MSc in Psychological Science
Belfast, United Kingdom
DURATION
1 Years
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Full time, Part time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
Request application deadline
EARLIEST START DATE
16 Sep 2024
TUITION FEES
GBP 25,800 *
STUDY FORMAT
On-Campus
* for EU and international
Introduction
An intensive one-year Master’s course with accreditation from the British Psychological Society, enabling you to pursue a career in this area even if your background is in another discipline.
This conversion course will appeal to you if you do not already have a psychology degree.
It is approved and accredited by the British Psychological Society, (it confers the Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership), which means you’ll have the essential knowledge to undertake professional training.
This intensive program means with focused work and preparation, you will get a fully-accredited course in the space of 12 rewarding months.
You might be a recent graduate or someone who’s been in work for a while and wants to change direction.
You’ll be fascinated by how psychology underpins everything we do and aids our understanding of behavior – not just of people, but of animals too.
Please note that the MSc Psychological Science (Conversion) program is intended for students who have completed a degree in a subject other than Psychology, to undertake an intensive foundational course and achieve a Psychology qualification that is accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS) and entails Graduate Membership of the BPS. It is not an advanced specialism degree in Psychology but rather covers the core areas of Psychology and associated research skills as required for BPS accreditation.
Applications for this course received after 30th June 2023 may not be accepted. In addition, a deposit will be required to secure a place.
Course Structure
Students may enroll on a full-time (1 year) or part-time (2 years) basis. Taught modules are delivered over two semesters.
Full-time students follow taught modules in Semester 1 (Autumn) and Semester 2 (Spring) and they carry out an independent research project and write their MSc thesis (dissertation) in the summer.
Part-time students normally complete three taught modules in year 1, one taught module, and a research thesis (dissertation) in year 2, however, module selection is flexible during part-time study.
The MSc is awarded to students who complete four taught modules (120 CATS points) and a 7,000 word research dissertation (60 CATS points).
One other exit qualification is available: students may exit with a Postgraduate Diploma by completing 120 CATS points from taught modules
Duration
1 year (Full Time)
2 years (Part-Time)
Admissions
Scholarships and Funding
Applicants are advised to explore fully the funding opportunities for studying in the UK, for example, international students may find funding is available from sources within their own countries.
The funding set out in this section includes funding available from the University and from some external sources. Information provided in this section is intended to highlight some sources of funding: it is not a comprehensive list of funding sources.
Applying for funding which is available from the University is part of an integrated, online, postgraduate admissions process. An offer of a place at Queen’s does not constitute an offer of financial support.
For 2023 entry, Faculties and Schools in the University will be setting their own deadlines for postgraduate applications for admissions, studentships and scholarships. Applicants who wish to apply for postgraduate funding available from the University for 2023 entry should refer to the relevant Faculty and School websites for information.
- The Department for the Economy will provide a tuition fee loan of up to £6,500 per NI / EU student for postgraduate study.
- A postgraduate loans system in the UK offers government-backed student loans of up to £11,836 for taught and research Masters courses in all subject areas.
Curriculum
Students may enroll on a full-time (1 year) or part-time (2 years) basis. Taught modules are delivered over two semesters.
Full-time students follow taught modules in Semester 1 (Autumn) and Semester 2 (Spring) and they carry out an independent research project and write their MSc thesis (dissertation) in the summer.
Part-time students normally complete three taught modules in year 1, one taught module, and a research thesis (dissertation) in year 2, however, module selection is flexible during part-time study.
The MSc is awarded to students who complete four taught modules (120 CATS points) and a 7,000-word research dissertation (60 CATS points).
One other exit qualification is available: students may exit with a Postgraduate Diploma by completing 120 CATS points from taught modules
Course Content
The course is tailored toward analyzing data in the real world.
You’ll learn methodological analysis skills and the core principles of psychology:
- Psychobiology
- Developmental
- Social
- Individual differences
- Cognitive psychology.
You’ll learn everything from how people behave as social groups to how the brain works.
Your research project will take place over the summer.
Course Details
The program will provide a contemporary curriculum that covers the core topics in psychology, using a variety of teaching methods and assessments that are informed by current research, scholarship, and application.
The program will develop a critical awareness of issues in the scientific and applied areas of psychology and the methodological skills to critically examine and interrogate the discipline of psychology in all its facets.
Program Modules
There are two modules per semester, and the proportional mix of time spent in classes, tutorials/seminars/labs, and private study in a teaching semester are approximately 30% lectures and lecture-related activities, 20%/Labs/Tutorials, and 50% private study.
Core Psychology I: Social, Individual Differences, Cognition, and Psychobiology
(30 CATS, Semester 1, Assessment: 60% coursework, 40% exam)
Applications of psychology in the ‘real world
(30 CATS, Semester 1, Assessment: 50% coursework, 25% practical, 25% exam)
Core Psychology II: Developmental, Conceptual & Historical Issues, Applied & Professional and Perception.
(30 CATS, Semester 2, Assessment: 60% coursework, 40% exam)
Methods, Design, and Analysis in Psychology
(30 CATS, Semester 2, Assessment: 100% coursework)
Research Thesis Psychology
(60 CATS, Semester 2 & 3, Assessment: 100% Thesis)
Program Tuition Fee
Career Opportunities
The degree confers eligibility for the Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (GBC) of the British Psychological Society and many graduates will go on to complete training in one of the 7 registered professions of psychology as well as undertaking many other jobs, (management, HR, analysts) where a psychology degree is of benefit.
Queen's postgraduates reap exceptional benefits. Unique initiatives, such as Degree Plus and Researcher Plus bolster our commitment to employability, while innovative leadership and executive prprogramslongside sterling integration with business experts help our students gain key leadership positions both nationally and internationally.
Employment after the Course
Where Could You Be In Five Years
You might have your eye on a career in clinical or educational psychology.
The qualification you’ll gain allows you to go on and undertake training to qualify as a professional psychologist, e.g. clinical, educational, forensic, etc.
Or you could return to your existing job with a valuable qualification and a greater understanding of what underpins the world around you.
But the applications of this course are far-reaching. We at Queen’s created a spin-out company, Adoreboard, which analyses customer data to help brands understand how people feel about them online.