Psychology MSc (Conversion)

BPS Accredited Postgraduate degree

Unlock new career opportunities and deepen your understanding of psychology with our flexible, online MSc Psychology (Conversion). This BPS-accredited course equips you with the essential skills and knowledge to pursue a wide range of psychology careers.

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Key facts about your online degree

How you'll study

This course is studied 100% online

Application deadline

Our next deadline is 17th April 2026

Professional accreditation

British Psychological Society

Course length

Study over 2 years

Fees: £8,600

Payment plans available

Start dates

Start in January, May or September

Course overview

Our online MSc Psychology (Conversion) degree, accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS), develops your scientific understanding of the core areas of psychology and the theoretical perspectives that shape the discipline. Designed for graduates from any background seeking Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (GBC) or wishing to deepen their knowledge, this flexible online psychology conversion course allows you to study around your commitments. You will explore how biological, chemical, social and developmental factors influence behaviour, thinking and perception, and examine the importance of childhood development and language.

You’ll also gain experience designing and managing ethical research projects, culminating in your own independent study. Taught by research-active staff, this online MSc Psychology (Conversion) supports is specifically designed for graduates with a background in a different field, enabling you to transition into psychology and gain a comprehensive understanding of the subject. If you've studied psychology before, you may revisit some fundamental topics as part of your journey. This online psychology conversion course provides the grounding required for further professional development and BPS graduate membership eligibility.

Why choose this course?

Study a BPS accredited psychology conversion course fully online
Gain flexibility to learn around your commitments
Learn from expert, research-active staff who will guide your research interests
Transform your undergraduate degree into a psychology master’s
Develop a strong foundation in core areas of psychology
Join a university recognised as University of the Year (THE)

What you’ll gain

A comprehensive understanding of core psychological theories and perspectives
Skills in research design, data analysis and ethical research practice
Experience in planning and delivering a full research project
Insight into biological, social and developmental influences on behaviour
Knowledge needed to pursue BPS Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (with required pass mark)
Confidence to progress into psychology careers or specialist postgraduate study

Next application deadline: 17th April 2026

Apply now

Course modules and assessments

Modules

Social Psychology, Development and Difference

In this course you will cover the main British Psychological Society taught content in terms of social psychology, developmental psychology, and individual differences. The module takes a lifespan developmental approach that considers brain, cognitive and social development from infancy through to old age, as well as theories of human psychological development, normative changes, atypical development, sources of individual differences, and influences of different social contexts. You’ll have the opportunity to apply academic knowledge to real world issues via case studies and problem based learning.

Brain, Body and Mind

Brain, Body and Mind draws heavily on psychobiology, neuroscience, individual differences and evolutionary approaches to provide a critical understanding of mind and behaviour. The module will provide you with a comprehensive and critical synthesis of how biology and evolutionary theory underpin human and animal behaviour before examining cognitive and individual difference models of the mind and behaviour. You’ll be challenged to analyse areas of human psychology from multiple perspectives and to show an integrated understanding of the area. The module is largely topic based, and you’ll address key areas of psychology from a variety of perspectives: Current cognitive theory, the biological underpinnings, evolutionary and genetic perspectives, individual differences and clinical issues. Topics will include areas such as perception, learning, memory, language, problem solving & decision making and consciousness and meta-cognition, intelligence and social cognition.

Research in Action: Qualitative Methods and Psychology in Principles

Research in Action: Statistical Thinking

Psychology requires you to develop a critical understanding of the principles of quantitative data collection and analysis, whilst considering the theory behind various methods. You’ll cover theoretical, conceptual, and ethical issues during lectures, with emphasis on the logic behind the techniques you are learning, enabling you to see when it’s appropriate to use a particular approach. The ideas covered in your lectures are brought to life using associated practical and computer examples, helping you to understand how the research choices you make affect your data analysis options and the power of your statistical tests. You will get hands-on experience with data analysis, gaining skills in using and interpreting output from statistical software.

Into ARU

Entering third level education is exciting; but it can also be a daunting experience. At ARU, we want all students to make the most of the opportunities Higher Education provides, so they reach their potential, become lifelong learners and find fulfilling careers. However, we appreciate that the shift from secondary education, or a return to formal education is quite a journey. This module is designed to ease that transition. You’ll be enrolled on it as soon as you receive an offer from ARU so you can begin to learn about university life before your course starts. Through Into ARU, you’ll explore a virtual land modelled around ARU values: Courage, Innovation, Community, Integrity, Responsibility, and Ambition. This innovative module is designed as a game, where you collect knowledge and complete various mini tasks. You’ll proceed at your own pace, though we expect you to have completed the Into ARU exploration by week 6. If you, for whatever reason, are unable to complete it by that date, you’ll be signposted to existing services so that we can be confident that you’re supported.

Contemporary Issues in Psychology

The aim of this module is to explore the unique solutions and approaches that psychologists and psychological research can bring to analysing contemporary real-world problems. For example, issues such as welfare, climate change, political conflict, behaviour in a health pandemic, and the effects of social media, are all public policy issues that psychologists can contribute to. Many current concerns of environmental and social welfare are strongly influenced by psychological factors and could benefit from psychological analysis.

The module will provide you with a grounding in key skills and research that address considering people, and their psychology, in relation to issues of contemporary concern and policy making. There are two strands to these skills: (a) critical understanding of psychological research methods and ethics, and (b) specific psychological knowledge and approaches relevant to policy making. Regarding the latter, some examples would be knowledge about the roles of self-regulation, motivation, identity, emotion, and culture.

The specific topics of the module vary depending on issues of contemporary concern, but some examples would be identity politics, wellbeing economics, political populism, disaster preparedness, social media, nationalism, conspiracy theories, and pandemic behaviour. In summary, the module looks at several topics of contemporary relevance and examines how psychologists can contribute to our understanding of them and what practical advice psychologists could give to policy makers.

Diagnosis and Formulation in Mental Health

You’ll be introduced to diagnosis and formulation in mental health, as well as a variety of mental health problems including anxiety, depression, psychosis and post-traumatic stress disorder. You’ll develop your knowledge of diagnostic classification of mental health problems and establish an understanding of theoretical explanations of mental health problems through formulation. You will also review current knowledge of aetiological factors in mental health problems, including biological, psychological and sociocultural factors. You’ll be taught the importance of understanding the individual beyond diagnosis, through applying formulation to case studies.

Psychology Dissertation

This module requires you to undertake a research project in the chosen field of study and to present the results of that research in a thesis prepared to the highest scientific professional standards. The research will normally be based on preparatory work undertaken in modules: Issues in Psychological Research and either The Research in Action modules or Essential Research Methods. The topic may be drawn mainly from a selection of suggested topics related to school research groups. A professional subject of interest will be considered provided that a strong case is made, and suitable supervision is available. These suggested project topics will be assessed for suitability. You’ll be assigned a supervisor, or, if appropriate, a supervisory team. You will be expected to make regular reports documenting progress. These reports will normally be in a written format suitable for incorporation into the final thesis.

Modules are subject to change and availability.

How you’ll be assessed

The assessment on this course is varied and innovative. You’ll be assessed via traditional coursework essay and exams, as well as portfolios, case study reports, multiple choice questionnaires, book reviews, presentations, and, of course, the dissertation.

Accreditation

Professional recognition

Our online Psychology MSc is accredited by the British Psychological Society. BPS accreditation is an important hallmark of quality that is extensively acknowledged by employers and an essential stepping-stone for those looking to progress to Chartered Psychologist after graduation.

Upon successful completion of this BPS accredited course you will become eligible for the society’s Graduate Chartered Membership.

How you'll study

100% Online study

Dedicated support

Study online and graduate on campus

Our online psychology degree conversion course is studied 100% online through flexible distance learning.

You’ll study through Canvas, our world-class online Learning Management System (LMS), which can be accessed from your phone, PC, or tablet, both at home or on the move. Canvas provides instant access to study materials, forums, and support from tutors and classmates, as well as enabling easy submission of your assignments.

On successful completion of your master’s degree in psychology, you’ll be invited to attend a graduation ceremony on campus. If attending the ceremony in person is not possible then we’ll arrange to have your certificate sent to you.

Entry requirements

What you’ll need to start this course

A first degree, with honours, at a minimum final classification of Lower Second (2:2) or equivalent.

If English is not your first language, you will be expected to demonstrate a certificated level of proficiency of at least IELTS 6.5 or equivalent English Language qualification as recognised by Anglia Ruskin University.

As a distance learner, you'll also need a suitable computer with internet connection, together with sufficient IT competence to make effective use of our online Learning Management System (LMS) with high-speed internet and email.

Please note: Our published entry requirements are a guide only and our decision will be based on your overall suitability for the course as well as whether you meet the minimum entry requirements. Other equivalent qualifications may be accepted for entry to this course, please contact us for further information.

Fees and Funding

Fees

The full tuition fee for our online MSc Psychology is £8,600.

The tuition fees you pay each year will be £4,300. The psychology conversion course is studied over 2 years.

Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL) may reduce the tuition fees. This will be confirmed once your application has been submitted. Please note that APL may affect your eligibility for a postgraduate loan.

Funding

We offer payment by instalments, so you can spread the cost of studying with us.

For military students: You can use your ELCs towards this course. ARU is a recognised ELCAS provider (number 1007). Please contact your Learning Centre for details of ELC, eligibility and how to apply.

For more information on how you fund your studies please see our funding page.

What our students say

of our Alumni would recommend studying with ARU Distance Learning

found studying via distance learning either ‘very accessible’ or ‘quite accessible’

felt ‘much more confident’ or 'more confident’ at work

2026 Alumni survey with 268 respondents

The flexibility of the online learning format is particularly beneficial for those balancing professional and personal commitments. The support from the teaching staff and the extensive online resources provided by the university creates a robust learning environment.

Mario, Project Management Alumni

Read Mario's story

My experience has been such a positive one, with many highs and lows. The experience has shaped me for future study and given me skills for life, both personally and professionally.

ARU student

Read Dean's Story

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Completing the LLM International Business and Commercial Law Major Research Project was an excellent opportunity to dig deeper into how English common law has continually evolved with major advances in technology. I really appreciated the feedback provided by the course tutors.

Law student

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I strongly believe that we should all be learning constantly throughout our life. No one is too old, too busy, or too inexperienced to learn new things.

Sophie, Applied and Clinical Psychology BSc (Hons)

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Meet Early Childhood Studies Student Jess

Meet Psychology student Arianna

Arianna tells her story of how studying via distance learning is allowing her to gain a qualification that aligns with her passions and long-term goals to switch careers and work as a therapist. She explains how studying flexibly with ARU helps her maintain a healthy balance between work, study and family life. Read more student stories

Awards and recognition

Be part of the University of the Year

We're proud to be the Times Higher Education (THE) University of the Year 2023. The prestigious THE awards honour ’exceptional performance during the 2021-22 academic year, and reflect ARU’s success in delivering high-impact projects during this period, despite the challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic.

The award recognises the difference we make in the region and our communities – while also acknowledging the broader impact of our world-leading research, and the contributions our students and graduates make to society.

Supported distance learning

We understand that distance learning is different to traditional campus study and if you’re new to online study you may have concerns or apprehensions about studying your postgraduate degree remotely, and that’s natural.

To help put your mind at ease we have a dedicated Distance Learning Support Team to help and support you throughout your time at ARU, starting with your first online induction and staying with you right through to graduation. In addition, you’ll also be supported by specialist psychology tutors, well experienced in supporting distance learning students.

Once you start your postgraduate degree, we encourage the creation of online communities and many of our learners find these connections with others invaluable, helping them to stay motivated, share concerns or make new friendships.

Visit our support page to learn more about our support services.

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Careers

Everything you need to know about building your career in psychology

What can an MSc Psychology (Conversion) course do for my career?

The MSc Psychology (Conversion) course is accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS), which allows graduates to gain Graduate or Chartered Membership of the BPS, giving them chartered status and opening doors to careers in psychology and/or further academic study and/or research.

Many professional psychology careers require you to register with the Health & Care Professions Council (HCPC), such as clinical psychologist, forensic psychologist, health psychologist, and counselling psychologist; or require Chartered Psychologist status (e.g. occupational psychologist). This means training at postgraduate level and gaining Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (GBC), which is achieved by completing a psychology degree or conversion course accredited by The British Psychological Society (BPS).

That’s why our MSc Psychology Conversion Online (distance learning) course benefits both career changers and those who seek career progression alike. It gives you the essential knowledge and understanding of today’s key issues in the field of psychology, as well as the skills to perform research at postgraduate level. Learning through the flexibility of distance learning means minimal disruption to your current job responsibilities.

What careers can I pursue with an MSc Psychology (Conversion) online?

Graduates from our BPS accredited MSc Psychology Conversion course may consider these following job roles (may require further training):

Assistant psychologist
Clinical psychologist
Counselling psychologist
Educational psychologist
Forensic psychologist
Health psychologist
Neuropsychologist
Occupational psychologist
Sports psychologist
Academic teaching and research

If you are looking for more information about these job profiles and potential salary earnings visit the BPS website or Prospects.ac.uk. It’s important to note that salaries can vary widely depending on the job role, employer, industry sector and location.

What skills will I get from a MSc Psychology (Conversion) course to help my career?

Choosing to study a Psychology MSc conversion degree will give you many transferable skills. Here are just some of them:

Acquire research skills with a scientific and critical approach to conduct research at master’s level.
Develop effective communication skills, honing your skill to write for different audiences and articulating coherent arguments.
Gain advanced techniques of statistical analysis to understand and interpret numerical, statistical and other data.
Apply effective project management skills which includes workload management, working professionally with others and present research outcomes.

What can I study after a MSc Psychology (Conversion)?

Careers Advice Service

Once you become an ARU student you will be able to access our Employability service to help you whatever stage of your career, whether that’s landing your dream job or the next progression step.

We offer:

careers advice, including one-to-one online and telephone appointments with our experienced advisers
help with your CV, job searches, applications, and interview preparation
an online portal packed with useful careers resources
our Employability Programme, which helps you hone the skills employers say they want in graduates.

FAQs

A selection of popular questions

What is a conversion course?

Can I be a psychologist with a MSc Psychology (Conversion) course?

What is the difference between MSc Psychology and MSc Psychology (Conversion)?

What’s the difference between a counsellor and counselling psychologist?

Both counsellors and counselling psychologists help people to improve their mental health and wellbeing, but there are key differences. Counselling psychologists have a deeper understanding of psychology, and their training is steeped from scientific research. Therefore, they are qualified to assess and diagnose clients and support in more complex mental health issues. Counsellors can provide support for more short-term, specific challenges.

Psychologists need to gain BPS accreditation and likely further training and be registered with HCPC. Counsellors do not need formal qualifications, but most employers and clients look for counsellors that are approved or accredited by a recognised professional body such as BACP, National Counselling Society or UK Counsel for Psychotherapy.

Take the next step, apply today

Next application deadline: 17th April 2026

Your future, on your terms. Apply now before the application deadline.

Apply now