MSc Psychology

1 Year On Campus Masters Program

University of Westminster

Program Overview

The MSc Psychology at the University of Westminster is a one-year conversion course that gives students from non-psychology degrees the core knowledge and research skills needed to qualify for the Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (GBC) with the British Psychological Society (BPS). It covers all major domains—such as cognitive, biological, social, developmental, and individual differences psychology—while placing strong emphasis on research design and empirical work.

Curriculum structure:
Throughout the year, students engage in advanced modules that are foundational to psychology. In Biological & Cognitive Psychology they study the brain’s structure and cognitive processes through modern empirical research, while Developmental & Differential Psychology helps them understand how personality and intelligence evolve over the lifespan. The course also challenges students to think critically in Fundamental Conceptual Issues in Psychology, exploring epistemological debates and methodological foundations. They build strong research capability through Quantitative Research Methods and Qualitative Research Methods, learning how to collect, analyse, and interpret data. Their learning culminates in a Project for MSc Psychology, where they design and carry out an independent research study, applying everything they have mastered.

Focus areas:
“core psychological theory; research methodologies; cognition & brain; social development; individual differences; independent empirical research”

Learning outcomes:
Graduates will master psychological theory across key domains, develop rigorous quantitative and qualitative research skills, critically evaluate psychological models, and conduct independent, original research linking theory to practice.

Professional alignment (accreditation):
The course is accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS) and grants eligibility for the Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (GBC).

Reputation (employability rankings):
Westminster’s Psychology MSc is well regarded for its conversion value, intensive training, and its role as a pathway into professional and doctoral-level psychology careers

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 Westminster's specialist facilities including EEG and other cognitive research equipment. The programme's experiential components include:

Research Project: A substantial independent empirical project
Laboratory Access: Use of EEG and other cognitive research 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 Westminster’s MSc Psychology conversion course gain the Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (GBC) with the British Psychological Society (BPS), opening routes to careers such as Assistant Psychologist, Research Assistant, Counsellor, and Psychological Wellbeing Practitioner. The program equips students with foundational knowledge across core psychology areas and practical research skills.

The university’s Careers and Employability Service provides tailored mentoring, work placement opportunities, CV workshops, and interview preparation.
Employment rates are strong, with many graduates moving into psychology-related roles or further BPS-accredited training. Average starting salaries range from £22,000 to £30,000.
Partnerships with NHS trusts, educational institutions, and research bodies enable work-based learning placements and networking.
The course’s BPS accreditation is critical for progression to chartered psychologist training.
Graduates develop critical thinking, research methodology, and applied psychological skills suited for diverse settings.

Further Academic Progression: Graduates typically progress to Stage 2 doctoral training in clinical, counselling, educational, forensic, occupational, or health psychology, or pursue academic research via a PhD.