in social contexts. Topics include identity, group dynamics, prejudice, aggression and altruism. You’ll critically evaluate classic and contemporary theories, and apply them to real-world social issues using qualitative psychology approaches. 

• Developmental Psychology

  Understand how people change across the lifespan. From infancy through ageing, you’ll explore cognitive, emotional and social development – including language, attachment and identity. This psychology course prepares you to critically reflect on both typical and atypical development in context. 

• Cognitive Psychology

  Delve into the human mind through the study of perception, attention, memory and decision-making. This module enables you to analyse how we process information and how cognition interacts with emotion. You’ll build advanced understanding of experimental design and theory within cognitive psychology. 

• Personality and Differential Psychology

  Explore individual differences in traits, temperament and behaviour. Assess the development and impact of personality, including its relevance to mental health and psychological disorders. You’ll evaluate major theories and engage in academic study using real-world case examples. 

• Ethical and Conceptual Issues in Psychology

  What makes research ethical, valid and meaningful? This module examines the foundations of psychological research, from historic schools of thought to modern dilemmas. You’ll study ethics codes, open science, and the emotional labour of working in clinical psychology or research, and develop your critical appraisal skills. 

• Cyberpsychology

  Investigate the psychological impact of digital life – from online identity and virtual relationships to behaviour change and mobile health apps. You’ll assess the role of technology in therapy and wellbeing, and explore both the benefits and risks to mental health in virtual environments. 

• Organisational Psychology and Behaviour

  Explore how psychology shapes workplace culture, leadership and performance. Learn how psychology research informs employee wellbeing, motivation and group behaviour. You’ll assess interventions for change and apply psychological principles in business and HR contexts.

• Research Methods and Statistics

  Gain the core skills to conduct and evaluate research at masters level. You’ll study both quantitative and qualitative research methodologies, learning how to design studies, analyse data, and interpret results with precision. This module lays the foundation for research excellence. 

• Research Development

  Sharpen your focus and prepare for your final project. You’ll develop a research question, conduct a literature review, and submit a formal ethics application. On this module you'll develop skills and tools to plan and present an impactful research proposal with academic rigour. 

• Research Project

  Conduct an independent research project on a psychological topic of your choice. Apply what you’ve learned in theory, method and analysis to investigate a meaningful question. Your final project demonstrates your research expertise, critical analysis, and readiness for further training or professional accreditation after successful completion of your degree. 

Across your MSc, you’ll complete a mix of assessments designed to stretch your thinking, strengthen your communication skills, and bring your learning to life. Each module (except your final research project) includes three assignments – helping you build confidence, test ideas and apply theory in more than one way.

Here’s a snapshot of the main types of assessments you’ll complete across your core modules. Want to know what assessments you’ll sit for each module, or just need more detail? Request more info and our team would love to talk it through with you.

• Case-based report: analyse complex psychological scenarios using evidence-based frameworks to recommend diagnoses, interventions or treatments with critical justification.

• Critical essay: explore a key theory, debate or topic in psychology in depth. Evaluate competing perspectives, engage with current research and build a clear, convincing argument.

• Reflection piece: draw connections between what you’re learning and your professional or personal experience. These reflective tasks help you consolidate understanding and identify real-world relevance.

• Infographic and commentary: turn complex psychological insights into clear, engaging visuals, and pair your infographic with a concise written commentary to demonstrate both creativity and clarity.

• Podcast or video: present your understanding of psychological theories or mental health challenges through short audio or video recordings – bringing ideas to life through your voice and perspective.

• Research dissertation: complete an independent empirical research project – from literature review to final write-up – that showcases your ability to investigate, analyse and communicate psychological research with impact.

This psychology MSc gives you a broad foundation in psychological theory and research methods, along with the critical analysis and data skills valued across many sectors. While it’s designed to prepare you for further professional training (such as in clinical, educational, or occupational psychology), there are also roles you can step into straight after graduating.

These include:

• Research Assistant in academic, clinical or commercial psychology settings

• Behavioural Insight Officer in government, NGOs or consultancy

• Human Factors Analyst or UX Researcher in tech or product design

• Assistant Psychologist (for those with strong applied or voluntary experience)

• Talent or Learning & Development Coordinator with a psychology-informed approach

If your goal is to become a Chartered Psychologist, this degree (once BPS-accredited) gives you the essential first step. From here, you can apply to specialist training programmes that build on what you’ve learned – helping you deepen your expertise and move confidently into a psychology-focused career.

This MSc Psychology (once BPS-accredited) gives you the Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (GBC) – the first essential step if you want to become a Chartered Psychologist in the UK.

After this, you’ll need to complete a BPS-accredited doctoral or Stage 2 qualification in your chosen area of practice. These programmes usually include both academic study and supervised practical experience. Most applicants also gain relevant work experience before applying – for example, in research, education, care, or organisational settings.

But where you take your degree is up to you. Many psychology students choose roles in mental health, education, public health, or research that don’t require further academic training. And whatever direction you’re considering, our Careers Team is here to help you plan your next step.

This MSc in Psychology is a conversion course – created for people who didn’t study psychology at undergraduate level but are ready to pursue it now. That’s why we ask for a first degree in another subject.

If you’ve studied some psychology before, or hold a psychology degree that isn’t accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS), we would encourage you to apply. Many of our applicants come from similar backgrounds. We’ll review your academic history and guide you through your options.

Whether you’re coming to psychology for the first time or picking it back up with fresh motivation, this course is built to help you move forward.

We’ve submitted our application for accreditation by the British Psychological Society (BPS), and it’s now under review. To meet the requirements of accreditation, the programme has been carefully designed to meet all BPS standards.

If approved, the programme will provide the Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership – the first step toward becoming a Chartered Psychologist in the UK. Subject to approval, BPS accreditation will be retrospectively applied to all students who join from October 2025 onwards.

A conversion course is designed to help you change direction. Conversion programmes give you the academic foundation you’d typically gain from an undergraduate degree in the subject – but at master’s level, and often in less time.

This Psychology MSc is a conversion degree for people who didn’t study psychology before but now want to move into the field. It covers the core areas required by the British Psychological Society (BPS), so if our application for accreditation is successful, you’ll graduate with the qualifications you need to take the next step towards becoming a psychologist.

If you’re ready to retrain – and want a route that’s clear, structured and respected in the profession – a conversion course could be exactly what you need.

This Psychology MSc provides a broad foundation across core areas of psychology – including biological, cognitive, developmental, and organisational psychology – and is designed for progression into a wide range of professional pathways.

The MSc Psychology of Mental Health and Wellbeing focuses more specifically on mental health, behaviour change and therapeutic contexts.

Your master’s degree is delivered through an online study platform, where you’ll study either one or two modules at a time depending on your study mode. Full-time students take two modules in parallel (with a short gap between start dates), while part-time students complete one module at a time.

Here’s what you can expect:

• Weekly learning units to guide your progress

• Readings and case studies

• Videos and narrated presentations (mini-lectures)

• Online discussion forums

• Quizzes and tasks to check your understanding

You’ll have the freedom to plan your study time around work and life – but within a guided schedule that helps you stay focused, connected, and on track to succeed.