Psychology MSc

Part of Psychology
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Course Overview

Attendance

UK Fees £1,100 *
International Fees £1,700 *
Alumni Discount See details
Duration 2 years

* Price per 20-credit module

Course summary

The Psychology MSc is a conversion course accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS), designed for graduates who wish to pursue a career in psychology but who need to acquire the Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (GBC) of the BPS. 

You don't need to have studied psychology to be eligible for this course, however, you should note that it's an intensive course and requires hard work and independent full-time study outside of the contact hours.

We welcome applications from graduates with upper second class degrees who've either completed a degree in another subject or who have insufficient psychology in their degree to be eligible for GBC.

You'll take modules at Master's level in core areas of psychology, as specified by the BPS. You'll 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 if you would like to gain valuable experience in the workplace.

Our course curriculum covers the core areas of psychology stipulated by the BPS for GBC (biological psychology, cognitive psychology, developmental psychology, individual differences, social psychology, conceptual and historical issues in psychology, research methods, empirical project). In all of our modules there is a strong emphasis on critical evaluation of theory and practice.

Top reasons to study this course

  • We have a strong track record – we've been providing accredited conversion courses for over two decades
  • Our course has been commended by the British Psychological Society for our focus on enhancing student employability
  • Our optional work experience module is a distinctive feature of our course and gives you the opportunity to gain valuable real-world experience

Course structure

You'll take seven core modules and one option module.

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

Core modules

In this module you'll develop a wide ranging knowledge of the key developmental concepts used within psychology, enabling a deeper understanding and appreciation of human psychological development. This module will also provide you with an opportunity to learn about the major psychological theories and key practical skills relating to individual differences in intelligence and personality. Material covered will range from historical and conceptual foundations, to current research and contemporary practice.

The module will provide you with a broad, synoptic overview of the scope of academic and professional psychology with a focus on epistemological and methodological debates within the discipline. You will be introduced to the assumptions underlying different ways of articulating and investigating research questions from psychological perspectives.

This module requires you to carry out an independent research project, under supervision from your tutor. It aims to provide you with the skills to conduct a literature review and to identify viable and valuable topics for research. It will enable you to deploy the practical skills learned in other modules, including designing and executing a research study, analysing the data collected, and presenting a high quality report of the whole process in written form.

This module enables you to examine the fundamental concepts of the biological bases of human behaviour, to develop a familiarity with the relevant scientific terminology of psychobiology and to critically evaluate the key concepts and findings in this area. You will also develop an insight into the discipline of cognitive psychology via an appraisal of the history, methodology and key empirical findings of the area. This will promote your understanding of cognitive theories and models within the context provided by the information-processing paradigm that characterises the discipline.

This module covers a range of foundational and advanced techniques and methods for collecting and analysing qualitative data in psychology, including issues and techniques in data transcription and epistemological issues in qualitative psychology. You'll be encouraged to engage with significant debates concerning the different research methodologies and to critically reflect on key studies and approaches.

Key skills and advanced knowledge of quantitative research methodologies within Psychology; critical thinking about research problems and the most appropriate experimental designs and methods for different types of research; an understanding of levels of data, statistical distributions, non-parametric tests, t-tests, correlation, multiple regression, analysis of variance, and post-hoc testing; skills necessary to perform key statistical procedures.

This module will introduce you to theoretical and empirical aspects of both social psychology and applied psychology. Key ideas will be considered in conjunction with contemporary research. Core aspects of social psychology will include social perception, social influence and social relationships. You will also be introduced to different areas of applied psychology with a focus on understanding how theoretical and methodological approaches can be applied in practical ways.

Option modules

You'll work in voluntary or paid positions in settings related to psychology. You are enabled to gain valuable work experience, develop skills which will help to prepare you for the workplace, and consider your future career development plans.

A systematic literature review in an area of psychology compatible with your MSc course, while receiving one-to-one supervision from a member of staff, and written up in a style suitable for a review paper in a peer-reviewed psychology journal.

Professional accreditation

This Master's course is accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS) as conferring eligibility for the Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (GBC), provided you achieve the minimum standard of an overall pass mark of at least 50%. You 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.

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Programme specification

For more details on course structure, modules, teaching and assessment Download the programme specification (PDF).

To request an accessible version please email [email protected]

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Prospectus

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Get in touch

Contact us for general course enquiries:

+44 (0)20 7911 5000 EXT 65511
(Mon-Fri, 10am-3pm GMT)

[email protected]

Live chat with us
(Mon-Fri, 10am-4pm GMT)

Open evenings

Join us at an open evening online or on campus. Get a feel for student life at the University of Westminster and talk to course leaders and our support teams.

Careers

Take the first step in your career

Gaining GBC through the Psychology MSc is the first step towards becoming a Chartered Psychologist. 

Gain practical experience

You can gain valuable experience in the workplace through taking our optional work experience module. 

Fantastic central London location

You'll be based at our Cavendish Campus in the heart of central London, with access to a huge range of library, archive and cultural resources. 

Postgraduate training courses

Completing the Psychology MSc has enabled our graduates to gain entry on a range of BPS-accredited training courses. These include:

  • Clinical Psychology, Doctorate
  • Counselling Psychology, Doctorate
  • Educational Psychology, Doctorate
  • Forensic Psychology, MSc
  • Health Psychology, MSc
  • Occupational Psychology, MSc
  • Sport Psychology, MSc

Job roles

This course will prepare you for a variety of roles, including:

  • Assistant psychologist
  • Children’s wellbeing practitioner
  • Lecturer
  • Psychological wellbeing practitioner
  • Research assistant

Westminster Employability Award

Employers value graduates who have invested in their personal and professional development – and our Westminster Employability Award gives you the chance to formally document and demonstrate these activities and achievements.

The award is flexible and can be completed in your own time, allowing you to choose from a set of extracurricular activities. 

Activities might include gaining experience through a part-time job or placement, signing up to a University-run scheme – such as mentoring or teaching in a school – or completing online exercises.

Read more about our Westminster Employability Award.

Westminster Employability Award

Course Leader

Course Team

Why study this course?

Dedicated and enthusiastic teaching team

Each of our courses are developed and delivered by a team of enthusiastic, supportive psychologists who are specialists in their fields, and we provide a highly supportive learning environment.

No prior psychology experience needed

Our course enables students with little or no psychological background to gain advanced skills and knowledge in the core elements of psychology as specified by the BPS.

Vibrant research culture

Our research culture is distinctive for its openness, collaboration and interdisciplinary approach. Our excellent facilities and range of specialist resources help to support student research.

Entry Requirements

A minimum of an upper second class honours degree (2:1). In exceptional circumstances, applicants with a lower second class honours degree (2:2) will be considered if the first degree is more than 10 years old, and there is a strong professional experience subsequently; OR with a postgraduate certificate (eg PGCE).

As statistical procedures are a key element of Psychology, we require applicants to demonstrate competence in mathematics, for example through having obtained GSCE mathematics (or equivalent). We also encourage applicants to provide evidence of interest in the discipline of psychology and reflection on the ways that their experience to date would enable them to succeed at Masters level.

If your first language is not English, you should have an IELTS 7.0 overall with 6.5 in all components.

Two references are required from all candidates. If the most recent degree is less than 5 years ago a minimum of one academic reference is required. If the most recent degree is more than 10 years ago, no academic references are required.

Recognition of prior learning and experience

If you have previously studied at university level, or have equivalent work experience, academic credit may be awarded towards your course at Westminster. For more information, visit our Recognition of Prior Learning page.

Application process 

Visit our How to apply page for more information on:

  • the application process
  • what you need to apply
  • deadlines for application

A minimum of an upper second class honours degree (2:1). In exceptional circumstances, applicants with a lower second class honours degree (2:2) will be considered if the first degree is more than 10 years old, and there is a strong professional experience subsequently; OR with a postgraduate certificate (eg PGCE).

As statistical procedures are a key element of Psychology, we require applicants to demonstrate competence in mathematics, for example through having obtained GSCE mathematics (or equivalent). We also encourage applicants to provide evidence of interest in the discipline of psychology and reflection on the ways that their experience to date would enable them to succeed at Masters level.

If your first language is not English, you should have an IELTS 7.0 overall with 6.5 in all components.

Two references required from all candidates. If the most recent degree is less than 5 years ago a minimum of one academic reference is required. If the most recent degree is more than 10 years ago, no academic references are required.

Recognition of prior learning and experience

If you have previously studied at university level, or have equivalent work experience, academic credit may be awarded towards your course at Westminster. For more information, visit our Recognition of Prior Learning page.

Application process 

Visit our How to apply page for more information on:

  • the application process
  • what you need to apply
  • deadlines for application

More information

What our students say

Sarah Martin

Psychology MSc - 2013

Westminster's MSc is a comprehensive course that gives you a fantastic grounding in psychology. The full time program is only a year long, and in that time you learn a great deal of both the theories and practical skills needed for a career in a psychological field. What really sets this course apart, however, is the brilliant support given by expert tutors and course lecturers. There is a lot of information to process in a very short time, but those supporting me ensured that I have all the encouragement and advice I needed to achieve.

Hester Thompson

Psychology MSc - 2022

The teaching on the course has been really well organised and engaging. The lecturers are knowledgeable and approachable. I have particularly enjoyed the group dynamic in our cohort – everyone has their own perspective and our interactions have made learning so much richer.

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Fees and Funding

UK tuition fee: £1,100 (Price per 20-credit module)

When you have enrolled with us, your annual tuition fees will remain the same throughout your studies with us. We do not increase your tuition fees each year.

Find out how we set our tuition fees.

Paying your fees

If you don't wish to pay the whole amount of your fees at once, you may be able to pay by instalments. This opportunity is available if you have a personal tuition fee liability of £2,000 or more and if you are self-funded or funded by the Student Loans Company.

Find out more about paying your fees.

Alumni discount

This course is eligible for an alumni discount. Find out if you are eligible and how to apply by visiting our Alumni discounts page.

Funding

There is a range of funding available that may help you fund your studies, including Student Finance England (SFE).

Find out more about postgraduate student funding options.

Scholarships

The University is dedicated to supporting ambitious and outstanding students and we offer a variety of scholarships to eligible postgraduate students.

Find out if you qualify for one of our scholarships.

Additional costs

See what you may need to pay for separately and what your tuition fees cover.

International tuition fee: £1,700 (Price per 20-credit module)

When you have enrolled with us, your annual tuition fees will remain the same throughout your studies with us. We do not increase your tuition fees each year.

Find out how we set our tuition fees.

Paying your fees

If you don't wish to pay the whole amount of your fees at once, you may be able to pay by instalments. This opportunity is available if you have a personal tuition fee liability of £2,000 or more and if you are self-funded or funded by the Student Loans Company.

Find out more about paying your fees.

Alumni discount

This course is eligible for an alumni discount. Find out if you are eligible and how to apply by visiting our Alumni discounts page.

Funding

There are a number of funding schemes available to help you fund your studies with us.

Find out more about funding for international students.

Scholarships

The University is dedicated to supporting ambitious and outstanding students and we offer a variety of scholarships to eligible postgraduate students.

Find out if you qualify for one of our scholarships.

Additional costs

See what you may need to pay for separately and what your tuition fees cover.

Teaching and Assessment

Below you will find how learning time and assessment types are distributed on this course. The graphs below give an indication of what you can expect through approximate percentages, taken either from the experience of previous cohorts, or based on the standard module diet where historic course data is unavailable.  Changes to the division of learning time and assessment may be made in response to feedback and in accordance with our terms and conditions.

How you’ll be taught

Teaching methods across all our postgraduate courses focus on active student learning through lectures, seminars, workshops, problem-based and blended learning, and where appropriate practical application. Learning typically falls into two broad categories:

  • Scheduled hours: examples include lectures, seminars, practical classes, workshops, supervised time in a studio
  • Independent study: non-scheduled time in which students are expected to study independently. This may include preparation for scheduled sessions, dissertation/final project research, follow-up work, wider reading or practice, completion of assessment tasks, or revision
Year
1
16%84%
2
14%86%
Scheduled hoursIndependent study

How you’ll be assessed

Our postgraduate courses include a variety of assessments, which typically fall into three broad categories:

  • Written exams: end of semester exams
  • Practical: examples include presentations, podcasts, blogs
  • Coursework: examples include essays, in-class tests, portfolios, dissertation
Year
1
28%14%58%
2
30%70%
Written examsPracticalCoursework

Data from the academic year 2022/23

Research groups

Our research achieves real-world impact and we are proud to claim a rich and diverse profile of high-quality research and knowledge exchange in a wide range of disciplines.

Find out more about our research groups related to this course:

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Supporting you

Our Student Hub is where you’ll find out about the services and support we offer, helping you get the best out of your time with us.

  • Study support — workshops, 1-2-1 support and online resources to help improve your academic and research skills
  • Personal tutors — support you in fulfilling your academic and personal potential
  • Student advice team — provide specialist advice on a range of issues including funding, benefits and visas
  • Extra-curricular activities — volunteering opportunities, sports and fitness activities, student events and more

Visit our student hub

Course location

With state-of-the-art science and psychology labs and refurbished computer suites, our Cavendish Campus offers our science and technology students a range of learning spaces that are both dynamic and inspiring,

Located in central London, our Cavendish Campus is just a five-minute walk from Oxford Street and Tottenham Court Road.

For more details, visit our Cavendish Campus page.

Contact us

Call our dedicated team on:

+44 (0)20 7911 5000 ext 65511

Opening hours (GMT): 10am–4pm Monday to Friday

[email protected]

Start live chat

Opening hours (GMT): 10am–4pm Monday to Friday

More information

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