This challenging, and highly competitive campus-based Psychology (Conversion) MSc will provide you with a comprehensive understanding of biological, developmental, cognitive and social psychology and research methods in psychology.
Psychology is the scientific study of how people behave, feel, think and learn. In keeping with the strong research ethos of the University of Liverpool, the course is research-led and modules have been developed with full support of the prestigious research groups in the Department of Psychology. Also, reflecting the global character of the University, the programme approaches theoretical and applied developments in Psychology from an open-minded perspective that values diversity and cross-culturalism.
This programme is fully accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS), granting eligibility for Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership upon graduation. If you are a graduate in a subject other than psychology, or you have a psychology degree that isn’t accredited by the BPS, this programme is an excellent first step towards a career as a professional psychologist (Clinical or Clinical Neuropsychology, Counselling, Educational Child Psychology, Forensic Psychology, Sports and Exercise Psychology or Occupational Psychology).
This course has been created for students and working professionals from non-psychology backgrounds who want to gain a comprehensive understanding of psychology, its impact and practical applications.
It is suitable also for graduates with a degree in psychology that has not been accredited by the British Psychological Society. It is also suitable for intercalating medical students.
This programme has full accreditation from the British Psychological Society.
The British Psychological Society is the representative body for psychology and psychologists in the UK. This programme is BPS accredited, meaning it meets the BPS' standards for education and training.
Discover what you'll learn, what you'll study, and how you'll be taught and assessed.
You will choose two optional modules (one per semester) from a wide range of modules from our existing undergraduate BSc Psychology programme. Please note, optional modules often have limited capacities and module availability may vary by semester and by academic year.
| Compulsory modules | Credits |
|---|---|
| QUANTITATIVE RESEARCH METHODS (PSYC734) | 15 |
| LIFESPAN DEVELOPMENT (PSYC730) | 15 |
| COGNITIVE PSYCHOLOGY AND NEUROSCIENCE (PSYC731) | 15 |
Programme details and modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change.
| Compulsory modules | Credits |
|---|---|
| QUALITATIVE RESEARCH METHODS (PSYC735) | 15 |
| INDIVIDUAL DIFFERENCES AND SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY (PSYC732) | 15 |
| BIOLOGICAL ASPECTS OF PSYCHOLOGY (PSYC733) | 15 |
Programme details and modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change.
| Compulsory modules | Credits |
|---|---|
| RESEARCH DISSERTATION AND DISSERTATION PATHWAY (PSYC736) | 60 |
Programme details and modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change.
This one-year, full-time 180 credit programme is divided into six compulsory 15-credit taught modules and one compulsory 60 credit dissertation, which runs across three semesters. The dissertation provides an opportunity for you to design and conduct an in-depth research project as a largely independent researcher on a topic of personal and professional interest.
Students also select two 15-credit optional modules from our undergraduate BSc Psychology programme. Please note, optional modules often have limited capacities and module availability may vary by semester and by academic year. Teaching will be delivered using a combination of lectures, seminars and practical classes, and a smaller number of asynchronous online classroom hours. Students will have around 12-15 hours face-to-face teaching on campus per week, in a group of around 40 students, alongside self-directed learning
Each module is formally assessed. Assessments are designed to be authentic, meaning that they aim to help students develop practical skills and experiences that are attractive to employers, such as writing critiques, policy papers, reports, and communicating results to public and professionals in a variety of formats including oral presentations, conference posters and blogs. Students undertake one formal written examination (Quantitative Research Methods, 50% weighting for module). Assessments in optional modules vary and this information is provided as part of the module selection process.
We have a distinctive approach to education, the Liverpool Curriculum Framework, which focuses on research-connected teaching, active learning, and authentic assessment to ensure our students graduate as digitally fluent and confident global citizens.
The Liverpool Curriculum framework sets out our distinctive approach to education. Our teaching staff support our students to develop academic knowledge, skills, and understanding alongside our graduate attributes:
Our curriculum is characterised by the three Liverpool Hallmarks:
All this is underpinned by our core value of inclusivity and commitment to providing a curriculum that is accessible to all students.
You will benefit from excellent teaching, both on-campus and online, and a strong academic and pastoral support framework.
There are opportunities to develop skills to improve employability.
You will have access to excellent recreational and sports facilities and can enjoy membership of hundreds of student societies and sports clubs.
From arrival to alumni, we’re with you all the way:
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Chat with our student ambassadors and ask any questions you have.
On completion of the programme, you will have a foundation in the science of Psychology. The resulting knowledge, skills and attitudes will enable you to put psychological principles into effect in a variety of settings including research, practice and the interface of applied research.
The scientific aspects of the course, including the application of a reasoned approach, problem solving and manipulation of data, provide useful tools for careers in healthcare, law enforcement, finance, IT and research.
The programme gives you suitable grounding for careers in the creative industries, the legal sector, government administration and education.
Our campus Career Studio is a space for students and graduates to drop into and talk to a career coach. Career coaches are highly trained to help no matter what stage you are at in your career planning. You can access support to find and apply for full-time and part-time roles, placements, internships and graduate schemes. You will also find the help you need if you have a start-up idea or want to create a business plan. You can explore the world of work, prepare for job interviews, and access careers events and workshops. The Career Studio is open Monday to Friday from 10am-5pm, simply drop in at a time that works for you.
We develop our programmes with employers in mind. You will be supported to enhance your long-term employment prospects as you learn. We do this by exposing you to professionals, a variety of sectors and supporting you to work collaboratively with others to develop transferable skills. You are equipped with a clearer view of what to focus on in your area of interest, and to reflect on your studies. Our digital employability tools give you a tech-enhanced curriculum experience and make it easy for you to prepare for the world of work. You can use tools like the Handshake platform to connect with employers and message the Career Studio 24/7.
You can start building good professional networks by attending events and employability activities. Our events are designed to develop your skills and expose you to many different employers, as well as to help you make contacts in your field. We help you improve your confidence when speaking to employers and give you access to unique opportunities. Our networking events also boost your understanding of the competencies and skills that employers are looking for in their recruitment process, giving you a competitive edge.
Your tuition fees, funding your studies, and other costs to consider.
Full-time place, per year - £11,700
Full-time place, per year - £28,300
Fees stated are for the 2025-26 academic year.
Tuition fees cover the cost of your teaching and assessment, operating facilities such as libraries, IT equipment, and access to academic and personal support.
You can pay your tuition fees in instalments.
All or part of your tuition fees can be funded by external sponsorship.
International applicants who accept an offer of a place will need to pay a tuition fee deposit.
If you're a UK national, or have settled status in the UK, you may be eligible to apply for a Postgraduate Loan worth up to £12,167 to help with course fees and living costs. Learn more about paying for your studies..
We understand that budgeting for your time at university is important, and we want to make sure you understand any course-related costs that are not covered by your tuition fee. This could include buying a laptop, books, or stationery.
Find out more about the additional study costs that may apply to this course.
We offer a range of scholarships and bursaries that could help pay your tuition and living expenses.
If you’re a UK student, either born in or with strong family connections to Merseyside, you could be eligible to apply for a fee discount of up to £4,500. You’ll need to demonstrate an active interest in global, community and environmental issues to be considered.
If you’re a UK University of Liverpool graduate joining a master’s degree with us, you could be eligible to receive £3,000 off your tuition fees. You must have graduated in the last two years and received a widening access scholarship during your undergraduate studies.
Apply to receive tailored training support to enhance your sporting performance. Our athlete support package includes a range of benefits, from bespoke strength and conditioning training to physiotherapy sessions and one-to-one nutritional advice.
The qualifications and exam results you'll need to apply for this course.
| Qualification | Details |
|---|---|
| Postgraduate entry requirements | To join this programme, you must have a 2:1 honours degree, or above, or equivalent. This degree should be in a subject other than psychology or be a psychology degree that is not accredited by the British Psychological Society. |
| International qualifications |
Many countries have a different education system to that of the UK, meaning your qualifications may not meet our entry requirements. Completing your Foundation Certificate, such as that offered by the University of Liverpool International College, means you're guaranteed a place on your chosen course. |
You'll need to demonstrate competence in the use of English language, unless you’re from a majority English speaking country.
We accept a variety of international language tests and country-specific qualifications.
International applicants who do not meet the minimum required standard of English language can complete one of our Pre-Sessional English courses to achieve the required level.
| Qualification | Details |
|---|---|
| IELTS | 7.0 overall, with no component below 6.5 |
| TOEFL iBT | 100 overall, with minimum scores of listening 21, reading 21, writing 21 and speaking 23. TOEFL Home Edition not accepted. |
| Duolingo English Test | 130 overall, with no component below 120 |
| Pearson PTE Academic | 69 overall, with no component below 61 |
| LanguageCert Academic | 75 overall, with no skill below 70 |
| PSI Skills for English | C1 Pass in all bands |
| INDIA Standard XII | National Curriculum (CBSE/ISC) - 75% and above in English. Accepted State Boards - 80% and above in English. |
| WAEC | C6 or above |
Do you need to complete a Pre-sessional English course to meet the English language requirements for this course?
The length of Pre-sessional English course you’ll need to take depends on your current level of English language ability.
If you don’t meet our English language requirements, we can use your most recent IELTS score, or the equivalent score in selected other English language tests, to determine the length of Pre-sessional English course you require.
Use the table below to check the course length you're likely to require for your current English language ability and see whether the course is available on campus or online.
| Your most recent IELTS score | Pre-sessional English course length | On campus or online |
|---|---|---|
| 6.5 overall, with no component below 6.5 | 6 weeks | On campus |
| 6.5 overall, with no component below 6.0 | 10 weeks | On campus and online options available |
| 6.5 overall, with no component below 5.5 | 12 weeks | On campus and online options available |
| 6.0 overall, with no component below 5.5 | 20 weeks | On campus |
| 5.5 overall, with no component below 5.0 | 30 weeks | On campus |
| 5.0 overall, with no more than one component below 5.0, and no component below 4.5 | 40 weeks | On campus |
If you’ve completed an alternative English language test to IELTS, we may be able to use this to assess your English language ability and determine the Pre-sessional English course length you require.
Please see our guide to Pre-sessional English entry requirements for IELTS 7.0 overall, with no component below 6.5, for further details.
Discover more about the city and University.
Liverpool bursts with diversity and creativity which makes it ideal for you to undertake your postgraduate studies and access various opportunities for you and your family.
To fully immerse yourself in the university experience living in halls will keep you close to campus where you can always meet new people. Find your home away from home.
Discover what expenses are covered by the cost of your tuition fees and other finance-related information you may need regarding your studies at Liverpool.
Have a question about this course or studying with us? Our dedicated enquiries team can help.
Last updated 21 February 2025 / / Programme terms and conditions