The MSc Psychological Science at Queen’s University Belfast is a conversion-level programme that offers a comprehensive foundation in psychology for graduates from non-psychology disciplines. It suits individuals aiming to achieve the British Psychological Society (BPS) Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (GBC) and progress into professional psychology training.
Curriculum Structure:
Year 1: Students engage with core modules such as Core Psychology I (covering social, cognitive, individual differences and psychobiology) and Core Psychology II (covering developmental, conceptual & historical issues, perception) in the first two semesters, developing a broad theoretical base across multiple psychological areas. They then study Methods, Design and Analysis in Psychology, which focuses on quantitative and qualitative research methods, statistics and ethical issues in psychological research, preparing them for analytical competence. The year culminates with the Research Thesis Psychology, a substantial empirical project where students design, conduct and report their own study under supervision, synthesising their learning across theory and methods.
Focus areas: "Biological psychology, cognitive psychology, developmental psychology, social psychology, research methods, individual differences"
Learning outcomes: "Graduates will understand core areas of psychology, develop advanced research and analytical skills, and be eligible for professional training pathways in psychology."
Professional alignment (accreditation): Fully accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS) – conferring Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (GBC).
Reputation (employability rankings): Queen’s University Belfast is ranked among the UK’s leading institutions for psychology research and offers strong graduate employability outcomes.
Students develop practical skills through applied research projects and specialist training in clinical health methodologies. They utilise resources from the School of Psychology and have access to health-related research facilities. The programme's experiential components include:
Research Project: A dissertation involving original research in clinical health psychology
Software: Training in SPSS for statistical analysis of health data
Practical Skills: Workshops in health assessment and intervention techniques
Research Environment: Access to the School of Psychology's research labs and equipment
Professional Development: Training in systematic reviewing and evidence synthesis
Graduates of the MSc Psychological Science at Queen’s University Belfast acquire a robust foundation in core psychological knowledge and research methods, enabling career progression or further specialised training in psychology. Typical roles include Research Assistant, Assistant Psychologist, Human Resource Analyst, and Clinical Trainee.
Queen’s Careers and Employability Service offers tailored support including CV workshops, interview preparation, employer networking, and access to research placements.
Employment rates are strong, with 91% of graduates in work or further study within 15 months; salaries vary across psychology-related roles but remain competitive.
The program is accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS), conferring Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (GBC), essential for professional training.
Strong industry collaborations include NHS trusts, educational institutions, and commercial organisations offering research and placement opportunities.
Graduates demonstrate high employability, transitioning into clinical, educational, research, and business sectors.
Further Academic Progression:
Graduates frequently proceed to doctoral training in clinical, educational, forensic or other psychology disciplines, or undertake PhD research.


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