MSc Psychology

1 Year On Campus Masters Program

Nottingham Trent University

Program Overview

The MSc Psychology at Nottingham Trent University (NTU) offers an intensive one-year programme accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS), covering core psychology domains and research skills. It suits graduates from any discipline who wish to transition into psychology or broaden their psychological knowledge and work toward professional or applied roles.

Curriculum structure:
During this one-year full-time MSc, students first engage with foundational modules such as Cognitive and Biological Psychology, Social and Developmental Psychology, and Individual Differences and Conceptual Issues, building a broad base of psychological theory and individual variation. Students then advance into Research Methods, Statistics, and Psychology Research Project, where they develop strong quantitative and qualitative skills and conduct an independent empirical study under supervision. Optional units like The Psychology of Sexual Offending, Addictive Behaviours, and Psychopathology and Offending Behaviour allow tailored specialisation.

Focus areas:
“cognitive & biological psychology; social & developmental psychology; individual differences; research methods & statistics; empirical research project; applied specialisations”

Learning outcomes:
“master core domains of psychological science; apply advanced quantitative and qualitative research methods; design and conduct independent empirical psychological research; tailor learning to specialised applied themes; prepare for professional or doctoral training in psychology”

Professional alignment (accreditation):
This MSc is accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS), making graduates eligible for the Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (GBC), which is a key step for many professional psychology pathways.

Reputation (employability rankings):
Nottingham Trent University’s Psychology subject is listed in the top 150 globally in the QS World University Subject Rankings (2025) for Psychology. The course emphasises employability, with graduate destinations including the NHS, research roles, and applied psychology settings.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

Students develop practical research skills through hands-on projects in NTU's purpose-built Psychology department. They have access to specialist facilities including a Magnetoencephalography (MEG) scanner, EEG, and virtual reality labs. This practical training is delivered through:

Research Project: A substantial independent empirical project
Neuroimaging Facilities: Access to one of only two MEG scanners in UK universities, plus EEG and TMS equipment
Specialist Software: Training in SPSS, MATLAB, and other experimental software
VR Laboratories: Use of immersive virtual reality suites for psychological research
Technical Training: Hands-on experience with eye-tracking, biopac, and other research equipment

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of Nottingham Trent University's MSc Psychology (Conversion) program develop comprehensive knowledge and skills in psychological theory, research, and practice, preparing them for diverse roles in clinical, educational, occupational, and research settings. Typical careers include assistant psychologist, research assistant, mental health support worker, and educational specialist. This program grants Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (GBC) with the British Psychological Society, enabling graduates to pursue professional psychology training.

Key points include:

University career services provide one-to-one support with subject specialists, access to over 1,100 graduate job listings annually, and tailored advice for psychology careers
High employment or further study rates with 94.6% of postgraduates securing graduate-level roles within 15 months; median salaries around £21,500–£27,000
Partnerships with NHS, government bodies, charities, and research organizations offer practical experience and networking opportunities
Long-term accreditation by the British Psychological Society supports progression to chartered psychologist status
Graduates typically transition to health services, education, research institutions, and community mental health roles

Further Academic Progression: Graduates may pursue Doctorate-level training in clinical, educational, or occupational psychology or PhD research to advance professional and academic careers.