Psychology (Conversion) MSc

1 Year On Campus Masters Program

University of Sussex

Program Overview

The MSc Psychology (Conversion) at University of Sussex offers a full-time (or part-time) pathway to become eligible for the Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (GBC) with the British Psychological Society, covering core psychology disciplines and research methods. It suits graduates from non-psychology backgrounds who aim to enter professional psychology training, research roles, or clinical pathways.

Curriculum Structure:
In the first year, students begin with modules like Cognitive Psychology (Masters), Developmental Psychology (Masters), Ethics and the History of Psychology and Research Skills in Psychology, which build a broad theoretical foundation across cognitive, developmental, ethical, social and biological psychology. In subsequent terms they study Advanced Research Skills in Psychology, Biological Psychology (Masters), Clinical Psychology in Practice (Masters) and Social Psychology (Masters), honing research design, data analysis and specialist knowledge in clinical and biological domains. The year concludes with a Research Dissertation, where students conduct an independent empirical project under supervision and consolidate their learning in applied research.

Focus areas: "core psychology disciplines (cognitive, social, developmental, biological, clinical), research methods, ethics in psychology"
Learning outcomes: "Students develop a broad and integrated understanding of psychological science, master quantitative and qualitative research skills, and attain accreditation eligibility (GBC) for professional psychology careers."
Professional alignment (accreditation): Accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS), meeting GBC requirements. 
Reputation (employability rankings): University of Sussex is ranked 11th in the UK for Psychology (THE 2025) and =15th for Psychology (QS 2025).

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

Students gain practical research skills through hands-on laboratory classes and a major research project. They have access to the School of Psychology's specialist facilities, including EEG and eye-tracking labs. The programme's experiential components are:

  • Research Project: A substantial independent empirical project

  • Laboratory Access: Use of specialist facilities including EEG and eye-tracking equipment

  • Software: Training in R for statistical analysis

  • Practical Classes: Hands-on research methods and statistics labs

  • Technical Training: Experience with research design and psychological testing methods

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of the MSc Psychology Conversion at the University of Sussex acquire comprehensive knowledge and research skills across core psychological disciplines, positioning them competitively for professional psychology training and research careers. Typical roles include Assistant Psychologist, Research Assistant, Mental Health Support Worker, and Educational Psychologist Trainee.

  • Sussex’s Careers and Employability Service offers personalised career coaching, help building a personal development plan, internship and research placement opportunities, and networking with NHS trusts and mental health organisations.

  • 91% of Sussex postgraduates complete work experience by graduation, and most find employment or further study within 15 months; salaries vary by psychology-related role and sector.

  • The program is accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS) for Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (GBC), a key requirement for professional training.

  • Access to state-of-the-art research facilities and collaborations with Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust enhance students’ professional readiness.

  • Graduates achieve strong outcomes and prepare for diverse psychology disciplines including clinical, educational, and counselling psychology.

Further Academic Progression:
Graduates commonly progress to Doctorate in Clinical Psychology, Educational Psychology training, or research-focused PhD programs.

Program Key Stats

£24,995 (Annual cost)
Sept Intake : 1st Aug


No
Yes

Eligibility Criteria

3.3
3 or 4 Years

N/A
N/A
N/A
6.5
88
2:1

Additional Information & Requirements

Career Options

  • Psychiatry trainee
  • Research assistant
  • Psychological therapist
  • Counsellor
  • Researcher

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