Psychology (Conversion) MSc | PGDip | PGCert – Online Course
Expand your mind and career prospects by gaining a British Psychological Society (BPS) accredited master’s degree with our online Psychology (Conversion) MSc. This programme offers an opportunity for students from other disciplines to convert their existing qualifications and learning to an award that meets the requirements for Graduate Basis of Chartership with the British Psychological Society (GBC). GBC is essential for students’ development as psychologists.
This BPS accredited conversion programme is designed to provide you with a comprehensive understanding of biological, developmental, cognitive and social psychology. You will also learn how to put psychological principles into effect in a variety of settings including research, practice, and the interface of applied research.
In unison with the strong research ethos of the University of Liverpool, theory in the programme is research-led, and modules have been developed with full support of the prestigious research groups in the Department of Psychology. Also, reflecting the global character of the University, the programme approaches theoretical and applied developments in Psychology from an open-minded perspective that values diversity and cross-culturalism. Learning is largely achieved through discussion forums with classmates from all around the world, which gives students the opportunity to learn from different experiences, backgrounds and contexts.
The module assessments have been developed to maximise student employability, with each piece of work based on the philosophy of action-based learning. You will be assessed entirely through written assignment and challenged to apply your knowledge to solve real world problems within your working and social environment. You will also be required to create an online portfolio of evidence which you can use as a vehicle to showcase your project-based work, personal achievements and resume details. For the culmination of your degree, you will carry out an independent research dissertation on a psychological issue of your choice and apply theory to practice.
By successfully completing this programme, you will meet the requirements for Graduate Basis of Chartership with the British Psychological Society (GBC). This is the first step towards becoming a Chartered Psychologist in the United Kingdom (UK).
Download a prospectus for more details on this programme including module information.
Please note – the postgraduate awards for this programme are titled as follows: Psychology (Conversion) MSc, Psychology PG Dip and Psychology PG Cert.
Students that successfully complete the Postgraduate Certificate (PG Cert) can progress onto the Mental Health Psychology (PG Dip and MSc) or Organisational Business Psychology (PG Dip and MSc) programmes.
What will I study?
This programme consists of the following modules. You are required to complete 180 credits to achieve a full Master of Science (MSc), 120 credits to achieve the postgraduate diploma (PG Dip) and 60 credits to achieve the postgraduate certificate (PG Cert).
Students that successfully complete the Postgraduate Certificate (PG Cert) can progress onto the Mental Health Psychology (PG Dip and MSc) or Organisational Business Psychology (PG Dip and MSc) programmes. Find out more about our psychology programmes by contacting our admissions team.
| Modules | MSc (Conversion) | PGDip | PGCert |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mind, Brain and Behaviour (15 credits) | x | x | x |
| Social Psychology (15 credits) | x | x | x |
| Data Analysis for Psychology (15 credits) | x | x | x |
| Personality, Individual Differences and Intelligence (15 credits) | x | x | x |
| Cross Cultural Issues in Lifespan Development (15 credits) | x | x | |
| Psychology of Learning (15 credits) | x | x | |
| Cognitive Psychology (15 credits) | x | x | |
| Psychobiology (15 credits) | x | x | |
| Dissertation (60 credits) | x |
All applications will be considered on a case-by-case basis. If you want to discuss your previous qualifications and experience before applying, please contact us now via LiveChat.
Applicants should possess either:
- A minimum of a 2:1 class degree in any subject including psychology equivalent to a UK bachelor’s degree;
OR
- A minimum of a 2:2 class degree in any subject including psychology equivalent to a UK bachelor’s degree AND have gained at least two years of relevant professional experience.
Non-psychology applicants will normally require a GCSE Grade 4 (grade C) or GCE O Level pass in Mathematics and English, or an equivalent qualification.
All applicants must provide evidence that they have an English language ability equivalent to an IELTS (academic) score of 6.5 (overall) and 7.0 (reading and writing).
If you don’t have an IELTS or equivalent certificate, you can take our free online English test to assess your proficiency. You don’t need to prove your English ability if you are a national of, or have completed a qualification equivalent to a UK degree in, any of these countries.
Fees for the academic year 2024/25
MSc: £16,868
PGDip: £11,246
PGCert: £5,623
This fee* is fully inclusive of all costs, including all teaching materials, core textbooks, assessments and resits.
Scholarships and discounts
You may be able to benefit from the following scholarships and discounts:
- Regional Scholarships of up to 20%. To find out the scholarship offered in your region, please make an enquiry now.
- 20% UK Scholarship available on the January 2025 intake of all master’s awards, for students residing in the United Kingdom.
- 10% discount for University of Liverpool alumni.
- 5% discount for up-front full tuition fee payment.
Further support
We aim to make it as easy as possible for you to cover the costs of your studies. You could benefit from:
- Simple monthly payment plan provided to spread the cost over the duration of study
- Students living in England may be eligible for a postgraduate loan to cover some of the programme cost.
Please speak to our admissions team for more details of fees, scholarships, discounts and support.
*All tuition fees shown are net of any applicable sales tax payable by you in your country of residence. Where we are required to add sales tax at the local statutory rate, this will be added to the tuition fees shown and confirmed.
Teaching and assessment
The learning, teaching and assessment strategies for all online programmes are aligned with the three University of Liverpool Hallmarks of research-connected teaching, active learning and authentic assessment – as well as the three University of Liverpool Graduate Attributes of confidence, digital fluency and global citizenship.
Teaching methods
Studying online allows you to study in your own time and from wherever works best for you – whether that is from your home, during your lunch hour or anywhere else you have internet access.
All our online programmes are delivered through a specially designed online learning platform. This allows 24/7 access to your study materials, which includes:
- innovative lecturecasts consisting of audio recordings, infographics, videos, animation, short tasks, and written content
- a comprehensive eLibrary of ebooks and academic journals
- forums for you to discuss programme content with peers
- support from academic staff and a dedicated Student Support team
Assessments
Online programmes are assessed based on work carried out in the virtual classroom. Reflecting the hallmark of authentic assessment, this may include report writing, reflective practice, research projects, and individual or group presentations that represent the kinds of tasks you would be expected to undertake in a professional setting.
We are committed to:
- providing frequent and transparent feedback
- ensuring our assessment criteria are simple and clear
- making it easy for you to clearly view your marks in your gradebook when you log into the learning platform
- delivering provisional marks and feedback of assessed work usually within seven days for taught modules
- ensuring academic support through weekly lecturer office hours
- providing access to our Student Support team, with whom you can discuss any concerns or issues
Online learning experience
We will support your online learning experience with high-quality learning materials and resources, which can all be found on our state-of-the-art virtual learning platform.
Typically, your learning experience will include the following:
- directed learning – including participation in virtual discussions with peers, led by the lecturer, working through relevant and specially prepared videos and lecturecasts; completing interactive exercises on the learning platform; appointments with your lecturer during office hours
- self-directed learning – including wider reading and research in your subject area to further develop your knowledge and understanding
- assessment – time taken to prepare and complete assignments and activities which contribute to your overall assessment
On average, you will need to dedicate a minimum of 15-20 hours of study per module, per week.
Study duration
Our master’s award has an approximate study duration of 30 months, studied online and part-time. Our PG Diploma award has an approximate duration of 20 months and our PG Certificate has an approximate duration of 10 months.
Please note, that the actual study duration may be longer depending on study options chosen, speed of study, and module availability.
Students pursue the programme in a linear fashion, which is organised into modules, typically with a one or two-week break between modules, and a three-week break for the Christmas period. You will receive an indicative module timetable during the enrolment process.
On successful completion of your degree, and payment of any outstanding tuition fees, you will receive an invite to attend an in-person graduation ceremony in the vibrant city of Liverpool
Academic staff
We are committed to delivering an enriching online study experience, and all our lecturers are experienced subject specialists with demonstrated learning and teaching proficiency.
They play an integral part in ensuring the latest theories and research feature in our programmes and are dedicated to providing a high level of support throughout your studies.
All lecturers and supervisors are honorary faculty at the University of Liverpool.
Discover more about our key academic staff and their experience.
Quality and assurance
As one of the Russell Group’s 24 members, the University of Liverpool is recognised as a world-class, research-intensive institution, that adheres to strict quality standards.
The University is registered with the Office for Students and an established member of the Quality Assurance for Higher Education.
Apply for this course by completing a simple online form.
In order to apply, you will need to provide copies of the following supporting documentation:
- School or college transcripts/certificates
- University transcripts and certified translations if applicable
- Degree certificates
- Evidence of English language proficiency (EU and international applications only)
- Personal statement
- An up-to-date CV
Acknowledgement of your application
The admissions team will acknowledge receipt of your application and will pass it to the Department Head and/or appropriate academic department(s) for consideration.
Students with disabilities
We welcome applications from students with disabilities and consider them on the same academic grounds as those of other students. If you have a disability, medical condition and/or support needs it is important that you inform the University so that you receive appropriate support.
Deadlines
We have regular start dates throughout the year with regular application deadlines. Applicants are encouraged to apply in good time, particularly if they have special requirements.
With Graduate Basis of Chartership with the British Psychological Society (GBC), students are eligible to be admitted to train in the domains of Clinical or Clinical Neuropsychology, Counselling, Educational Child Psychology, Forensic Psychology, Sports and Exercise Psychology or Occupational Psychology.
The scientific aspects of the course, including the application of a reasoned approach, problem solving and manipulation of data, provide useful tools for careers in healthcare, law enforcement, finance, IT and research. While the understanding about human behaviour and motivation, ability to critically analyse a problem, formulate a considered response, create an argument and generate new ideas, lend themselves well to careers in the creative industries, the legal sector, government administration and education.
The Department of Psychology at the University of Liverpool is one of the UK’s oldest academic psychology departments, having been established in 1947. We are known for our world-class research, which is focused on improving the health, wellbeing, and lives of societies across the globe. Today we are one of the UK’s leading psychology departments. The latest Research Excellence Framework 2021 placed us joint 1st in the UK for our world-leading (4*) environment and ranked top 10 in the UK for Research Power.
By studying online with Liverpool, you can gain a highly regarded qualification from a prestigious redbrick university and a member of the Russell Group, a group of 24 research-led UK universities committed to maintaining the highest possible standards of research and education. You will acquire new skills and knowledge, all while continuing to work in your current role.
The University of Liverpool has been offering online programmes since 2000. We are recognised as one of Europe’s leading providers of wholly online postgraduate degrees. All our programmes are designed for online delivery, and our state-of-the-art learning platform encourages collaboration with fellow professionals from around the world.
Study Online with the University of Liverpool
In this webinar, our team give an introduction to online Psychology programmes at the University of Liverpool, the admissions and enrolment process, the support available to students and a demonstration of how you will study.
