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MSc|Postgraduate Taught

Psychological Science

Entry year
2024/25
Entry requirements
2.1
Duration
1 year (Full-time)
2 years (Part-time)
Places available
TBC (Full Time)
TBC (Part Time)

An intensive one year Master’s course with accreditation from the British Psychological Society, enabling you to pursue a career in this area even if your background is in another discipline.

WHY THIS COURSE?

This conversion course will appeal to you if you do not already have a psychology degree.

It is approved and accredited by the British Psychological Society, (it confers the Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership), which means you’ll have the essential knowledge to undertake professional training.

This intensive programme means with focused work and preparation, you will get a fully-accredited course in the space of 12 rewarding months.

WHO ARE YOU?

You might be a recent graduate or someone who’s been in work for a while and wants to change direction.

You’ll be fascinated by how psychology underpins everything we do and aids our understanding of behaviour – not just of people, but of animals too.

Please note that the MSc Psychological Science (Conversion) programme is intended for students who have completed a degree in a subject other than Psychology, to undertake an intensive foundational course and achieve a Psychology qualification which is accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS) and entails Graduate Membership of the BPS. It is not an advanced specialism degree in Psychology, but rather covers the core areas of Psychology and associated research skills as required for BPS accreditation.

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 2024 may not be accepted. In addition, a deposit will be required to secure a place.

Applications for this course received after 30th June 2024 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 has been judged to be ‘world-leading’ and ‘outstanding’ by the 2014 Research Excellence Framework (REF).

Student Testimonials

Course Structure

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

The course is tailored towards analysing data in the real world.

You’ll learn methodological analysis skills and the core principles of psychology:

Psychobiology
Developmental
Social
Individual differences
Cognitive psychology.

You’ll learn everything from how people behave as social groups to how the brain works.

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.

Programme Modules

There are two modules per semester, and the proportional mix of time spent in classes, tutorials/seminars/labs, and private study in a teaching semester is approximately 30% lectures and lecture-related activities, 20%/Labs/Tutorials and 50% private study.

Core Psychology I: Social, Individual Differences, Cognition and Psychobiology
(30 CATS, Semester 1, Assessment: 60% coursework, 40% exam)

Applications of psychology in the ‘real world’
(30 CATS, Semester 1, Assessment: 50% coursework, 25% practical, 25% exam)

Core Psychology II: Developmental, Conceptual & Historical Issues, Applied & Professional and Perception.
(30 CATS, Semester 2, Assessment: 60% coursework, 40% exam)

Methods, Design and Analysis in Psychology
(30 CATS, Semester 2, Assessment: 100% coursework)

Research Thesis Psychology
(60 CATS, Semester 2 & 3, Assessment: 100% Thesis)

People teaching you

Course Director

School of Psychology
Email: askeps@qub.ac.uk

Teaching Times

Teaching takes place in the morning and some afternoons; there are between 12-15 contact teaching hours per week.

Learning and Teaching

PEOPLE

Your tutors are experts in their subject areas and are active researchers in those subjects. They have used various aspects of psychology in the real world, so you’ll be getting a practical as well as a theoretical flavour.

THE ENVIRONMENT

You’ll work on your thesis as part of a research team. We’re moving away from individual supervision into more of a team approach, with post-doctoral and postgraduate students all working together, mimicking project work in the real-world employment situations.

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Assessment

Assessments associated with the course are outlined below:

  • Coursework essays
  • Exams
  • Multiple choice questions
  • Practical lab work
  • Group work
  • Presentations
  • Literature review
  • Independent thesis report

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Modules

Modules

The information below is intended as an example only, featuring module details for the current year of study (2023/24). 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.

  • Year 1

    Core Modules

    Core Psychology II (30 credits)
    Core Psychology I (30 credits)

Entrance requirements

Graduate

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.

The deadline for applications is normally 30th June 2024. However, we encourage applicants to apply as early as possible. In the event that any programme receives a high number of applications, the University reserves the right to close the application portal earlier than 30th June deadline. Notifications to this effect will appear on the Direct 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.

For more information on English Language requirements for EEA and non-EEA nationals see: www.qub.ac.uk/EnglishLanguageReqs.

If you need to improve your English language skills before you enter this degree programme, INTO Queen's University Belfast 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.
  • Foundation
    International Students – Graduate Diploma Programmes INTO Queen's offers a range of academic and English language programmes to help prepare international students for study at Queen's University. You will learn from experienced teachers in a dedicated international study centre on campus, and will have full access to the University's world-class facilities. These programmes are designed for international students who do not meet the required academic and English language requirements for direct entry. The INTO progression course suited to this programme is:
    https://www.intostudy.com/en-gb/universities/queens-university-belfast/courses/graduate-diploma-in-social-sciences.

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Careers

Career Prospects

Introduction

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.

Tuition Fees

Northern Ireland (NI) 1 £8,800
Republic of Ireland (ROI) 2 £8,800
England, Scotland or Wales (GB) 1 £8,800
EU Other 3 £25,800
International £25,800

MSc Psychological Sciences Conversion

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.

More information on postgraduate tuition fees.

Additional course costs

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. Criteria, eligibility, repayment and application information are available on the UK government website.

More information on funding options and financial assistance - please check this link regularly, even after you have submitted an application, as new scholarships may become available to you.

International Scholarships

Information on scholarships for international students, is available at www.qub.ac.uk/Study/international-students/international-scholarships.

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Apply

How to Apply

Apply using our online Postgraduate Applications Portal and follow the step-by-step instructions on how to apply.

Apply now

When to Apply

The deadline for applications is normally 30th June 2021. In the event that any programme receives a high volume of applications, the university reserves the right to close the application portal earlier than 30th June deadline. Notifications to this effect will appear on the Direct Entry Portal (DAP) against the programme application page.

Terms and Conditions

The terms and conditions that apply when you accept an offer of a place at the University on a taught programme of study.
Queen's University Belfast Terms and Conditions.

Download a prospectus