MSc Psychology (conversion)

This conversion course will provide a solid practical and theoretical background in psychology for students who have not studied the subject before. You will graduate with the fundamental knowledge and skills that are needed in a variety of different professions in psychology. This course is also suitable for students who have obtained a degree in psychology from outside the UK, but wish to also gain a psychology degree accredited by the British Psychological Society. Topics covered include biological, cognitive, developmental, and social psychology, as well as individual differences and conceptual and historical issues in psychology.

You will learn about the full breadth of psychological research techniques, including experiments, surveys, and observation. As part of your practical project, you will work closely with a member of academic staff to complete a research dissertation in a selected area. Throughout the course you will have access to research equipment and facilities where, for example, you can track eye movements to measure attention, measure brain activity, or you may conduct surveys and observational studies. The course will include presentations given by professionals who work as either industrial, forensic, occupational, clinical, health, or educational psychologists. In this way, you will learn about practical aspects of professional psychology occupations and you will develop an understanding of the many ways in which a psychology degree can lead to a professional career. We are a small and friendly department. This means that we get to know you and can provide you with individual support throughout your studies. This course is accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS).

Careers:

A degree in psychology will provide you with skills and knowledge that can be used in many different types of professional careers.

These may include:

• supporting children and young people in educational settings (educational psychologist)
• assessing and treating criminal behaviour in prisons and judicial systems (forensic psychologist)
• helping patients of all ages manage the psychological aspects of their illness (health psychologist)
• dealing with career development in organisations (occupational psychologist)
• helping athletes and sport teams to deal psychologically with demand and to improve performance (sport and exercise psychologist)

A degree in psychology is also essential if you decide to undertake further training to become a clinical psychologist, a counsellor, or a researcher. Your skills in research methodology and statistics can also be used to develop a career as data analyst in a variety of areas.