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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.
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.
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.
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.
Fees are:
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.
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.
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.
I have developed in many aspects, including personally, academically and professionally.
The staff are experts in their field and the atmosphere around campus is inclusive and supportive.
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