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level: masters top_up: false international: true clearing: false full_time: true part_time: true start_month: September location: Waterside

Psychology MSc

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Key Facts

  • Level

    Master'sPG MSc

  • Duration

    1 year full time
    2 years part time

  • Starting

    September

Updated 17/12/2024

Apply Now Open Days

Updated 17/12/2024

Get in touch

For questions regarding study and admissions please contact us:

UK STUDENTS ENQUIRIES

study@northampton.ac.uk
0300 303 2772

INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS ENQUIRIES

international@northampton.ac.uk
44 (0)1604 892134

Overview

The University of Northampton’s Psychology MSc degree has been specifically set up to accommodate students with a strong interest and passion for psychology and who are looking to explore the different options for careers in psychology. This psychology masters degree has also been designed for those without an undergraduate degree in psychology or a related field but who still have a strong foundational understanding and wish to gain the knowledge and skills fit for employability.

This masters degree in psychology programme offers students a psychology programme accredited by the British Psychological Society to broaden their knowledge and understanding of psychology. Successful completion of the MSc Psychology (Conversion) programme confers students with Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (GBC) with the British Psychological Society.  This programme is therefore not normally appropriate for students who already hold GBC status.

As a student on this MSc in psychology you will be offered automatic BPS student membership. This membership will give you access to careers advice and guidance, events’ opportunities, knowledge exchange platforms, research insights and access to the latest developments within the discipline.

British Psychological Society accredited logo

Highlights

  • This masters psychology degree programme is a psychology conversion course for students that do not have an undergraduate degree in psychology.
  • This course is accredited by the British Psychological Society.
  • Available as an option for psychology students is the flexibility of part time study.
Aerial view of University of Northampton, Waterside campus featuring multiple modern buildings, a river, and surrounding greenery and open fields. Car parks and residential areas are visible in the background.

Waterside campus has everything students needs from: Learning Hub featuring 24/7 library, Creative Hub, on-site shop, restaurant, cafes and food outlets, multi-faith chaplaincy, student village hall, Students' Union and more. With only a short walk over the bridge into the town centre.

Internal view of the Learning Hub, showing barriers towards elevators and in the background the student information desk. There is a large clock on the wall. A person is walking through the spacious lobby.

The Learning Hub and Student Information Desk would be a student's first point of call when needing support.

Two floors of the Learning Hub library, showing a spacious, modern interior with rows of bookshelves, a mezzanine level, and several students studying on couches and tables below.

Our library covers three floors of the Learning Hub, with IT rich learning environments, including silent and group study spaces, physical books. Don't forget there are plenty more resources available online!

University of Northampton Student Information Desk area with digital screens, staff computers, and a sign reading

The Student Information Desk is the first place a student should go if they need any help. Here the team can direct you to academic support, mental health support, financial support, IT support, and more.

Spacious modern building lobby, the Learning Hub, with high ceilings, circular ceiling panels, staircase, and staff and students working at yellow seating areas.

The Learning Hub is where every student will go for library support and classes, as well as food outlets and social events.

External view of the Learning Hub, with large windows and vertical pillars housing, adjacent to a green lawn with benches and an outdoor seating area with an umbrella.

The Learning Hub also has lots of outdoor space for meeting with friends or finding some silent time between classes.

External view of the Learning Hub at the University of Northampton. The building features large glass windows, metal panelling, and pavements.

The Learning Hub is the biggest building on campus, home to our Student Information Desk, 24/7 library, teaching spaces, cafes, and more.

External view of Senate building at the University of Northampton, which is a modern building with cream features and grey roads surrounding it.

The big and spacious modern Senate building has various types of learning spaces, teaching rooms, our Bloomberg suite, Morley Room lecture hall, and cafes.

Entry Requirements

To be considered for this MSc psychology course you must hold a GCSE grade C/4 in Mathematics (domestic equivalencies are not accepted) or an agreed internationally recognised equivalent qualification and you will be required to meet at least one of the below requirements in addition to all mandatory requirements:

  • You should normally hold a higher second class honours degree or above in an internationally recognised undergraduate programme.
  • If you hold a lower-second class honours degree, you may also be considered.  Such candidates will normally be asked to produce evidence of academic capability, such as an essay, before being considered for admission.
  • If you have previous educational experience you will be considered for admission to the programme however, recognition of prior learning is limited to a maximum of 60 credits. Students will require a minimum of 180 credits in psychology in order to meet the requirements for the GBC.  Applicants with a disability and applicants from all ethnic groups will be encourage
  • We would consider your application for this psychology masters degree if you have undertaken a British Psychological Society accredited psychology degree but who have failed to either pass the empirical psychology project or achieve at least a lower second class honours degree.

  • Mandatory requirements:

    You will be required to provide a copy of your GCSE Mathematics certificate at Grade C/4 or above, domestic equivalencies are not accepted (or evidence of your internationally recognised equivalent).

    You will be required to apply for a DBS check before being permitted to engage in the dissertation research project if necessary.  DBS checks may also be required if you wish to engage in Changemaker and/or STEAM events.

    A personal statement demonstrating self-awareness, self-reflection, sensitivity to issues of difference and equality as well as commitment to anti-oppressive practice will be required.

    All offers of a place on the MSc in psychology programme are subject to a successful interview by the University of Northampton.

    For more information on how to make an application please visit our How to Apply page.

  • All International and EU students applying for a masters psychology course with us must meet the following minimum English language requirements.

    • Minimum standard – IELTS 6.5 overall (or equivalent)
      with a minimum of 6.5 in each of its components

    For information regarding English language requirements at the University, please see our IELTS page.

Course Content

  • This MSc in psychology has been designed to contribute towards achieving the following United Nations Sustainable Development Goal: SDG3 Good Health and Wellbeing.

    Our MSc Psychology conversion programme is designed to equip you with key theoretical perspectives and practical knowledge within some of the core areas of psychology at a Masters level.

    You will study from a core curriculum within some of the key areas within psychology, through a range of modules which allow you to develop further capabilities already achieved through studying at undergraduate level such as undertaking independent research projects. The core curriculum will also provide you with a sound knowledge of theoretical, professional and policy issues in psychology.

    To further assist with your employability portfolio, we have a two-hour career event embedded as part of your curriculum. This event will be held in the second trimester and will be part of the PSYM081 (Applied and Critical Social Psychology) module workshops. Attendance at this event is mandatory.

    On this psychology masters degree, you will be taught by academics from the Division of Psychology with a wide ranging area of research expertise, engaging you with a diverse array of perspectives. The programme will equip you with key theoretical perspectives and practical knowledge within some of the core areas of psychology.

    The postgraduate psychology course is available full time or part-time. The part-time option is two years with the dissertation being submitted in January following the two years of the study. However, if you wish, and with the agreement of your supervisor, you can submit the dissertation in October of the final year of study. The psychology degree masters is flexible, and offers you choices within their programmes in accordance with personal and professional requirements. This includes a variety of modes of study and attendance through which awards can be gained.

    The University of Northampton ensures equality of opportunity and treatment for all students regardless of background, class, race, sex or circumstance.

    Please note the modules shown here relate to the academic year 24/25. The modules relating to the academic year 25/26 will be available from June 2025.

      • Module code: PSYM079
        Status: Compulsory
        This module enables a critical analysis of developmental issues across the lifespan with specific reference to the inter-relationship between the processes of development, and the context within which people grow, change and develop. Building on their knowledge of the developmental processes and mechanisms operating in childhood and adolescence, students will develop a critical understanding of the intersections of biological, psychological and social factors in development through the lifespan, and will develop a detailed understanding of transition and change, informed by a critical engagement with developmental research and theory.
      • Module code: PSYM080
        Status: Compulsory
        Cognitive and Biological Psychology and Neuroscience share a common interest in the workings of the brain but vary in topics of interest and in some aspects of methodology. This module will explore different approaches to studying the brain as well as philosophical questions concerning the mind and human consciousness.
      • Module code: PSYM081
        Status: Compulsory
        This module uses a multi-disciplinary approach (e.g. philosophy, sociology, feminist perspectives) to enable a critical analysis of traditional and contemporary social issues relating to the self, group processes and various relationships, considering the implications of social context and cross-cultural factors.
      • Module code: PSYM086
        Status: Compulsory
        The purpose of this module is ?To build on basic research methods skills from modules PSYM085 or PSYM102. The module is designed to develop advanced research skills enabling students to autonomously formulate and conduct an empirical research project in a field relevant to individual masters programs under supervision.
      • Module code: PSYM100
        Status: Compulsory
        This module will develop students' knowledge and critical understanding of various key theoretical perspectives in the areas of individual differences and personality. Practical applications relating to these areas will also be applied to real world settings.
      • Module code: PSYM101
        Status: Compulsory
        The aim of this module is to provide students with a thorough grounding in the historical development of psychology and in conceptual and philosophical questions pertinent to psychology, such as the nature of science, the role of ethics, the relationship between psychology and society, and the 'problem' of consciousness.
      • Module code: PSYM102
        Status: Compulsory
        The rationale for the module is to build research skills and research practices in quantitative and qualitative research methods. This module is designed develop the skills needed for independent research, and to design a proposal for an empirical research project.
  • What can I do with a Masters in psychology?

    On successful completion*, a Masters degree in psychology will teach you all the knowledge, discipline and skills you need to work in a wide range of different fields. These can include roles such as a Clinical, Educational, Counselling, Forensic, Health or Occupational psychologist. Your degree will also equip you for related practices, such as coaching, counselling and research/analytics.

    What is an MSc in psychology?

    When you successfully complete a psychology masters degree in psychology programme, you will receive a Master of Science (MSc) degree, which tends to be focused on the sciences and research methods than the humanities and arts aspects of the field of psychology.

    * In order to be eligible for the GBC, students must pass the empirical psychology project (dissertation), and gain at least a Lower Second Class Honours degree, or its equivalent (i.e. an overall pass mark of at least 50 per cent for conversion programmes).

Fees and Funding

2025/26 Tuition Fees

Fees quoted for this masters psychology degree relate to study in the Academic Year 25/26 only and may be subject to inflationary increases in future years.

  • UK – Full Time: £8,500
  • UK – Part Time: £1,420 per 30 credits
  • International – Full Time: £17,495

  • If you are starting a postgraduate Master’s course in 25/26, you may be able to apply for a Master’s loan Student Finance England.

  • There are no additional costs for this MSc in psychology course for students beginning their studies in September 2025. Should this change, applicants and students will be contacted by the university with details of the costs.

  • For information on the scholarships available to you, please see our scholarships page.

    For more information about possible funding options, please visit our Fees and Funding pages.

  • Fees quoted for this masters psychology degree relate to study in the Academic Year 24/25 only and may be subject to inflationary increases in future years.

    • UK – Full Time: £8,250
    • UK – Part Time: £1,380 per 30 credits
    • International – Full Time: £16,995

Staff

Lesley-Ann Smith, Senior Lecturer in Psychology (Mental Health)

Senior Lecturer in Psychology (Mental Health)
Faculty of Health, Education and Society

Lesley-Ann Smith
Kimberley Hill, Associate Professor in Psychology

Associate Professor in Psychology
Faculty of Health, Education and Society

Kimberley Hill

Careers and Employability

Successful completion of the MSc in psychology programme is a recognised pathway into careers within the areas of psychological professional practice and for undertaking further academic qualifications in Psychology, i.e. PhD, Professional Doctorates.

In addition, the research skills/core modules are beneficial for student careers within both public sector and private sector organisations. Psychology masters students can progress into teaching Psychology at Secondary Institutions/Further Education Institutions (please note additional teaching qualifications may be necessary).

To further assist with your employability portfolio we have a two-hour career event embedded as part of your curriculum.  This event will be held in the second trimester and will be part of the PSYM081 (Applied and Critical Social Psychology) module workshops. Attendance at this event is mandatory.

Facilities and Special Features

If you’d like to see more of our Waterside campus, come and join us for a campus tour.

A sensory deprivation tank for therapeutic/restorative effects.

Floatation Tank

UON's own Psychology Observation suite.

Observation Suite

Psychology lab for conducting sensory-perceptual studies.

Perception Lab

Range of equipment to support Psychology students.

Psychology Equipment

The Learning Hub is at the heart of the campus and home to the student information desk.

Learning Hub

Is this course for you?

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