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
29/10/2026
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
We are committed to developing graduates with strengths in the following attributes:
Employability: Students develop transferable skills through research-focused learning and assessment. They gain expertise in critically evaluating literature, designing and conducting research, analysing data, and communicating research effectively in written and oral formats. The programme promotes critical thinking, problem solving, teamwork, leadership, independence, and time management skills relevant to a wide range of careers.
Digital Capabilities: Students gain experience of digital tools used in psychological research, including software for surveys, eye-tracking, physiological measures, and qualitative and quantitative data analysis. Assessments develop proficiency in producing presentations and digital outputs. Exposure to collaborative platforms, Microsoft Teams, and Surrey's AI tools supports responsible and effective use of technology.
Sustainability: The programme enables students to examine psychological issues linked to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, including health and wellbeing, equality, and environmental challenges. Students explore evidence-based interventions and may focus on sustainability-related topics within their dissertation research.
Global and Cultural Capabilities: Students engage with cross-cultural perspectives and evidence throughout the programme, developing an understanding of cultural influences on behaviour and psychological theory. They are encouraged to consider diverse viewpoints and cultural contexts when evaluating research, designing studies, and addressing real-world issues.
Resourcefulness and Resilience: Through collaborative learning, discussion, and reflection, students build confidence, professionalism, and communication skills. The programme encourages adaptability, self-reflection, and openness to different perspectives, helping students respond positively to challenges, opportunities, and their ongoing development.
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.