MSc Psychology

Course Overview

Are you looking for a master's course that will fascinate your interest in the human mind? Hoping to change direction after an undergraduate degree in a different subject? This British Psychological Society (BPS) accredited, Psychology MSc is an essential step on your journey towards a career in Psychology.

You will learn from passionate academic staff, who are involved in cutting-edge research. With almost three-quarters of Northumbria’s psychology research being judged to have outstanding reach and significance for its impact (REF 2014).

You will learn in a professional research environment, with access to state-of-the-art laboratories which are equipped with industry standard equipment. You will learn from those at the forefront of their fields. In fact, our strength in psychology research has significantly increased. We are currently placed second in the Alliance group of universities for world-leading research (REF 2014).

You will develop an advanced understanding of

cognitive and developmental Psychology
biological and social Psychology
individual differences
and psychological research methods.

Successful completion of this master's in psychology will provide you with the Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership with the BPS, the first step towards becoming a Chartered Psychologist.

Our MSc Psychology has been designed with your employability in mind, and will prove valuable even if you decide not to pursue a career in Psychology. Our previous graduates have secured roles in management, advertising, marketing and human resources.

Career

If you want to specialise in Health, Occupational or Sport and Exercise Psychology then your next step will be a Stage 1 Masters, which we also offer here at Northumbria. We can offer you a fast track graduation so that you can move straight on to your Stage 1 qualification, and progress in your career as quickly as possible. You’ll complete your Stage 2 qualification in employment, and ultimately register as a Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) practitioner. (This is also the route to Forensic Psychology, which is offered at other local universities.)

If you want to specialise in Counselling, Educational or Clinical Psychology then you will need to apply for a highly competitive doctoral programme. You are likely to need substantial experience to be successful in gaining a place, and at Northumbria we will support you in finding that experience. We will open doors to the many volunteering opportunities at the University and within the sector, and the MSc will also qualify you to apply for a valuable Assistant Psychologist role.

The third route to a career in Psychology is the academic route, and we can support interested students in applying for our MRes and subsequently a PhD. This would qualify you to lecture and carry our psychological research in a university setting.

Our MSc Psychology has been designed with your employability in mind, and will prove valuable even if you decide not to pursue a career in Psychology. You will develop a critical approach to analysing qualitative and quantitative data, which will equip you to make sound informed decisions – one of the most important aspects of leadership. Our previous graduates have secured specialist roles in management, advertising, marketing and human resources, with many moving into the public sector for careers in the police and prison services, health and social services or education.

Applicants should normally have: A minimum of a 2:2 honours degree in any discipline.