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 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. It is offered full-time over 1 year or part-time over 3 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?

95.3% of our graduates are in employment or further study within six months of graduating, according to DLHE 2016/17 (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. 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

Our Psychology courses are based at Helen McArdle 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:

£6,500 if you are from the UK or EU
£13,000 if you are from outside the EU

The part-time fee for this course is £361 per 10 credits.

Please note that part-time courses are not available to international students who require a Tier 4 visa to study in the UK.

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.

Meet the students

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

Andrew Corrigan
I was made to feel welcome and put at ease straight away.

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

Joanne Comerford

Meet the team

Related courses

MSc Psychological Research Methods

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: 10 September 2019

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