Course Comparison

Course
MSc Psychology MSc Research Methods in Psychology
Award
Master of Science - MSc Master of Science - MSc
Duration
1 year 2 years
Assessment breakdown
- -
Course type
Full-time, Part-time route available Part-time
Placement
- -
Location
Plymouth Plymouth
Provider
School of Psychology School of Psychology
Entry requirements
This programme is ideal if you’re wishing to make a career change into psychology, or if you have overseas qualifications and wish to convert your psychology degree into one approved by the BPS.
  • Bachelor (honours) degree at 2:1 or above in a relevant subject area. However, we would also consider applicants with a 2:2 level who can demonstrate previous studies or professional experience related to psychology, research methods or statistics.
  • GCSEs at Grade C/4 or above in Mathematics and English. Consideration may be given to Functional Skills Level 2 in Mathematics. Please note we do not accept Functional Skills Level 2 in English, or Key Skills in Maths or English, or Adult Literacy/Numeracy.
  • To view other accepted qualifications please refer to our UCAS tariff and entry requirements glossary.
  • If you have overseas qualifications you can check their comparability with the UK equivalent through ECCTIS, who provide an advisory service. 
  • If English is not your first language and you do not have GCSE English grade C/4 or above you will have to achieve an IELTS (or equivalent qualification) at the grade of at least 6.5 overall. International students – English language requirements 
  • For further advice on the appropriateness of overseas qualification and proficiency in the use of English, please contact our International Office.

Extended entry requirements 

  • In addition to the above, evidence of academic study within the last five years is required. 
  • Meeting the academic minimum is the first stage of an application being considered. Applicants must also submit a strong personal statement in order to be considered further. Applicants should demonstrate evidence of their interest in Psychology.
  • We will require an academic reference as part of the application process.
Students must have a minimum of a 2:2 honours degree, preferably in Psychology but also in cognate subjects (e.g., computational neuroscience), although we would also consider applicants who can demonstrate their ability to thrive on this programme due to professional experience.
This programme provides a privileged route for students seeking to advance their knowledge of psychology. While well suited to students with a current background in the field we would also welcome applications from students from other backgrounds, such as education, humanities, social sciences, biology and other life sciences, pure science, and engineering.
Please note that this programme does not confer graduate basis for recognition by the British Psychological Society, applicants seeking this recognition should apply to our MSc Psychology.
English language requirements
If your first language is not English then evidence of English proficiency is required, with a normal minimum IELTS score for acceptable English proficiency of 6.5. For further advice on the appropriateness of overseas qualification and proficiency in the use of English, please contact our International Office.
We welcome applicants with international qualifications. To view other accepted qualifications please refer to our tariff glossary.