The MSc Psychology (Conversion Course) at Canterbury Christ Church University gives students without a psychology background a rigorous grounding in core psychological theories, research methods, and applied science. It suits graduates from other disciplines who want to become eligible for professional psychology training or further research, and who will study modules in cognitive, biological, developmental, and social psychology along with an independent research project.
Curriculum Structure:
During the taught phase, students explore Psychology in Context alongside Social & Developmental Psychology, gaining insight into how behaviour evolves across life and in different social settings. They also study Cognitive & Biological Psychology, understanding the neural and mental processes that shape thoughts and actions, and Personality & Individual Differences, which covers how people differ in traits, intelligence, and behaviour. In parallel, the Research in Psychology module and Statistics & Data Analysis equip them with the quantitative and qualitative research skills necessary for designing and analysing studies. Finally, in the research phase, they complete a Research Project, carrying out independent empirical work under academic supervision.
Focus areas: “Core psychological domains (cognition, development, biology, social, personality), advanced research training, applied theory.”
Learning outcomes: “Master foundational and advanced psychology theory, design and conduct empirical research, analyse data critically, and build a pathway into professional or academic psychology.”
Professional alignment (accreditation): Accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS), conferring eligibility for Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (GBC). =
Reputation (employability rankings): While specific international rankings for this course are limited, many graduates move into roles such as assistant psychologists, wellbeing practitioners, or continue to doctoral-level training.=
Students develop practical research skills through hands-on laboratory work and a major research project. They have access to the Department of Psychology's specialist facilities including EEG and eye-tracking equipment. The programme's experiential components include:
Research Project: A substantial independent empirical project
Laboratory Access: Use of EEG, eye-tracking and other research equipment
Software: Training in SPSS and other statistical packages
Technical Skills: Development of research design and data analysis capabilities
Practical Training: Hands-on experience with psychological research methods
Graduates of the MSc Psychology Conversion course at Canterbury Christ Church University gain foundational knowledge and skills required for professional psychology careers, having completed an accredited conversion program suitable for non-psychology graduates. Typical job roles include Assistant Psychologist, Research Assistant, Educational Psychologist Trainee, and Mental Health Support Worker.
Key points:
University employability services provide targeted career support including academic advising, placement assistance, CV workshops, interview preparation, and access to a strong alumni network.
Graduate employment rates are excellent, with 94% employed or in further study within 15 months of graduation; salaries start around £22,000 to £30,000 depending on the sector.
The course is accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS), conferring Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (GBC), essential for progression to professional training.
Strong research-active staff and professional partnerships support dissertation project supervision and practical application, enhancing graduate outcomes.
Graduates are well prepared for further training roles or research careers within psychology and related fields.
Further Academic Progression: Graduates can progress to doctoral training in clinical, educational, forensic, or occupational psychology, or pursue PhD research opportunities.



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