Psychology (Conversion) MSc

Take an essential first step towards becoming a chartered psychologist. Gain valuable professional insights into human behaviour. Develop the same grounding in psychological science as a three-year undergraduate course but at a masters level.

North East Postgraduate Discount

Overview

This Masters is a conversion course that is suitable for graduates who have not studied psychology as a first degree. Successful completion provides the Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership by the British Psychological Society. The course is offered full-time over one year or part-time over two or three years.

At the end of the course, you could choose to undertake the further study that is required to become a chartered psychologist. Alternatively, your understanding of psychology will help you in sectors such as advertising, social work, public services, general management and human resources.

The British Psychological Society Logo

Why us?

The School of Psychology was awarded an Athena Swan Bronze Award in 2021, in recognition of its commitment to supporting and transforming gender equality

The course is accredited by the British Psychological Society

Course structure

We use a wide variety of teaching and learning methods which include lectures, seminars, workshops and tutorials. The research aspects of the course are supported by our thriving research programme in health behaviours and mental health. Our tutors’ specialisms include social psychology and evolutionary psychology.

Compared to an undergraduate course, you will find that this Masters requires a higher level of independent working.

For the part-time course there are around four hours of contact time per week, running across one day a week, usually during normal working hours. In addition, there is an occasional additional hour on the same day. For the full-time there are 8 hours spread over two days per week plus occasional two hours per term.

Assessment methods are a combination of coursework including practical reports, research proposals and presentations.

If you study this course part-time, you can choose to study it over two or three years.

Modules on this course include:

Everyday Motivations and Biases (30 credits)
Experimental Design and Analysis in Psychology (30 credits)
Non-experimental Design and Analysis in Psychology (30 credits)
Cradle to Grave: Stability and Change (30 credits)
Master Project (60 credits)

Some modules have prerequisites. Read more about what this means in our Help and Advice article.

Facilities

The School of Psychology is based in the Murray Library on City Campus, close to the city centre and a three-minute walk from the University metro station.

You’ll find a range of specialist laboratories and excellent library resources here.

Entry requirements

Our typical offer is:

Qualification	Minimum grade
a Canadian bachelor's degree	GPA 2.40
a USA bachelor's degree	GPA 2.5

If you already hold a postgraduate qualification, please see our Applying for additional postgraduate degrees Help and Advice article.

If you don't meet our standard entry requirements, you can take one of the foundation pathways at our partners ONCAMPUS Sunderland. Find out more information and whether your course is eligible on our ONCAMPUS page.

If your qualification is not listed above, please contact the Student Administration team at studentadmin@sunderland.ac.uk for further advice.

We usually require applicants to hold at least a second class honours degree in any subject. This course is designed to be a conversion course for those who do not already hold the Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership of the British Psychological Society.

The course is therefore not suitable if you have already achieved an honours degree in psychology.

If English is not your first language, please see our English language requirements.

Is your qualification not displaying here? For international qualifications, search our full list of international entry requirements for this course.

Fees and finance

Fees are:

£7,500 if you are from the UK/Europe*
£15,000 if you are an international student

Part-time fees are £417 per 10 credits. Please note that part-time courses are not available to international students who require a Student visa to study in the UK.

The course is offered full-time over one year, or you can choose to study part-time over two or three years. Please note, however, that the three-year route is not eligible for a government student loan.

*European Union (EU), EEA (European Economic Area), and Swiss nationals who do not qualify for the EU Settlement Scheme are classed as international, however, for 23/24 admission you will receive a European student fee scholarship and will pay the home tuition fee rate for the duration of your studies. The discounted fee will be reflected in your offer letter. Learn more in our Help and Advice article.

Take a look at the Your Finances section to find out about the scholarships and bursaries that may be available to you.

This information was correct at the time of publication.

Students graduating at the Stadium of Light

Career ready

This conversion course is a way to move into a sector that offers both satisfying careers and excellent salary potential. On completion of this course you will be equipped to apply for the further postgraduate training that is required to become a chartered psychologist.

Career options

There are nine types of psychology in which it is possible to become chartered: clinical, educational, forensic, occupational, counselling, sport and exercise and health psychology, as well as neuropsychology and teaching/researching in psychology.

As an example of salaries, clinical psychologists within the NHS typically have a starting salary of around £30,000, progressing up to more than £80,000 for higher level posts. Salaries in private hospitals and private practice will vary.

Equally, the course prepares you for employment in a broad range of sectors. The insights, rigour and methodology of psychology are valued in roles in management, advertising, marketing, human resources, the police force, the prison service, social care, health services and teaching.

Meet the students

I have developed in many aspects, including personally, academically and professionally.

Andrew Corrigan
The staff are experts in their field and the atmosphere around campus is inclusive and supportive.

Joanne Comerford

Related courses

Contact

Contact the Student Helpline for further information about studying at the University of Sunderland:

0191 515 3000

student.helpline@sunderland.ac.uk

View Programme Specifications for the Faculty of Health Sciences and Wellbeing.

Page last updated: 25 September 2023

We aim to provide clear, accurate and timely information to prospective and current students. We continuously review and enhance course content in consultation with our students and the information provided on our website is the latest available. If you have received an offer from us to start a course, we will communicate any important changes to you in writing. We will always seek to ensure that our prospective students are fully aware of the basis on which they are accepting an offer.

Sign up to receive emails about your subject area.

I am currently serving or have previously served in the armed forces, including reserves.

Keep me up to date relating to my interest in the University of Sunderland via:

Email

You may unsubscribe at any time.

Using Your Personal Information
The University of Sunderland is collecting this data in order for you to receive information on your chosen subject(s). Your information will be stored securely in our Customer Relationship Management system which is provided by a 3rd party and used only for the administration and provision of this information. Should you choose to opt in to further communications we will also use your information to facilitate other useful marketing information based on your preferences. Further information on how your data is stored and used can be found in our Privacy notice - marketing.