Psychological Science

The MSc in Psychological Science is an intensive one-year Master’s course accredited by the British Psychological Society, enabling you to pursue a career in this area even if your background is in another discipline.




This conversion programme is specifically designed for students who have not studied psychology before. It provides a comprehensive introduction to the core areas of psychology outlined by the British Psychological Society (BPS), including biological, cognitive, developmental, and social psychology, as well as individual differences, You will also study quantitative and qualitative research methods and statistics, and undertake your own research project under the supervision of a member of our diverse psychology department staff.



The programme is suitable for students from a variety of backgrounds who wish to develop core psychological knowledge and skills, whether to pursue a research or applied career in psychology.



This intensive programme means with focused work and preparation, you will get a fully-accredited course in the space of 12 rewarding months.

This MSc is not a specialism degree in Psychology. We ask that you take note of this when considering your application. If you require further information about the content or structure of the MSc Psychological Science (Conversion) programme, please feel free to contact us: mscpsychscience@qub.ac.uk

Core Modules

Core Psychology I (30 credits)

Core Psychology II (30 credits)

Applications of Psychology in the ‘Real World’ (30 credits)

Methods, Design and Analysis in Psychology (30 credits)

Research Thesis Psychology (60 credits)

Entrance requirements

Graduate

Normally a 2.1 Honours degree or above in any subject or an equivalent qualification acceptable to the University.



This is a very popular course and applicants are advised to apply as early as possible, since it may be necessary to implement an application cut-off date.



International Students

Our country/region pages include information on entry requirements, tuition fees, scholarships, student profiles, upcoming events and contacts for your country/region at https://www.qub.ac.uk/Study/international-students/your-country/



English Language Requirements

Evidence of an IELTS* score of 7.0, with not less than 6.0 in any component, or an equivalent qualification acceptable to the University is required (*taken within the last 2 years).



International students wishing to apply to Queen's University Belfast (and for whom English is not their first language), must be able to demonstrate their proficiency in English in order to benefit fully from their course of study or research. Non-EEA nationals must also satisfy UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) immigration requirements for English language for visa purposes.



For more information on English Language requirements for EEA and non-EEA nationals see: www.qub.ac.uk/EnglishLanguageReqs.



If you need to improve your English language skills before you enter this degree programme, INTO Queen's University Belfast offers a range of English language courses. These intensive and flexible courses are designed to improve your English ability for admission to this degree.

Applicants are advised to apply as early as possible and ideally no later than 30th June 2026 for courses which commence in late September. In the event that any programme receives a high number of applications, the University reserves the right to close the application portal prior to the deadline stated on course finder. Notifications to this effect will appear on the application portal against the programme application page.



Please note: a deposit will be required to secure a place.

2 years (Part-time)

1 year (Full-time)

Entry Year: Academic Year 2026/27

Career Prospects

Introduction

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.



Employment after the Course

WHERE COULD YOU BE IN FIVE YEARS TIME?



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.

http://www.qub.ac.uk/directorates/sgc/careers/