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Overview
Psychology is the scientific study of the mind and behaviour. By exploring psychology, we aim to understand why we think, feel, and act in certain ways. It seeks to understand why people think, feel, and act the way they do, and how we can support positive change to promote health, happiness, achievement and fulfilment.
It's a complex field that touches almost every aspect of life and needs to be approached from different perspectives.
You'll be introduced to key areas of psychology such as clinical and counselling psychology, educational psychology, and forensic psychology, and have the chance to explore fascinating case studies and theories behind them.
You won't need to have studied psychology before. So, wherever you see yourself driving change in the future, your journey begins here, with your MSc Psychology degree.
Course highlights
- This psychology conversion course is open to students who do not have an academic background in psychology, as well as those who would like to reinforce their existing academic psychology qualifications
- Flexible mode of study to fit around your work and family commitments
- Learn from our team of qualified and BPS chartered psychologists who are experienced in research and applied psychological practice
- Focus on relevant and interesting areas – such as educational and clinical psychology
- Feel engaged and inspired by a course that's built from the ground up for distance learning, using the latest approaches in digital technology
What is a conversion course?
A conversion course is a way of transferring your academic and practical skills to a new field. It could help you change career, or get formal qualifications for the job you’re already in. You’ll need to have an undergraduate degree in any subject with a grade of 2:2 or above, or hold an equivalent or higher form of degree, so that we know that you’re ready to study at Master’s level.
From your conversion degree, you’ll gain the confidence to move onto a rewarding career in your chosen field and open the door to further qualifications or research opportunities.
Contact information
Contact AdmissionsEntry requirements
Eligibility
This courses accepts UK, EU, and International students.
September 2026 / January 2027 start
- A second-class honours degree in any subject, or equivalent.
Please get in touch if you're not sure if your undergraduate subject is relevant to this degree.
Equivalent psychology qualifications will also be considered, such as previous study, including courses and qualifications you didn't complete. Learn more about our Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL).
If you're applying as an international student with a non-UK degree, you’ll need to show you meet the UK entry requirements listed above.
To find out if your non-UK degree or other qualification is accepted, please visit our page for your country and view the UK equivalent of your qualification.
- English language proficiency at a minimum of IELTS band 6.5 with no component score below 6.0.
You do not need an IELTS or equivalent certification if:
- you have a UK degree
- you have a degree from a majority English speaking country (not taught by Distance Learning)
- you are a national of a majority English speaking country
Degrees taught solely in English from non-majority English speaking countries will be considered on a case by case basis. Find out more about our English language requirements.
If you do not meet the English language requirements yet, you can achieve the level you need by successfully completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course.
Course costs and funding
Tuition fees (September 2026 / January 2027 start)
- Year 1: £3,730 (subject to annual increase)
- Year 2: £7,470 (subject to annual increase)
- Year 1: £3,730 (subject to annual increase)
- Year 2: £7,470 (subject to annual increase)
Modules
Each module on this course is worth a certain number of credits.
You need to study modules worth a total of 180 credits. For example, 4 modules worth 30 credits and 1 module worth 60 credits.
What you'll study
Core modules
All modules in this year are core.
You'll explore changes over time in theoretical approaches, and learn about concepts and values that have influenced methodology and discussion in each domain, as well as the applications of each area. This module is designed to address the British Psychological Society's GBS core curriculum requirement for the study of social psychology and developmental psychology, as defined in the QAA Subject Benchmark Statement for Psychology.
This module explores the ways in which the field of psychology is shaped by research, and how research practices have developed over time. You'll discuss key seminal and controversial moments in the field of psychology, as well as challenges currently faced by psychologists. This module introduces the quantitative scientific research skills used within psychology. The module is designed to address the British Psychological Society's GBC core curriculum requirements for the study of historical and conceptual issues, as well as quantitative research methods in psychology.
Core modules
All modules in this year are core.
You'll examine the theoretical and scientific contributions of biological and cognitive psychology to our understanding of the cognitive neuroscience of, perception, learning, language, memory and emotion.You'll consider what impact these contributions have had in the real world of forensic and clinical settings. This module is designed to address the British Psychological Society's GBC core curriculum requirements for the study of biological psychology and cognitive psychology, as defined in the QAA Subject Benchmark Statement for Psychology.
This module explores how people differ in personality, intelligence, and other psychological traits. You'll examine typical individual differences and how they affect people's lives, as well as less common differences, including neurodivergence and mental health classifications. You'll also explore how understanding these differences can help people recognise their strengths and unique perspectives. Throughout the module, you'll evaluate research, debate key theories, and gain practical experience using psychometric assessment tools. This module is designed to address the British Psychological Society (BPS) core curriculum requirements for the study of individual differences, psychometrics and measurement techniques, as defined in the QAA Subject Benchmark Statement for Psychology.
You'll draw upon appropriate research methods to gather data that address a specific research question or psychological issue. Firstly, you will be required to produce a research proposal that provides a clear rationale for the intended research as well as considering its ethical implications. Your proposed research will undergo a formal ethical review process before the project work may begin. The rationale for the study, the adopted research methodology, and the findings are presented in an extended report. You'll be allocated to a project supervisor at the start of the module, who will support you via regular meetings during the project. You'll be expected to prepare an agenda for each meeting and take control of your own learning, with guidance from your supervisor. At the start of the module, you'll be provided with further careers guidance, so that you have the opportunity to target your choice of topic towards your chosen career pathway. This module is designed to address the British Psychological Society's GBC core curriculum requirements for completion of an extensive piece of independent empirical research as defined in the QAA Subject Benchmark Statement for Psychology.
Changes to course content
We use the best and most current research and professional practice alongside feedback from our students to make sure course content is relevant to your future career or further studies.
Therefore, some course content may change over time to reflect changes in the discipline or industry. If a module doesn't run, we'll let you know as soon as possible and help you choose an alternative module.
Supporting you
As a distance learner, you can get support via video and phone from teaching and support staff to enhance your learning experience and help you succeed. You can build your personalised network of support from the following people and services:
Types of support
Personal Tutor
Your personal tutor helps you make the transition to independent study and gives you academic and personal support throughout your time at university.
As well as regular scheduled meetings with your personal tutor, they're also available at set times during the week if you want to chat with them about anything that can't wait until your next meeting.
Learning Support Tutors
You'll have help from a team of faculty learning support tutors. They can help you improve and develop your academic skills and support you in any area of your study.
They can help with:
- Improving your academic writing (for example, essays, reports, dissertations)
- Delivering presentations (including observing and filming presentations)
- Understanding and using assignment feedback
- Managing your time and workload
- Revision and exam techniques
Student Success Advisors
These are the team that are your first point of call to help with any pastoral concerns and to link you in with all areas of university life; from help with your mental wellbeing to improving your attendance.
Lab Support
All our labs and practical spaces are staffed by qualified laboratory support staff. They’ll support you in scheduled lab sessions and can give you one-to-one help when you do practical research projects.
Maths Cafe
The Maths Cafe offers advice and assistance with mathematical skills in a friendly, informal environment. You can come to our daily drop-in sessions, develop your mathematics skills at a workshop or use our online resources.
Support with English
If English isn't your first language, you can do one of our English language courses to improve your written and spoken English language skills before starting your degree. Once you're here, you can take part in our free In-Sessional English (ISE) programme to improve your English further.
You'll have help from a team of faculty learning development tutors. They can help you improve and develop your academic skills and support you in any area of your study.
They can help with:
- Improving your academic writing (for example, essays, reports, dissertations)
- Delivering presentations (including observing and filming presentations)
- Understanding and using assignment feedback
- Managing your time and workload
- Revision and exam techniques
During term time, Faculty Academic Skills Tutors (AST) are available for bookable 1-to-1 sessions, small group sessions and online sessions. These sessions are tailored to your needs.
Support is available for skills including:
- University study
- Getting into the right study mindset
- Note-taking and note-making skills
- Referencing
- Presentation skills
- Time management, planning, and goal setting
- Critical thinking
- Avoiding plagiarism
If you have a disability or need extra support, our Disability Advice team will give you help, support and advice.
If you require extra support because of a disability or additional learning need, your partner college should be your first point of contact for arranging reasonable adjustments.
However, our University specialist team is also available to offer advice and guidance if needed. We can help you:
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Explore reasonable adjustments in collaboration with your partner college
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Liaise with other University services and facilities, such as the library
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Connect with external services where appropriate
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Provide advice and support on accessing the Disabled Student Allowance (DSA)
Library staff are available in person or by email, phone, or online chat to help you make the most of the University's library resources. You can also request one-to-one appointments and get support from librarians who specialise in your subject.
The library is open 24 hours a day, every day, in term time.
If English isn't your first language, you can do one of our English language courses to improve your written and spoken English language skills before starting your degree. Once you're here, you can take part in our free In-Sessional English (ISE) programme to improve your English further.
How to apply
Unlike undergraduate applications, which go through UCAS, applications for this Master's course are made directly to us.
There's no deadline for applications to this course. We accept applications right up until the start dates in September and January, as long as there are places available. If you wait until your start month to apply, you may find that the course is full.
You can find more advice about applying in our Master's application checklist. International students and current students and recent graduates of the University of Portsmouth also have some different application options, which are detailed below.
Extra information for international students
Unlike undergraduate applications, which go through UCAS, applications for this Master's course are made directly to us.
There's no fixed deadline for applications to this course for UK applicants. We accept applications right up until the start dates, as long as there are places available. If you wait until your start month to apply, you may find that the course is full.
If you're applying as an international student, please note that application deadlines may differ. You’ll need to allow enough time for your application to be processed and for visa arrangements. Check out our application deadlines for International Students.
You can find more advice about applying in our Master's application checklist. International students, as well as current students and recent graduates of the University of Portsmouth, also have some different application options, which are detailed below.
Ready to apply?
Start this course in September 2026
Apply now (Part-time distance learning) – 2 years
Start this course in January 2027
I'm a current Portsmouth student, or a recent Portsmouth graduate
If you're currently in your final year of study at Portsmouth, or you graduated since July 2025, you're eligible to make a fast track application. You'll have:
- a shorter application form to complete
- access to the 20% Alumni fee discount
- a guaranteed conditional offer, for most Master's courses
After you apply
Once we receive your application, we may ask you for further information. We will then either make you an offer or suggest alternatives if your application is unsuccessful.
You'll usually get a decision within 10 working days, so you shouldn't have to wait too long. Some courses have an interview stage – we'll let you know if you need to prepare for one.
Learn more about how we assess your application.
Admissions terms and conditions
When you accept an offer to study at the University of Portsmouth, you also agree to abide by our Student Contract (which includes the University's relevant policies, rules and regulations). You should read and consider these before you apply.