MSc Psychology (Conversion)

• Neuroscience of Behaviour (15 credits)
• Cognitive Psychology (15 credits)
• Personality and Individual Differences (15 credits)
• Social and Critical Psychology (15 credits)
• Lifespan Development (15 credits)
• Applications of Professional Psychology (15 credits)
• Research Methods (30 credits)
• Dissertation (60 credits)
• Professional Development (0 credits)

Year one

• Social and Critical Psychology (15 credits)
• Research Methods (15 credits)
• Lifespan Development (15 credits)
• Professional Development (0 credits)

Year two

• Neuroscience of Behaviour (15 credits)
• Cognitive Psychology (15 credits)
• Applications of Professional Psychology (15 credits)
• Personality and Individual Differences (15 credits)
• Dissertation (60 credits)

Neuroscience of Behaviour

This module is the study of the biological bases of human behaviour, using quantitative design and analysis and considering ethics. You will use methods including the recording of physiological signals and brain-imaging techniques to address questions such as: What is the relationship between genes and behaviour or bodily reactions and emotion? What is the purpose of sleep? How are memories stored in the brain?

Cognitive Psychology

In this module you will develop knowledge of theories, concepts, and research about human cognition. Covering a range of topics and approaches to understanding Cognition, including the historical roots, conceptual aspects to the subject area, social cognition, mental representation, decision making, memory, language, and consciousness.

Personality and Individual Differences

Reviewing the main theories of personality and using contemporary empirical evidence you will explore the complex relationship between personality and behaviour. With sessions focusing on personality disorders and problems assessing and classifying such disorders, the module will also enable you to examine some of the broader societal issues relating to individual differences in personality.

Social and Critical Psychology

This module will introduce you to new topics within social psychology, but arguably more importantly, new perspectives by which to view topics such as social constructionism, social psychology of the self, problems of experimental social psychology, group performance and decision making, and crowd behaviour.

Lifespan Development

Exploring key theories of psychological development throughout the lifespan you will learn to think critically about these theories and consider how psychological wellbeing could be enhanced at every stage of a person’s development.

Applications of Professional Psychology

In this module you will consider the pragmatic, ethical and methodological aspects of applying psychological principles and knowledge to real-life contexts by learning how psychology is used in a range of professional practices, such as health, education, sport and may other professional psychology careers, helping to inform your own future career choices.

Research Methods

By developing your ability to design psychological investigations and assess the data collected, and understanding the ethical implications of various methods used, on this module you will develop a range of transferable skills that are highly valued in employment settings, including communication, numeracy and critical thinking.

Dissertation

This module involves an independent research study in a clearly defined area of psychology involving both a theoretical and an empirical component. You will be supported by tutors to develop the study in an area that you are passionate about, helping bring to life the knowledge you have gained throughout the course with confidence.

A distinctive element of the course is our in-built Employability module, designed with our conversion students in mind. On this module you’ll be guided through identifying industry relevant experiences, building up a professional network, recognising and articulating your strengths and presenting these via your CV, professional applications, interviews and more. By the end of the module candidates will feel confident to approach graduate level employers and further education opportunities.

Exact days of the week vary per intake and location, however you can expect: 

• 2 x 1-hour lectures per module.
• 1 x 1-hour practical class per module.
• During Term 1 you will have 6 hours of teaching per week, with two modules running concurrently. 
• During Term 2 you will have 7 hours of teaching per week for the first 5 weeks, followed by 6 hours of teaching per week for the remainder of the term. This includes two taught modules running concurrently with the dissertation module. 
• Term 3 is dedicated to the write up of your dissertation. 

Term 1 example: 

Exact days of the week vary per intake and location, however you can expect: 

• 2 x 1-hour lectures per module per week.
• 1 x 1-hour practical class per module per week
• Eight taught modules and one dissertation module studied across six terms spanning two calendar years.
• Term 6 is dedicated to the write up of your dissertation. 

Term 1 example: