MSc Psychology (Conversion)

  • MSc

Overview

This MSc conversion programme is designed for students from non-psychology backgrounds and provides training in the theories and methods of contemporary psychological science.

You will learn the theories of social, cognitive, developmental, biological and individual differences psychology, and develop the skills to understand and apply the research on which these theories are based. You will also learn how to design research studies and analyse data to provide valid answers to meaningful psychological research questions.

In your dissertation, you will combine these skills and knowledge to develop, carry out and report on a substantial piece of original, empirical research.

Teaching and dissertation supervision is undertaken by internationally renowned academics, who employ a variety of teaching and assessment methods (eg lectures, seminars, tutorials, laboratories, essays, reports, examinations). These methods help you to develop transferable skills, such as critical thinking, psychological and scientific literacy, research skills, teamwork, and oral and written communication skills, which are valued by employers across a wide range of industries. They also help to prepare you for further postgraduate study in psychology.

This programme is accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS) so successful completion makes you eligible for the Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (GBC) of the BPS. This is an essential step if you want to become a Charter Psychologist and pursue further professional training in psychology (such as becoming a clinical psychologist, forensic psychologist, or educational psychologist etc).

This programme is available as an intercalated degree for current undergraduate medicine, dentistry or veterinary students from the University of Bristol or other universities. Find out more about our intercalated degrees and eligibility criteria.

Programme structure

Visit our programme catalogue for full details of the structure and unit content for our MSc in Psychology (Conversion).

Entry requirements

You will typically need an upper second-class honours degree or international equivalent in any subject.

Please note that this conversion programme is unsuitable for applicants who have previously completed a bachelor's degree in Psychology unless required due to accreditation. Please provide more details in your application to clearly explain the reasons for application.

If you are currently completing a degree, we understand that your final grade may be higher than the interim grades or module/unit grades you have achieved during your studies to date.

We will consider your application if your interim grades are currently slightly lower than the programme's entry requirements and may make you an aspirational offer. This offer would be at the standard level, so you would need to achieve the standard entry requirements by the end of your degree. Specific module requirements would still apply.

We will also consider your application if your final overall achieved grade is slightly lower than the programme's entry requirement. Please include your CV (curriculum vitae / résumé) when you apply, showing details of a postgraduate qualification.

See international equivalent qualifications on the International Office website.

Read the programme admissions statement for important information on entry requirements, the application process and supporting documents required.

Go to admissions statement

If English is not your first language, you will need to reach the requirements outlined in our profile level B.

Further information about English language requirements and profile levels.

Fees and funding

Home: full-time
£14,500 per year
Home: part-time (two years)
£7,250 per year
Overseas: full-time
£32,100 per year

Fees are subject to an annual review. For programmes that last longer than one year, please budget for up to an 8% increase in fees each year.

More about tuition fees, living costs and financial support.

Alumni discount

University of Bristol students and graduates can benefit from a 25% reduction in tuition fees for postgraduate study. Check your eligibility for an alumni discount.

Funding and scholarships

Further information on funding for prospective UK and international postgraduate students.

Career prospects

Students enrolled on conversion programmes are commonly seeking to move into psychology from other disciplines. They are often interested in careers as chartered psychologists, specialising in areas such as clinical, educational, health, sport, counselling, forensic, occupational, neuro or research psychology.

Successful completion of the MSc will provide eligibility for the Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership of the British Psychological Society, which is the first step along any of these professional pathways.

Students who are not planning further postgraduate study will still benefit from the psychological knowledge and transferable skills developed during a conversion programme. Such knowledge and skills are directly relevant to a wide variety of careers in industries as diverse as health, education, marketing, data science, research, law, finance, human resources and public service.