School of Psychology

MSc Psychology

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.

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

    • Cognition and Biological Psychology (PSYC703)

      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.

    • Individual Differences, Social and Developmental Psychology (PSYC704)

      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.

    • Health and Wellbeing (PSYC705)

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

    • Current Topics in Psychology (PSYC706)

      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).

    • MSc Research Project (PSYC707)

      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.

    • Psychology Study Skills and Careers (PSYC708)

    • Research Skills in Practice 1 (PSYC719)

      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.

    • Research Skills in Practice 2 (PSYC720)

      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.

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 2022-23 3371

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.
Entry requirements

Students are expected to hold an undergraduate honours degree of at least 2:1. 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.

The 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.

If you have overseas qualifications you can check their comparability with the UK equivalent through ECCTIS, who provide an advisory service. 

English language requirements

If your first language is not English then evidence of English proficiency is required. For further advice on the appropriateness of overseas qualification and proficiency in the use of English, please contact our International Office.

The minimum IELTS score for acceptable English proficiency for entry is 6.5.

We welcome applicants with international qualifications. To view other accepted qualifications please refer to our tariff glossary.

Fees, costs and funding
Student 2022-2023 2023-2024
Home £9,400 £9,400
International £15,700 £16,500
Part time (Home) £500 £520
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.

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

Funding opportunities

A range of studentships, fee waivers and other funding for psychology students is also available for both UK/EU and international students.

Postgraduate international scholarships from the School of Psychology

International students who have met the conditions of their University of Plymouth offer of study will be eligible to receive the School of Psychology Postgraduate Platinum Scholarship to help towards the cost of tuition fees. You may also be eligible to apply for the University's Postgraduate Taught International Academic Excellence Scholarship. 

How to apply
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 services
If you have a disability and would like further information about the support provided by University of Plymouth, please visit our Disability Services.
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 now' icon on this page).
What happens after I apply?
You will normally receive a decision on your application within four weeksof 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 (0)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/upic or contact our team at info@upic.plymouth.ac.uk

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.

Specialist Facilities
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. Find out more about the variety of professions available. 

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.

<p>MPsych Clinical Psychology - image courtesy of Getty Images</p>

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

Programme lead