COURSE CURRICULUM

The MSc Psychology (Conversion) curriculum provides a comprehensive foundation in the core areas of psychology while developing advanced research, analytical, and critical thinking skills required for professional practice and further specialist training. Accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS), the programme enables graduates from any academic background to gain the essential knowledge required for Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (GBC). Students begin with From Questions to Evidence: Research in Action, which develops expertise in psychological research methods, research design, quantitative and qualitative data analysis, ethics, critical evaluation, and evidence-based practice, enabling students to investigate psychological questions using scientific methods. From Individuals to Groups: Social Psychology explores how thoughts, emotions, and behaviours are influenced by social interactions, examining topics such as group behaviour, attitudes, prejudice, social identity, relationships, communication, leadership, and cultural influences on behaviour. From Neurons to Knowing: Biological and Cognitive Psychology examines the biological and cognitive processes underlying human behaviour, including brain function, the nervous system, perception, attention, memory, learning, language, emotion, and decision-making, providing students with an understanding of how biological mechanisms and mental processes interact. Traits, Talents, and Temperaments: Individual Differences focuses on personality, intelligence, motivation, abilities, psychological assessment, mental health, and the factors that contribute to differences between individuals across the lifespan. From Conception to Coffin: Human Development explores physical, cognitive, emotional, and social development from prenatal life through childhood, adolescence, adulthood, and older age, examining developmental theories, life transitions, ageing, and factors influencing healthy development. The programme concludes with a Dissertation, where students undertake an independent psychological research project, applying advanced research methods, data analysis, critical evaluation, and scientific writing to investigate a significant topic within psychology. Throughout the programme, students strengthen research, communication, problem-solving, ethical reasoning, and evidence-based practice skills while engaging with contemporary psychological theory and research. The curriculum provides a strong scientific understanding of human behaviour and prepares graduates for further specialist training in Clinical, Health, Forensic, Occupational, Educational, Counselling, and Sport and Exercise Psychology. It also supports careers in healthcare, education, human resources, research, social services, community organisations, charities, public sector agencies, and private industry while providing an excellent foundation for doctoral research and professional psychological practice.