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Introduction
Why choose this course?
Course structure
MSc Psychology is a conversion course ideal for students with little prior knowledge of psychology. We follow BPS subject guidelines, so you study the fundamental theories, methods and practice of psychology needed for graduate membership of the Society. These include core areas like development psychology, cognitive psychology, historical and conceptual issues, and psychological health and disorders.
You will also develop the practical skills needed for a professional career, including research paradigms, methods and measurement techniques, and statistical and qualitative analysis.
We integrate theory, research and practice throughout the course enabling you to gain the knowledge you need for the next stage of your career. Additionally, our teaching staff includes developmental, social, health, biological and cognitive psychology experts so you can find the right advisor for your dissertation.
Overview
What makes us who we are? How do children learn? And how can we support people with mental health issues? Explore these topics and more on a course that sets you up for a career as a professional psychologist.
If you have little prior knowledge of psychology, our MSc Psychology is the ideal conversion course. You’ll study alongside people looking to make a career change, those interested in the psychology of their industry and psychology students looking for an accredited degree by the British Psychological Society (BPS).
You’ll study core content set by the BPS and put your knowledge into practice in a piece of hands-on, independent research. You’ll learn more about your career possibilities and have opportunities to develop your experiences and skills (e.g. supporting staff working in active research). All on-site learning takes place across 1 or 2 fixed days per week depending on full or part-time studies.
Completing our BPS accredited MSc establishes the Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership of the BPS giving you a strong foundation and gives you access for your next steps.
Modules
Compulsory modules
• Cognitive and Social Aspects of Development (20 credits)
This module provides an overview of some key theories and research paradigms in the field of developmental psychology, including social and cognitive development and considering the impact of culture upon development. Topics are tackled by examining research papers and theories using a critical approach. The module aims to encourage basic academic/research skills relevant to Psychology such as reading research papers, critically evaluating research and writing skills.
• Conceptual issues and Social Psychology (20 credits)
This module offers an introduction to some of the conceptual aspects of psychology (ontology, epistemology, methodology and ethics) and also a general overview of the major themes in social psychology including contemporary theories of morality, the virtual self, love and attraction, behaviour change, altruism and prejudice.
• Brain and Cognition (20 credits)
This module introduces the core aspects of the organisation and function of the brain and its associated sensory and motor systems. It also looks at cognitive processing and research into the relationship between cognition and brain processing as found in neuropsychology and cognitive neuroscience. Topics include basic neuroanatomy, methods in neuroscience and cognitive research, and some core topics in cognition and cognitive neuroscience, e.g. vision, attention, language, problem solving and decision making. Current models and theories will be presented along with topical arguments and experimental studies.
• Data Analysis and Statistics for Psychology (20 credits)
The main aim of this module is for you to become comfortable with core statistical concepts as practised in psychological science. It aims to increase your depth of understanding of statistical concepts and data analysis in psychology and to provide insight into the practice of quantitative data analysis. The module prepares you for planning your own quantitative data analysis when designing your own research.
• Intelligence, Personality and Individual Differences (20 credits)
This module will advance your knowledge of theory and research methods in the fields of intelligence, personality and individual differences. It will provide the opportunity for development of research skills, reflection on the nature of scientific inquiry and the advancement of psychological science in these fields. It will also develop basic academic/research skills relevant to Psychology such as reading research papers, critically evaluating research and writing skills.
• Psychological Health and Disorders (20 credits)
This module advances your knowledge of theory and research methods in the field of psychological health and mental health conditions. Content will include how we conceptualise mental health conditions, special considerations of conducting research related to clinical psychology and psychological health, consideration of factors related to psychological health (e.g. stress, sleep, health behaviours) and selected mental health conditions (e.g. anxiety disorders, personality disorders). These topics will be considered within the context of current psychological research and theories to develop understanding of the processes (e.g. biological, psychological) that may play a causal or maintaining role.
• Qualitative Methods and Research Skills (10 credits)
This module aims to develop your knowledge of qualitative methods and research skills in Psychology. In addition, it is intended to provide a structured framework within which you develop your research skills, including research ethics, data collection, qualitative data analysis and data reporting and presentation skills. The module also supports you to carry out the theoretical and methodological groundwork for your research-based dissertation and provides an opportunity to gain tutor and peer feedback on your research plans.
Final project
Compulsory modules
• Research Based Dissertation (50 credits)
This research-based dissertation is 6-8,000 words long. It is an extended and supervised piece of work reporting new empirical data. It is always grounded in a thorough review of the relevant scientific literature and normally requires experimental data collection. The aim of the dissertation is to allow you to develop your own ideas in a specific domain of psychology and to provide you with experience in research design, data collection, analysis and interpretation. You will also have the opportunity to work alongside an experienced academic from the Psychology team.
Please note: As our courses are reviewed regularly as part of our quality assurance framework, the modules you can choose from may vary from that shown here. The structure of the course may also mean some modules are not available to you.
Research
95% of our research is of internationally recognised standard (Research Excellence Framework 2014). Our research has led to improved practice guidelines in both health and education, the development of valuable assessment tools and the adoption of new policies and practices. We develop knowledge and understanding that informs policy and improves people’s lives.
We continue to attract significant funding awards from bodies including:
 ESRC
 MRC
 UKRI
 Cancer Research
 Technology Strategy Board
 Ministry of Defence
 National Institute for Health Research
 Leverhulme Trust.
Working within the Centre for Psychological Research, Oxford Brookes Psychology staff are actively involved in their own research programmes, as members of our four key research groups: Developmental Psychology; Applied Social and Health Psychology; Cognition and Cognitive Neuroscience; and Prevention Science. Research interests are woven into teaching across all the MSc modules, integrating theoretical content and applied research methods.
Entry Criteria
ENTRY REQUIRED DOCUMENTS
Home Office Share Code
For EU students only.
IF no Qualification
Please provide CV with at least 2 years of work experience, and employee reference letter.
Entry requirements
Specific entry requirements
You must normally have the following qualifications and evidence of being engaged in recent study:
 an upper second-class or first-class honours degree awarded by a recognised institution of higher education in the UK or overseas.
Students will also be considered with:
 a lower second class honours degree AND
 60 CATS (Credit Accumulative Transfer Scheme) credits in Psychology. You must have achieved an average of 60% in these credits. Credits can be gained from a recognised institution of higher education.
Applicants who, as a result of qualifications or experience or both, can demonstrate knowledge and capabilities equivalent to those possessed by holders of the qualifications listed above, may in exceptional circumstances be admitted with dispensation from the requirement to possess those qualifications and may apply for consideration of their portfolio by the admissions committee.
Our standard entry requirement is three A-levels or equivalent qualifications. In some cases, courses have specific required subjects and additional GCSE requirements. In addition to A-levels, we accept a wide range of other qualifications including:
 the Welsh Baccalaureate
 the Access to Higher Education Diploma
 a BTEC National Certificate, Diploma or Extended Diploma at a good standard and in a relevant subject
 the International Baccalaureate Diploma
 the European Baccalaureate Diploma
 Scottish qualifications – five subjects in SCE with two at Higher level or one at Advanced Higher level, or three subjects in Scottish Highers or two at Advanced Higher level
 a recognised foundation course
 T-levels*.
 * T-levels are a relatively new qualification but are already included in the UCAS tariff. We welcome prospective students who are taking this qualification to apply. For some programmes with specific required subjects, particular subject areas or occupational specialisms may be required.
English language requirements
If English is not your first language then you will need to show that your English language skills are at a high enough level to succeed in your studies.
The entry requirement for your course will be expressed as an IELTS level and refers to the IELTS Academic version of this test. We are now also accepting the IELTS Indicator test, you can find out more about the test on the IELTS Indication site. The University however does accept a wide range of additional English language qualifications, which can be found below.
The university’s English language requirements in IELTS levels are as follows:
Course IELTS level
All other undergraduate courses 6.0 overall with 6.0 in reading and writing, 5.5 in listening and speaking
Law, Architecture, Interior Architecture, English Literature (including combined honours), English Literature and Creative Writing 6.5 overall with 6.0 in reading and writing, 5.5 in listening and speaking
Health and Social Care courses 6.5 or 7.0 overall with 6.5 or 7.0 in all components (see individual entries for course details)
Nutrition BSc (Hons) 6.5 overall with a minimum of 6.0 in each component
Built Environment Foundation,
Computing Foundation,
Engineering Foundation 6.0 with 6.0 in reading and writing, 5.5 in listening and speaking
International Foundation Business and Technology,
International Foundation Arts, Humanities and Law 5.5 overall with 5.5 in all skills
International Foundation Diploma 5.0 overall with 5.0 in all skills
If you need a student visa you must take an IELTS for UKVI test.
International Foundation Diploma (Extended pathway) 4.5 overall with 4.5 in all skills
If you need a student visa you must take an IELTS for UKVI test.
Assessment
ASSESSMENT METHODS
1. INTERNAL ENGLISH TEST if you don't have an English accredited certificate
2. Academic Interview
Learning and teaching
You will be taught through the following methods:
 Lectures
 Interactive sessions, including debates and oral/poster presentations
 Research seminars
 Tutorials
 Supervised seminar presentations
 Collaborative learning
 Learning from providing peer feedback
 Problem based learning
 Laboratory classes, seminars/workshops, computer-based exercises
 Research projects
 Use of online resources (Moodle)
 Reflecting on learning and application of learning
 Independent reading and research.
Diverse teaching methods are employed to aid the quality of learning opportunities for your understanding of psychology.
You will also gain a number of transferable intellectual and practical skills valued by employers, such as:
 critical analysis and thinking
 reflective thinking and writing
 reasoning and problem solving
 refined writing abilities
 numeracy and data analysis
 scientific method
 presentation and public speaking skills
 teamworking and networking abilities
Assessment
A range of formative and summative assessment menthods are used including
 unseen written exams
 coursework essays
 individual and group presentations
 critical reviews
 statistical analysis
 qualitative reports
 reflective writing
You will also complete a research-based dissertation, an extended and supervised piece of work reporting on new empirical data.
Career Opportunities
Careers
Graduate from MSc Psychology with a recognised qualification in psychology and open doors to:
 Professional training including educational, psychological or clinical psychology.
 Higher academic study with a research PhD or specialised master’s.
 Broad workplace opportunities, with alumni using their MSc Psychology skills in hospitality, the charitable sector and the publishing industries.
Your career is important to us, so we offer volunteer opportunities with charities and organisations. You can also attend career talks, an alumni conference and lively research seminars.
One of our strengths at Oxford Brookes is our in-house research which offers hands-on experience for your CV.
Our teaching staff includes many active researchers who need research assistants on a diverse range of projects where you can also learn about the equipment in our labs.
Your academic adviser will meet with you regularly to talk about ways to progress and offer practical help with applications for future training and employment.
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