Select the year

Start Dates

21 September 2026

Duration

1 year full-time

About this course

Overview

Why choose Huddersfield for this course?

  • You will be taught by a team with research interests in applied psychology across seven major content areas.
  • You will explore quantitative and qualitative research methods, as well as data analysis.
  • You will prepare your own research project, supported by a subject matter expert.

Accreditation and Professional Links

Recognised connections to give you an extra edge when you graduate. Read More

This course provides a high quality, broad based education in psychology. This conversion course was specifically designed for graduates of any discipline, as well as those who have previously studied psychology in their undergraduate degree which was not accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS).

*You will be taught by a team with research interests in applied psychology across seven major content areas; Cognitive Psychology, Developmental Psychology, Social Psychology, Biological Psychology, Individual Differences, Research Methods and Conceptual and Historical Issues in Psychology.
*You will explore quantitative and qualitative research methods, as well as data analysis. This will help to prepare you to conduct your own research project, supported by a subject matter expert.
*Ethics is an integral part of psychology; therefore, you will be taught research ethics and the wider application of ethics to the workplace and society.
*The optional modules provide an insight into professional careers such as forensic, educational and health psychology.
*Successful completion of the course currently leads to eligibility to register for Graduate Basis Chartered membership (GBC) with the BPS. Once registered, the GBC status allows you to apply for further postgraduate BPS accredited courses.

You can also study Psychology (Conversion) MSc [https://courses.hud.ac.uk/2026-27/part-time/postgraduate/psychology-conversion-msc] 100% online.

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 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. 

From January 2027 the UK government is launching a new student funding system for people starting university education. Read more about the Lifelong Learning Entitlement (LLE).

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

£18,700 per year

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

Discover what additional help you may be eligible for to support your University studies.

Tuition Fee Loans

Find out more about tuition fee loans available to eligible postgraduate students.

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.

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

Explore More

Why Hud

Explore the unique opportunities and resources that make our institution a top choice for students seeking a well-rounded and future-focused education.

Need more details?

More Info

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.

Find out more about careers support

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.

See our support services

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.

Find out more

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.

Find out more about our staff

Research Excellence

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

Find out more

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.

Take a look at your options

Further Study

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

Discover research degrees
Ask us a question