MSc Psychology Conversion

The MSc Psychology Conversion at the University of Central Lancashire (UCLan) provides a full foundation in psychology for graduates from non-psychology backgrounds, covering core areas such as cognitive, social, developmental, and biological psychology. It’s tailored for students aiming to pursue further professional training (e.g., clinical, forensic, or health psychology) and offers accreditation for the Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership with the BPS. 

Curriculum Structure:
In the one-year full-time (or two-year part-time) course, students begin with “Essential Psychology: Concepts & History,” along with Psychological Research Methods 1 and 2, where they build quantitative and qualitative research skills.They then dive into modules like Social & Developmental Psychology, Physiological & Cognitive Psychology, and The Psychology of Individual Differences, understanding how individuals develop, think, and differ.  Finally, students complete a Research Project / Dissertation where they design, conduct, and report an original piece of psychological research aligned with their interests. 

Focus areas:
“core psychology theory; research methods; developmental, cognitive & social psychology; individual differences”

Learning outcomes:
Students will be able to critically evaluate psychological theory, design and execute empirical research, apply learning across key domains, and build a solid foundation for further training in specialist psychology roles.

Professional alignment:
The course is accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS) and grants Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (GBC), enabling entry into professional psychology training.

Reputation (employability):
UCLan’s programme opens up pathways into careers in clinical, health, forensic, or educational psychology, or onward to doctoral research.