MSc Psychology (Conversion)
Frequently Asked Questions

A conversion course is a programme of study that trains a graduate in a new subject area and typically prepares them for a career in that field. Conversion courses do not usually require applicants to have previously studied the specific subject. On our MSc Psychology (Conversion) course, graduates who hold a non-accredited psychology qualification, studied another subject at university, or obtained their degree at an institution outside of the UK, will be able to gain a BPS-accredited qualification and will subsequently be eligible for GBC status.  

This psychology conversion Masters is open to learners with a range of different qualifications, so you do not need to have previously studied psychology to be eligible for this course.

Yes! This psychology conversion Masters is open to learners with a range of different qualifications. You may have studied a different subject entirely at undergraduate level, or you already hold a non-accredited psychology qualification and are not eligible for GBC status. Whatever the motivation, applicants do not need to have previously studied psychology to be eligible for this course. 

This course covers the core elements of psychology that the BPS have determined necessary for an accredited programme. You’ll explore areas including social, cognitive and developmental psychology along with psychobiology, individual differences and research methods.  

Going beyond the BPS requirements, this course also includes a dedicated module that examines the psychology of mental health, which reflects the School of Psychology’s strength in health-related research. You’ll explore how biological, psychological and social factors influence our understanding of mental health, learn how conditions are diagnosed and treated, examine and critique mental health research and use relevant theories and policies to explain the psychology of mental health in the real world. 

Learn more about the modules on our Psychology Conversion Masters.

Graduating with a BPS-accredited degree is essential to obtaining GBC status. Once you have this, you will be able to continue your studies in your area of interest and eventually become a Chartered Psychologist. By successfully completing this course you’ll demonstrate a strong understanding of the key issues and core areas in the field of psychology. By gaining GBC status you’ll be able to continue your studies and specialise in other areas of psychology, with possible careers including (but not limited to): 

• Clinical Psychologist 
• Education Psychologist  
• Forensic Psychologist
• Health Psychologist 
• Occupational Psychologist 
• Sport Psychologist 

Find out more about where a psychology degree can take you with the BPS’s career guide.  

On this psychology conversion Masters you’ll develop your understanding of the mind and human behaviours while also developing a range of highly sought-after transferable skills. When combined, these skills and knowledge can be applied to a variety of industries. Having an academic understanding of the factors that influence how people think, feel and behave will be invaluable to professionals working in areas such as marketing, advertising, human resources, recruitment, law and many more. With a psychology qualification, graduates will have the knowledge and confidence to thrive in management positions.  

Our Masters is delivered 100% online, meaning you can study at a time and place that suit you. 

Our modules are structured to be delivered in 8 weeks blocks. You will have 6 weeks of content, an assessment period and then a break before the next module starts. There are 6 teaching periods throughout the year, and you can even take a planned break for a teaching period if needed and pick up your studies later. 

Each week you are expected to dedicate approximately 20 hours to studying in order to complete the activities, so you can study in your own time and balance your studies with your personal commitments. 

All your course materials will be available through our interactive online portal. You will work through a number of directed learning activities and practical exercises, and you will be directed to appropriate readings each week for you to complete at your own pace. There will then be an opportunity to discuss what you have learnt, the activities that you have competed, or the topic area in general with your peers and academic staff through monitored discussion forums or live seminars. 

By learning online you’ll be able to network and collaborate with fellow students wherever they are based in the world.

There is no difference between the qualification you receive on our distance learning course and any equivalent qualification which you might study on campus. With more than 20 years’ experience in running distance learning programmes, Ulster University is well-placed to deliver this flexible psychology conversion Masters.

For each module, you’ll have regular virtual assessments to help you keep on track. The format of these will vary but they will all be submitted through our eLearning portal.  

Types of assessments may include: 

• Written assignments 
• Case studies 
• Presentations
• Timed assessments 
• Multiple-choice questions 
• Ethics assessment 
• Research project

Our MSc Psychology (Conversion) course is designed to fit around you, meaning you can balance your studying with your existing commitments, without the need for a career break. As a guideline, the recommended study time for this course is around 20 hours a week during teaching periods, so it’s ideal for busy working professionals.

For our online psychology conversion course, all you need is a reliable internet connection. You’ll access your online learning materials though our Blackboard e-learning portal, which also gives you access to all your in-course communication tools, advice and support services.

You’ll need one of the following recommended computer operating systems: 

• Windows 7 or newer 
• Mac OSX 10.6 or newer
• Linux – Chrome OS 
• Mobile – iOS 7 or newer/Android 4.2 or newer

Applying for our Masters is quick and easy, and you can apply online. We have upcoming intakes in September and November 2023, and January, March, May and July 2024. A personal Enrolment Advisor will be on-hand at every step of the way, in case you have any questions about your application.  

After receiving your application, our Admissions Team will aim to respond to you as soon as possible.

To enrol on this course, you’ll need:  

• At least a 2.2 honours degree in any subject from a University of the United Kingdom or the Republic of Ireland, or from a recognised national awarding body, or from an institution of another country which is recognised as being of an equivalent standard. 
• Or an equivalent standard (normally 50%) in a Graduate Certificate or Graduate Diploma (postgraduate certificate, postgraduate diploma, or an approved alternative qualification).  
• Evidence of competence in written and spoken English (GCSE grade C or equivalent). 

Applicants who do not meet the standard entry requirements (e.g., they hold a lower degree classification) may still be considered and assessed on a case-by-case basis. 

The minimum English language requirement for international students for this course is:   

• Academic IELTS 6.0 with no band score less than 5.5.    
• Trinity ISE: Pass at level III also meets this requirement.   

Ulster also recognises a number of other English language tests and comparable IELTS equivalent scores. 

This conversion course is open to learners with a range of different qualifications. Applicants do not need to have previously studied psychology to be eligible for this course. 

Fees are payable on a module-by-module basis as you progress through the course. In the 2023/24 academic year, modules are priced at £55.50 per credit point, so a 15-credit module will cost £832.50. 

You will need to earn 180 credits to complete the full Masters.  

Tuition fees may be subject to an annual inflationary increase each academic year in line with Ulster University’s terms and conditions. This increase will come into effect in September of each year.

An alumni discount of 10% is available for eligible students. 

For more information about this, plus any financial support you may be entitled to, please contact our Enrolment Team on +442034673225 or at admissions@online.ulster.ac.uk.  

You’ll benefit from a support network committed to helping you succeed, which includes a dedicated Student Success Advisor who will support you from enrolment through to graduation. They will help you with any non-academic queries, help you plan your study time and liaise with you about the modules and study breaks.

Read our blog to learn more about the Student Success team.