School of Psychology

MSc Psychology

Duration

1 year
Course type

Full-time, Part-time route available
Study location Plymouth
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The MSc Psychology is designed to confer Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (GBC) with the British Psychological Society (BPS). GBC is the form of professional accreditation that is required for many careers that you may pursue with a psychology degree, as well as for advanced professional training in psychology. This is a conversion course. You do not need an undergraduate psychology degree but you'll need an honours degree. Study full time over one year or part-time over two years.

Have you considered?

Key features
  • Enter the MSc with an honours degree in any subject. You become eligible for Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (GBC) which normally requires a three-year honours degree in psychology.
  • Obtain a background in the major theoretical approaches in all of the principal areas of psychology – biological, cognitive, social, developmental and individual differences.
  • Study in a Psychology department that is in the top 20 across all UK universities, with 83% of our research output rated 'world leading' or of 'international quality' by the 2014 Research Excellence Framework.
  • The MSc is ideal for those wishing to make a career change into psychology or who have overseas qualifications and wish to convert their psychology degree into one approved by the BPS.

Course details

  • Programme overview

  • Drawing on Plymouth's existing British Psychological Society (BPS) accredited programmes, you’ll gain access to the curriculum essential for obtaining GBC, a critical step in becoming a chartered psychologist. The programme includes a number of opportunities for advanced study. You’ll learn through an exciting blend of lectures and regular interaction with staff and fellow students, as well as through independent reading and research. You’re challenged to investigate classic and contemporary issues in the field of psychology at an intensive and analytical level. You’ll develop and carry out an independent research project under the supervision of a member of academic staff.
    The MSc dissertation is completed at the end of the academic year (July) and the degree conferred the following November.
    Part-time study
    An option to study part-time over two years is available. Please contact the course coordinator for details.

    Core modules

    PSYC703
    Cognition and Biological Psychology

    This module covers four core areas of psychology: Perception & Attention; Learning & Memory; Cognition & Language; Neuroscience & Comparative Psychology. The biological basis of cognition will be integrative within each of the four core areas. Of the 12 hours of lectures in each area, the first will be devoted to CHIP issues and the on integration within/between topics.

    PSYC704
    Individual Differences, Social and Developmental Psychology

    This module covers three core areas of psychology: Individual differences, Social and Developmental: each core area will be covered in 16 hours of lectures. The first hour will cover CHIP issues and the last hour will focus on integration within/between topics.

    PSYC705
    Health and Wellbeing

    The module explores the multiple factors that determine health and wellbeing related behaviours, introducing professional areas of health, clinical and forensic psychology.

    PSYC706
    Current Topics in Psychology

    This course allows students to develop an in depth and critical appreciation of two areas of psychological research (two topics drawn from the current research programmes of the School's staff).

    PSYC707
    MSc Research Project

    Students, supported by academic supervisors and specialist workshops, are required to conduct a complete piece of research, from establishing a research area, formulating a research question, conducting a literature search, designing and conducting a study that meets appropriate ethical standards, analysing the data and communicating the research verbally and in writing.

    PSYC708
    Psychology Study Skills and Careers

    HIPL600
    Interprofessional Learning 3

    PSYC719
    Research Skills in Practice 1

    In this module students develop an understanding of the processes involved in undertaking and communicating research of increasing complexity. Students work in supervised groups to develop research questions on the association of factors and test them using empirical methods. Results are communicated via both oral presentation and written report. Methods workshops are also provided.

    PSYC720
    Research Skills in Practice 2

    In this module students develop an understanding of the processes involved in undertaking and communicating research of increasing complexity. Students work in supervised groups to develop research questions on group differences and test them using empirical methods. Results are communicated via both oral presentation and written report means. Methods workshops are also provided.

The modules shown for this course or programme are those being studied by current students, or expected new modules. Modules are subject to change depending on year of entry.

Every postgraduate taught course has a detailed programme specification document describing the programme aims, the programme structure, the teaching and learning methods, the learning outcomes and the rules of assessment.

The following programme specification represents the latest programme structure and may be subject to change:

MSc Psychology programme specification 3371

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 UK ENIC, 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.

Fees, costs and funding
2024-2025 2025-2026
Home £9,900 £10,300
International £17,600 £18,150
Part time (Home) £550 £570
Full time fees shown are per annum. Part time fees shown are per 10 credits. Please note that fees are reviewed on an annual basis. Fees and the conditions that apply to them shown in the prospectus are correct at the time of going to print. Fees shown on the web are the most up to date but are still subject to change in exceptional circumstances. More information about fees and funding.

Scholarships for international students

We fund our international scholars to reach their goals.
Complete our short enquiry form and we will send you more information on the scholarships that may be available to you.

Tuition fee discount for University of Plymouth graduates

If you studied your undergraduate degree at Plymouth, you may be eligible for a fee discount if you complete your postgraduate studies here as well.
  • 10% discount on tuition fees for home students
  • £2,000 discount on tuition fees for international students

Postgraduate scholarships for international students

To reward outstanding achievement, the University of Plymouth offers scholarship schemes to help towards funding your studies.

How to apply

Apply online

When to apply

Most of our taught programmes begin in September. Applications can usually be made throughout the year, and are considered until programmes are full.

Before you apply

Familiarise yourself with the information required to complete your application form. You will usually be required to supply:
  • evidence of qualifications (degree certificates or transcripts), with translations if not in English, to show that you meet, or expect to meet the entry requirements
  • evidence of English language proficiency, if English is not your first language
  • a personal statement of approximately 250-400 words about the reasons for your interest in the course and outlining the nature of previous and current related experience. You can write this into the online application form, or include it as a separate document
  • your curriculum vitae or résumé, including details of relevant professional/voluntary experience, professional registration/s and visa status for overseas workers
  • proof of sponsorship, if applicable.
If you require further information take a look at our application guidance.

Disability Inclusion Services

If you have an impairment, health condition or disability, learn about the additional support the University provides .

International students

Support is also available to overseas students applying to the University from our International Office. Take a look at our how to apply information or email admissions@plymouth.ac.uk.

Submitting an application

Once you are happy that you have all of the information required you can apply using our online postgraduate application form (the blue 'Apply' icon on this page).

What happens after I apply?

You will normally receive a decision on your application within four weeks of us receiving your application. You may be asked to provide additional information; two academic/professional references, confirming your suitability for the course; or to take part in an interview (which in the case of overseas students may be by telephone or video conference) and you will be sent a decision by letter or email.
We aim to make the application procedure as simple and efficient as possible. Our Admissions and Course Enquiries team is on hand to offer help and can put you in touch with the appropriate faculty if you wish to discuss any programme in detail.
If you would like any further information please contact the Admissions and Course Enquiries team:
Telephone: +44 1752 585858
Email: admissions@plymouth.ac.uk

Admissions policy

More information and advice for applicants can be referenced in our admissions policy which can be found on the student regulations, policies and procedures page. Prospective students are advised to read the policy before making an application to the University.

Progression routes

International progression routes

The University of Plymouth International College (UPIC)offers foundation, first-year and pre-masters programmes that lead to University of Plymouth degrees. Courses are specially designed for EU and international students who are missing the grades for direct entry to the University, and include full duration visa sponsorship.
You can start in January, May or September, benefitting from small class sizes, top-quality tuition and 24/7 student support.
Pre-masters in Psychology (subject to final confirmation)
Find out more at plymouth.ac.uk/upicor contact our team at info@upic.plymouth.ac.uk

Enquiry form

Complete our short enquiry form and we will send you more information on the scholarships that may be available to you.

Why choose Plymouth?

Plymouth is one of the top Psychology departments in the UK. Programmes run in conjunction with the School’s existing taught programmes, including its BPS-accredited BSc (Hons) Psychology and MSc in Psychological Research Methods programmes.
Psychology staff that are qualified to teach
80 per cent of staff in the School of Psychology have teaching qualifications, and many are Higher Education Academy Fellows. All new staff are required to qualify for a fellowship of the HEA. Nationally only 38 per cent of university academics are qualified to teach – you deserve better than that.
We have 22 specialist laboratories which can be booked by students and staff. Labs range from single participant rooms through to labs with a range of networked or standalone computers and social interaction or group participation rooms.
Further study and employment opportunities
Many psychology students seek further specialised training in the applied sectors of the field (e.g. forensic psychology, counselling psychology, and organisational psychology). This programme will qualify you for entry into such training programmes. A recent survey of university graduates in the UK indicated that psychology students enter into a wide variety of professions.
Research opportunities
Staff in the School of Psychology are currently active in research on applied psychology, cognition, perception, neuropsychology, social and developmental psychology. You’ll carry out an independent research project, under the supervision of a member of academic staff.
MPsych Clinical Psychology - image courtesy of Getty Images

Research in the School of Psychology

Plymouth is a centre of excellence in psychological research. In the 2021 Research Excellence Framework assessment, 100% of our research environment and research impact was rated as either world-leading (4*) or internationally excellent (3*), along with 73% of our research outputs (publications). Within Psychology, Psychiatry and Neuroscience, the proportion of our research impact rated as 4* or 3* was equal to or higher than institutions such as Nottingham, Aberdeen, Bath, UCL, Cambridge, and York. Overall, we were ranked above Durham and Bath on 4* and 3* research, and were the top rated department in a modern university.
We have a thriving PhD community, with around 80 doctoral students, as well as purpose-built research facilities.
Learn more about the research in the School of Psychology

Our labs

EEG lab
Nemo lab
Soft Lab

Programme lead