School of Psychology

MSc Psychology

Programme code 8077
Duration

2 years
Course type

Part-time Distance learning
Study location ҹèÊÓƵ Distance UK
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The MSc Psychology is designed to confer Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (GBC) with the British Psychological Society (BPS). GBC is the form of professional accreditation that is required for many careers that you may pursue with a psychology degree, as well as for advanced professional training in psychology. This is a conversion course. You do not need an undergraduate psychology degree but you'll need an honours degree.

Key features
  • With this degree, you become eligible for Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (GBC) which normally requires a three-year honours degree in psychology.
  • Obtain a background in the major theoretical approaches in all the principal areas of psychology – biological, cognitive, social, developmental and individual differences.
  • Study with staff from a Psychology department that is in the top 20 across all UK universities, with 83% of our research output rated 'world leading' or of 'international quality' by the 2014 Research Excellence Framework.
  • The MSc is ideal for those wishing to make a career change into psychology or who have overseas qualifications and wish to convert their psychology degree into one approved by the BPS.
  • BPS accreditation pending.

Course details

  • Programme overview

  • Drawing on ҹèÊÓƵ's existing British Psychological Society (BPS) accredited programmes, you’ll gain access to the curriculum essential for obtaining GBC, a critical step in becoming a chartered psychologist. The programme includes a number of opportunities for advanced study. You’ll learn through an exciting blend of lectures and regular interaction with staff and fellow students, as well as through independent reading and research. You’re challenged to investigate classic and contemporary issues in the field of psychology at an intensive and analytical level. You’ll develop and carry out an independent research project under the supervision of a member of academic staff.
    The course consists of synchronous and asynchronous materials. Each week students will have access to 2 hours of online pre-recorded content. Live teaching sessions will take place from 9-1pm UK time. All synchronous teaching material will be recorded and made accessible to students after each session.
    The MSc is ideal for those wishing to make a career change into psychology or who have overseas qualifications and wish to convert their psychology degree into one approved by the BPS. 
    Core modules

    Year 1

    PSYC732
    Biopsychosocial approaches to intervention in Psychology 20 credits
    What makes a psychologically based intervention effective? This module covers a range of contemporary interventions for clinical psychological and behavioural problems, focusing on a critical analysis of the psychological mechanisms underlying interventions and explores how laboratory research can be translated into new interventions.
    100% Coursework
    PSYC735
    Neuropsychology and Neuroscience: From lab to community 20 credits
    To show how different cognitive science and neuroscience techniques can be used to advance understanding cognition and how this relates to neurological conditions. Students are introduced to a range of neuropsychological conditions including Acquired Brain Injuries, Parkinson’s and dementia and approaches to intervention from lab through to hospital and community settings.
    100% Coursework
    PSYC736
    Becoming a Practitioner Psychologist 20 credits
    This module provides foundational knowledge in the theory and practice of clinical psychology and other practitioner psychologist roles. The module introduces students to the social, cultural and legal context in which mental health professions operate.
    100% Practicals
    PSYC728 
    Brain Body and Pain 20 credits

    This module introduces students to the intrinsic links between body, brain and mind through a range of long-term conditions with both physical and psychological components, including cancer, functional conditions and endocrine disorders. Students will also learn about mechanisms of pain and the role of individual differences that impact on individuals with such long-term conditions. 
    Year 2

    PSYC727
    MSc Research Project 60 credits
    Conducting research poses a unique set of challenges in clinical areas. This module supports students to tackle a small-scale research project and to analyse and report results.
    90% Coursework 10% Practicals
    PSYC733
    Advanced Skills and Techniques for Psychological Research Part 1 20 credits
    The module introduces students to a range of approaches to data collection including interviewing, surveys, computer programming, systematic reviewing and EEG. It also provides students with a grounding in core research skills such as writing, literature reviewing and conducting service evaluation.
    100% Coursework
    PSYC734
    Advanced Skills and Techniques for Psychological Research Part 2 20 credits
    The module introduces students to a range of approaches to data analytic and data handling methodologies including qualitative approaches such as thematic analysis and content analysis and methods of analysing and data handling approaches to quantitative data such as JAMOVI/JASP and excel. The module will also cover specific elements of analysis such as clinical significance, psychometrics and research dissemination through academic posters.
    100% Coursework

    Core modules

    PSYC728DL
    Brain, Body and Pain 20 credits

    This module introduces students to the intrinsic links between body, brain and mind through a range of long-term conditions with both physical and psychological components, including cancer, functional conditions and endocrine disorders. Students will also learn about mechanisms of pain and the role of individual differences that impact on individuals with such long-term conditions.

    PSYC732DL
    Biopsychosocial approaches to intervention in Psychology 20 credits

    This module covers a range of contemporary interventions for psychological and behavioural problems, including cognitive approaches as well as social aspects that are designed for individuals across the lifespan. The module also looks at the impact of biological mechanisms, development, and individual differences on psychological interventions and explores how laboratory research can be translated into new interventions.

    100% Coursework

    PSYC735DL
    Neuropsychology and Neuroscience: From Lab to Community 20 credits

    This module provides a comprehensive overview of core topics in cognitive and biological psychology and demonstrates how different cognitive and neuroscience techniques can be used to advance understanding cognition and relates to neurological conditions. Students are introduced to a range of neuropsychological conditions and approaches to intervention from lab through to hospital and community settings.

    100% Coursework

    PSYC736DL
    Becoming a Practitioner Psychologist 20 credits

    This module provides foundational knowledge in the theory and practice of psychology. Students are introduced to social, cognitive, and developmental theories underpinning psychology through critical examination of social, biological and environmental circumstances influencing behaviour with a particular focus on health. Students will learn contemporary approaches to health through a biopsychosocial and developmental lens.

    100% Practicals

  • Final year

  • Core modules

    PSYC733DL
    Techniques for Psychological Research 20 credits

    The module introduces students to a range of approaches to data collection and analysis approaches including interviewing, surveys, systematic reviewing and experimental design using both qualitative and quantitative methodologies as well as mixed approaches. It also provides students with a grounding in core research skills such as writing, literature reviewing and poster production.

    100% Coursework

    PSYC734DL
    Advanced Skills and Techniques for Psychological Research 20 credits

    The module builds on previous learning around research methods to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of a range of approaches to data collection and analysis including interviewing, surveys, systematic reviewing and experimental design using both qualitative and quantitative methodologies as well as mixed approaches.

    100% Coursework

    PSYC727DL
    MSc Research Project 60 credits

    This module requires students to undertake a research project in an area associated with their specialist area of interest. It comprises an independent piece of research work conducted by the student and written up as a research report.

    90% Coursework

    10% Practicals

The modules shown for this course or programme are those being studied by current students, or expected new modules. Modules are subject to change depending on year of entry.

Entry requirements
This programme is ideal if you’re wishing to make a career change into psychology, or if you have overseas qualifications and wish to convert your psychology degree into one approved by the BPS.
  • Bachelor (honours) degree at 2:1 or above in a relevant subject area. However, we would also consider applicants with a 2:2 level who can demonstrate previous studies or professional experience related to psychology, research methods or statistics.
  • GCSEs at Grade C/4 or above in Mathematics and English. Consideration may be given to Functional Skills Level 2 in Mathematics. Please note we do not accept Functional Skills Level 2 in English, or Key Skills in Maths or English, or Adult Literacy/Numeracy.
  • To view other accepted qualifications please refer to our
    UCAS tariff and entry requirements glossary.
  • If you have overseas qualifications you can check their comparability with the UK equivalent through , who provide an advisory service.
  • If English is not your first language and you do not have GCSE English grade C/4 or above you will have to achieve an IELTS (or equivalent qualification) at the grade of at least 6.5 overall.
    International students – English language requirements
  • For further advice on the appropriateness of overseas qualification and proficiency in the use of English, please contact our
    International Office.

Extended entry requirements

  • In addition to the above, evidence of academic study within the last five years is required.
  • Meeting the academic minimum is the first stage of an application being considered. Applicants must also submit a strong personal statement in order to be considered further. Applicants should demonstrate evidence of their interest in Psychology.
  • We will require an academic reference as part of the application process.

Fees, costs and funding
2025-2026 2026-2027
Home To be confirmed To be confirmed
International To be confirmed To be confirmed
Part time (Home) £575 £590
Full time fees shown are per annum. Part time fees shown are per 10 credits.

Please note that fees are reviewed on an annual basis. Fees and the conditions that apply to them shown in the prospectus are correct at the time of going to print. Fees shown on the web are the most up to date but are still subject to change in exceptional circumstances. More information about fees and funding.

PLEASE NOTE:

The UK Government has announced that a levy on tuition fee income in the region of 6% of an international student’s tuition fees may be introduced. If implemented, the University reserves the right to increase your tuition fees accordingly. The Government has made it clear that it has not officially decided on its stance and it is possible that the eventual levy amount or arrangements may differ from the initial proposal. Therefore, the University reserves the right to adjust tuition fees in accordance with the Government’s final position on this levy.

We understand that clarity around tuition fees is important when planning your studies. Therefore, please note that the tuition fee shown on this page may change as a result of the introduction of a levy. We advise you to monitor this page regularly to stay informed of any updates to your tuition fees.

How to apply

Apply online

Join this course from September 2026. 
Please contact admissions@plymouth.ac.uk or telephone +44 (0)1752 585858 to register your interest in applying for this programme.
Please include your name, contact details, email and telephone number, the course that you are interested in and the year you wish to start your studies.
You will be sent further details on how to apply as soon as possible.

Why choose ҹèÊÓƵ?

ҹèÊÓƵ is one of the top Psychology departments in the UK. Programmes run in conjunction with the School’s existing taught programmes, including its BPS-accredited BSc (Hons) Psychology and MSc in Psychological Research Methods programmes.
Psychology staff that are qualified to teach
80 per cent of staff in the School of Psychology have teaching qualifications, and many are Higher Education Academy Fellows. All new staff are required to qualify for a fellowship of the HEA. Nationally only 38 per cent of university academics are qualified to teach – you deserve better than that.
We have 22 specialist laboratories which can be booked by students and staff. Labs range from single participant rooms through to labs with a range of networked or standalone computers and social interaction or group participation rooms.
Further study and employment opportunities
Many psychology students seek further specialised training in the applied sectors of the field (e.g. forensic psychology, counselling psychology, and organisational psychology). This programme will qualify you for entry into such training programmes. A recent survey of university graduates in the UK indicated that psychology students enter into a wide variety of professions.
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Research opportunities
Staff in the School of Psychology are currently active in research on applied psychology, cognition, perception, neuropsychology, social and developmental psychology. You’ll carry out an independent research project, under the supervision of a member of academic staff.

Please note this course does not lead to eligibility for HCPC registration. 

Research in the School of Psychology

ҹèÊÓƵ is a centre of excellence in psychological research. In the 2021 Research Excellence Framework assessment, 100% of our research environment and research impact was rated as either world-leading (4*) or internationally excellent (3*), along with 73% of our research outputs (publications). Within , the proportion of our research impact rated as 4* or 3* was equal to or higher than institutions such as Nottingham, Aberdeen, Bath, UCL, Cambridge, and York. Overall, we were ranked above Durham and Bath on 4* and 3* research, and were the top rated department in a modern university.
We have a thriving PhD community, with around 80 doctoral students, as well as purpose-built research facilities.
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