Psychology

Entry requirements

An undergraduate degree in a subject other than psychology, or a non- accredited (combined / single honours) undergraduate degree that includes psychology of 2:1 or above.

In accordance with BPS requirements for conversion courses, all applicants must hold an undergraduate degree. This includes a degree in a subject other than psychology, or a degree in psychology that has not been accredited. Since this conversion course comprises 180 credits, there is no requirement for previous study of psychology at L4 or above prior to entry to the programme.

Applicants with grades lower than a 2:1 may also be considered. Suitability will be assessed by the Programme Director on a case by case basis, taking into account: academic performance, professional experience, personal statement, and references.

For more information on the IELTS (International English language Testing System) requirements for this course, please click here to visit our dedicated IELTs web page.

The programme welcomes international students. International applicants who apply for Distance Learning must be a resident outside the UK and will not be eligible to apply for a Student Route Visa.

Months of entry

September

Course content

Explore the science of the mind and behaviour with the MSc Psychology Conversion course at Canterbury Christ Church University.

Designed for graduates from non-psychology backgrounds, this British Psychological Society (BPS) accredited course offers a comprehensive foundation in psychology, preparing you for professional or academic progression within the field.

What you'll learn

• Gain an advanced, academic skillset necessary for you to specialise upon graduation.
• Work alongside experts in their field as you engage in active research conducted by the Psychology Team.
• Develop research and analytical skills using scientific methods and data-driven approaches.
• Apply psychological theory to real-world issues across health, education, and workplace settings.
• Choose how you study with this flexible course structure through distance learning.

The course blends theory with hands-on research training, allowing you to develop practical expertise in psychological methods and statistical analysis. You’ll also benefit from teaching by experienced academics and practitioners who bring real-world insight into areas such as mental health, cognition, and social behaviour.

On completion, you’ll be eligible for Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (GBC) with the BPS, which is the essential first step toward becoming a chartered psychologist.

Whether you aspire to work in clinical, educational, occupational, or research settings, this course will provide the professional foundation and academic support to help you achieve your goals.

Postgraduate Psychology routes at CCCU

This Psychology Conversion course is specifically for students with a non-psychology background. If you're a Psychology graduate and would like to pursue postgraduate study, please visit our Applied Clinical Psychology or Forensic and Investigative Psychology course.

Alternatively, if you're looking for ultimate flexibility, then you can complete this Psychology Conversion course online. To learn more please visit our dedicated MSc Psychology - Distance Learning course page.

Accredited by the British Psychological Society

Our course is accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS). This ensures the highest course quality, meaning you are eligible to complete further study to become a Chartered Psychologist.

How You'll Learn

All staff who deliver the MSc Psychology course are experienced lecturers and research active academics. Some sessions may also involve and /or be led by practitioners and other key stakeholders (e.g., patient groups). This broad range of input provides you with an enriched perspective on the applications of psychology in the real-world.

Teaching takes place over 2 days a week for full-time students (Wednesday and Thursday) and 1 day a week for part-time students (Wednesday in Year 1 and Thursday in Year 2). You will experience a variety of learning and teaching techniques, which will vary from module to module. These may include lectures, discussion sessions, workshops and hands-on research, as well as a substantial amount of self-directed study. You will also have scheduled tutorials with your Personal Academic Tutor and receive one-to-one support from an experienced supervisor when you begin your independent research project.

As a guide, we recommend you dedicate around 30-35 hours per week to your studies for full-time students and between 15-20 hours per weeks for part-time students. This includes all independent and directed study (including on campus sessions) as well as assessment planning and preparation. This is an intensive course and we recommend the part-time route for applicants with significant commitments outside of their studies.

You will be able to take advantage of the state-of-the-art teaching and learning facilities and research laboratories in our new Verena Holmes building which opened in 2021. This houses all our psychology research and teaching laboratories and other social learning spaces.

How you’ll be assessed

Our assessment strategy uses a number of formats designed to tap into the different skills you are expected to develop during your time with us, and may include objective assessments, essays, portfolios, practical reports, presentations, podcasts, and a final research project.

Your future career

Graduates from our programme have gone onto postgraduate training in psychology, for example, training in Clinical and Forensic Psychology, in addition to obtaining roles as assistant psychologists, psychological wellbeing practitioners, support workers, and intervention facilitators.

20% Alumni Discount

We offer alumni discounts on CCCU Postgraduate Taught, PGCE Primary and Secondary, and Master's by Research courses for eligible students.

Information for international students

Canterbury Christ Church University welcomes applications from International Students. For more information please visit our website.

Fees and funding

Fees for home students are £9835 and for international students they are £17000