Psychology (Conversion) MSc

NA On Campus Masters Program

Edge Hill University

Program Overview

The MSc Psychology Conversion at Edge Hill University is a one-year full-time (or up to three years part-time) programme for graduates from non-psychology disciplines. It equips you with core areas of psychology (such as biological, cognitive, social, developmental, and personality) and trains you in advanced research methods to become eligible for the BPS Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership.

Curriculum Structure

Over the course of the year, students build a strong foundation across major psychological domains while honing research and analytical skills.

Students begin with Biological Psychology, Cognitive Psychology, and Developmental Psychology, learning how brain structures, memory, perception, and life-span development shape behaviour. Then they move to Personality and Individual Differences and Social Psychology, exploring intelligence, personality traits, interpersonal behaviour, and how social context affects thought and action. Simultaneously, the Research Methods and Data Analysis module teaches students to design experiments, analyze quantitative and qualitative data, interpret research findings, and critically evaluate psychological science. The programme culminates in the Psychology Masters (Conversion) Dissertation, where students design, conduct, and report their own original empirical research under supervision.

Focus areas (string):
“Biological, cognitive, developmental, social, and individual-differences psychology; quantitative and qualitative research methods; empirical dissertation”

Learning outcomes (in a string):
“Eligibility for BPS Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership; ability to design, run and analyse psychological research; deep understanding of core psychological domains; strong data-analysis and critical thinking skills”

Professional alignment (accreditation):
Accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS) for GBC.

Reputation (employability rankings):
Edge Hill University’s Psychology Department offers BPS-accredited postgraduate programmes, and its graduates commonly proceed into applied psychology roles or further academic study.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

Students on the Psychology (Conversion) MSc develop practical skills through supervised coaching practice, role-playing scenarios, and direct application of psychological models. The programme utilises the University's modern Psychology Department facilities, which include dedicated observation suites for reviewing practice sessions. This hands-on approach is central to the curriculum, structured around the following key components:

Practical Coaching Labs: Students participate in supervised skills practice in dedicated rooms, using audio-visual recording equipment for self-reflection and feedback.
Group Projects: The programme involves collaborative practice, where students work in triads (coach, client, observer) to develop and refine real-time coaching skills.
Digital Tools: Access to the PsychInfo database and online learning resources for research on coaching techniques and psychological theory.
Facilities: Training takes place in the contemporary Psychology building, which houses the specialist teaching and observation suites.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of the MSc Psychology at Edge Hill University acquire comprehensive knowledge and skills across psychological theory, research methods, and applied practice, preparing them for diverse careers in health, education, research, and business. Typical roles include Clinical Psychology Trainee, Research Assistant, Human Resources Specialist, and Educational Psychologist Assistant.

Key points:

Edge Hill’s Careers and Employability Service provides personalized mentoring, placement opportunities, job application support, and workshops focused on psychology and related careers.
Employment outcomes are strong, with 97.7% of postgraduate degree graduates in work or further study within 15 months of graduation; salary levels vary by role but typically range between £25,000 and £40,000.
The university fosters partnerships with NHS trusts, educational institutions, and commercial organizations offering work placements and industry networking.
The MSc is accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS), providing Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (GBC), essential for professional psychology training.
Graduates report positive transitions to clinical, research, and applied psychology roles, contributing to healthcare, education, and social services.

Further Academic Progression: Graduates often pursue doctoral training in clinical, educational, or occupational psychology or research PhDs to become chartered psychologists or specialists.