England.  Change location
Student with her laptop
Ask a question Ask a question Register nowRegister Request ProspectusProspectus
Course type
Masters degree
Credits
180

Credits

  • Credits measure the student workload required for the successful completion of a module or qualification.
  • One credit represents about 10 hours of study over the duration of the course.
  • You are awarded credits after you have successfully completed a module.
  • For example, if you study a 60-credit module and successfully pass it, you will be awarded 60 credits.
How long it takes
2 years part-time study
Read more about how long it takes
Study method
Distance learning
Course cost
Postgraduate loan available
See Fees and funding
Entry requirements
Find out more about
Entry requirements

MSc in Psychology (Conversion)

Course code: F92

This masters programme offers you the opportunity to gain your first qualification accredited by the British Psychological Society. You’ll develop a comprehensive and critical understanding of the key concepts, theories, methods and debates in psychology. This will include critically examining how psychological theories and research methodologies are applied in real world settings and assessing different kinds of evidence from quantitative and qualitative data. You’ll also gain an awareness of the importance of ethical issues in the practice of psychology. By completing this rigorous masters degree, you’ll build your numeracy, literacy, communication, team working, presentation, observational, cognitive and organisational skills as appropriate to the discipline.

  • Builds your knowledge and understanding of a broad range of core topics in psychology.
  • Gives you an appreciation of different perspectives within psychology and the ability to evaluate them critically.
  • Accredited by the British Psychological Society and the first step to becoming a psychologist.
  • Gain valuable analytical and communication skills that will enhance your employability.
Course type
Masters degree
Credits
180

Credits

  • Credits measure the student workload required for the successful completion of a module or qualification.
  • One credit represents about 10 hours of study over the duration of the course.
  • You are awarded credits after you have successfully completed a module.
  • For example, if you study a 60-credit module and successfully pass it, you will be awarded 60 credits.
How long it takes
2 years part-time study
Read more about how long it takes
Study method
Distance learning
Course cost
Postgraduate loan available
See Fees and funding
Entry requirements
Find out more about
Entry requirements

How to register

Select the module you will study first, read the full description, and follow the instructions to register.

Modules

To gain this qualification, you need 180 credits from the following:

Compulsory modules Credits Next start
Critically exploring psychology 1 (D810)

This module focuses on social, cognitive and biological psychology and research methods.

See full description

Register
 90 06 Sep 2025
Critically exploring psychology 2 (D811)

This module focuses on individual differences, developmental psychology, research methods and completing an independent research project.

See full description

Register
 90 06 Sep 2025

You should note that the University’s unique study rule applies to this qualification. This means that you must include at least 60 credits from OU modules that have not been counted in any other OU qualification that has previously been awarded to you.

Learning outcomes, teaching and assessment

The learning outcomes of this qualification are described in four areas:

  • Knowledge and understanding
  • Cognitive skills
  • Practical and professional skills
  • Key skills
Read more detailed information about the learning outcomes.

Credit transfer

Credit transfer is not available for this qualification.

On completion

On successful completion of the required modules you can be awarded an MSc Psychology (Conversion). You will be entitled you to use the letters MSc Psych Conv (Open) after your name. You will have the opportunity to attend a degree ceremony.

Regulations

As a student of The Open University, you should be aware of the content of the qualification-specific regulations below and the academic regulations that are available on our Student Policies and Regulations website. 

We regularly review our curriculum; therefore, the qualification described on this page – including its availability, its structure, and available modules – may change over time. If we make changes to this qualification, we’ll update this page as soon as possible. Once you’ve registered or are studying this qualification, where practicable, we’ll inform you in good time of any upcoming changes. If you’d like to know more about the circumstances in which the University might make changes to the curriculum, see our Academic Regulations or contact us. This description was last updated on 19 March 2024.

The MSc in Psychology (Conversion) is only open to students who don't already hold an undergraduate degree which gives eligibility for Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (GBC) from the British Psychological Society (BPS).

You must hold a UK honours degree (2:2 at least) or equivalent to be accepted. Your first degree need not be in psychology, but you must have the skills expected of a social sciences graduate.

This qualification has a required study order. All students will begin with the postgraduate module, Critically exploring psychology 1 (D810). This module will help equip you with the requisite skills needed to undertake postgraduate-level study, but it does not offer remedial training for those who have an unsuitable bachelors degree or inadequate experience. You will have the opportunity to study with a cohort of peers throughout, while the modules and assessments build on one another systematically.

You must be able to:

  • write accurately, clearly and concisely
  • read large quantities of text quickly, accurately and critically
  • classify evidence precisely and assess its value and reliability
  • argue logically and consistently
  • select and interpret evidence to support a logical argument.

Your spoken and written English must be of an adequate standard for postgraduate study. If English is not your first language, we recommend that you will need a minimum score of 6.5 under the International English Language Testing System (IELTS). Please see their website for details. If you’re not sure whether your English skills are good enough, there is some help and guidance at our Skills for OU Study website.

How long it takes

Most students study the MSc in Psychology (Conversion) part-time, completing one module a year over two years. Typically, this means 25 study hours each week.

You must complete the MSc in Psychology (Conversion) within 10 years.

Career relevance

Careers as a professional psychologist in the applied areas of psychology will require further study, training and/or work experience beyond your degree – for which this course provides ideal preparation.

The Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) regulated titles include:
  • clinical psychologist
  • counselling psychologist
  • educational psychologist
  • forensic psychologist
  • health psychologist
  • occupational psychologist
  • sports and exercise psychologist.

As well as the specific knowledge gained from studying this masters degree, you'll develop many transferable and work-related skills that are highly valued by employers. These include:

  • communication
  • numeracy
  • effective team-working
  • independent and critical thinking
  • IT and data handling
  • analysing and evaluating diverse sources of information, including qualitative and quantitative data
  • problem-solving and reasoning
  • application of learning to real world problems and situations
  • independent learning.

Careers and Employability Services have more information on how OU study can improve your employability.

Accreditation/Professional recognition

This masters degree is designed to deliver the requirements for the Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (GBC) of the British Psychological Society (BPS).

BPS-Conversion.jpg

Request your prospectus

Our prospectuses help you choose your course, understand what it's like to be an OU student and register for study.

Request prospectus

Back to top