Psychology (Conversion) | Online

Psychology (Conversion) | Online - MSc

Our online, research-led, British Psychological Society accredited programme, aims to enable graduates from non-psychology backgrounds to acquire the knowledge and skills to pursue or advance their careers in psychology professions.

Month of entry

September

Mode of study

Full time, Online programme, Part time

Location

Online

Subject area

Psychology

Fees for 2025/26 academic year

UK - Full time £10,100 per year. Part time £5,600 per year.
International - Full time £10,100 per year. Part time £5,600 per year.

Duration of study

Full time 1 year, Part time 2 years, up to five years modular

Apply

Why study Psychology (Conversion) | Online at Keele University?

Develop the same grounding in psychological science as a three-year undergraduate course on this 100% online route

This programme is accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS)

The majority of your learning is asynchronous - this means that you can work through course content around any existing commitments you may have

We evaluate your understanding via authentic assessments. This means that you will complete tasks that help develop your skills and knowledge, not just test your memory

Course summary

Our fully online MSc Psychology (conversion) comprises a Master of Science programme that will provide you with Graduate Basis for Chartership with the British Psychological Society. This offers equivalent recognition to successfully completing a British Psychological Society accredited undergraduate psychology degree, which is an essential requirement to enable you to pursue a career in most recognised psychology professions.

The programme, which requires no prior knowledge of the subject, will provide you with a solid grounding across the breadth of psychology. As you start the programme you will be introduced to the foundational elements of social psychology, developmental psychology, cognitive psychology and biological psychology. You will also cover personality and individual differences, and alongside these core components you will develop both qualitative and quantitative research methods applied in psychology. In the second semester you will continue to develop your core psychological knowledge but we will also broaden your thinking. The module “Grand Challenges in Psychology” will enable you to place your knowledge of psychology in the context of the wider world. The module “Applying Psychology” will lead you to reflect on the skills you have developed and how to articulate them to future employers or education providers, preparing you for the next steps in education or employment. Throughout the programme, you will undertake a dissertation project, working with one-to-one guidance from an active psychology researcher.

We know that many students choose to study an MSc Psychology (conversion) programme because they are changing careers, and so our programme has been developed with this in mind. Our assessments have been designed to help you develop skills that are relevant for the workplace, rather than merely testing your knowledge. The foundational knowledge you will gain is rigorous – postgraduate study will lead you to develop a deep knowledge of the discipline. Studying at Keele School of Psychology you will have access to a wide variety of teams and individuals to support your future career after you graduate. Additionally, the School and University run a broad array of events in which you will get to interface with industry professionals (e.g., Clinical or Forensic Psychologists). The ethos of the programme is to provide a rigorous education in psychology that you can undertake around existing commitments, with an underlying goal of getting you ready for the next steps in your career.‌

Principle areas of study

Biological Psychology

Explore the structure and function of the brain, neuronal impulses and how we make sense of sensory stimuli.

Cognitive Psychology

Examine topics including attention, perception, learning, memory, thinking, problem solving, decision making, metacognition, language, consciousness and cognitive neuropsychology.

Developmental Psychology

Study typical and atypical development across the lifespan including childhood, adolescence and ageing, attachment, social relations, cognitive and language development and cultural development.

Individual Differences

Consider the unique characteristics or traits that make us who we are and that differentiate us from others.

Social Psychology

Explore topics including social cognition, attribution, attitudes, group processes and intergroup relations, culture, close relationships, social constructionism, self and identity, and leadership.

Conceptual and Historical Issues

Consider psychology as a science and the challenges it has faced and continues to face; how society and culture influences psychology and how psychology influences them; the big ethical and political issues within the discipline; and how we might integrate different perspectives into our understanding of psychology.

Research Methods

Learn the fundamentals for conducting your own qualitative and quantitative research whilst developing the skills to think critically about published research by others.

Dissertation

Throughout the programme you will have the opportunity to work with the guidance of one of our expert academics to carry out and report an investigation of a research topic that aligns with your career aspirations or personal interests. Psychology dissertations from previous students include:

· Cognitive control and depression
· Experiences of disabled students in Higher Education
· Sleep and mental health
· Detecting deception in others
· Victims and forgiveness

Committed to equality, diversity and inclusion

As a University and as a School, we are committed to equality, diversity and inclusion. This means we aim to create a diverse and inclusive culture in which you can thrive. Our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) agenda is embedded throughout our curriculum, and the School of Psychology are proud to have been recognised for our activities in this area by holding The Athena SWAN bronze award.

Student Support

We pride ourselves on our multi-layered student support structure. Within the School of Psychology you will have access to an Academic Mentor who will support your academic development, an Academic Support Team offering a range of workshops on key academic skills and bookable 1-2-1 sessions, and a Disability Liaison Officer who will support any additional needs you may have. In addition to the School's support offering, Keele Student Services is also your one-stop-shop for information and support. The team can offer guidance on a range of areas including;

· Disability and dyslexia
· Money advice and guidance
· Your welfare and wellbeing

Additionally, as a developing professional in Psychology you will have access to the University Careers and Employability team and also our dedicated Psychology Careers Tutor. There’s a broad array of support for your career ambitions, from potential jobs, to C.V. tailoring and proofreading, to detailed ideas about what additional experiences might enhance your C.V. ready for the next step.

Next steps

insert-a start

Accreditation and professional recognition

This course is accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS).

BPS accreditation acknowledges that our Psychology programme meets the industry standards for contemporary practice. If you are interested in pursuing a career in the psychology profession, it is also the first step in your journey in progressing to further postgraduate study, so you can become a chartered psychologist.

insert-a end

Course structure

The programme follows a modular structure. Part-time and full-time students will complete the same modules but over a different time period. Modular registration is also available over a maximum registration period of five years with students taking modules as and when availability permits.

Modules

The module details given below are indicative, they are intended to provide you with an idea of the range of subjects that are taught to our current students. The modules that will be available for you to study in future years are prone to change as we regularly review our teaching to ensure that it is up-to-date and informed by the latest research and teaching methods, as well as student voice. The information presented is therefore not intended to be construed and/or relied upon as a definitive list of the modules available in any given year.

Semester one core taught modules

Qualitative Research Methods (15 credits)

In this module you will learn how you can research human experiences and behaviour using a variety of qualitative data such as interviews, focus groups, and social media. Stepping into the world of qualitative research you will also explore the theoretical and philosophical underpinnings of methods as well as reflect on the ethics of various qualitative research designs.

Quantitative Research Methods (15 credits)

This module will cover commonly used quantitative research methods in psychology, ranging from statistical models such as t-tests, ANOVA, and regression through to psychometric scale (e.g. questionnaire) development.

Social and Developmental Psychology (30 credits)

This module will enable you to develop an advanced knowledge of social and developmental psychology. You will also be encouraged to recognise not only that social and developmental aspects are often highly integrated, but also that they interact with biological, cognitive and other aspects in psychology, to determine how we interact and develop.

Cognitive and Biological Psychology (30 credits)

This module aims to develop your knowledge on a range of topics in biological and cognitive psychology centred on current issues relevant for the discipline. You will explore how the brain develops, how nerves communicate, how our memory works, and how different substances influence this (and much more).

*Please note if you are taking this course as a part-time option, you will take the modules listed above in year one*

Semester two core taught modules

Grand Challenges in Psychology (15 credits)

In this module you will extend your appreciation of the ways in which psychology and psychological science have developed culturally and historically. The topics covered invite you to think critically about current debates and future challenges in a wide range of areas of Psychology.

Indicative topics include:

· Community action and change
· Consciousness and cognition in human and non-human animals
· How social ecology could save the planet
· How we can bust myths that exist around psychology
· Psychology in the criminal justice system
· The replication crisis and open science
· The use of psychology for manipulation and control
· Understanding conflict and entrenched beliefs

Applying Psychology (15 credits)

You will discover how psychological theory is applied in practice and the professional practice of psychology such as clinical psychology. Where possible classes will include input from industry professionals, e.g., you will learn about the application of psychology in clinical contexts from a clinical psychologist. Indicative content may include the application of psychology in the fields of health, education, clinical, and forensic settings. You will also be asked to use your learning to reflect on your own career aspirations and development through a career portfolio.

*Please note if you are taking this course as a part-time option, you will take the modules listed above plus the dissertation modules in year two*.

Dissertation - conversion (60 credits)

You will have the opportunity to work with one of our expert academics to carry out and report an investigation of a research topic that aligns with your career aspirations or personal interests.

Next steps

insert-b start

"Conducting research and experiments in fields you have an interest in - where you could possibly have an impact on the world is definitely the most rewarding part of the course. "

Pierce, Psychology

insert-b end

Entry requirements

The following section details our typical entry requirements for this course for a range of UK and international qualifications. If you don't see your qualifications listed, please contact us to find out if we can accept your qualifications.

Typical offer

Please ensure that you read the full entry requirements by selecting your qualifications from the dropdown menu below. This will include any subject specific, GCSE/Level 2 Maths, and English language requirements you may need.

Typical offer: 2:2 degree in any subject Additional criteria apply

Please select your country from the drop-down list below for the full entry requirement information

UK

2:2 degree in any subject
or
demonstrated relevant professional qualifications or experience

You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)

Bangladesh

60% in a 4-year degree or 3-year degree with a 2-year Master's in any subject from a public university or CGPA 2.8 in a 4-year degree or 3-year degree with a 2-year Master's in any subject from a private university
or
demonstrated relevant professional qualifications or experience

We don’t accept degrees from certain universities, please see our Bangladesh Country Page for more information

You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)

Canada

70% or C or a GPA of 2.5 in a degree (Ordinary or Honours) in any subject
or
demonstrated relevant professional qualifications or experience

You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)

China

70% in a degree in any subject or 65% in a degree in any subject from a '211' university
or
demonstrated relevant professional qualifications or experience

You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)

Ghana

Second class degree in any subject
or
demonstrated relevant professional qualifications or experience

You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)

India

55% or CGPA 6/10 in any degree of three years or longer
or
demonstrated relevant professional qualifications or experience

You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)

Kenya

Second class degree in any subject
or
demonstrated relevant professional qualifications or experience

You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)

Nepal

60% / 2.4 in a 4-year Bachelor's degree in any subject
or
65% / CGPA 2.8 in a 3-year Bachelor's degree in any subject
or
demonstrated relevant professional qualifications or experience

You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)

Nigeria

Second class degree in any subject
or
demonstrated relevant professional qualifications or experience

You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)

Pakistan

We accept a range of qualifications from Pakistan. Please visit our Pakistan Country Page for more information

or we will consider demonstrated relevant professional qualifications or experience

You will also need an English language qualification (see below)

South Africa

Second class division 2 / 60% in a Bachelor's degree with Honours in any subject
or
Second class division 1 / 70% in an Ordinary Bachelor's degree in any subject
or
demonstrated relevant professional qualifications or experience

You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)

Sri Lanka

55% in a Special Bachelor's degree in any subject
or
demonstrated relevant professional qualifications or experience

You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)

Uganda

Second class degree in any subject
or
demonstrated relevant professional qualifications or experience

You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)

Zimbabwe

Second class degree in any subject
or
demonstrated relevant professional qualifications or experience

You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)

English language requirements

All of our courses require an English language qualification or test. For most students, this requirement can be met with a 4 or C in GCSE English. Please see our English Language guidance pages for further details, including English language test information for international students. For those students who require an English language test, this course requires a test from Group C.

References

Normally, you will need to provide at least one academic reference to support your application unless you have been out of study longer than two years. If it has been more than two years since you last studied on a degree-level programme, you will normally need to provide an employment reference instead. For more information about Academic References, please see our Postgraduate how to apply web pages.

Personal Statement/Statement of Purpose

Please see our Postgraduate how to apply web pages for guidance on what to include in your personal statement.

Recognition of Prior Learning

The Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is a process which enables applicants to receive recognition and formal credit for learning acquired in the past through formal study or work and life experiences.

RPL can also be requested for admission onto the start of a programme in lieu of the admission requirements. For more information, see our Recognition of Prior Learning web pages.

Professional qualifications and work experience

The majority of our courses will consider relevant work experience and/or professional qualifications at the appropriate level, as an alternative to an undergraduate degree for entry. The work experience should be for a sustained period and at a suitable level, based within a relevant sector to your chosen course.

Admissions staff will review your work experience and/or professional qualifications during the assessment of your application to ensure suitability in terms of relevancy, level and appropriate learning outcomes.

General information

The entry grades outlined in this section indicate the typical offer which would be made to candidates, along with any subject specific requirements. This is for general information only. Keele University reserves the right to vary offer conditions depending upon a candidate's application.

insert-c start insert-c end

insert-d start

Engage with real-world projects

During your course, you may have the opportunity to work on research led by staff and PhD students.
This is a fantastic opportunity for you to learn about research methods and it will provide you with insight into the diversity of research carried out within the School.

insert-d end

insert-e start insert-e end

insert-f start

Keele Postgraduate Association

Keele University is one of a handful of universities in the UK to have a dedicated students' union for postgraduate students. A fully registered charity, Keele Postgraduate Association serves as a focal point for the social life and welfare needs of all postgraduate students during their time at Keele.

KPA interior

Hugely popular, the KPA Clubhouse (near Horwood Hall) provides a dedicated postgraduate social space and bar on campus, where you can grab a bite to eat and drink, sit quietly and read a book, or switch off from academic life at one of the many regular events organised throughout the year. The KPA also helps to host a variety of conferences, as well as other academic and career sessions, to give you and your fellow postgraduates the opportunities to come together to discuss your research, and develop your skills and networks.

insert-f end

insert-g start insert-g end insert-h start insert-h end

Visit us Enquire about this course Programme specifications

Book to visit us