University of Glasgow - Postgraduate study - Taught degree programmes A‑Z (2023)

Why this programme

• This conversion programme is designed to provide you with an opportunity to develop intellectual, practical,andprofessional skills that will be helpful in your future career, whatever that may be.
• It is accredited by theBritish Psychological Society (BPS) and upon graduating, you can apply for Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (GBC) of the BPS. With a GBC, you are then eligible to apply for further study in a specialist area in the UK and become a chartered psychologist.

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Important details about the programme

See theMSc Psychology linktree for further information.

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Programme structure

Please note this programme is only delivered part-time and cannot be completed in less than 3 academic sessions. Our only full-time conversion programmes are located on campus here in Glasgow.

This programme is delivered entirely online via asynchronous distance learning. You will never be required to visit Glasgow and there are no compulsory live sessions that you are required to attend. There are two semesters in each academic session and each semester consists of 14 teaching weeks (with reading weeks and holiday breaks) and a dedicated assessment period. Teaching materials are released fortnightly and you are able to self-pace your learning during these fortnights.

Due to the intensive nature of conversion programmes, we strongly advise students consider dedicating a minimum 20 hours per week to study.

In year 1 of the programme you will complete 5 core courses (60 credits). In year 2, you will complete 3 core courses (40 credits) and 2 optional courses (20 credits). In year 3, you will complete an independent research project (60 credits), under the guidance of an academic supervisor.

Core courses

• COGNITIVE PSYCHOLOGY (CONVERSION) (ONLINE DISTANCE LEARNING)
• INDIVIDUAL DIFFERENCES (CONVERSION) (ONLINE DISTANCE LEARNING)
• HUMAN DEVELOPMENT (CONVERSION) (ONLINE DISTANCE LEARNING)
• PHYSIOLOGICAL PSYCHOLOGY (PGT CONV ODL)
• RESEARCH METHODS 1 (PGT CONV ODL)
• RESEARCH METHODS 2 (PGT CONV ODL)
• SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY (PGT CONV ODL)
• CONCEPTUAL AND HISTORICAL ISSUES IN PSYCHOLOGY (PGT CONV ODL)
• DISSERTATION (PGT CONV ODL)

Optional courses

Please note that optional courses are contingent upon individual staff expertise and their availability may be subject to change each year with changes to staffing. Changes in optional courses have no bearing on the accreditation status of this programme as accreditation is only determined by the compulsory core courses listed above. Please ensure that any funding support you may seek is not tied to the availability of these optional courses.

• APPLIED QUALITATIVE METHODS (CONVERSION) (ONLINE DISTANCE LEARNING)
• CLINICAL HEALTH PSYCHOLOGY (CONVERSION) (ONLINE DISTANCE LEARNING)
• CURRENT ISSUES IN PSYCHOLOGY (PGT CONV ODL)
• EDUCATIONAL PSYCHOLOGY (CONVERSION) (ONLINE DISTANCE LEARNING)
• FORENSIC PSYCHOLOGY (PGT CONV ODL)

Programme outcomes

• Critically evaluate principal and specialised theories of psychology.
• Identify, interpret and evaluate contemporary and historical research in psychology.
• Evaluate ways in which psychological theory can inform practice.
• Identify the ethical issues raised when people participate in psychological research or receive psychological treatment.
• Review the contrasting perspectives as to the nature of science and critically evaluate the extent to which Psychology may be considered scientific.
• Critically evaluate the influence of social, cultural and historical factors on psychological theory and research.
• Evaluate psychological research design and methodologies
• Use a range of statistics and research methodologies appropriate to psychology
• Demonstrate programming skills in R
• Design and conduct an original, significant empirical research project on a psychological topic.

Programme alteration or discontinuation
The University of Glasgow endeavours to run all programmes as advertised. In exceptional circumstances, however, the University may withdraw or alter a programme. For more information, please see: Student contract.

Career prospects

A conversion programme in the UK is specifically tailored to meet the accreditation requirements of the British Psychological Society. On successful completion you will be eligible for Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (GBC) with the British Psychological Society. This will allow you to go on to further study in specialised areas of psychology in the UK.

This conversion programme can function as both a feeder for a research-based PhD, applied Doctorates, or as an industry-focused qualification. Please note, due to the highly competitive nature of postgraduate Psychology pathways in the UK, this programme may be the first (and not only) step in this journey. We strongly advise UK-focused applicants to review the careers information provided by the BPS.

If you are based outside the UK, it is important that you review the accreditation requirements of your local accrediting/governing body to ensure they recognise a BPS-accredited Conversion MSc. It may be recognised, but you may be required to complete additional supplementary study specific to their requirements.

There are numerous benefits to completing this programme if you do not wish to pursue a professional psychology pathway. Due to the very broad relevance of psychology, a Psychology Conversion MSc can provide transferable skills that complement a diverse range of industry qualifications from Human Resources and Management, Education, Nursing, Medicine, Social Work and media.

Fees & funding

Funding opportunities

The scholarships above are specific to this programme. For more funding opportunities search the scholarships database

Entry requirements

• 2:1 honours degree or equivalent qualification (e.g. GPA 3.0 or above). 2:2 honours degree may be accepted if you have also completed additional postgraduate qualifications that include a thesis component (Masters or PhD).
• Due to accreditation requirements, qualifications below a 2:1 honours degree cannot be supplemented by personal or professional experience.

How to apply

To apply for a postgraduate taught degree you must apply online. We cannot accept applications any other way.

Please check you meet the Entry requirements for this programme beforeyou begin your application.

Documents

As part of your online application, you also need to submit the following supporting documents:

• A copy (or copies) of your official degree certificate(s) (if you have already completed your degree)
• A copy (or copies) of your official academic transcript(s), showing full details of subjects studied and grades/marks obtained
• Official English translations of the certificate(s) and transcript(s)
• One reference letter on headed paper
• Evidence of your English language ability (if your first language is not English)
• Any additional documents required for this programme (see Entry requirements for this programme)
• A copy of the photo page of your passport (Non-EU students only)

You have 42 days to submit your application once you begin the process.

You may save and return to your application as many times as you wish to update information, complete sections or upload supporting documents such as your final transcript or your language test.

For more information about submitting documents or other topics related to applying to a postgraduate taught programme, checkFrequently Asked Questions

Guidance notes for using the online application

These notes are intended to help you complete the online application form accurately; they are also available within the help section of the online application form.

If you experience any difficulties accessing the online application then you should visit theApplication Troubleshooting/FAQspage.

• Name and Date of birth:must appear exactly as they do on your passport. Please take time to check the spelling and lay-out.
• Contact Details: Correspondence address. All contact relevant to your application will be sent to this address including the offer letter(s). If your address changes, please contact us as soon as possible.
• Choice of course: Please select carefully the course you want to study. As your application will be sent to the admissions committee for each course you select it is important to consider at this stage why you are interested in the course and that it is reflected in your application.
• Proposed date of entry:Please state your preferred start date including the month and the year. Taught masters degrees tend to begin in September. Research degrees may start in any month.
• Education and Qualifications: Please complete this section as fully as possible indicating any relevant Higher Education qualifications starting with the most recent. Complete the name of the Institution (s) as it appears on the degree certificate or transcript.
• English Language Proficiency: Please state the date of any English language test taken (or to be taken) and the award date (or expected award date if known).
• Employment and Experience: Please complete this section as fully as possible with all employments relevant to your course. Additional details may be attached in your personal statement/proposal where appropriate.

Reference: Please provide one reference. This should typically be an academic reference but in cases where this is not possible then a reference from a current employer may be accepted instead. Certain programmes, such as the MBA programme, may also accept an employer reference. If you already have a copy of a reference on letter headed paper then please upload this to your application. If you do not already have a reference to upload then please enter your referee’s name and contact details on the online application and we will contact your referee directly.

Application deadlines

• All applicants: 31 August 2023

Apply now

MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THIS PROGRAMME

Academic Staff

Research Environment