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Psychology MSc

Select the year

2026-27

2027-28

Start Dates

20 September 2027

Duration

1 year full-time

About this course

Overview

Learn from experts in applied psychology across seven key areas of the discipline.

Our Psychology MSc course is designed for graduates from any discipline who want to pursue a career in psychology. Whether you’ve studied a similar subject and want to now pursue a career in psychology, or hold a non-accredited psychology degree, this course provides the academic foundation needed for professional training and career development.

You’ll explore core areas of psychology — including cognitive, developmental, social, and biological psychology — alongside individual differences, research methods, and conceptual and historical issues. Through practical learning and hands-on research, you’ll build confidence in both quantitative and qualitative data analysis, preparing you to complete your own research project with expert supervision.

Ethics and professional practice are central to our course, helping you understand how psychological principles apply across workplaces and society. Optional modules also offer insights into specialist fields such as forensic, educational, and health psychology.

Upon successful completion, you’ll be eligible to register for Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (GBC) with the British Psychological Society (BPS).

Who can apply?

Entry Requirements

You must satisfy the following requirements as defined by the BPS and have either:

An Honours degree (2:2 or above) in Psychology (or a similar subject) that has not been accredited by the BPS as leading to the GBC.
Or an Honours degree (2:2 minimum) in a subject other than Psychology and GCSE Maths (or the equivalent at grade C or above).

If your first language is not English, you will need to meet the minimum requirements of an English Language qualification. The minimum for IELTS is 6.5 overall with no element lower than 6.0, or equivalent. Read more about the University’s entry requirements for students outside of the UK on our International Entry Requirements page.

Due to the BPS requirements, it is not possible for you to gain accreditation for your prior learning.

What will you learn?

Course Details

This module provides the opportunity for you to develop a critical understanding of cognitive and biological explanations of human behaviour. You will explore a diverse range of topics including psychopharmacology, behavioural genetics, memory and human perception.

In the developmental psychology part of the module you will be supported to build on your knowledge of human development across the lifespan in a variety of contexts. You will learn about different methodological approaches to studying human development and how to critique them. In the professional development part of the module, you will reflect on your personal and professional skills development and how psychology-related skills can be used beyond university.

You will explore and apply contemporary perspectives in social psychology. Through developing and applying your knowledge and understanding and with a critical focus you will research and offer solutions to current ‘real-world’ topical issues. This will consist of your solutions to a ‘real-world’ topical issue and will be pre-dominantly relevant to human social life. You will be assessed by one piece of coursework and an unseen exam. In this module you will examine the perspectives, methods and theoretical stances taken by social and personality psychologists in relation to key contemporary issues, social processes and conflicts. You will examine each approach from its respective social and personality psychology perspective, where continuities and discontinuities will be highlighted and evaluated. You will further examine a broad spectrum of epistemological approaches and place these in their context. The module will be delivered thematically, each theme reflecting major topic areas in social psychology and personality psychology. Outline Syllabus Social psychology and personality psychology – Mainstream and critical qualitative perspectives, conceptual and historical issues, methods and knowledge, identity theories, emotions, close relationships, sexuality, crowds, groups processes, personality theories and individual differences.

This module provides the opportunity for you to acquire a critical understanding of the range of quantitative approaches to research in Psychology, including experimental, quasi-experimental, non-experimental and qualitative methods. You will also have the chance to develop the ability to define appropriate participant samples and groups, understanding of the purposes and limitations of specific research techniques, the application of appropriate statistical methods or qualitative analysis to data from various designs and interpret the results, use appropriate methods of data collection and statistical tests or qualitative analysis.

This module helps to support you in the development of your ideas for your research proposal, in readiness for the project module. In addition you will explore how to complete a submission of the proposal for ethical approval for research involving human participants or data derived from them. You will learn about ethics beyond research and professional conduct.

In this module you will carry out an independent piece of research under the supervision of a member of Psychology staff who has Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership of the British Psychological Society (BPS). You will submit a proposal for ethical approval for research involving human participants or data derived from them. You will have the opportunity to develop the ability to manage the process of constructing and carrying out a piece of research, analysing and interpreting the empirical data derived from it and communicating your findings in an appropriate report format.

You will also choose 1 optional module in this year. The current optional modules are:

You will be introduced to the major approaches, concepts and issues within the field of forensic psychology. Two main themes are used to explore these controversial and emotive issues that relate to the psychology of crime, detection and punishment. You will critically consider a range of research areas in forensic psychology including prison treatment programmes, eyewitness and expert testimonies, interrogative suggestibility, crime and mentally disordered offenders. You will also study a range of crimes and the psychological explanations of why these are committed.

Health psychology is the study of how behavioural, psychological and social processes influence physical health and illness. This module introduces you to the exciting discipline of health psychology through lectures, seminars and directed study. You will explore some key theories, concepts and research through one piece of coursework. The module is aligned with the scientist-practitioner model, with its emphasis on evidence-based approaches to treatment, as well as research methods and skills which is reflected in the module content.

This module takes a critically reflective approach to the theories and practices of education, seeking to understand the mechanisms of enablement and disablement in education from a lifelong learning perspective. You will explore the complex factors which interact to construct learning, and will critically examine theory and practice within the context of these factors.

This module explores psychological difficulties and ways in which clinical psychologists (and psychiatrists) have tried to understand, explain and manage behaviour that is perceived as ‘abnormal’ or ‘atypical’. You'll study the classification and management of different mental illnesses, such as personality disorders, eating disorders and schizophrenia. You'll be introduced to the diagnosis and aetiology of the mental illnesses by considering biological, psychological and social perspectives in understanding these difficulties.

For more information on when and how we update our modules please see the ‘Legal Information’ section below.

Teaching and Assessment

Discover what to expect from your tutor contact time, assessment methods, and feedback process.

Where could this lead you?

Your Career

Previous graduates from courses in this subject area have gone on to work in a variety of roles such as Clinical psychologist, Counselling psychologist, Education mental health practitioner, Educational psychologist, Forensic psychologist, Health psychologist, High intensity therapist, Occupational psychologist, Psychological wellbeing practitioner, Sport and exercise psychologist.*
*Source: Prospects

98% Percentage of the University's postgraduate students go on to work and/or further study within fifteen months of graduating.

* HESA Graduate Outcomes 2022/23, UK domiciled.

I'm grateful for the steadfast support provided at Huddersfield. The integrity and dedication of the tutors have been instrumental in my academic journey, offering invaluable guidance and mentorship. Their passion for teaching and commitment to student success have deeply inspired me.

- Justyna Golak
Psychology MSc

How much will it cost?

Fees and Finance

£9,265 per year

This is the tuition fee for 2026/27 entry. Tuition fees for 2027/28 will be published once the information becomes available.

This information is for Home students applying to study at the University of Huddersfield in the academic year 2026/27.

Please note that tuition fees for subsequent years may rise in line with inflation (RPI-X) and/or Government policy.

For detailed information please visit https://www.hud.ac.uk/study/fees/

£18,700 per year

This is the tuition fee for 2026/27 entry. Tuition fees for 2027/28 will be published once the information becomes available.

This information is for international students applying to study at the University of Huddersfield in the academic year 2026/27.

Please note that tuition fees for subsequent years may rise in line with inflation (RPI-X) and/or Government policy.

For detailed information please visit https://www.hud.ac.uk/international/fees-and-funding/

Scholarships and Bursaries

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What’s included in your fee?

We want you to understand exactly what your fees will cover and what additional costs you may need to budget for when you decide to become a student with us.

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If you have any questions about Fees and Finance, please email the Student Finance Team.

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Why study a Psychology Conversion course

Discover five great reasons why you should choose to study a Psychology Conversion Master's course at Huddersfield.

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Make Huddersfield your home. A Yorkshire town, surrounded by beautiful countryside, with easy access to neighbouring cities; Leeds, Manchester and Sheffield. You’ll find plenty of places to eat, drink, shop and socialise, there’s ambitious plans for future development. Our campus is situated next to the town centre - making your commute a breeze.

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Get involved in great opportunities helping you to make friends from all across the world and create lifelong memories. Join one of over 100 societies with the Students’ Union, experience new cultures through global events, earn whilst you learn and build your skills via our Global Professional Award.

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Huddersfield is not only one of the friendliest towns, it also offers you a lower cost of living than most big cities. This means you could have more money to spend, making your uni experience even better. On campus you’ll also find plenty of facilities and services to help you budget and make your money go further.

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Sustainability Matters

We’re committed to sustainability and aim to be carbon neutral by 2030. Our plan includes reducing emissions, enhancing biodiversity, and improving wellbeing through sustainable buildings. We’re investing in digital solutions, low-impact travel, and embedding sustainability into teaching and research, investing over £1m in carbon reduction.

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Since 2015, we’ve invested £198 million to create spaces where you can learn, collaborate and thrive. We’re continuously investing in our campus with your wellbeing in mind—adding features that make our buildings healthier, more supportive and better places for you to succeed.

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Careers support

We know you’re coming to university to study on your chosen subject, meet new people and broaden your horizons. However, we also help you to focus on life after you have graduated to ensure that your hard work pays off and you achieve your ambition.

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Student support

At the University of Huddersfield, you’ll find support networks and services to help you get ahead in your studies and social life. Whether you study at undergraduate or postgraduate level, you’ll soon discover that you’re never far away from our dedicated staff and resources to help you to navigate through your personal student journey.

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Teaching Excellence

Great teaching is engaging and inspiring — it helps you reach your full potential and prepares you for the future. We don’t just teach well — we excel — and we have the awards and recognition to prove it.

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Inspiring Academics

Our researchers carry out world-leading work that makes a real difference to people’s lives. Staff within the Department of Social and Psychological Sciences may teach you on this course.

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Research Excellence

You’ll be taught by staff who want to support your learning and share the latest knowledge and research.

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Accommodation

Looking for student accommodation? Huddersfield has you covered. HudLets has a variety of accommodation types to choose from, no matter what your preference. HudLets is the University’s approved accommodation service, run by Huddersfield Students’ Union.

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Further Study

Many of our graduates stay at Huddersfield to complete postgraduate research degrees at Masters or PhD level.

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Legal information

When you enrol as a student of the University, your study and time with us will be governed by our terms and conditions, Handbook of Regulations and associated policies. It is important that you familiarise yourself with these as you will be asked to agree to them when you join us as a student. You will find a guide to the key terms here, along with the Student Protection Plan.

Although we always try and ensure we deliver our courses as described, sometimes we may have to make changes for the following reasons:

Changes to a course you have applied for but are not yet enrolled on

If we propose to make a major change to a course that you are holding an offer for, then we will tell you as soon as possible so that you can decide whether to withdraw your application prior to enrolment. We may occasionally have to withdraw a course you have applied for or combine your programme with another programme if we consider this reasonably necessary to ensure a good student experience, for example if there are not enough applicants. Where this is the case we will notify you as soon as reasonably possible and if you are unhappy with the change we will discuss with you other suitable courses we can transfer your application to. If you do not wish to transfer to another course with us, you may cancel your application and we will refund you any deposits or fees you have paid to us.

Changes to your course after you enrol as a student

Changes to option modules

Where your course allows you to choose modules from a range of options, we will review these each year and change them to reflect the expertise of our staff, current trends in research and as a result of student feedback or demand for certain modules. We will always ensure that you have an equivalent range of options to that advertised for the course. We will let you know in good time the options available for you to choose for the following year.

Major changes

We will only make major changes to non-optional modules on a course if it is necessary for us to do so and provided such changes are reasonable. A major change is a change that substantially changes the outcomes, or a significant part of your course, such as the nature of the award or a substantial change to module content, teaching days (part time provision), type of delivery or assessment of the core curriculum. For example, it may be necessary to make a major change to reflect changes in the law or the requirements of the University’s regulators or a commissioning or accrediting body. We may also make changes to improve the course in response to student, examiners’ or other course evaluators’ feedback or to ensure you are being taught current best practice. Major changes may also be necessary because of circumstances outside our reasonable control, such as a key member of staff being unable to teach due to illness, where they have a particular specialism that can’t be adequately covered by other members of staff; or due to pandemics, other disasters (such as fire, flood or war) or changes made by the government.

Major changes would usually be made with effect from the next academic year, but may happen sooner in an emergency. We will notify you as soon as possible should we need to make a major change and will consult with affected groups of students and any changes would only be made in accordance with our regulations. If you reasonably believe that the proposed change will cause you detriment or hardship we will, if appropriate, work with you to try to reduce the adverse effect on you or find an appropriate solution. Where an appropriate solution cannot be found and you let us know before the change takes effect you can cancel your registration and withdraw from the University without liability to the University for any additional tuition fees. We will provide reasonable support to assist you with transferring to another university if you wish to do so and you may be eligible for an exit award depending on how far through your course you are.

In exceptional circumstances, we may, for reasons outside of our control, be forced to discontinue or suspend your course. Where this is the case, a formal exit strategy will be followed in accordance with the student protection plan.

The Office for Students (OfS) is the principal regulator for the University.

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Psychology MSc

Overview

Why choose Huddersfield for this course?

Accreditation and Professional Links

Entry Requirements