Psychology MSc

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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.

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Overview

This one year 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.

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?

  • 95.8% of our graduates are in employment or further study within six months of graduating, according to DLHE 2015/16 (based on UK postgraduate students)
  • 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. Compared to an undergraduate course, you will find that this Masters requires a higher level of independent working.

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.

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

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.

Read more

Shackleton House,
City Campus,
Silksworth Row,
Sunderland,
SR1 3QR

54.906328, -1.392260

  • We’ve got thousands of books and e-books on health studies with many more titles available through the inter-library loan service. We also subscribe to a comprehensive range of print and electronic journals so that you can access the most reliable and up-to-date academic and industry articles.

    Some of the most important sources for your studies include:

    • SocINDEX with full-text articles – probably the world's most comprehensive and highest-quality sociology research database
    • Professional Development Collection, which features hundreds of education journals and reports
    • Psychology and Behavioural Sciences Database, which includes full-text journal articles on topics spanning emotional and behavioural sciences, psychiatry and psychology
    • Lexis Library, which covers UK and international legal information as well as full-text newspaper articles
    • Community Care Inform, which helps professionals who work with children and young people to make, and evidence, their decisions
    Library Services - psychological research

  • We have specialist psychological and computer laboratories for counselling and psychology, plus the ‘Sandbox’, a dedicated space for students to develop ideas collaboratively.

    Our specialist facilities include:

    • High specification research cubicles, including a soundproof cubicle
    • Visual psychophysics laboratory
    • SkillsLab, a 30-seater IT suite
    • Powerlab psychophysiological measurement equipment
    • A transcranial direct-current brain stimulation machine (tDCS)
    • Private interview booths
    • Multimedia and games research room
    • Specialist data analysis and experiment building software
    Specialist laboratories for counselling and psychology

Facilities

Our Psychology courses are based at Shackleton House, City Campus, close to the city centre and a five-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


  • GPA 2.40 from a Canadian bachelor's degree
  • GPA 2.5 from a USA bachelor's degree



We also require three passes at GCSE grade C or above, which must include Mathematics and English Language, or an equivalent qualification, for example; a minimum of Level 2 Key Skills in Communication and Application of Number. If you have studied for a new GCSE for which you will be awarded a numerical grade then you will need to achieve a grade 4 or above.

If English is not your first language we will require an International English Language Testing System (IELTS) with an overall score of 6.0 and at least 5.5 or higher in each component: reading, writing, listening and speaking. An alternative approved Secure English Language Test (SELT) can also be considered if the applicant's element scores are equivalent to those required for IELTS.

Fees and finance

The annual fee for this course is:

  • £6,200 if you are from the UK or EU
  • £12,600 if you are from outside the EU

If you are not sure whether you qualify as a UK, EU or international student, find out 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.

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This information was correct at the time of publication.

Students graduating at the Stadium of Light

Employment

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.

  • I was made to feel welcome and put at ease straight away.
    Jemma Learmouth

    Jemma Learmouth

Meet our academics

Amy Pearson

Lecturer in Psychology

Catherine Kenny

Senior Lecturer in Psychology

Helen Driscoll

Senior Lecturer in Psychology

Helen Knight

Lecturer in Psychology

Louise S Delicato

Principal Lecturer (Team Leader) in Psychology

Rebecca Owens

Lecturer in Psychology

Rosalind Crawley

Reader in Cognitive Psychology

Sophie Cormack

Senior Lecturer in Cognitive Psychology

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

MSc Psychology - programme specification (.pdf)

Page last updated: 24 July 2018

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