MSc Psychology
Course overview
Start date
September 2020
Subject area
Psychology
Attendance
Full-time
Part-time
Learning
On campus
Course summary
This is a conversion course for students with a first degree in another subject area. It means you could go on and train to be a professional psychologist – for example, by studying for a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology.
You may, however, simply want to study this course because you are interested in the subject, in which case you will return to your career enriched with knowledge of human behaviour.
A concentrated lecture schedule – Wednesday afternoon and evening for those studying full-time, and if you study part-time you have the option of either Wednesday afternoons or evenings, which means you can combine the study with your current commitments.
Some of our students have obtained a psychology degree overseas but have now moved to the UK and need to add the Graduate Basis for Chartership (GBC) qualification to further their careers. This course ticks that box.
You will benefit from excellent and highly experienced teaching in an internationally recognised school close to the London 2012 Olympic Park in Stratford, in a vibrant area with shopping centres and transport hubs.
Contact Us
If you have any questions, please contact our Applicant Enquiries team on +44 (0) 20 8223 3333 or email study@uel.ac.uk
Get in touchAccredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS)
This accreditation is a mark of quality that students and employers understand and value. Studying a BPS accredited course will give you the opportunity to gain graduate or chartered membership for the Graduate Basis for Chartership (GBC). GBC is an important requirement for becoming a professional psychologist in areas such as clinical and educational psychology.
Flexible afternoon and evening lectures
The one-year course is ideally suited to busy professionals, with lectures scheduled on Wednesday afternoon and evening each week. It is intensive and you will need to study outside scheduled teaching days – but you can combine it with work. You can also study part-time over a longer period.
1st
Impact of research in the UK
Psychology is joint first in the UK for impact of research, beating Cambridge and Oxford, showing our incredible academic expertise and real-world relevance. (latest REF, 2014)
What we're researching
Psychology at UEL was ranked equal first in the country in terms of the impact of its research, beating Oxford and Cambridge. The Research Excellence Framework is a six-yearly national review by the Higher Education Funding Council for England. In 2014 it rated 43 per cent of our research as ‘internationally excellent’ and a further 25 per cent as ‘world-leading’ – the highest accolade. It added that UEL’s School of Psychology was one of only four in the country whose research had a ‘100 per cent impact’ at the highest level.
The combined figure of 68 per cent from the top two tiers dwarfs the previous figure of 20 per cent from the previous national review in 2008.
Research subjects in recent years have included electronic cigarettes, infant development and neuropsychology.
Professor Rachel Tribe was awarded the British Psychological Society’s Ethics Committee’s 2013 award for promoting Equality of Opportunity. Her clinical interests focus on all aspects of trauma, culture and mental health, professional and ethical practice, working with interpreters in mental health, migration and mental health and organisational development.
Dr Caroline Edmonds’ research examines the effect of hydration on cognition in children and adults.
Dr. Volker Thoma's work includes research on judgment and decision making, in financial and medical domains, and together with Dr. John Turner he supervises a study on problem gambling involving brain stimulation, funded by the responsible Gambling Trust.
Making a difference
UEL is one of the UK’s leading modern research universities. In the most recent Research Excellence Framework (REF), 17 per cent of our overall research submission was classified as ‘world-leading’ for its quality and impact – almost double our previous REF score. A further 45 per cent of our work was considered ‘internationally excellent’.
Dr Mary-Jane Budd
MSc Psychology (conversion) Course Lead
One of the valuable things you will find about this course is your fellow students. Recently we have had solicitors, health professionals, marketing directors and people who run their own companies, as well as people with PhDs in areas such as history, anthropology and even astronomy.
Fees and funding
£10,280 to fund your Masters Programme under the Postgraduate Loans (PGL) scheme
Postgraduate Loans (PGL)
The Postgraduate Loan (PGL) provide non means-tested loans of up to £10,906 to taught and research masters students. It will be paid to students as a contribution towards tuition fees, living costs and other course costs.
Applications are made directly through Student Finance England
Eligibility
Whether you qualify depends on:
• if you’ve studied on a postgraduate course before
• your course
• your age
• your nationality or residency status
Full eligibility can be found here
Please take a look at the Postgraduate Loans for an overview of the new funding.
The scholarship is open to full-time and part-time UK and EU students of taught postgraduate courses. *Exclusions apply.
Find out more about full eligibility criteria and how to apply.
Terms and conditions apply.How we can help you
Did you know that with a postgraduate qualification you can expect to earn more than someone who only holds an undergraduate degree?If you want to build new skills, change career paths, or further your career prospects, a postgraduate degree can help you. Our range of scholarships and bursaries will make financing your education that much easier. Below is some of the funding available to support you in your studies:
- Alumni Discount – up to 15% fee waiver *exclusions apply. Please see Alumni Discount page for information.
- Early Payment Discount – 5% fee waiver
- Asylum Seekers scholarship – 100% fee waiver
- Civic Engagement – £1,000
- Hardship Bursary – up to £2,000
- Sport Scholarships – Up to £6,000
Terms and conditions apply.
• By telephone
• In person at our Docklands or Stratford campus
• Bank transfer
- Apply for a Postgraduate Loan
- Take advantage of UEL scholarships and bursaries
- Ask your employer to sponsor your study
- Study part-time so you can work at the same time (applicable to courses that have a part-time mode)
- Look at UK Research and Innovation funding options
The Student Money Advice and Rights Team (SMART) are here to help you navigate
your finances while you're a student at the University of East London.
We can give you advice, information and guidance on government and
university funds so that you receive your full funding entitlement.
Email: study@uel.ac.uk
Phone: 020 8223 4444
£10,280 to fund your Masters Programme under the Postgraduate Loans (PGL) scheme
Postgraduate Loans (PGL)
The Postgraduate Loan (PGL) provide non means-tested loans of up to £10,906 to taught and research masters students. It will be paid to students as a contribution towards tuition fees, living costs and other course costs.
Applications are made directly through Student Finance England
Eligibility
Whether you qualify depends on:
• if you’ve studied on a postgraduate course before
• your course
• your age
• your nationality or residency status
Full eligibility can be found here
Please take a look at the Postgraduate Loans for an overview of the new funding.
The scholarship is open to full-time and part-time UK and EU students of taught postgraduate courses. *Exclusions apply.
Find out more about full eligibility criteria and how to apply.
Terms and conditions apply.How we can help you
Did you know that with a postgraduate qualification you can expect to earn more than someone who only holds an undergraduate degree?If you want to build new skills, change career paths, or further your career prospects, a postgraduate degree can help you. Our range of scholarships and bursaries will make financing your education that much easier. Below is some of the funding available to support you in your studies:
- Alumni Discount – up to 15% fee waiver *exclusions apply. Please see Alumni Discount page for information.
- Early Payment Discount – 5% fee waiver
- Asylum Seekers scholarship – 100% fee waiver
- Civic Engagement – £1,000
- Hardship Bursary – up to £2,000
- Sport Scholarships – Up to £6,000
Terms and conditions apply.
• By telephone
• In person at our Docklands or Stratford campus
• Bank transfer
- Apply for a Postgraduate Loan
- Take advantage of UEL scholarships and bursaries
- Ask your employer to sponsor your study
- Study part-time so you can work at the same time (applicable to courses that have a part-time mode)
- Look at UK Research and Innovation funding options
The Student Money Advice and Rights Team (SMART) are here to help you navigate
your finances while you're a student at the University of East London.
We can give you advice, information and guidance on government and
university funds so that you receive your full funding entitlement.
Email: study@uel.ac.uk
Phone: 020 8223 4444
Per 30 credit module
As part of the Tier 4 student visa requirements, UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) estimate that you will need £1,265* per month to cover your living costs. It includes expenses for accommodation, food and drink, travel within London, text books, entertainment, clothing, toiletries and laundry. Most Tier 4 students are required to show they have sufficient funds to cover the first nine months of the course before they start- a total of £11,385- in addition to the tuition fees. You can find more information about the specific requirements of the Tier 4 student visa here. The amount that you will spend can vary depending on your lifestyle. The UKCISA International Student Calculator can help you plan and manage your money.
* Please note the Immigration Rules are subject to change and this figure is likely to be increased by UKVI year on year. Please therefore check our ISA page for more information at the time of preparing your visa application.International students are required to pay a deposit prior to being issued a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS).
Your remaining balance will be paid in five monthly instalments over your first term. The first of these instalments must be paid when completing your enrolment on arrival at UEL. Please follow the payment instructions here.
After the required payment has been made, you will be asked to complete the online International Student Reply Form to confirm your acceptance of our offer and of our terms of admittance and fees policy.
Our International team at UEL are available for advice and guidance on studying in London, fees, scholarships and visa requirements.
Email: international@uel.ac.uk
Entry requirements
We require a minimum of a 2:2 degree classification. However, those with a 2:1 will be given preference and those with a 2:2 may be required to attend an interview to determine their suitability to the course.
We would normally expect you to have Grade C in GCSE English and Maths.
If you do not meet the academic English language requirements for your course, you may be eligible to enrol onto a pre-sessional English programme. The length of the course will depend on your current level of English and the requirements for your degree programme. We offer a 5-week and an 11-week pre-sessional course. Find out more.
What you'll study
We consistently review and develop our courses and modules to ensure they are up-to-date with sector and industry graduate skills demands. Course structure, modules and options are subject to change.
Experimental Research Methods and Statistics
Applied Research Methods (Mental Wealth)
Perspectives in Psychology: Biological, Cognitive, and Developmental
Foundations of Psychology: Origins and Concepts, Individual Differences, and Social Psychology
Dissertation (Independent Research Thesis)
How you'll be assessed
We use a wide range of assessment procedures. Exams and coursework are moderated, while dissertations are double marked. Assessments will include coursework, written unseen exams and a written research dissertation.
Course specification Prepatory ReadingHow you'll learn
You will have the opportunity to participate in innovative research with specialists in their fields as part of your research dissertation.
And the wide spectrum of research being conducted means you will have a broad range of choice for your project’s subject area.
Lectures and seminars are accompanied by comprehensive lecture notes and an extensive range of online materials. Students are also allocated dedicated MSc personal tutors who will give you support and answer academic queries.
The course uses a variety of teaching and learning methods that will help you reflect on practice and attain the learning outcomes for each module.
Teaching methods include lectures, seminars, tutorials, group exercises, peer study groups and individual supervision.
There are also interactive online materials that you can access, and there’ll be individual reading, exercises and assignments to complete.
Learning resources include IT and general psychology laboratories (which include specialist research hardware and software), access to electronic journals and databases, and specialist library facilities.
Our London location, the intensive nature of our study and having two points of entry – September or January – mean this course meets the needs of a diverse range of students.
We are also one of few institutions that our MSc Psychology students are taught entirely as an MSc cohort with no overlap in teaching with our undergraduate students. So your class will be made up of entirely MSc students, and be designed for MSc students only.
What you'll learn
Psychology is an empirical science that aims to understand how and why humans and animals act in the ways they do and to apply that knowledge in a wide variety of settings.
The discipline is very wide-ranging, spanning from the observations of basic neural mechanisms to analyses of complex human and social relationships.
This course is designed to develop your knowledge, understanding, research and practical skills in psychology.
That is achieved through the following topics: Biological Psychology; Cognitive Psychology; Developmental Psychology; Origins and Concepts of Psychology; Individual Differences; and Social Psychology, along with two Research Methods modules. You will also undertake an independent research project under the supervision of one of our members of staff.
If you are unable to complete the full MSc course, there are intermediate awards involving escalating amounts of study.
We will upload the pre-course reading material for January and September 2019 entry soon.
Your future career
For others, such as occupational psychology, the qualification can be used towards eventual Chartership in the field. In this case please check the relevant entry criteria for these careers (e.g. by visiting the British Psychology Society webpages).
If you find the academic side of psychology more appealing, you will be ideally placed to apply for research positions, having completed your own research project on this course. This can be used as a stepping stone to a research doctorate.Finally, we are a school with a tradition of teaching that goes back more than 50 years. The skills you gain here are transferable to a wide range of careers, including that of an applied researcher.
Although the lectures are in concentrated form, this degree is demanding and you will have to put in your own extra work and reading time. This all helps to develop your organisational skills.
Our MSc conversion degree is studied by people from a broad spectrum of employment. Our students return to jobs in the City, in healthcare, education, advertising, the media or HR. In fact, this course is likely to have a positive effect on any career.
Explore the different career options you can pursue with this degree and see the median salaries of the sector on our Career Coach portal
