MSC IN PSYCHOLOGY
ONLINE, PART TIME
ABOUT THE COURSE
Master psychology through real research. Design studies, test interventions and analyse data.
KEY DETAILS
Delivery:
Online and part time
Start dates:
January, June and September
This MSc Psychology conversion course is designed for graduates from any discipline. It suits those who want to understand human behaviour and apply psychological insight in professional contexts.
Delivered 100% online, the course combines flexibility with academic rigour, allowing you to study alongside work and other commitments.
You’ll explore all core areas of psychology: from brain science to social influence, infant development to ageing, mental health to behaviour change. You’ll build strong research skills through training in qualitative and quantitative methods, and ethics. You’ll also learn to report findings in APA format -
Duration:
Two years
Total course fee: £TBC
the gold standard for psychological research and publication.
Learning is structured around a clear, practical cycle. You’ll engage with expertdesigned materials at your own pace, then apply concepts through guided, structured activities. You’ll design real interventions, test them with participants, and analyse authentic data. Live tutor-led sessions foster discussion, collaboration, and critical thinking to deepen your understanding and support real-world application.
You’ll conclude with an independent dissertation, where you design and conduct original psychological research under academic supervision.
WHO’S THE COURSE FOR?
> Graduates from any discipline seeking a solid grounding in psychology, regardless of prior study.
> Career changers pursuing psychologically informed roles in health, education, business, or policy.
> Professionals developing expertise in behavioural research, data analysis, and evidence-based practice.
> Analytically focused individuals strengthening quantitative, critical thinking, and communication skills.
> Those preparing for postgraduate professional training in applied psychology (subject to BPS accreditation).
LEARNING ONLINE ALLOWS YOU TO:
Study while you work
Fit your studies around a full time job and other commitments.
Join a global network
Connect with like-minded professionals across the globe.
Learn from anywhere
Get the degree you want without the visa and travel costs.
Advance your career
Unlock new, exciting job opportunities and discover your full potential.
a vibrant, diverse community of learners
CAREER OUTCOMES
This MSc equips you with research-driven understanding of human behaviour and the skills to apply it across diverse professional settings.
You’ll develop career-ready skills in research design, statistical analysis, intervention development, critical evaluation, and scientific communication. You’ll also learn to find and evaluate evidence, apply
psychological theory to real challenges, and work ethically in global, AI-enabled environments.
Psychology informs key areas including health, education, public policy, and organisational performance. Graduates work across sectors where understanding behaviour creates a positive impact.
Here are just a few directions you could take your career in:
Research assistant or behavioural researcher
Human resources or organisational development
Education, training, and learning support
Health, wellbeing, and mental health support
Marketing, user research, and behavioural insights
Use psychology to make a meaningful difference in people’s lives
STUDY WITH THE SCHOOL OF PSYCHOLOGY, 100% ONLINE
This course is delivered by the University of Southampton’s School of Psychology, ranked 9th in the UK in the Guardian University Guide 2026 The School is a research-intensive and internationally recognised centre for psychological science. 100% of its research was rated world-leading in the most recent Research Excellence Framework (REF 2021).
The School of Psychology’s research explores the human mind, behaviour, health, and wellbeing. This research directly informs teaching on the course.
You’ll benefit from research-led content and expert academic support. You’ll also have access to high-quality digital learning resources that are grounded in practice.
The School of Psychology’s research explores the human mind, behaviour, health, and wellbeing.
STUDYING PSYCHOLOGY
This MSc Psychology includes nine modules, which total 180 credits. All modules are mandatory. The programme uses a ‘carousel’ model. You’ll begin your studies with Introduction to Psychology, providing a broad background and overview of the field.
You’ll then rotate into the next available module and take them one by one until you complete a full circuit. In each module you’ll encounter different aspects of the core theories, methods, and findings in psychology. You’ll gain dedicated research methods training across two models, including training in topics such as
MODULE OVERVIEW
Introduction to Psychology (15 credits)
Explore psychology as a science, from clinical approaches to mental health to brain and behaviour, social processes, and the psychology of love. Understand how psychologists study human behaviour and mental events using scientific evidence.
preregistration, open science, and GenAI. You’ll have many opportunities to develop critical practical skills with personal feedback.
Finally, you’ll rotate into the Dissertation Project together with your cohort. There, over 32 weeks, you’ll gain extensive further training in research methods, ethical considerations, and practical concerns. You’ll also meet with a research advisor to develop, conduct, and report a unique psychological research project culminating in an APA-format paper and conferencestyle presentation.
Personality Traits & Social Dynamics (15 credits)
Examine contemporary personality models, psychometric measurement, and the influences that shape personality. Explore how attitudes, persuasion, and group dynamics influence behaviour at individual and collective levels in real-world contexts.
MODULE OVERVIEW (CONTINUED)
Research Methods: Comparing Groups (15 credits)
Learn hypothesis testing, experimental designs, and statistical techniques including t-tests and ANOVA. Develop practical skills in SPSS Statistics to analyse data and report findings following APA guidelines.
Cognitive & Biopsychology (15 credits)
Explore how genetics, neural systems, and hormones shape behaviour. Study core cognitive processes including learning, memory, perception, and attention to understand how biological systems underpin psychological functioning.
Health Psychology (15 credits)
Apply psychological theory to health and wellbeing. Explore biopsychosocial models, behaviour change theories, and qualitative research methods to design and evaluate theory-based health interventions.
Research Methods: Relationships & Qualitative (15 credits)
Master quantitative approaches including questionnaire design, preregistration, and correlational and regression analyses in IBM SPSS Statistics. Learn qualitative methods like thematic and discourse analysis to test hypotheses.
Developmental Psychology (15 credits)
Examine human development from infancy to old age. Study physical, cognitive, socio-emotional, and language development using key theories and research to understand developmental change across life stages.
Clinical Psychology (15 credits)
Study adult psychopathology, diagnostic classification, and theoretical models of mental disorders. Understand evidencebased treatments like cognitive behavioural therapy and how theory informs clinical practice.
Dissertation Project (60 credits)
Conduct original psychological research from conception to dissemination. Develop a research question, design and preregister a study, collect and analyse data, then present findings in a research paper and presentation.
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
STANDARD ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
To join the course, you’ll need:
> a minimum of a 2:2 class degree in any subject, equivalent to a UK bachelor’s degree; or
> a minimum of a third-class degree in any subject, equivalent to a UK bachelor’s degree; and a minimum of 2 years’ employment in a recognised graduate role
What you’ll need to provide
The assessment of the employment in a recognised graduate role and any specific responsibilities will be evidenced by your submission of the below items:
> a current detailed CV highlighting relevant employment in a recognised graduate role
> a professional reference
> a personal statement of around 300-500 words explaining your interest in the programme of study, how it fits with your career aspirations, and how the experience detailed in your CV has so far developed the skillset required to be a successful student at Level 7
Personal statement
In your personal statement, highlight examples that demonstrate your abilities in:
> time management
> organisation
> communication
> teamwork
> personal responsibility
> critical thinking
> problem-solving
For guidance on your eligibility, please contact our adviser team.
NON-STANDARD ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
If you don’t meet the standard academic requirements, don’t worry. We review applications on a case-by-case basis and will assess whether your background and experience are suitable for this course. We would strongly recommend holding:
> a degree in any subject, equivalent to a UK bachelor’s degree
> additional relevant professional interests, experience or qualifications
What you’ll need to provide
All non-standard applicants must submit:
> a detailed CV highlighting your relevant professional and personal experiences
> a personal statement of around 300–500 words explaining your interest in the programme of study, how it fits with your career aspirations, and how the experience detailed in your CV has so far developed the skillset required to be a successful student at Level 7
> A reference will also be required, although the type of reference will depend on what evidence you are providing to be considered for entry.
For example:
> if you’re relying on professional experience, a professional reference may be requested
> if you don’t have the required work experience, a personal or character reference may be accepted
Personal statement
In your personal statement, highlight examples that demonstrate your abilities in:
> time management
> organisation
> communication
> teamwork
> personal responsibility
> critical thinking
> problem-solving
ENGLISH LANGUAGE REQUIREMENTS
You’ll need to provide evidence of your English language ability equivalent to an IELTS (academic) score of 6.5. All components should have a minimum score of 6.0. For nonIELTS equivalents of this score, please refer to the table below:
Reading: 22
Writing: 21
Listening: 21
Speaking: 23
Please note that you will not need to provide evidence of English language ability if:
> You’re a national of, or have completed a qualification equivalent to a UK degree in, one of the countries recognised for English language proficiency. Please contact our adviser team to confirm if your country qualifies.
> You can demonstrate that you’ve worked professionally in English for at least 2 years. In this case, a professional reference letter will be required.
> You have completed an undergraduate degree taught and assessed in English up to 2 years preceding the date of
Literacy: 105
Conversation: 105
Comprehension: 110
Production: 85
first enrolment at the University of Southampton. In the case of degrees taught by two or more partner institutions of which only one is taught and assessed in English, you must demonstrate that a minimum of 2 years have been taught and assessed in English.
> You have been awarded a degree that was fully taught and assessed in English between two and five years prior to the date of first enrolment at the University and can demonstrate that you’ve worked professionally in English for a minimum of 12 months in the last two years. In this case, a professional reference letter will be required.
APPLICATION PROCESS
1 2 3
Start by checking your course’s entry requirements and registering your interest online.
Our team of friendly advisors will get in touch to learn more about your background and help determine if the course is the right fit for you.
They’ll guide you through the process, offering support and answering any questions you might have.
4
To apply, you’ll need to create an account on our application portal and upload the required documents. Once your application is submitted, it will be reviewed, and you’ll be notified of the outcome.
5
If successful, you’ll be invited to accept your offer and will receive clear instructions on how to enrol.
ASSESSMENTS
Assessment on this course develops both your academic knowledge and professional skills. You’ll complete a range of formative and summative tasks that reflect how psychology is applied and communicated in practice.
Assessments include essays, research reports, reflective writing, presentations, group projects, and tests.
Applied assessment tasks focus on applying theory to real-world issues, developing interventions, or analysing data.
STUDENT SUPPORT
Each module includes regular formative activities with feedback to help you build skills, track your progress, and prepare confidently for summative assessment.
Studying online with us doesn’t mean studying alone. From your first enquiry to after you graduate, you’ll be supported every step of the way.
Before you begin, our advisors can help you decide whether the course is right for you. During your studies, your teaching team will guide your academic progress, supported by dedicated student advisers for non-academic support. You’ll also have access to career development resources and networking opportunities.
After graduation, you can continue to access career support for up to five years and join our global alumni network, connecting you with professionals around the world.
ABOUT US
The University of Southampton is one of the world’s leading universities.
With over 150 years of history, innovative thinking and pioneering research are at the heart of our culture. We are consistently placed in the top 100 universities in the world by the QS World University Rankings. We stand for exploration and curiosity, interdisciplinary thinking, and inventive education.
We inspire minds, bring people and ideas together, and give them the space and specialist facilities to realise their potential. We have over 25,000 students from 130+ countries, who are all part of our thriving inclusive culture.
