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

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

PLUESS Michael (Psychology)

Date of production/revision of spec

18/12/2024

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 possible 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.

Programme learning outcomes

	Attributes Developed	Awards	Ref.
Systematically describe a diverse range of global research across the core areas of Psychology.	KC	PGCert, PGDip, MSc
Use their digital literacy skills to critically evaluate these theoretical perspectives and the empirical evidence that tests them.	CPT	PGCert, PGDip, MSc
Draw on their resourcefulness to 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 experiment design, taking into account important theoretical models, philosophical issues and methodological considerations across the core areas of Psychology.	KCP	PGDip, MSc
Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of quantitative and qualitative techniques and strategies to manage and analyse psychological data.	K	PGCert, PGDip, MSc
Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of ethical considerations when undertaking research and framing interventions.	K	PGDip, MSc
Communicate work in a professional manner for academic and non-academic audiences in written and verbal formats.	PT	PGCert, PGDip, MSc
Understand and implement effective learning strategies to manage their own personal and professional development in a resourceful and resilient way.	KPT	PGCert, PGDip, MSc
Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of how their subject specific knowledge and transferrable skills developed during the course can enhance employability.	KCPT	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)

Programme Adjustments (if applicable)

N/A

Modules

Full-time

Year 1 (full-time) - FHEQ Level 7

Module code	Module title	Status	Credits	Semester
PSYM034	DISSERTATION 8000-10000 WORDS	Core	60	Year-long
PSYM092	BRAIN AND BEHAVIOUR WITH RESEARCH METHODS	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
PSYM112	COGNITIVE PSYCHOLOGY WITH RESEARCH METHODS	Core	15	2
PSYM130	ACADEMIC RESEARCH TRAINING	Core	15	1
PSYM153	STATISTICS AND DATA ANALYSIS FOR THE MSC IN PSYCHOLOGY (CONVERSION)	Core	30	Year-long

Module Selection for Year 1 (full-time) - FHEQ Level 7

N/A

Opportunities for placements / work related learning / collaborative activity

Associate Tutor(s) / Guest Speakers / Visiting Academics	N
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 to design materials informed by 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: The programme will teach students software to implement surveys, conduct 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 communication software (e.g., PowerPoint, Prezi, Keynote) to create videos, leaflets, posters, and presentations. Through the programme students will also familiarise themselves with a range of software that facilitates in-class group activities (e.g., padlet, poleverywhere) and meetings (e.g., Microsoft Teams). 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 interventions or suggesting solutions, they will be prompted to think about the cultural contexts in which such action will be implemented. The programme involves students of different nationalities and cultural backgrounds. This implies that 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 and expertise and listening to others, students will 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, they will also 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:

https://www.surrey.ac.uk/quality-enhancement-standards

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.