Psychology Conversion MSc

This module is designed to equip you with the statistical literacy needed to confidently analyse, interpret, and communicate data in psychological science and beyond. You will develop a deep understanding of key statistical concepts and learn how to apply them to real-world psychological research. Through engaging with data, you will refine your ability to interpret and evaluate quantitative evidence, making sense of statistical language and understanding its relevance in different contexts. By the end of the module, you will be able to approach data-driven questions with confidence, selecting and applying the right techniques to draw meaningful conclusions. Most importantly, you will gain the skills to communicate complex findings clearly and persuasively, whether in reports, presentations, or professional discussions, ensuring that students can use data not just to analyse, but to inform and inspire.

This module will introduce you to qualitative research methods. Through a dynamic blend of theory and hands-on practice, you will gain the skills to design, generate, analyse and interpret qualitative data with confidence. You will also develop reflexive practice, sharpening the ability to critically engage with your role as a researcher and the impact of your work. You will become proficient in your qualitative research knowledge and skills, which will enable you to undertake independent projects that make original contributions to their field.

The module will give you an overview of biological and cognitive psychology as well as an introduction to the biological basis of heritable traits. The anatomy and physiology of the nervous system is considered; attention is focused on aspects of behaviour that have a clear biological component, with an emphasis on individual differences in biology. Through a series of psychophysiology lab sessions you will investigate specific central and peripheral nervous system variables and their relation to behaviour and individual differences. The cognitivist approach to psychology will be outlined and key theories relating to major cognitive faculties explored. Understanding of these is enhanced through a series of interactive seminars, consisting of group problem-solving activities. Both cognitive and biological approaches will explore pathology and neuropsychological case studies.

The aim of the module is to provide an intellectual setting within which you can both develop a fuller appreciation of substantive areas of applied psychology and improve your practical and analytical skills. The module will enable you to develop an appreciation of the controversies and issues related to traditional and contemporary research, ethical issues, and up-to-date knowledge in the domain of applied psychology. 

You will participate in practical sessions, lectures, seminars and workshops, where you will take part in class discussions, and work on research projects, group assignments and critical analyses. Teaching is in person, on campus and supplemented with bespoke online resources. You will also be expected to engage in independent study and tutorial support is available for all modules.

The MSc can be studied over 12 months full-time or 24 months part-time. Part-time students take 60 taught credits and start their dissertation in year 1 and 60 taught credits and complete their dissertation in year 2.

The course is assessed at 180 credit points. Each 30-credit module represents approximately 300 hours of student study time, with two-four hours of contact time per week. The postgraduate dissertation module is 60 credits and encourages students to work independently, develop expertise in a particular area of psychology and demonstrate advanced research skills.

For two of the taught modules, some lecture content will be taught along with our undergraduate students. All modules include small group teaching sessions which are specifically designed and exclusive for the MSc Psychology conversion students. Staff are also available for individual tutorials. You will supplement all this with your own independent study and will submit a dissertation. There is a specific module on research methods for conversion students and the course also aims to improve your analytical, statistical and IT skills.

You'll be taught by an experienced teaching team with a wide range of expertise and professional experience.

You'll be based at our Hendon campus, north London.

Whether you are studying full or part-time – your course timetable will balance your study commitments on campus with time for work, life commitments and independent study.

We aim to make timetables available to students at least 2 weeks before the start of term. Some weeks are different due to how we schedule classes and arrange on-campus sessions.

In a typical year, you’ll spend about 1200 hours on your course.

Outside of teaching hours, you’ll learn independently through reading articles and books, working on projects, undertaking research, and preparing for assessments including coursework and presentations.

Typical weekly breakdown

The table below gives you an idea of what learning looks like across a typical week. Some weeks are different due to how we schedule classes and arrange on-campus sessions.

You'll receive full information on your teaching before you start your course. 

A typical week looks like this:

Learning terms

On-campus: This includes tutor-led sessions such as seminars, lab sessions and demonstrations as well as student-led sessions for work in small groups.

Online learning: This is teaching that is delivered online using tools like Skype or Zoom, as well as work that you do yourself using online teaching resources.

Independent study: This is the work you do in your own time including reading and research.

Part-time study

You can also study this course part-time.

We have a strong support network online and on campus to help you develop your academic skills. We offer one-to-one and group sessions to develop your learning skills together with academic support from our library, IT teams and learning experts.

A wide variety of assessment methods are employed on the course including laboratory reports, essays, poster presentations, other written assignments and practical tests.

A major part of your assessment will be your 7,000 to 10,000-word report in the style of a journal article. We will be looking, among other things, at your ability to look critically at both theory and empirical research, and material from different sources.

You will receive regular feedback on your work.