Psychology (Conversion) MSc

Designed to provide a comprehensive foundation for those transitioning into the field of Psychology, this programme delves into key psychological theories and methodologies under the guidance of experienced educators, while offering a prestigious accreditation by the British Psychology Society (BPS). The Psychology (Conversion) MSc programme is ideal if you have a Bachelor's degree with some element of psychology. Your study will be an intellectually rigorous one of contemporary education, where you will develop an understanding of the theory, practice, and methods of psychology.  

When you complete this programme you will be able to satisfy the accreditation requirements of the British Psychological Society (BPS).

Psychology is a fascinating subject that aims to understand why people behave in the way that they do, by considering the complex interplay between biological, psychological, environmental, cultural and social influences on behaviour.

This academic discipline encompasses a wide range of topics including how changes in the brain influence behaviour, why false memories occur, why people behave differently when they are in a group, how language influences thinking, how we learn to understand others' intentions, how psychological distress can be alleviated, why we identify with some people and not others, how subconscious processes influence our behaviour, and how our thinking develops as we grow from children to adults.  

Studying Psychology at Aston University will provide you with the basis for understanding why people act in certain ways, and insight into methods of changing their behaviour.

By choosing to study at Aston you will gain a degree accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS), and be taught by leading experts from a range of specialist psychological fields.

You will be taught a range of modules spanning the breadth of Psychology and the core components required by the British Psychological Society for the Graduate Basis for Chartership. You will learn about both qualitative and quantitative research designs utilising a range of methods including experiments, psychometric tools, and interviews.

In addition, you will complete a research project with the support of a supervisor. You have a choice of two pathways: health psychology-focused projects or research into cognitive and affective neuroscience.

Modules

Core modules

• Research Methods and Data Analysis
• Applied Psychology and Professional Skills
• Social Psychology
• Brain and Behaviour
• Lifespan Development
• Individual Differences, Health and Personality
• Cognition and Cognitive Neuropsychology

Dissertation

• Research Project in Health Psychology, or
• Research Dissertation in Cognitive and Affective Neuroscience 

Optional modules

• Psychology and Wellbeing
• Neuroscience in the Real World

A minimum of a 2.2 UK honours degree or recognised international equivalent and be able to demonstrate some prior study of psychology and/or related discipline.*  

* Prior study will be: (i) a minimum of 60 credits at Bachelors degree level (or recognised international equivalent) in psychology and/or statistics and/or social science research methods and/or (ii) A level (or recognised equivalent) in psychology. 

OR

A minimum of a 2.1 UK honours degree or recognised international equivalent in any subject. 

International students: 

• You can discover more about the qualifications we accept on our international pages. 
• If your first language is not English you will be required to provide evidence of an English language qualification. Find out more about our English language requirements.

If you have any questions about the application process please get in touch with our postgraduate admissions team:

Email: pgadmissions@aston.ac.uk

Call: 0121 204 3200 (Please note this line is open Monday-Friday between 10am-4pm)

Please click here for guidance on completing the postgraduate application. 

Assessment is through a combination of written and oral examinations, class tests, individual and group coursework, projects, presentations and practical assessments.

Course Director: Luc Boutsen

Academic teaching staff: Andrew Schofield, Luke Fisher, Kate Nicholls, Johanna Zumer, Claire Farrow, Charlotte Hartwright, Martin Jüttner, Gemma Heath, Dan Shaw, Joel Talcott, Michael Larkin. 

Scholarships

At Aston University we are committed to supporting the most talented and hardworking students to achieve their potential by providing a range of scholarships to help lower tuition and living costs. Find out more about our scholarships here.

Ferguson Scholarship

Take advantage of the Ferguson Scholarship supported by the Allan and Nesta Ferguson Charitable Trust dedicated to improving educational opportunities for students who would not otherwise be able to consider studying in the UK. Seven £10,500 scholarships are available to students from Africa and South America. For more information, click here.

The successful completion of this programme will open up opportunities for further training in order to become a practitioner psychologist in any specialist area, e.g. Health Psychology (see MSc Health Psychology at Aston), Clinical Psychology, Occupational Psychology, Forensic Psychology etc. (see the BPS careers in psychology website for further information). 

You will also be eligible for research careers within universities, local councils, the civil service, NGOs, or market research.

You could also continue in further education through to PhD if you wanted to pursue an academic research career (see our PhD opportunities website for more information). 

Why study Psychology (Conversion) MSc at Aston University?

Psychology is a fascinating subject that aims to understand why people behave in the way that they do, by considering the complex interplay between biological, psychological, environmental, cultural, and social influences on behaviour.

This academic discipline encompasses a wide range of topics including: how changes in the brain influence behaviour, why false memories occur, why people behave differently when they are in a group, how language influences thinking, how we learn to understand other’s intentions, how psychological distress can be alleviated, why we identify with some people and not others, how subconscious processes influence our behaviour, and how our thinking develops as we grow from children to adults.  

Studying psychology at Aston University will provide you with the basis for understanding why people act in certain ways, and insight into methods of changing their behaviour.

By choosing to study at Aston you will gain a degree accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS), and be taught by leading experts from a range of specialist psychological fields.

How is the course delivered?

The course is full-time and delivered through a combination of lectures, group work, seminars and independent study. Teaching sessions will be delivered on campus (unless covid-19 guidance changes) with some material delivered online. 

Is this course accredited?

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