The MSc in Psychological Science is an intensive one-year Master’s course accredited by the British Psychological Society, enabling you to pursue a career in this area even if your background is in another discipline.
This conversion programme is specifically designed for students who have not studied psychology before. It provides a comprehensive introduction to the core areas of psychology outlined by the British Psychological Society (BPS), including biological, cognitive, developmental, and social psychology, as well as individual differences, You will also study quantitative and qualitative research methods and statistics, and undertake your own research project under the supervision of a member of our diverse psychology department staff.
The programme is suitable for students from a variety of backgrounds who wish to develop core psychological knowledge and skills, whether to pursue a research or applied career in psychology.
This intensive programme means with focused work and preparation, you will get a fully-accredited course in the space of 12 rewarding months. This MSc is not a specialism degree in Psychology. We ask that you take note of this when considering your application. If you require further information about the content or structure of the MSc Psychological Science (Conversion) programme, please feel free to contact us: mscpsychscience@qub.ac.uk
PLEASE NOTE:
Applications for this course received after 30th June 2026 may not be accepted. In addition, a deposit will be required to secure a place.
Applications for this course received after 30th June 2026 may not be accepted. In addition, a deposit will be required to secure a place.
Psychological Science highlights
World Class Facilities
The School has specialised facilities for human experimental psychology, movement and perception, individual differences, social psychology, child development, psychophysiology and animal behaviour.
Internationally Renowned Experts
Research in the School of Psychology has been judged to be ‘world-leading’ and ‘outstanding’ by the 2014 Research Excellence Framework (REF). Our brilliant internationally renowned staff bring diverse expertise to the School.
Students have the opportunity to work with internationally recognised staff across a broad range of research areas, from basic psychological processes to applied investigations.
Student Testimonials
The biggest draw for me was the impressive staff. Most professors work on their own research while also teaching and I enjoyed the idea of being taught by world leaders that are active within the field of psychology.
Students may enrol on a full-time (1 year) or part-time (2 years) basis. Taught modules are delivered over two semesters.
Full-time students follow taught modules in Semester 1 (Autumn) and Semester 2 (Spring) and they carry out an independent research project and write their MSc thesis (dissertation) in the summer.
Part-time students normally complete three taught modules in year 1, and one taught module and a research thesis (dissertation) in year 2, however there is flexibility in module selection during part-time study.
The MSc is awarded to students who successfully complete four taught modules (120 CATS points) and a 7,000 word research dissertation (60 CATS points).
One other exit qualification is available: students may exit with a Postgraduate Diploma by successfully completing 120 CATS points from taught modules
Course Content
Our MSc Psychological Science Programme focuses on the scientific inquiry of topics from eight key areas in Psychology, to build understanding and critical insight throughout your degree programme. These areas are:
1. Biological Psychology – The biological basis of behaviour: neuroscience, genetics, and animal behaviour
2. Cognitive Psychology – The mental processes underlying thinking, memory, language, and learning
3. Conceptual & Historical Issues – Considers where the discipline has come from, where it’s going, and the big unanswered questions in psychology
4. Social Psychology – How we perceive ourselves and others, interact in groups, and are influenced by culture and society
5. Developmental Psychology – How we grow and develop from conception to old age
6. Research Methods – How we collect and analyse data to better understand the mind and behaviour
7. Perception – How we interpret sensory information to understand and interact with the world around us
8. Individual Differences – How we differ from one another in traits, abilities, and motivations
You’ll learn everything from how people behave as social groups to how the brain works. You will also learn methodological analysis skills. Your research project will take place over the summer.
Course Details
The programme will provide a contemporary curriculum which covers the core topics in psychology, using a variety of teaching methods and assessments that is informed by current research, scholarship and application.
The programme will develop critical awareness of issues in the scientific and applied areas of psychology and the methodological skills to critically examine and interrogate the discipline of psychology in all its facets.
The School of Psychology at Queen’s University Belfast is renowned for its excellence in both teaching and research. Our offerings include a single honours undergraduate programme, three taught MSc degrees, professional doctorates in Clinical Psychology and Educational, Child and Adolescent Psychology, and a dynamic PhD research community.
You will be taught by staff who are internationally recognised researchers in their areas of research. The team will support you not only in getting strong theoretical foundations in psychology but also in developing practical skills through the application of psychological principles to real-world situations.
You will undertake your thesis as part of a research team, reflecting a collaborative approach that mirrors real-world professional settings. Moving beyond traditional one-to-one supervision, you will work alongside postdoctoral researchers and fellow postgraduate students, gaining valuable experience in team-based research and project work.
Excellent supervision
Students are assigned a dissertation supervisor early in the course, with whom they develop a project, obtain ethical approval, analyse and interpret data, and write the final report.
Lectures and lab classes
Lectures provide information about a topic and the basis for further self-directed study. They also provide an opportunity for class discussion, questions, and feedback. Lab classes offer the opportunity to learn and practice skills for example performing qualitative or quantitative methods.
Self-guided study
Self-guided study is an essential part of any taught MSc course including private reading and research, preparation for assignments, and reflection on feedback.
Assessment
Assessments associated with the course are outlined below:
The information below is intended as an example only, featuring module details for the current year of study (2025/26). Modules are reviewed on an annual basis and may be subject to future changes – revised details will be published through Programme Specifications ahead of each academic year.
The course will develop skills in research methods and relevant statistical techniques. Lectures and practicals will explore and critically evaluate: the range of scientific methodologies and analysis used to explore human and animal behaviour; ethical issues surrounding research in psychology; quantitative statistical techniques of analysis; qualitative methodologies; the process behind originating, designing and undertaking scientific research in psychology. The course will involve work in class and independent learning. Students will present work as individual portfolios and sit in-class multiple-choice question tests.
Learning Outcomes
Having completed this module, students will be able to:
demonstrate a systematic knowledge of a range of research methods in psychology, their application and limitations
appreciate the strengths and weaknesses of each approach in revealing people’s thoughts, feelings, behaviours and interactions
understand and critically evaluate the extent to which conclusions about an aspect of behaviour may be influenced by the method used to study it
demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of research design and the processes that guide this
demonstrate knowledge and importance of the application of ethical principles in relation to psychological research and potential limitations
demonstrate an understanding of various measurement techniques in psychology and be able to critically evaluate their design and application
display a comprehensive knowledge of quantitative and qualitative techniques and their appropriate use with particular data sets
critically evaluate, using evidence based reasoning, the relevant issues (theoretical, applied, ethics) that may underlie the use of different techniques used by researchers in psychology
demonstrate a critical appreciation of the issues surrounding the use of significance testing within psychological research
relate issues surrounding various methodologies and techniques used in psychological research.
Skills
Students will learn the following academic skills: data analysis, interpretation, and reporting,, literature searching and the use of primary sources, library skills, the use of specialised software, methodological skills, statistical skills, time management, psychological research methods skills.
This module develops the topics of social psychology, cognitive psychology, individual differences and health psychology and psychobiology and animal behaviour.
Learning Outcomes
Having taken this module, students will:
1. Be able to demonstrate an advanced understanding of key concepts and theories in social psychology.
2. Be able to discuss theories and models of human cognition.
3. Be able to demonstrate an advanced understanding of key concepts and theories in individual differences and health psychology.
4. Be able to demonstrate an advanced understanding of evolutionary psychology, neurophysiological structures and applied animal behaviour research
Skills
Having taken this module, students will show competence in certain transferable skills such as critical evaluation, essay writing, literature search, and the ability to analyse and articulate complex issues at an abstract level.
This module covers the topics of employability for psychology, conceptual issues in psychology, perception, and developmental psychology.
Learning Outcomes
Having taken this module, students will be able to:
1. demonstrate a critical understanding of psychological theory in an employability context
2. the ability to critically evaluate historical issues, key concepts and theories as well as empirical evidence and claims in research articles in psychology
3. an advanced understanding of key concepts and theories regarding conceptual and historical issues in psychology
4. an advanced understanding of key concepts and theories of sensory perception
5. a comprehensive understanding and critical awareness of key theories and models explaining typical and atypical psychological development across the life-span
Skills
During this module, students will obtain certain transferrable skills, such as critical evaluation, writing essays, literature reviews, integrating material from different sources, appreciating the application of psychological theories and research. In addition, they will acquire skills necessary for preparing for possible careers and the ability to exercise initiative and personal responsibility for their learning.
Thesis work will enable each student to undertake a research project using the skills developed in design, experimentation, analysis and ethics. The project will require: the origination of research idea, submission of a literature review of existing knowledge in the area and its critique, the design of an experiment, the collection of data, the analysis of the data and discussion of the results. The student will submit a report in the form of a thesis. This work involves a substantive piece of experimental work conducted by the student (possibly working in pairs). When students perform data collection in pairs, they will produce independent reports. Students will work under the supervision of an individual member of academic staff.
Learning Outcomes
Having undertaken the Thesis, students will be able to demonstrate the ability to :
1. Develop a research question from existing literature and information
2. Critical evaluate, identifying both strengths and weaknesses of the theoretical and methodological underpinnings of the project
3. Design and undertake an empirical study and appreciate and resolve methodological issues
4. Demonstrate the use of practical techniques and methodologies appropriate to address the research question(s) and understand the strengths and limitations of these techniques
5. Analyse and interpret the findings, identifying the limitations of the analysis and results
6. Draw appropriate conclusions from data analysis, and
7. Produce a scientific report and demonstrate the ability to communicate the results to specialist and non-specialist audiences
Skills
Ability to tackle a substantial research problem and perform all the stages involved including handling subjects and data.
Identifying and addressing ethical issues.
Information acquisition, management and organisation.
Working in collaboration with a supervisor.
Project planning and time management.
Critical evaluation.
Assimilate, evaluate and organise information form a variety of sources.
Develop coherent arguments.
Manage own learning.
The course will develop skills critically evaluating how psychology is applied in a number of different and diverse ‘real-world’ applications with a view to understanding the theory behind the application, the evidence base of the effectiveness of the application and the ‘stated’ outcomes of the application. The module will develop psychological literacy providing students with skills to critically examine how psychology is applied in individuals and society.
Learning Outcomes
Having completed this module: students will be able to demonstrate:
1) A comprehensive knowledge of a range of areas where psychology is applied
2) A detailed understanding of the diversity of application of psychology
3) A systematic understanding of the pathway from theory to application and evaluation of impact
4) The ability to critically evaluate how psychology is applied in the real-world including the critical evaluation of methodologies used
5) increased psychological literacy
Skills
A detailed conceptual understanding of the subjects enabling the student to evaluate critically current research and its application and evaluate and critique methodologies used.
Students will learn the following academic skills : essay writing, literature searching and the use of primary sources, library skills. Critical evaluation, an appreciation of diversity in psychology, ability to exercise initiative and personal responsibility for their learning.
Normally a 2.1 Honours degree or above in any subject or an equivalent qualification acceptable to the University.
This is a very popular course and applicants are advised to apply as early as possible, since it may be necessary to implement an application cut-off date.
Applicants are advised to apply as early as possible and ideally no later than 30th June 2026 for courses which commence in late September. In the event that any programme receives a high number of applications, the University reserves the right to close the application portal prior to the deadline stated on course finder. Notifications to this effect will appear on the application portal against the programme application page.
Please note: a deposit will be required to secure a place.
International Students
Our country/region pages include information on entry requirements, tuition fees, scholarships, student profiles, upcoming events and contacts for your country/region. Use the dropdown list below for specific information for your country/region.
English Language Requirements
Evidence of an IELTS* score of 6.5, with not less than 5.5 in any component, or an equivalent qualification acceptable to the University is required (*taken within the last 2 years).
International students wishing to apply to Queen's University Belfast (and for whom English is not their first language), must be able to demonstrate their proficiency in English in order to benefit fully from their course of study or research. Non-EEA nationals must also satisfy UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) immigration requirements for English language for visa purposes.
If you need to improve your English language skills before you enter this degree programme, Queen's University Belfast International Study Centre offers a range of English language courses. These intensive and flexible courses are designed to improve your English ability for admission to this degree.
Academic English: an intensive English language and study skills course for successful university study at degree level
Pre-sessional English: a short intensive academic English course for students starting a degree programme at Queen's University Belfast and who need to improve their English.
The degree confers eligibility for the Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (GBC) of the British Psychological Society and many graduates will go on to complete training in one of the 7 registered professions of psychology as well as undertaking many other jobs, (management, HR, analysts) where a psychology degree is of benefit.
Queen's postgraduates reap exceptional benefits. Unique initiatives, such as Degree Plus and Researcher Plus bolster our commitment to employability, while innovative leadership and executive programmes alongside sterling integration with business experts helps our students gain key leadership positions both nationally and internationally. http://www.qub.ac.uk/schools/psy/BusinessCareers/
Employment after the Course
WHERE COULD YOU BE IN FIVE YEARS TIME?
You might have your eye on a career in clinical or educational psychology.
The qualification you’ll gain allows you to go on and undertake training to qualify as a professional psychologist, e.g. clinical, educational, forensic, etc.
Or you could return to your existing job with a valuable qualification and a greater understanding of what underpins the world around you.
But the applications of this course are far-reaching. We at Queen’s created a spin-out company, Adoreboard, which analyses customer data to help brands understand how people feel about them online. http://www.qub.ac.uk/directorates/sgc/careers/
Graduate Plus/Future Ready Award for extra-curricular skills
In addition to your degree programme, at Queen's you can have the opportunity to gain wider life, academic and employability skills. For example, placements, voluntary work, clubs, societies, sports and lots more. So not only do you graduate with a degree recognised from a world leading university, you'll have practical national and international experience plus a wider exposure to life overall. We call this Graduate Plus/Future Ready Award. It's what makes studying at Queen's University Belfast special.
1EU citizens in the EU Settlement Scheme, with settled status, will be charged the NI or GB tuition fee based on where they are ordinarily resident. Students who are ROI nationals resident in GB will be charged the GB fee.
2 EU students who are ROI nationals resident in ROI are eligible for NI tuition fees.
3 EU Other students (excludes Republic of Ireland nationals living in GB, NI or ROI) are charged tuition fees in line with international fees.
All tuition fees quoted relate to a single year of study unless stated otherwise. Tuition fees will be subject to an annual inflationary increase, unless explicitly stated otherwise.
There are no specific additional course costs associated with this programme.
All Students
Depending on the programme of study, there may be extra costs which are not covered by tuition fees, which students will need to consider when planning their studies.
Students can borrow books and access online learning resources from any Queen's library. If students wish to purchase recommended texts, rather than borrow them from the University Library, prices per text can range from £30 to £100. Students should also budget between £30 to £75 per year for photocopying, memory sticks and printing charges.
Students undertaking a period of work placement or study abroad, as either a compulsory or optional part of their programme, should be aware that they will have to fund additional travel and living costs.
If a programme includes a major project or dissertation, there may be costs associated with transport, accommodation and/or materials. The amount will depend on the project chosen. There may also be additional costs for printing and binding.
Students may wish to consider purchasing an electronic device; costs will vary depending on the specification of the model chosen.
There are also additional charges for graduation ceremonies, examination resits and library fines.
How do I fund my study?
The Department for the Economy will provide a tuition fee loan of up to £6,500 per NI / EU student for postgraduate study. Tuition fee loan information.
A postgraduate loans system in the UK offers government-backed student loans of up to £11,836 for taught and research Masters courses in all subject areas (excluding Initial Teacher Education/PGCE, where undergraduate student finance is available). Criteria, eligibility, repayment and application information are available on the UK government website.
