Masters Degrees (Psychology Conversion Course)

Psychology is all around us. It's one of the most diverse and fascinating subjects. We have an equally diverse team of research-active staff who work at the forefront of their research areas, from the mental world to the real world. We bring that expertise to our lectures, seminars, and practical classes. The MSc Psychology (conversion course) at CCCU offers more than the core areas of psychology. The training in research methods will offer you the opportunity to engage in sophisticated, postgraduate level research. The course is also designed with vocational/professional training in mind. While every student will need to complete core modules, this course offers optional modules, which tie in with the research themes in our team:

• Society & Environment.
• Learning & Development.
• Cognition & Creativity.
• Health & Wellbeing.

These modules will immerse you in current research by the Psychology Team at CCCU and, together with your project, offer you the chance to actively contribute to that research. In addition, you will also receive some sessions to help you in your journey towards your chosen career path.

Visit the website: https://www.canterbury.ac.uk/study-here/courses/postgraduate/psychology.aspx

Course detail

• This course will give you a Master’s level qualification that confers eligibility for GBC with the BPS.
• You will benefit from hands on, enquiry based learning.
• You will be involved in cutting edge research currently being conducted by the Psychology Team at this university.
• You will be assigned a personal tutor who will also double as your mentor. This person will be your first port of call and will be available throughout your time with us. We also have a dedicated Psychology Student Welfare Officer.
• After completing this MSc, you will be in an optimal position to decide which route is best for your future career in psychology, with the knowledge and confidence that you have been provided with all the tools you need to make a fully informed decision.

Suitability

The MSc Psychology (conversion course) is designed for those wanting to pursue a career in psychology but who hold an undergraduate degree in a subject other than psychology or a non-accredited psychology degree (either combined or single honours). This conversion course will give you a good grounding in the core areas of psychology and confer eligibility for Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (GBC) with the British Psychological Society (BPS), which is a requirement for postgraduate training in psychology. This conversion course can also be used as a stepping stone to postgraduate research in psychology.

Content

Term 1 (September to December) covers core content in the different areas of psychology, as well as basic research methods content. Part-time students would complete these modules during the first leg of their degree. If you are enrolled on the full-time route, you'll also begin work on your research project with your supervisor, who will be an active researcher within the Psychology Team and assigned to you on the basis of common research interests.

Term 2 (January to March) covers more sophisticated research methods and students take two optional modules from a range of four, which tie in to the research themes in the psychology team and to various career paths. Part-time students would also complete these modules as part of leg 1. During this term, full-time students continue to work on their research project.

From April to August, if you are a full-time student you'll be working on your project and an extended essay. The project involves an empirical study, due in at the end of August. The extended critical essay is due in at the end of May and it involves a critical review of issues surrounding research (e.g. epistemology).

If you are a part-time student, you would re-join us at the beginning of the next academic year for leg 2 of your programme, to work on your projects and complete your extended essays.

Format

You will experience a variety of learning and teaching techniques, which will vary from module to module. These may include lectures, discussion-based sessions, workshops, hands-on research, as well as a substantial amount of self-directed study. For every hour of directed study, you are expected to put in around 5-6 hours of independent study. In total, you are expected to dedicate about 35-40 hours per week (including on-campus sessions) to your studies.

All staff involved in the delivery of the course are research-active academics. Some sessions may also involve and /or be led by practitioners and other relevant individuals (e.g., patient groups), to make sure your experience is as rich and well-rounded as we can possibly make it.

Assessment

Assessment is on an on­going basis, using a number of formats designed to tap into the different skills you are expected to develop during your time with us, including objective assessments, essays, portfolios, practical reports, presentations, podcasts and a final research project.

What can I do next?

This conversion course confers eligibility for Graduate Basis for Chartered membership of the BPS, which means you can go on to further post-graduate training in psychology. This applies to vocational / professional routes, such as Forensic, Clinical or Educational Psychology, or research-focused training (PhD).

How to apply

For information on how to apply, please follow this link: https://www.canterbury.ac.uk/study-here/how-to-apply/how-to-apply.aspx

Funding

-Masters Loans-

From 2016/17 government loans of up to £10,000 are available for postgraduate Masters study. The loans will be paid directly to students by the Student Loans Company and will be subject to both personal and course eligibility criteria.

For more information available here: https://www.canterbury.ac.uk/study-here/funding-your-degree/funding-your-postgraduate-degree.aspx

-2017/18 Entry Financial Support-

Information on alternative funding sources is available here: https://www.canterbury.ac.uk/study-here/funding-your-degree/2017-18-entry-financial-support.aspx

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This BPS-accredited conversion course is designed for graduates who wish to pursue a career in psychology but need to acquire the Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (GBC) of the British Psychological Society (BPS). You do not need to have studied psychology to be eligible for this programme. However, you should note that it is an intensive course and requires hard work and independent study outside the contact hours – full-time study IS full-time. We welcome applications from graduates with upper second class degrees who have either completed a degree in another subject or who have insufficient psychology in their degree to be eligible for GBC.

You will take modules at Masters level in core areas of psychology, as specified by the BPS. You will also take one option module in psychology from a selection available within the department. We offer a work experience in psychology module as an option for those who would like to gain valuable experience in the work place. The content of the curriculum of the MSc covers the core areas of psychology stipulated by the BPS for GBC. This consists of Cognitive Psychology, Developmental Psychology, History and Philosophy of Psychology, Individual Differences, Empirical Project, Psychobiology, Qualitative and Quantitative Research Methods, and Social Psychology. In all of the modules there is a strong emphasis on critical evaluation of theory and practice.

Course structure

The following modules are indicative of what you study on this course.

Core modules

• Developmental and Differential Psychology
• Fundamental Conceptual Issues in Psychology
• Project for Psychology MSc
• Biological and Cognitive Psychology
• Qualitative Research Methods
• Quantitative Research Methods
• Social Psychology and Applied Psychology
• Option module

Professional accreditation

This Masters programme is accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS) as conferring eligibility for the Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (GBC), provided the minimum standard of an overall pass mark of at least 50% is achieved. Students must also pass the empirical project element to be eligible for GBC. This is the first step towards becoming a Chartered Psychologist. Gaining GBC through the Psychology MSc will enable you to progress towards a career in psychology.

Career path

Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (GBC) is the first step towards becoming a Chartered Psychologist. It is the prerequisite for progression to Postgraduate professional training in psychology and subsequent registration as a Chartered Psychologist working in any of the fields of professional psychology – including clinical, counselling, educational, occupational, and health psychology. It is a requirement for Masters and Doctorate courses in Psychology that lead to professional qualifications such as Doctorates in Counselling, Clinical and Educational Psychology, and Masters courses in Organisational/Occupational Psychology.

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This BPS-accredited conversion course is designed for graduates who wish to pursue a career in psychology but need to acquire the Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (GBC) of the British Psychological Society (BPS). You do not need to have studied psychology to be eligible for this programme. However, you should note that it is an intensive course and requires hard work and independent study outside the contact hours – full-time study IS full-time. We welcome applications from graduates with upper second class degrees who have either completed a degree in another subject or who have insufficient psychology in their degree to be eligible for GBC.

You will take modules at Masters level in core areas of psychology, as specified by the BPS. You will also take one option module in psychology from a selection available within the department. We offer a work experience in psychology module as an option for those who would like to gain valuable experience in the work place. The content of the curriculum of the MSc covers the core areas of psychology stipulated by the BPS for GBC. This consists of Cognitive Psychology, Developmental Psychology, History and Philosophy of Psychology, Individual Differences, Empirical Project, Psychobiology, Qualitative and Quantitative Research Methods, and Social Psychology. In all of the modules there is a strong emphasis on critical evaluation of theory and practice.

Course structure

The following modules are indicative of what you study on this course.

Core modules

• Developmental and Differential Psychology
• Fundamental Conceptual Issues in Psychology
• Project for Psychology MSc
• Biological and Cognitive Psychology
• Qualitative Research Methods
• Quantitative Research Methods
• Social Psychology and Applied Psychology
• Option module

Professional accreditation

This Masters programme is accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS) as conferring eligibility for the Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (GBC), provided the minimum standard of an overall pass mark of at least 50% is achieved. Students must also pass the empirical project element to be eligible for GBC. This is the first step towards becoming a Chartered Psychologist. Gaining GBC through the Psychology MSc will enable you to progress towards a career in psychology.

Career path

Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (GBC) is the first step towards becoming a Chartered Psychologist. It is the prerequisite for progression to Postgraduate professional training in psychology and subsequent registration as a Chartered Psychologist working in any of the fields of professional psychology – including clinical, counselling, educational, occupational, and health psychology. It is a requirement for Masters and Doctorate courses in Psychology that lead to professional qualifications such as Doctorates in Counselling, Clinical and Educational Psychology, and Masters courses in Organisational/Occupational Psychology.

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The MSc Psychology and PGDip Psychology are British Psychological Society (BPS) approved conversion courses. They are designed for graduates of any discipline whose first (i.e. undergraduate) degree is not recognised by the BPS.

- MSc Psychology is a 180-credit qualification which requires no previous experience or study of psychology.
- PGDip is a 120-credit qualification which requires that you have already completed 60 credits of study in psychology.

Successful completion of either qualification confers the Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (GBC) with the BPS.

The PG Dip and MSc students are taught together, with the MSc students taking their additional modules from term two onwards. This means that, assuming you meet the entry criteria for both courses, it's easy to transfer from one to the other at any point in the first term.

This course attracts a range of students including those who have recently completed an undergraduate degree in a subject other than psychology or a non-accredited degree and also applicants who have come from jobs in the public and private sector, who are looking for a career change.

Core modules:

Core modules may include:
Biological Psychology
Social Psychology
Developmental Psychology
Cognitive Psychology
Individual Differences
Historical and Conceptual Issues
Research Methods
Statistics
Psychology Research Project.

In addition, MSc Psychology students complete an extended essay focused on a topic of their choosing, as well as 20 credits of 'Contemporary Psychology' selected from a list of available option choices.

Specialist Psychological Essay (MSc only)
Contemporary Psychology (MSc only)

For more information visit http://www.ntu.ac.uk/psychologymsc

Facilities

The University has made significant financial investment in the Psychology Division over recent years upgrading accommodation, facilities and equipment used exclusively for the provision of our psychology courses and for research. We have a first class undergraduate teaching laboratory suite and a second teaching laboratory specifically catering for postgraduate students.

In addition there are specialist suites dedicated to particular areas of interest in psychology, including:

social interaction, group work and interviewing
computer gaming and cyberpsychology
eye-tracking
cognitive modelling and visual analysis
psychophysiology.

Alongside these are new flexible cubicles for student project work, a psychometric test bank library, and a technical workshop.

Delivery and assessment

The course provides lectures, seminars, tutorials and lab classes that facilitate the development of a course identity among students. All of the core modules on these courses are taught exclusively to MSc and PGDip Psychology students by experienced staff used to working with students from a wide variety of backgrounds and with varying skills and experiences. Further support is provided through a dedicated tutorial system. Tutorials provide an opportunity to discuss the course content, studying methods, careers and assessments in small groups.

You will be assessed in a variety of ways and on a modular basis; through examination (both seen and unseen exams are used), coursework (including essays, laboratory reports and literature reviews), oral presentation and via your research project.

Careers

With the Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (GBC) with the BPS secured, you will be eligible upon graduation to undertake further training as a professional psychologist (in areas such as clinical, forensic, educational, occupational, counselling, or sport psychology).

Alternatively you might choose to pursue an academic and/or research career in various areas of psychology (by working as a research assistant or associate or by completing a dedicated Research Methods Masters or studying for a PhD), or you may choose to exploit the transferable skills you have learned on the course to pursue a career outside of psychology.

Psychology qualifications tend to be very popular with all employers because you have to be able to write essays and reports, you have to have some basic mastery of research and data analysis, and because they assume you know quite a lot about people!

Scholarships

The MSc Psychology is included in the School of Social Sciences' competitive Masters Scholarship scheme. However as the Postgraduate Diploma in Psychology is not a full-time Masters course this course is excluded from the scheme. For more information please visit http://www.ntu.ac.uk/s3scholarships

Want to find out more? Come along to one of our postgraduate Open Evenings. For further details please visit: http://www.ntu.ac.uk/s3events

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If you are a graduate who has not previously studied psychology but want a course that allows you to train to become a professional psychologist, then this is ideal. The MSc Psychology Conversion programme allows non-psychology graduates a flexible route into further postgraduate training to become a professional psychologist, eg Clinical, Forensic, Health, or Sport. You’ll gain an accredited psychology qualification that confers Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (GBC) of the British Psychological Society (BPS). Discover the core areas of psychology, develop key skills and take optional modules to tailor the course to your own interests. The course also includes the opportunity to undertake an individual research project. You’ll be taught in modern facilities in a School that produces nationally and internationally excellent research. Progression is possible within the School onto a number of professional training courses in psychology for those who successfully complete the conversion course.

INDUSTRY LINKS

The School has excellent links with professional psychologists working in applied psychology practice in a number of areas (such as health, forensic and sport). This produces an environment where students can acquire excellent skills and knowledge for future professional training and enables us to tailor our courses to meeting the future demands of psychology in practice.

LEARNING ENVIRONMENT AND ASSESSMENT

You will be taught together as a group, using a mixture of lectures, workshops and seminars. Online learning facilities are used to support classroom teaching, for the submission and marking of coursework and for independent learning. In addition to classroom teaching, the course includes substantial elements of independent learning, so you will also develop your skills in this area. A range of assessment methods are used – for example, unseen exams, class tests, empirical research projects, presentations and coursework.

FURTHER INFORMATION

The MSc Psychology Conversion course will equip you with knowledge about psychological theories, concepts and research findings. You'll develop key skills that are valued in employment, including report writing, data collection, critical evaluation, argumentation and the processing and analysis of complex numerical and textual information.

Successful completion of this course allows you to apply for further professional training in psychology areas (such as clinical psychology, health psychology, forensic psychology, sport psychology). Opportunities to progress to stage 1 professional training within the UCLan School of Psychology exist in forensic psychology, health psychology and sport psychology.

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Sunderland's Psychology Department was rated top four in the UK for teaching excellence by the Sunday Times University Guide 2013.

Course overview

This course is a conversion course that is suitable for graduates who have not studied psychology as a first degree. Successful completion provides the Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership by the British Psychological Society, which is an essential first step towards becoming a chartered psychologist. It also supports careers where professional insights in human behaviour are valuable such as social work, public services, advertisement, general management and Human Resources.

This course provides in a compact form the same grounding in psychological science as a three-year undergraduate course but at a masters level of skill and knowledge. As a result, this conversion course is both challenging and demanding.

This course is not suitable if you have already studied psychology at undergraduate level. Instead, you may wish to consider MSc Psychological Research Methods. The course has three parts, consisting of:
a) the six core areas of psychology, which include social psychology, individual differences and developmental psychology, as well as cognitive psychology, biological psychology and conceptual and historical issues in psychology
b) qualitative and quantitative research methods and statistics
c) the Masters Project, which provides an opportunity for in-depth research into an area of psychology near to your personal interests and career aspirations. The research elements of the course are supported by Sunderland’s thriving Health Sciences and Well-being Research Beacon that explores many different aspects of mental health and health behaviours

At the end of the course, you could choose to undertake the further study that is required to become a chartered psychologist. Alternatively, your understanding of psychology will help you in sectors such as advertising, social work, public services, general management and Human Resources.

Course content

The course mixes taught elements with independent research and self-directed study. There is flexibility to pursue personal interests in considerable depth, with guidance and inspiration from Sunderland's supportive tutors. Modules on this course include:
-Everyday Motivations and Biases (30 Credits)
-Experimental Design and Analysis in Psychology (30 Credits)
-Non-experimental Design and Analysis in Psychology (30 Credits)
-Cradle to Grave: Stability and Change (30 Credits)
-Master Project (60 Credits)

Teaching and assessment

We use a wide variety of teaching and learning methods which include lectures, seminars, workshops and tutorials. The research aspects of the course are supported by Sunderland’s thriving research programme. Our tutors’ specialisms include social psychology and evolutionary psychology, and the University carries out research into health behaviours and mental health.

Compared to an undergraduate course, you will find that this Masters requires a higher level of independent working. There are around three hours of contact time a week.

Assessment methods are a combination of exams and coursework including essays, reports and seminar presentations.

Facilities & location

The University has specialist psychological and computer laboratories, plus dedicated space (the ‘sandbox’) for psychology students to develop ideas collaboratively. The course is based at the Sir Tom Cowie Campus at St Peter’s, on the banks of the River Wear and less than a mile from the seaside.

Our specialist facilities include:
-Cognitive Laboratory
-Visual Psychophysics Laboratory
-Linguistics Laboratory
-Computing Laboratory
-Multimedia and Games Research Room

University Library Services
The University boasts a collection of more than 430,000 books with many more titles available through the inter-library loan service. There are nearly 9,000 journal titles, mostly in electronic format. Each year the University invests around £1 million in new resources.

Learning environment
Sunderland offers a vibrant learning environment with an international dimension thanks to the presence of students from around the world. At the same time, the University is fully plugged into relevant industry organisations, with strong links and an exchange of ideas and people.

IT provision
When it comes to IT provision you can take your pick from hundreds of PCs as well as Apple Macs in the David Goldman Informatics Centre and St Peter’s Library. There are also free WiFi zones throughout the campus. If you have any problems, just ask the friendly helpdesk team.

Employment & careers

On completing this course you will be equipped to apply for the further postgraduate training that is required to become a chartered psychologist. There are nine types of psychology in which it is possible to become chartered: clinical, educational, forensic, occupational, counselling, sport & exercise and health psychology, as well as neuropsychology and teaching/researching in psychology.

As an example of salaries, clinical psychologists within the NHS typically have a starting salary of around £30,000, progressing up to more than £80,000 for higher level posts. Salaries in private hospitals and private practice will vary.

Equally, the course prepares you for employment in a broad range of sectors. The insights, rigour and methodology of psychology are valued in roles in management, advertising, marketing, Human Resources, the police force, the prison service, social care, health services and teaching.

In addition, a Masters degree will also enhance career opportunities within Higher Education and prepare you for further postgraduate studies.

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About the course

The MSc Psychological Sciences conversion course provides a post-graduate qualification enabling students from a range of backgrounds to gain Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership in Psychology of the British Psychological Society (BPS).

Moreover, the conversion course provides a sound knowledge of the diverse approaches to the study of behaviour encompassed within the core areas of psychology. Finally, the course emphasises the development of transferable knowledge, analytic expertise and research skills, which will be useful across the diverse areas of employment that attract psychology graduates and as a basis for further advanced study within the discipline (e.g. PhD, ClinPsyD, DEdPsy).

Aims

Psychology is defined as the study of mind and behaviour. Psychology is simultaneously a biological science and a social science, providing an exceptionally broad range of conceptual perspectives and empirical skills that will enable students to compete effectively in the workforce upon graduation.

The programme aims to provide students with:

Coverage of all of the requirements for Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership in Psychology within the British Psychological Society (BPS).

A comprehensive understanding, and critical awareness, of how the theories, methods, and research findings of psychology draw upon and contribute to the natural sciences and the social sciences alike.

A comprehensive and systematic understanding of knowledge, and a critical awareness of current issues relating to important concepts, theoretical issues, research findings, historical issues, recent advances, and research methods in psychology.

Comprehensive knowledge and systematic understanding of relevant concepts, theoretical issues, research findings, recent advances, and research methods in biological psychology, cognitive psychology, developmental psychology, individual differences, and social psychology that are critical for research in psychology.

The opportunity to acquire comprehensive knowledge and systematic understanding of a particular topic in psychology and to conduct an original empirical research project in that area.

The opportunity to acquire important transferable, advanced research skills (e.g. research design, data analysis, report preparation).

Course Content

Compulsory modules:

Conceptual and Historical Issues in Psychology
Developmental Psychology
Individual Differences
Social Psychology
Statistics in Psychology
Dissertation
Biological Psychology
Cognitive Psychology
Research Methods in Psychology
Psychology Research Methods in Practice
Research Methods
Biological and Cognitive Psychology

Typical Dissertations

The dissertation is an empirical report (maximum 12,000 words) that enables students to:
Integrate elements of their learning from different parts of the programme
Demonstrate their accumulated knowledge and systematic understanding of a topic
Show an ability to interpret primary source material
Develop an innovative approach to the subject
Work independently of others, consistent with BPS guidelines.

Teaching

Lectures and seminars provide students with in-depth knowledge of historical and contemporary perspectives in psychology.

Formative and summative essays provide reflection on historical and contemporary perspectives in psychology.

Statistics assignments, written research methods tests and laboratory reports will ensure proficiency in analytical skills - required to design research and interpret results.

Statistics assignment and lab reports will provide critical evaluation of the results of empirical research in psychology.

Formative summative essays, exams, and the dissertation will develop effective and critical written communication skills.

Individual meetings between students and dissertation supervisors will enable students to:

(a) Acquire knowledge concerning major theories and results of empirical studies that are relevant to the dissertation topic (including an understanding of the larger, real-world context within which the dissertation topic can be located); and

(b) Develop, analyse, and interpret theory-derived, testable hypotheses (and, perhaps, research questions) concerning links among the constructs to be studied in the dissertation.

Effective and critical written communication will be achieved via formative summative essays, exams, and the dissertation.

Assessment

Coursework essays – demonstration of systematic understanding, critical analysis, and written communication skills.

Examinations – demonstration of comprehensive understanding and written communication skills.

Quantitative reports – ability to analyse and interpret empirical evidence.

Oral presentations – demonstration of knowledge and understanding, critical analysis and oral communication skills.

Dissertation – ability to plan, critically review, execute and communicate an advanced piece of research.

Deadlines are distributed through the year, allowing time for constructive feedback.

Special Features

The MSc Psychological Sciences conversion course will provide a Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (GBC) in Psychology, as conferred by the British Psychological Society (BPS). This is an entry requirement for all postgraduate training programmes leading to chartered status and the vast majority of postgraduate programmes accredited by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) for registration as a practitioner psychologist.

There is a focus during the programme on developing students' sound knowledge of research methods and statistics - highly desirable skills in many areas of potential employment and so fundamental to the value added by the degree.

A wide range of options are available for students to pursue their own particular research interests (culminating in the dissertation) within the discipline.

Accreditation

BSc Psychology courses accredited by The British Psychological Society
The BSc Psychological Sciences programme at Brunel is accredited by The British Psychological Society.

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The MSc in Psychology is a conversion course for individuals already possessing an undergraduate degree in a field other than Psychology but who wish to develop a professional career in Psychology. Previous study of psychology is not required.

By providing the requisite knowledge and skills for post-graduate education and training, this conversion course is the key gateway to a career in clinical, counselling, forensic, health, educational, occupational or other areas of Psychology.

Our previous Graduate Diploma level conversion course was accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS) and satisfied the requirements for the Graduate Basis of Chartership of the BPS. This new Masters level conversion course is awaiting accreditation by the BPS and we expect to achieve accreditation by June 2017.

Psychology is an exceptionally versatile degree because it offers understanding of many aspects of human behaviour, applicable to many sectors of society, such as education, health, business and social welfare. The course is amongst the first in the UK to teach the core curriculum in an integrated fashion, which brings together different approaches to psychology within each module and thereby provides a deeper and richer understanding of human behaviour.

Having knowledge of the processes that underlie and influence learning, memory, social interactions, feelings, thinking and communication, combined with the development of skills in critical thinking and research, will put you in an excellent position for further post-graduate training or future employment.

Modules

Emotion and human behaviour
Perception, attention and memory
Social behaviour
Thinking, intelligence and communication
Psychological Research Methods 1+2
Masters Empirical Research Project

Assessment

We use a range of assessment methods within the Division of Psychology for different modules. The range of previously used methods are:

Essays
Practical/research reports
Unseen exams
Multiple choice questions
Scenario based reports
Case studies
Posters and presentations
Executive reports
Portfolios
Group work folders

Employability

As most psychology graduates will go into a wide range of careers, there is no such thing as a traditional career path for graduates. A majority of psychology graduates decide to pursue careers in other fields and as psychology graduates, they leave with an almost unmatched range of transferable skills, from excellent written and analytical skills to an understanding of how people behave.

However if you do want to stay in psychology, then a conversion course, accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS), together with an appropriate qualification within the specific field of psychology could lead you to a career as a Chartered Psychologist in clinical, forensic, educational or occupational psychology. Although our previous conversion course and all our existing undergraduate courses are accredited by the BPS, this new Masters level conversion course is awaiting accreditation from the BPS and we expect this to be achieved by June 2017.

This course will teach you excellent written, analytical and numerical skills which will enable you to pursue a wide range of careers in areas such as counselling, teaching, the probation and court services, market research, human resources and business.

Careers support

Our department provides careers support and advice for the time our students study with us and beyond. We organise various careers activities such as talks and seminars, and have arranged work placements in collaboration with many organisations. For example:

• NHS clinics and hospital units (psychosexual, forensic and clinical psychology units)
• brain damage units
• addiction rehabilitation units
• charitable organisations working with stroke patients
• children with disabilities
• young offenders

We also hold an annual careers fair for our second and third year students and work closely with London South Bank University alumni who have gone on to successful careers in Psychology.

Career progression

Recent graduates have gone onto roles such as Assistant Psychologist (Clinical), Research Assistant, Social Worker, Mental Health Support Worker, and Mental Health Nurse.

If you graduate from this course, you'll be able to apply for further study at postgraduate level. The academic strength of this course means that you can also consider entering the field of academic research (e.g. a recent student has just started studying for a PhD)

If you gain significant professional practice experience you would be able to consider a practitioner MSc course such as our part-time MSc Addiction Psychology and Counselling.

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Developed for students who wish to develop a career in health or forensic psychology, this conversion course is open to anyone with a recognised undergraduate degree in any subject.

It covers the five core areas required for accreditation by the British Psychological Society, including the psychology of everyday life and cognitive and biological psychology.

Your studies will also involve the development of essential research skills, which ends with a piece of independent original research conducted under supervision.

Visit the website: https://www.beds.ac.uk/howtoapply/courses/postgraduate/next-year/applied-psychology-conversion#about

Course detail

• Learn on a unique conversion course that places particular emphasis on the specialist areas of health and forensic psychology, and will provide you with the knowledge and skills needed to develop a successful career
• Study the essential core topics of individual differences, developmental, social, cognitive and biological psychology
• Develop a deep understanding of how learning and memory can be applicable to our everyday lives
• Gain the skills and expertise necessary to use the qualitative and quantitative methodologies commonly used by professional psychologists
• Explore intellectual functions, the biological basis of behaviour and the effects of impairments on the mind
• Challenge yourself by studying how core knowledge in psychology can be applied in daily life to the specific areas of health, wellbeing and criminal behaviour
• Benefit from access to a wide range of departmental facilities, including expert advice and specialist software including SPSS, ATLAS, EEG and driver simulators.

Modules

• Advanced Research Methods (Applied Psychology) (PSY060-6) Compulsory
• Applied Psychology (PSY063-6) Compulsory
• Applied Psychology Dissertation Project (PSY064-6) Compulsory
• Biological And Neuropsychological Perspectives Of Behaviour (PSY061-6) Compulsory
• Cognition And Performance (PSY057-6) Compulsory
• Developmental Psychology (PSY058-6) Compulsory
• Personality, Intelligence And Assessments (PSY059-6) Compulsory
• Research Methods - Quantitative And Qualitative (PSY056-6) Compulsory
• Social Psychology (PSY062-6) Compulsory

Assessment

The assessment strategy reflects the academic rigor expected of a BPS accredited MSc degree.

The assessments are designed to test your academic knowledge, oral and written skills, use of literature using primary and secondary sources, critical analysis of ideas, connections made between theory, practice, real life situations and the understanding and application of professional values, including ethical issues as detailed by the BPS.

The ability to engage in research at a high level and to analyse data using advanced statistical techniques are assessed as these are important skills for psychologists and others in many employment settings. Communication skills are assessed through videotaped presentation of research proposals as these are very important in any career. The ability to analyse and understand issues and apply theory to practice are assessed through a number of units where student are required to produce academic reports, essays and reflective reports with a specific application of knowledge in mind.

Finally the important career skill of project management is assessed mainly through the research dissertation involving self-directed problem-based enquiry, managing time and reviewing.

Careers

Psychology is applicable in a range of everyday settings from shopping to work, but also in the NHS, the prison and probation service and more. Studying Applied Psychology will also develop a broad range of skills which you will find helpful in any work environment. You will:

• Be given an opportunity in the Applied Psychology unit to experience studying different subject areas within professional pathways of psychology such as clinical, counselling, education, health and forensic psychology.
• Develop skills for report writing specific to empirical research in psychology using both qualitative and quantitative methods
• Work individually or in groups to meet deadlines.
• Develop communication skills that enable you to summarise and present complex information, including the results of statistical analysis, to others.
• Develop skills on complex problem solving.

In order to achieve all of the above the Department of Psychology, Faculty of Health and Social Sciences and the wider University will support you with a range of subject specific talks given by professionals working in areas of psychology that require BPS chartered membership. These talks will provide you with information about how to achieve a career within these chartered membership pathways. For example, Health and Forensic Psychology. These career talks are an integrated part of your studies and are partly embedded in your curriculum.

Funding

For information on available funding, please follow the link: https://www.beds.ac.uk/howtoapply/money/scholarships/pg

How to apply

For information on how to apply, please follow the link: https://www.beds.ac.uk/howtoapply/course/applicationform

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The PGDip Psychology (Conversion) is a postgraduate conversion course for students who wish to pursue an academic or professional career in psychology but either do not have a first degree in psychology, or do not have eligibility for Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (GBC) from the British Psychological Society.

Diploma students attend a selection of modules to cover the British Psychological Society core areas, and a limited number of more specialised elective modules. These modules are all lecture-based; dedicated seminars are also provided for each core module. Assessment is by written examination at the end of each semester, by practical and research project reports, and written assessments. 

The Postgraduate Diploma in Psychology (Conversion) offers a selection of modules to cover the core areas of biological, cognitive, social and developmental psychology, statistics and research methods, and historical issues in psychology as specified by the British Psychological Society.

Please visit the prospectus page for detailed module information.

Course structure

You'll attend a selection of lecture-based modules to cover the British Psychological Society core areas, and a limited number of more specialised elective modules. Dedicated seminars are also provided for each core module.

Assessment

Assessment is by written examination at the end of each semester, by practical and research project reports and written assessments.

Key facts

• This course offers a conversion route into psychology for students who hold an honours degree in a subject other than psychology or have completed a psychology honours degree that did not confer eligibility for the Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership from the British Psychological Society.
• This course is accredited by the British Psychological Society.

Careers

Rewarding careers exist in clinical, health, educational, and occupational psychology, and criminology. Psychologists are also welcome in many other contexts, such as human resource and general management, marketing, and as members of research or design teams producing new products.

Video

Watch our video of staff and students talking about the course.

This course is now closed for applications for September 2018 entry.

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As a student of the MSc Psychology (Conversion) programme here at Leeds Trinity, you will be studying a course which is accredited by the British Psychological Society. The programme has been designed to provide a thorough grounding in psychology. This means that you will study core areas of psychology and, in addition, develop key skills including research skills, statistical analysis, critical evaluation, teamwork and communication skills.

The MSc in Psychology (conversion) is specifically designed for graduates with a minimum 2:2 classification degree in a subject area other than Psychology, wishing to become practicing Psychologists. This programme will be accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS) so as to confer eligibility for Graduate Membership of the Society (GMBPsS) with the Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (GBC) and is awarded through a successful application to become a Graduate Member of the Society.

This accreditation is important as it is a benchmark of quality, as defined by psychologists. GBC is an entry requirement for many BPS accredited postgraduate training courses, for example: Clinical, Forensic, Counselling, Educational, Occupational or Sport Psychology, one of the routes to becoming a practitioner as, for example, a Clinical Psychologist, a Forensic Psychologist, Counselling Psychologist, Educational Psychologist, Occupational Psychologist or a Sport Psychologist. These specialisms form part of the route to becoming a Chartered Psychologist (C. Psychol.).

Benefits of Psychology (Conversion)

- Course to be accredited in Spring 2016 for Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (GBC).​​
- As a student of the MSc Psychology (Conversion) programme here at Leeds Trinity, you will be studying a course which is accredited by the British Psychological Society.
- The programme has been designed to provide a thorough grounding in psychology. This means that you will study core areas of psychology and, in addition, develop key skills including research skills, statistical analysis, critical evaluation, teamwork and communication skills.​​

Graduate Destinations

The aim of this course is to provide Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (GBC). With GBC, further postgraduate psychology study is possible in all domains, leading to careers in: Clinical Psychology, Counselling Psychology, Forensic Psychology, Educational Occupational Psychology, and Sport and Exercise Psychology.​

Study Route

Following the successful award of MSc in Psychology, we encourage students to consider studying towards higher degrees, such as a PhD or towards an MSc in an applied area of Psychology for example Clinical, Forensic, Counselling, Educational, Occupational or Sport Psychology.
- This programme is subject to accreditation by the British Psychological Society

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Clinical and Health psychology involves applying psychological understanding to difficulties connected with mental or physical health problems. Using this understanding, clinical psychologists assess and treat people of all ages and ability levels who are experiencing psychological distress, behavioural problems or related issues. Students taking the MSc will be introduced to the theory and knowledge that underpins effective practice in clinical psychology, will explore this in relation to a range of conditions, will gain an understanding of the range of research methods used by clinical psychologists, and will conduct their own research project in a relevant area.
How the course can further your career progression

This course will be of particular interest to:
-graduates in psychology who are aiming for a career in clinical or health psychology and who do not yet have relevant work experience. Completing the MSc provides a sound basis for obtaining employment as an assistant psychologist and later gaining entry to clinical training.
-graduates in psychology who are aiming for a career in clinical and health psychology and who have already gained relevant work experience. Completing the MSc course provides evidence of academic and research skills, which is valuable when making applications for clinical training.
- graduates in psychology or closely related disciplines who are keen to pursue research in the area of clinical or helath psychology. The MSc course is accredited as providing an appropriate research training for those wishing to progress to a PhD or to employment in a research post.
- qualified health professionals with an appropriate academic background who wish to extend their understanding of clinical psychology.

Clinical psychology training in the UK involves the completion of a three-year training programme leading to a doctorate in clinical psychology and eligibility to apply for chartered clinical psychologist status. The training is funded by the National Health Service (NHS) and almost all trainees go on to work in the NHS after qualifying. Entry to these programmes is highly competitive and applicants must have good academic and research skills as well as relevant work experience, usually two years in a paid, full-time assistant psychologist position or equivalent. The MSc aims to provide students with a profile of academic knowledge and research skills which, combined with relevant work experience, will equip them to make a credible application for clinical psychology training, either in the UK or elsewhere.

About the School of Psychology
The School of Psychology at Bangor, which was ranked in the Top 20 in the UK in the most recent Research Exercise Framework with 89% of research rated either 'world-leading' or 'internationally excellent', brings together a large group of outstanding scientists with international research reputations in clinical psychology, neuropsychology and clinical and cognitive neuroscience. A number of staff also hold appointments as consultant psychologists or medical consultants with the NHS and contribute to clinical practice as well as to the training of clinical psychologists, medical students and NHS staff. The School runs its own clinical psychology training programme, leading to the Doctorate in Clinical Psychology.

Key research strengths within the clinical psychology domain include dementia, neuropsychology and rehabilitation, learning disability, developmental disorders, addictions, and cognitive-behavioural approaches. Close links with other departments and with NHS services produce tremendous opportunities for collaborative clinical psychology research. The School supports the practical implementation of research findings to improve patient care by hosting groups such as the Dementia Services Development Centre Wales.

The School has an extensive library of psychological tests and measures. Participant recruitment is facilitated through the availability of research panels for neurological patients and people with dementia, as well as student and community participation panels, supported by the School’s full-time patient co-ordinator. The School has a range of specialist laboratories and researchers in the School use a wide range of the latest techniques for understanding brain-behaviour relationships, including functional brain mapping with event related potentials (ERP), transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), and functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI).

The School has a vibrant, diverse postgraduate community. Students on our MSc programmes are drawn from a range of backgrounds and nationalities. The School is known for its friendly and informal atmosphere, which combined with excellent facilities helps to ensure that studying here is a pleasant and enjoyable experience.

Course Structure
The course includes three components: content modules, research methods modules, and a research thesis. Content and methods modules are all 20 credit modules and the research thesis is worth 60 credits. Students achieving 120 credits on the taught modules, but not completing a research thesis, may exit with a Postgraduate Diploma. The content modules are designed to provide an in-depth look at theory, evidence and practice in clinical psychology.

The course lasts one full calendar year if taken full-time and is also available part-time. During Semester 1 and Semester 2 you will combine taught modules with work on your research project. During the summer period all your time is devoted to completing and writing up the research project.

A variety of teaching approaches are used including lectures, case presentations, small-group sessions and seminars, and individual or group supervision. Assessment will include coursework and examinations, and the research thesis.

Career Prospects
This course will be of particular interest to psychology graduates aiming for a career in clinical psychology and who do not yet have relevant work experience. Completing the MSc provides a sound basis for obtaining employment as an assistant psychologist and later gaining entry to clinical training. For graduates who already have relevant work experience the course provides evidence of academic and research skills, which is valuable when making applications for clinical training. It is also an excellent preparation for graduates who are keen to pursue research in the area of clinical psychology and for qualified health professionals with an appropriate academic background who wish to extend their understanding of clinical and health psychology.

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The MSc Psychology (Conversion) is a postgraduate conversion course for students who wish to pursue an academic or professional career in psychology but either do not have a first degree in psychology, or do not have eligibility for Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (GBC) from the British Psychological Society.

Masters students attend a selection of modules to cover the British Psychological Society core areas, and a limited number of more specialised elective modules. These modules are all lecture-based; dedicated seminars are also provided for each core module. Students must also complete an independent research project. Assessment is by written examination at the end of each semester, by practical and research project reports, and written assessments. 

Modules

The MSc Psychology (Conversion) offers a selection of modules to cover the core areas of biological, cognitive, social and developmental psychology, statistics and research methods, and historical issues in psychology as specified by the British Psychological Society. Please visit the prospectus to see detailed module information.

Course structure

Masters students attend a selection of lecture-based modules to cover the British Psychological Society core areas, and a limited number of more specialised elective modules. In addition dedicated seminars are provided for each core module. Students also (subject to satisfactory progress) undertake an independent research project over the summer period.

Assessment

Assessment is by written examination at the end of each semester, by practical and research project reports and written assessments.

Careers

Rewarding careers exist in clinical, health, educational, and occupational psychology, and criminology. Psychologists are also welcome in many other contexts, such as human resource and general management, marketing, and as members of research or design teams producing new products. MSc students may also use this as a route to a PhD programme.

Key facts

• This course offers a conversion route into psychology for students who hold an honours degree in a subject other than psychology or have completed a psychology honours degree that did not confer eligibility for the Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership from the British Psychological Society.
• This course is accredited by the British Psychological Society.

Video

Watch our video of staff and students talking about the course.

This course is now closed for applications for September 2018 entry.

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The Masters in Psychology at the University of Hertfordshire is for people who have degrees in other subjects, but who wish to obtain Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (GBC) [formerly known as Graduate Basis for Registration (GBR) with the British Psychological Society, which is the first necessary step towards becoming a professional psychologist.

About the course

On successfully completing the course, you will:
-Have demonstrated sufficient knowledge of psychological theories and literature to be eligible for the Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (GBC) of the British Psychological Society
-Have developed a more detailed knowledge of the literature, theories, and issues relevant to your career ambitions
-Be able to design, carry out, and evaluate psychological research using a variety of methodologies, including the ability to conduct an advanced research project
-Be able to conduct ethically sensitive research

Students enrolled on the MSc programme will study core modules covering the broader psychological principles of developmental, social and cognitive psychology and the biological basis of psychology. This will be contextualised by historical issues in psychology and individual research methods and analysis.

The MSc programme is flexible enough to allow individual tailoring to particular interests or career aspirations. Masters students have to study two additional modules, selected from the following modules (subject to availability):
-Cognitive Neuropsychology
-Advanced Topics in Memory
-Forensic and Criminal Psychology
-Topics in Psychopathology
-Occupational and Work Psychology

Why choose this course?

This course provides an intensive route into gaining a psychology qualification recognised by the British Psychological Society, allowing to pursue a professional career in psychology.

Professional Accreditations

Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (GBC) [formerly known as Graduate Basis for Registration (GBR)] with the British Psychological Society.

Careers

This course provides Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (GBC) with the British Psychological Society, which is the first necessary step towards becoming a professional psychologist. Having obtained GBC, students can then pursue a career in specialist area such as Clinical, Forensic, Health, Occupational, Counselling, Sport and Exercise, or Educational and Child Psychology with a view to becoming a Chartered Clinical, Forensic, Health, Occupational, or Counselling Psychologist.

Teaching methods

Teaching and learning methods include lectures, seminars and tutorials. Students will develop the ability to design, carry out and evaluate psychological research, using a variety of methodologies, including the ability to conduct a research project and ethically sensitive research. Assessment for the programme is by examination, coursework, demonstration of a series of competencies and completion of the research project.

Structure

Core Modules
-Advanced Psychology Project
-Development, Social and Cognitive Psychology
-Individual Differences and Conceptual/Historical Issues in Psychology
-Methods of Collecting Data in Psychology
-The Biological Basis of Psychology
-Using Data to Address Research Questions

Optional
-Advanced Topics in Memory
-Cognitive Neuropsychology
-Topics in Forensic and Criminal Psychology
-Topics in Psychopathology

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Why study at Roehampton

• Accredited by the British Psychology Society (BPS)
• Taught by Chartered Psychologists, with applied elements being delivered by HCPC registered Sport Psychologists
• Covers a variety of theoretical issues in sport and exercise psychology, 100% of our psychology research has an impact on societies around the world (Research Excellence Framework 2014)
• Roehampton is ranked best modern university in London (Sunday Times Good University Guide 2015)

Course summary

Learn how to optimise athlete performance and improve well-being and activity levels by studying the psychology behind sport at Roehampton. You will explore key factors that affect sports performance, well-being, and activity levels such as mental toughness, self-confidence, motivation, stress and anxiety, concentration, and the psychology of sport injury.

This innovative programme provides you with a thorough theoretical, conceptual and research informed grounding in the discipline of sport and exercise psychology. You will develop a strong scientific understanding of human behaviour and experience, and of the complex interactions between these. You will also enhance your understanding of relationships between the theoretical concepts and current techniques used in sport and exercise psychology assessment and support. This will include becoming familiar with the different types of approaches, assessment strategies, and psychological skills used by Applied Sport and Exercise Psychologists.

To support your professional development, this course will cover the idea of reflective practice, and codes of conduct. You will also develop an awareness and understanding of the issues, methodology and design of research within sport and exercise psychology, and gain research skills through the completion of a detailed, empirical research dissertation and benefit from the support of our staff’s wide areas of expertise.

This programme is accredited by the British Psychological Society to provide you with Stage 1 training in preparation for your professional career in Sport and Exercise Psychology. Successful completion of the course will grant access to Stage 2 training with the BPS, the next stage on the route to becoming an Applied Sport and Exercise Psychologist.

Important information:

Please note that only applicants who already hold, or are eligible for, Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (GBC) of the British Psychological Society (i.e., they must have undertaken a BPS accredited undergraduate degree), OR those who plan to obtain it by subsequently completing a BPS accredited conversion course, are eligible to register for the Psychology of Sport & Exercise MSc.

To have GBC, applicants must have successfully completed a BPS accredited undergraduate degree, usually in Sport Psychology or Psychology. For more information about BPS accreditation and to check the accreditation status of a course that you have completed please click here.

If you are not currently eligible for GBC and are interested in completing a conversion course, please click here for more information.

For applicants without GBC we would normally only admit those whose first degree has a substantial psychology component (e.g., Sport Science/Sport & Exercise Science). Should you want to discuss your eligibility before applying, please email [email protected].

Please note that the BPS does not accredit overseas institutions (apart from Chinese University of Hong Kong and University of Hong Kong) therefore applicants with an overseas degree in Psychology will need to apply for individual Graduate Membership of the BPS. If you are an international applicant you can contact the BPS to discuss your eligibility for GBC based upon your previous qualifications. For further information please contact the BPS Qualifications Team, +44 (0)116 252 9933 or //www.roehampton.ac.uk/postgraduate-courses/Psychology-of-Sport-and-Exercise/[email protected]" target="_blank">[email protected]

Content

In the module ‘Approaches to Psychological Support’ you will initially be introduced to the varied approaches within sport and exercise psychology, and undertake an in-depth review of the differences of the theories, looking at them in practice through a selection of case studies. Other modules, such as ‘Application of Psychological Support’, will allow you to link theory to practice, and students will have the opportunity to develop consultancy skills under the guidance/supervision of a BPS Chartered/HPCP registered member of staff.

Further modules will provide important knowledge with respect to sport performance as well as well-being and physical activity promotion. Within the ‘Psychology of Sport and Performance’ module you will gain a critical appreciation for various social processes and individual differences that influence performance. The ‘Psychology of Physical Activity, Health and Injury’ module will explore the determinants and outcomes of physical activity and inactivity and provide students with important insights towards preventing, treating and managing certain health conditions.

You will also gain insightful knowledge of contemporary issues concerning professional practice within sport psychology. The module ‘Professional Practice in Sport Psychology’ will explore the importance of ethics and reflection within your practice, whilst also exploring the challenges and opportunities that you may face when working with various athlete populations (e.g., team sport athletes, injured athletes, and young athletes).

Finally, you will have the opportunity to undertake research on your areas of specific interest for your dissertation project. During the year, you follow a coherent pathway of study to facilitate your future direction within the exciting discipline of sport and exercise psychology.

Modules

Here are examples of modules we currently offer:

• MSc/MA Research Dissertation
• Psychology of Physical Activity, Health and Injury
• Approaches to Psychological Support
• Research Methods
• Application of Psychological Support
• Professional Practice in Sport Psychology
• Psychology of Sport and Performance

Career options

Students go on to work as sport and exercise psychologists, fitness instructors, teachers, lecturers, counsellors and coaches, as well going on to further academic study.

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