Psychology Conversion Courses – A Guide

A Psychology conversion course is the ideal choice for anyone looking to become a psychologist who does not have a previous Psychology degree.

Completing a BPS (British Psychological Society) accredited course means that you can register as a chartered Psychology practitioner. In the UK this involves becoming a member of the British Psychological Society, even if your Bachelors degree is in an unrelated subject.

There are a few different options you can choose from if you want to convert your undergraduate degree to an accredited Psychology qualification. The most popular option is an MSc in Psychology, but you can also choose to study a shorter course such as the Postgraduate Diploma in Psychology.

This page covers everything you need to know about the various Psychology conversion courses on offer.

We’ll also cover the essential information you need to know about applying for an MSc Psychology, such as entry requirements and funding.

Or, if you simply want to begin your search for a Psychology conversion course – have a look at the courses listed on FindAMasters.com.

The MSc in Psychology

An MSc Psychology is a psychology conversion Masters course designed to help non-psychology graduates gain the skills needed to register with the BPS. Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (GBC) of the BPS is vital if you want to pursue a career in psychology in the UK. Graduates will hold a full Masters in Psychology without a Bachelors in the subject.

If you take a BPS-accredited MSc Psychology, you’ll study modules that cover the core areas of psychology. These are defined by the BPS as:

• Biological psychology
• Cognitive psychology
• Developmental psychology
• Individual differences
• Social psychology
• Conceptual and historical issues in psychology
• Research methods

In addition to these, you’ll usually be able to take electives based on the research interests of your lecturers.

How much does an MSc Psychology cost?

Tuition fees for psychology conversion courses are largely in line with the average cost of a Masters in the UK, which currently comes in between £6,000 and £7,000. However, some institutions charge more (or less) than this.

If you’re studying an online MSc Psychology or are distance learning, the tuition fees may be lower than a traditional course.

Am I eligible for a Masters in Psychology?

Most university entry requirements ask for at least a 2:2 undergraduate degree to enrol on an MSc Psychology conversion course. This can be in any subject – including a psychology degree that wasn’t accredited by the BPS.

Our guide to Masters degree entry requirements has more information on university applications.

Where can I study an MSc Psychology?

The MSc Psychology is offered across the United Kingdom. Several universities also run an online version of these courses, which is a great option if you have busy family commitments or want to work while you study.

Accreditation in Psychology doesn’t differ between UK nations (unlike Law), so it’s not a problem if you want to become a psychologist in Scotland but studied in England.

Worldwide, it’s common for universities to allow non-Psychology graduates onto postgraduate Psychology programmes. Australian universities also have a Graduate Diploma in Psychology, which follows the same principles and has the same function as the UK equivalent.

What’s it like to study an MSc Psychology?

You’ll cover the core areas of psychology as defined by the BPS, via a combination of lectures, seminars, tutorials and independent study. Sometimes these modules will be the same as those offered by the university at second and third year undergraduate level.

How is an MSc Psychology assessed?

You’ll usually complete a series of exams at the end of each term, along with written assignments and reports (both practical and research-based). If your course involves a dissertation or an extended research project, you’ll be assessed on this too.

The Postgraduate Diploma (PGDip) in Psychology

A PGDip is a shorter, employability-focused course that generally requires nine months of full-time study. These courses are BPS-accredited and generally cover the same core topics of psychological study that form the basis of an MSc. However, they do not require as much independent research as an MSc and may not involve writing a dissertation.

How much does a PGDip in Psychology cost?

A PGDip in Psychology will generally cost around £6,310, but this varies considerably between universities.

It’s important to note that English and Welsh postgraduate loans are not available to those studying PGDip courses (this is not the case in Northern Ireland and Scotland, however) so you may have to rely on alternative sources of funding, such as a scholarship or bursary from your university, or employer sponsorship.

Am I eligible for a PGDip in Psychology?

Unlike MSc conversion courses, which are generally open to applicants with any academic background, some PGDip courses may require you to have studied 60 credits worth of Psychology at undergraduate level.

What’s it like to study a PGDip in Psychology?

Studying a PGDip in Psychology will be fairly similar to studying an MSc. You’ll cover the same core topics that are required for BPS-accreditation and modules will generally be organised in a similar way.

You will generally be assessed through written assignments submitted at the end of each module. It’s unlikely that you’ll have to take exams or complete a dissertation.

PGDip courses in Psychology are graded in the same way as full Masters degrees – you’ll be awarded either a Pass, Merit or Distinction grade.