MSc Psychology Conversion Degree

1 Year On Campus Masters Program

University of Greenwich

Program Overview

The MSc Psychology (Conversion) at the University of Greenwich offers a one-year (or two-year part-time) fast-track route into psychology, giving students from non-psychology backgrounds a professionally recognised qualification and access to Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (GBC) with the British Psychological Society (BPS). Students will study core domains such as cognition, social behaviour, psychopathology, and research methods, finishing with a major research project.

Curriculum structure:
In the first stage, students immerse themselves in Research Methods in Psychology, learning both qualitative and quantitative research design, data collection, and statistical analysis. They also study Brain and Behaviour and Cognitive Psychology & Neuroscience, gaining insight into neural underpinnings of cognition and mental processes. Alongside these, modules such as Personality & Individual Differences, Advanced Social Psychology, and Psychopathology & Clinical Psychology help students develop a broad and applied understanding of individual behaviour, mental health, and clinical issues. The programme concludes with the MSc Psychology Project / Dissertation, in which students design, conduct, and present an original empirical study.

Focus areas (in a string):
“research methodology; neuropsychology; social and personality psychology; clinical psychology; empirical investigation”

Learning outcomes (in a string):
“gain competency in advanced research methods, understand brain–behaviour relationships, interpret individual differences and psychopathology, design and execute independent research, and qualify for GBC with the BPS”

Professional alignment (accreditation):
The course is accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS) and provides eligibility for Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (GBC) — a key requirement for many professional psychology pathways.

Reputation (employability rankings):
The University of Greenwich has a Gold rating in the UK Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF). Its Psychology Conversion MSc is well-regarded for enabling career change into psychology and supporting progression to doctoral programmes or professional psychologist training.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

Students develop practical research skills through hands-on laboratory work and a major research project. They have access to the university's specialist facilities including psychology research laboratories and testing equipment. The programme's experiential components include:

Research Project: A substantial independent empirical project
Laboratory Access: Use of psychology research laboratories and testing 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

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of the University of Greenwich MSc Psychology program typically progress into diverse roles such as Clinical Psychology Trainee, Research Assistant, Mental Health Support Worker, and Educational Psychologist Trainee. The program provides comprehensive training that equips students with foundational psychology knowledge and research skills needed for professional development in various psychology disciplines.

Key progression and employability details:

The university offers targeted employability services including career coaching, CV and interview preparation workshops, access to professional networks, and placement opportunities in healthcare settings and research projects.
Graduate employment data shows that approximately 63% of psychology graduates are employed full-time 15 months after graduation, with many working in professional roles. Average starting salaries for psychology graduates hover around £24,000.
The course maintains collaborative partnerships with the NHS, educational institutions, and local mental health services, facilitating work-based learning and networking.
While first-degree psychology does not lead directly to professional qualification, the MSc provides Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (GBC) with the British Psychological Society (BPS), a critical step for chartered status.
Graduates report strong skill development in research methods, scientific writing, ethical practice, and applied psychology, supporting a broad range of career options.

Further Academic Progression: Graduates often continue to Stage 2 training in clinical, educational, or forensic psychology, or pursue doctoral research to specialize and progress toward chartered professional status.