If you've already completed a degree in another subject, this BPS-accredited conversion course provides a recognised route into psychology. You'll study the core areas of the discipline and develop the knowledge, research skills and critical thinking needed for the next stage of your psychology journey.
You will have the opportunity to gain Graduate Basis for Chartership Membership (GBC) – your first step to a career as a psychologist.
Overview
Our MSc Psychology is a British Psychological Society (BPS) accredited conversion course for graduates from any academic background. If you don't have a Psychology degree but want to develop an understanding of human behaviour, this course provides the knowledge, skills and qualifications needed to begin a career in psychology.
Successful completion of the course provides Graduate Basis for Chartership (GBC), a key requirement for many postgraduate Psychology training pathways. This can open opportunities for further training in areas such as clinical, counselling, educational, forensic, health and occupational psychology.
Before the course begins, you'll complete an online preparation module designed to help you feel confident and ready to study at postgraduate level. You'll then explore core areas of Psychology, including social, developmental, cognitive and biological psychology, alongside advanced research methods.
At Worcester, you'll benefit from regular one-to-one support from experienced academics who take the time to get to know you and your ambitions. Through practical coursework, professional skills development and an independent research project, you'll develop the skills, experience and confidence to take the next step towards a career in psychology.
Study online
Study around your work, family and other commitments with flexible, 100% online learning. Whether you choose to study full-time or part-time for a minimum of two years, you can access course materials whenever and wherever suits you, making it easier to balance postgraduate study with your existing responsibilities.
You'll learn through a combination of on-demand study materials, interactive activities and practical tasks, giving you the flexibility to learn at a pace that works for you. Alongside independent study, you'll have opportunities to engage with experienced academics and fellow students through online discussions, tutorials and small-group sessions.
Upcoming events
Course content
Our MSc Psychology is informed by the latest psychological research, professional practice and employer expectations, helping you develop knowledge and skills that are relevant beyond graduation.
All modules are mandatory to ensure you meet the professional requirements for achieving Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership.
We regularly review our courses to reflect the latest research and developments in the subject area, as well as feedback from students, employers and the wider sector. As a result, modules may change to ensure the course remains current and relevant.
Careers
You'll graduate with strong research, communication, problem-solving and critical thinking skills that are valued across a wide range of professions. Understanding human behaviour can open doors in sectors including health, education, business, counselling and community services.
Through our Professional Skills Development module, you'll learn from practising psychologists, build professional connections and explore the opportunities available to psychology graduates. You'll also have access to support from the University's Careers and Employability team, including guidance for employment and postgraduate study applications.
Graduates may progress into roles such as:
- Assistant psychologist
- Mental health support worker
- Health and social care professional
- Research assistant
- Community and charity sector roles
Further study
This MSc provides a strong foundation for further academic study, including progression to our Psychology MPhil/PhD. As a BPS-accredited course, it also provides Graduate Basis for Chartership (GBC), the first step towards postgraduate training in areas such as Clinical, Counselling, Educational, Forensic, Occupational, and Sport and Exercise Psychology.
Course highlights
Teaching and assessment
Our flexible, 100% online approach means you can fit your studies around work, family and other commitments. You'll learn through a mix of on-demand study materials, interactive activities, group discussions and one-to-one support from experienced academics.
At Worcester, you'll be supported throughout your studies by tutors who take the time to understand your goals and help you succeed. Alongside independent learning, you'll have regular opportunities to connect with staff and fellow students, develop your research and professional skills, and build the confidence needed for postgraduate study and beyond.
Teaching and assessment contents
You will be taught through a combination of guided learning activities which you can complete at your own pace, live discussions with tutors and peers, academic skills training sessions and tutorial support. You will be signposted towards activities to help you learn in an online environment.
Our guided learning activities will introduce you to key topics in Psychology through interactive activities (including mini lectures, quizzes, podcasts, reading, online ‘asynchronous’ discussions, etc) using our virtual learning environment.
Scheduled, live sessions offer the opportunity to interact in real-time with your peers and tutors to discuss self-directed learning, develop academic skills and collaborate on assessment work. Live discussion sessions will be simultaneously recorded and accessed online by students at a distance, through our virtual learning environment, and typically include opportunities for recapping and clarifying guided learning activities, question and answer sessions, and small group discussion activities to extend your learning. Skills based training sessions include live tutor-led demonstrations with opportunities for questions (e.g., how to use bibliographic referencing software, using academic databases to perform a literature search, using data analysis tools etc).
You will have regular contact with your Personal Academic Tutor, through our Professional Skills Development module, and through 1:1 tutorial support, to ensure our personalised approach helps to meet your learning needs.
Case studies
Hear from students and graduates about their experiences studying MSc Psychology online, from developing new skills and confidence to taking the next step towards their goals.
Liam Kernan
I was looking to extend my knowledge base and, as a therapist, I felt it was the right time to attempt a master’s course. Having been out of academia for a few years, I found the staff's availability for 1-to-1 support sessions crucial.
I studied this course for my own enjoyment and CPD, although we were explained all the routes through to PhD level and beyond, and the accreditation by the BPS was an important factor in me choosing the course. I am taking time to reflect and train as a supervisor for therapeutic colleagues.
Joel Bennett
I studied the course part-time while working in a professional role and commuting long distances, so the flexibility of online learning was invaluable.
The course encouraged me to take ownership of my learning and research, while providing the support and guidance I needed to succeed. Through my dissertation, I discovered an area of psychology I was passionate about, and the experience continues to influence my work as a therapist today.
Since graduating, I have worked as a Senior Anxiety and Trauma Specialist in private healthcare and a High Intensity Therapist for the NHS. I have also launched my own therapy and training business, delivering services internationally, and am now considering pursuing a PhD in Psychology.
Hannah Sampson
I had worked as a vet in clinical practice for nearly 20 years. I had reached a point where I felt 'stuck', with little potential to progress beyond my role as a senior clinician in first opinion practice.
The 'chunking' of the course into digestible modules (usually lasting one semester), allowed me to follow the course part-time.
I have recently started work in a coaching role, supporting clinical-phase veterinary undergraduates to develop their professional skills. This neatly combines my previous role with the skills I gained on this course.
Andrew Kane
I previously worked in Further Education as a lecturer and Head of Department for nearly 20 years. Following redundancy, I enrolled on the Psychology conversion course.
I did not expect to learn as much as I have done in 18 months and to develop as quickly over a relatively short period. I could not have predicted the opportunities that are now available to me and the experience and knowledge I have gained.
I am now applying for a Doctorate within Health Psychology and I am actively involved on the Midlands Health Psychology Network (MHPN) as a Committee member for events and supporting local interest groups.
Liam Kernan
I was looking to extend my knowledge base and, as a therapist, I felt it was the right time to attempt a master’s course. Having been out of academia for a few years, I found the staff's availability for 1-to-1 support sessions crucial.
I studied this course for my own enjoyment and CPD, although we were explained all the routes through to PhD level and beyond, and the accreditation by the BPS was an important factor in me choosing the course. I am taking time to reflect and train as a supervisor for therapeutic colleagues.
Joel Bennett
I studied the course part-time while working in a professional role and commuting long distances, so the flexibility of online learning was invaluable.
The course encouraged me to take ownership of my learning and research, while providing the support and guidance I needed to succeed. Through my dissertation, I discovered an area of psychology I was passionate about, and the experience continues to influence my work as a therapist today.
Since graduating, I have worked as a Senior Anxiety and Trauma Specialist in private healthcare and a High Intensity Therapist for the NHS. I have also launched my own therapy and training business, delivering services internationally, and am now considering pursuing a PhD in Psychology.
Entry requirements
The MSc Psychology is open to graduates with:
- At least a 2:2 honours degree in a subject other than Psychology
- GCSE in Maths and English (Grade C/4 or above) or equivalent qualification in line with University Admissions Policy
Any questions?
If you have any questions about entry requirements, please call our Admissions Office on 01905 855111 or email admissions@worc.ac.uk.
Fees
Fees contents
UK and EU students
The standard tuition fee for full-time home and EU students enrolling on MA/MSc/MBA and MRes degrees in the academic year 2027/28 is £9,990 per year.
Tuition fees are reviewed annually and may increase each year for both new and continuing students.
For more details on course fees, please visit our course fees page.
International students
The standard fee for full-time international students enrolling on MA/MSc/MBA and MRes degrees in the academic year 2027/28 is £18,900 per year.
Tuition fees are reviewed annually and may increase each year for both new and continuing students.
For more details on course fees, please visit our course fees page.
How to apply
How to apply contents
Apply to study
Please make your application via our online application forms.
If you have any questions, please contact the Admissions office on 01905 855111 or admissions@worc.ac.uk
Contact
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Admissions Office
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