Psychology (Conversion) MSc - 2026/7
Awarding body
University of Surrey
Teaching institute
University of Surrey
Framework
FHEQ Level 7
Final award and programme/pathway title
MSc Psychology (Conversion)
Subsidiary award(s)
| Award | Title |
|---|---|
| PGCert | Psychology |
| PGDip | Psychology |
Professional recognition
British Psychological Society (BPS)
Accredited against the requirements for the Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (GBC) of the British Psychological Society (BPS).
Modes of study
| Route code | Credits and ECTS Credits | |
| Full-time | PLD61019 | 180 credits and 90 ECTS credits |
| Part-time | PLD61032 | 180 credits and 90 ECTS credits |
QAA Subject benchmark statement (if applicable)
Other internal and / or external reference points
N/A
Faculty and Department / School
Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences - Psychology
Programme Leader
GOOCH Debbie (Psychology)
Date of production/revision of spec
14/04/2026
Educational aims of the programme
- To enable students to link theoretical and empirical questions to psychological issues and to provide them with an in depth understanding of the practical applications and action implications of psychological theories and empirical findings.
- To offer opportunities to develop the basic interpersonal, technical, and creative skills required for the effective analysis and formulation of problems into research questions and, where appropriate, testable hypotheses.
- To provide students with an in-depth knowledge of theoretical and methodological approaches within the discipline of Psychology.
- To provide students with the skills to evaluate studies and interventions in a variety of psychological domains.
- To provide students with theoretical and qualitative/quantitative methodological expertise to conduct psychological research by training them in the informed and systematic conduct of basic and applied research involving the critical reading of theories and empirical findings.
- To provide opportunities for students to develop key employability and transferable skills, grow their digital capabilities, expand students global and cultural capabilities and refine their resourcefulness and resilience through engagement with course activities and assessments.
Programme learning outcomes
| Attributes Developed | Awards | Ref. | |
| Describe a diverse range of global research across the core areas of Psychology. | KC | PGCert, PGDip, MSc | |
| Critically evaluate different theoretical perspectives and the empirical evidence that tests them. | CPT | PGCert, PGDip, MSc | |
| Critically discuss the implications of key findings within the core areas of Psychology. | KCP | PGCert, PGDip, MSc | |
| Synthesise different perspectives to provide a broader understanding of the core areas of Psychology | KC | PGCert, PGDip, MSc | |
| Demonstrate and apply research skills by engaging with key aspects of the research process such as conducting literature reviews, generating research questions, designing studies and considering important theoretical models, philosophical issues and methodological considerations across the core areas of Psychology. | KCP | PGDip, MSc | |
| Demonstrate knowledge, understanding and application of quantitative and qualitative methods and strategies to manage and analyse psychological data. | KP | PGCert, PGDip, MSc | |
| Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of ethical considerations when conducting research. | KP | PGDip, MSc | |
| Communicate work in a professional manner for academic and non-academic audiences in written and verbal formats. | PT | PGCert, PGDip, MSc | |
| Demonstrate engagement with the process of developing coursework and the learning arising from this process. | CPT | PGCert, PGDip, MSc | |
| Use information technology (e.g. internet, electronic databases, word processing software, presentation software, data analysis packages) and generative AI tools ethically and critically to enhance learning and completion of tasks | KPT | PGCert, PGDip, MSc |
Attributes Developed
C - Cognitive/analytical
K - Subject knowledge
T - Transferable skills
P - Professional/Practical skills
Programme structure
Full-time
This Master's Degree programme is studied full-time over one academic year, consisting of 180 credits at FHEQ level 7. All modules are semester based and worth 15 credits with the exception of project, practice based and dissertation modules.
Possible exit awards include:
- Postgraduate Diploma (120 credits)
- Postgraduate Certificate (60 credits)
Part-time
This Master's Degree programme is studied part-time over two academic years, consisting of 180 credits at FHEQ level 7. All modules are semester based and worth 15 credits with the exception of project, practice based and dissertation modules.
Possible exit awards include:
- Postgraduate Diploma (120 credits)
- Postgraduate Certificate (60 credits)
Programme Adjustments (if applicable)
N/A
Modules
Year 1 (full-time) - FHEQ Level 7
Module Selection for Year 1 (full-time) - FHEQ Level 7
N/A
Year 1 (part-time) - FHEQ Level 7
| Module code | Module title | Status | Credits | Period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PSYM130 | ACADEMIC RESEARCH TRAINING | Core | 15 | 1 |
| PSYM093 | FUNDAMENTAL CONCEPTS IN SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY WITH RESEARCH METHODS | Core | 15 | 1 |
| PSYM096 | SOCIAL AND COGNITIVE DEVELOPMENT WITH RESEARCH METHODS | Core | 15 | 2 |
| PSYM098 | PERSONALITY, INTELLIGENCE & PSYCHOPATHOLOGY | Core | 15 | 2 |
Module Selection for Year 1 (part-time) - FHEQ Level 7
N/A
Year 2 (part-time) - FHEQ Level 7
| Module code | Module title | Status | Credits | Period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PSYM092 | BRAIN AND BEHAVIOUR WITH RESEARCH METHODS | Core | 15 | 1 |
| PSYM153 | STATISTICS AND DATA ANALYSIS FOR THE MSC IN PSYCHOLOGY (CONVERSION) | Core | 30 | Year-long |
| PSYM112 | COGNITIVE PSYCHOLOGY WITH RESEARCH METHODS | Core | 15 | 2 |
| PSYM034 | MSC DISSERTATION | Core | 60 | Year-long |
Module Selection for Year 2 (part-time) - FHEQ Level 7
N/A
Opportunities for placements / work related learning / collaborative activity
| Associate Tutor(s) / Guest Speakers / Visiting Academics | Y | |
| Professional Training Year (PTY) | N | |
| Placement(s) (study or work that are not part of PTY) | N | |
| Clinical Placement(s) (that are not part of the PTY scheme) | N | |
| Study exchange (Level 5) | N | |
| Dual degree | N |
Other information
The School of Psychology is committed to developing graduates with strengths in Employability, Digital Capabilities, Global and Cultural Capabilities, Sustainability, and Resourcefulness and Resilience. This programme is designed to allow students to develop knowledge, skills, and capabilities in the following areas:
Employability: The programme is designed to equip students with multiple employability and transferable skills. The modules and assessments will equip students with (1) the knowledge and ability to critically analyse existing literature, (2) the skills necessary to conduct research (e.g., literature review, study design and methodology, data analyses), and (3) the ability to effectively communicate about research in written and oral forms. The programme will also equip students with the ability to use their critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills in different contexts and to apply them in class and to complete assessments in the core areas of Psychology. The range of different tasks and assessments will equip students with the ability to work well independently and in teams while developing good leadership and time management skills.
Digital capabilities: Students will learn about software used to implement surveys, carry out research involving eye-tracking and physiological measures, and conduct qualitative and quantitative data analysis (e.g., Jamovi). As part of their assessments, students will be asked to show their ability to use software (e.g., PowerPoint) to create videos, leaflets, posters, and presentations. Through the programme students will have the opportunity to familiarise themselves with a range of software that facilitates in-class group activities (e.g., menti, padlet, poleverywhere) and meetings (e.g., Microsoft Teams). Students will also have access to AI tools through the My AI Surrey platform to enhance their learning and will be given guidance on how to use AI responsibly and effectively. By the end of the programme students will be proficient in using a range of different software and will be able to show digital capabilities associated with the employability skills described above.
Sustainability: The programme is designed to allow students to analyse Psychological issues that are central to the United Nations Sustainability Development Goals (e.g., gender equality, reduced inequality, health and wellbeing, environmental issues). The modules will allow students to focus on specific issues and consider psychologically informed interventions that contribute to the sustainable development goals. Students will also have the opportunity to conduct research that focuses on one of these goals as part of their dissertation project.
Global and cultural capabilities: The programme offers students the opportunity to develop knowledge and understanding of social psychological theories and their application to real-world issues. Across the modules, students will be presented with cross-cultural scientific evidence challenging the assumptions of some Western-based theories. In doing so, students will be encouraged to analyse cultural differences and ways to address social issues that occur in different parts of the world. When designing studies or suggesting solutions, they will be prompted to think about the cultural contexts in which these will be implemented. There are individuals of different nationalities and cultural backgrounds on our programme and thus students will have the opportunity to consider different perspectives and broaden their views on specific social issues.
Resourcefulness and resilience: Students are encouraged to actively participate in the activities and discussions that take place in a friendly and safe environment. This will provide them with the opportunity to exchange ideas, work collaboratively, and reflect on their ideas/opinions. These activities will also allow students to build confidence, communication, and professionalism. By sharing their experiences, expertise and listening to others, students will have the opportunity to engage in self-reflection and re-consideration of their opinions and judgments. This will equip students with the ability to respond positively to opportunities for exchange, learning, and personal development. By considering different points of view in the tasks and assessments across modules, students will develop the ability to adapt their knowledge and skills to different contexts and groups of people they are working with.
Quality assurance
The Regulations and Codes of Practice for taught programmes can be found at:
Please note that the information detailed within this record is accurate at the time of publishing and may be subject to change. This record contains information for the most up to date version of the programme / module for the 2026/7 academic year.