Overview
Accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS), this is a specialist conversion course designed for non-Psychology graduates who wish to pursue a career as a psychologist. It confers eligibility for students to apply for Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (GBC) with the BPS, which is the first step towards becoming a Chartered Psychologist.
Studied 100% online, you’ll gain a thorough grounding in core psychological theories and methodologies, as well as their origins, history and development.
You’ll be taught by our highly respected and experienced course team, which currently includes Chartered Members and Associate Fellows of the BPS on the Register of Qualified Level A Psychometric Practitioners and those who sit on the Board of the Psychology Teaching Review. Their teaching excellence has been recognised as Associate Fellows, Fellows or Senior Fellows of the Higher Education Academy (HEA). (staff subject to change)
Why Coventry University?
An award-winning university, we are committed to providing our students with the best possible experience. We continue to invest in both our facilities and our innovative approach to education. Our students benefit from industry-relevant teaching, and resources and support designed to help them succeed. These range from our modern library and computing facilities to dedicated careers advice and our impressive Students’ Union activities.
COVID-19
The University may deliver certain contact hours and assessments via emerging online technologies and methods across all courses. In response to the Covid-19 pandemic, we are prepared for courses due to start in or after the 2020/2021 academic year to be delivered in a variety of forms. The form of delivery will be determined in accordance with Government and Public Health guidance. Whether on campus or online, our key priority is staff and student safety.
Due to the ongoing restrictions relating to Covid-19, some facilities (including some teaching and learning spaces) and some non-academic offerings (particularly in relation to international experiences), may vary from those advertised and may have reduced availability or restrictions on their use.
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All the support you need, in a top student cityAccreditation and Professional Recognition
This course is accredited and recognised by the following bodies:
British Psychological Society (BPS)
This course is currently accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS) for the 2021/22 intake and confers eligibility to apply for the Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (GBC), which is the first step towards becoming a Chartered Psychologist
Graduates must achieve a 50% average for all modules contributing to the accredited MSc Psychology Conversion degree (BPS Standards for the Accreditation of the Masters Programme in Psychology, October 2019). Graduates who do not meet this requirement will exit with a non-accredited award. To achieve the necessary number of credits for all awards (accredited and non-accredited), graduates must achieve the necessary 40% pass mark for all modules contributing to the award.
The course includes the Creativity, Change and Innovation module, accredited by the Chartered Management Institute (CMI). Please visit the CMI website for full details on the CMI accreditation.
Coventry University’s accreditation with CMI is currently ongoing for the relevant modules, but is frequently reviewed and monitored by the CMI through their quality systems. If any changes occur with respect to our accreditation related to these modules, we will seek to notify applicants and students as soon as possible.
Hospital Wards
We have two fully-equipped mock hospital wards, each containing 4 beds. The wards are built to NHS standards and contain moveable beds, first aid equipment and patient monitoring tools.
Ambulance
Our facilities include a mock ambulance, which students can use as part of their studies, to help simulate the patient journey. This gives students the opportunity to learn in situations that mirror real life scenarios.
Strength and Conditioning Suite
Our multi-purpose suite is equipped with multiple Olympic lifting platforms, a 20m gait analysis track, an anti-gravity treadmill and even a 3D motion capture system!
What our students say...
Undertaking the MSc in Psychology as an older student has been a fabulous experience. Not only has it reinvigorated a love of learning and promoted confidence in tackling new challenges, it has developed many new skills not least in accessing and critically evaluating resources, creative problem solving, and academic writing.
The diverse content of the course has been fascinating, ranging from history and origins of psychology, through its biological and cognitive aspects, research methods and its real-life applications. Working on an independent project was hugely fulfilling, providing the opportunity to engage with a topic of interest in great depth devising and organising real-world research related to it. Undertaking the course part-time ensured I could fit study around the needs of my family. Through the course I have made great new friends and broadened my skills whilst redirecting my career interests.
Course information
This 100% online course has been designed to meet the accreditation criteria of the British Psychological Society (BPS) to confer eligibility for Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (GBC).
You will have the opportunity to build the knowledge and skills necessary to fully appreciate the depth and breadth essential to the study of psychology, encompassing traditional and contemporary psychological models, theories and methodologies. Some of the specialist modules allow us to look at how psychology is applied in specific contexts. For example, the ‘Applied Psychology’ module considers its impact within the modern-day world - in counselling, clinical, forensic, educational, sport, work and health psychology.
We place a significant emphasis on professional research methods, developing your knowledge and skills in planning, carrying out, analysing and writing about research in applied psychology. You'll gain a sophisticated awareness of problems, issues and ethics in applied research in psychology, such as evaluating a counselling intervention to target victims of domestic violence or considering whether it is acceptable to deceive participants. You will also have the chance to conduct a number of practical research exercises and will produce an extensive piece of independent research on a topic of your choice - anything from understanding the variables that influence attribution of blame towards rape victims to the pre- and post- entry barriers to disabled individuals obtaining senior management positions.
Throughout the course there is an emphasis on developing transferrable skills, such as IT, online group work, communication, report writing, numeracy and presentation skills.
Top 200
For the 3rd year in a row Coventry University has been ranked one of the top 200 universities in the world to study psychology.Read news article
Times Higher Education
Course Specification
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Modules
We regularly review our course content, to make it relevant and current for the benefit of our students. For these reasons, course modules may be updated.
In more detail...
Psychology centres on the scientific study of the human mind and all aspects of behaviour in individuals, groups or organisations, as well as the thoughts, feelings and motivations underlying that behaviour. It performs a vital role in society, assisting people or organisations facing all sorts of problems and challenges, working with them to bring about positive change. If you are interested in why people think and behave in certain ways, then this is the course for you.
On this 100% online course, you'll have the opportunity to gain an insight into behaviour from a variety of perspectives in the core fields of: cognitive psychology; developmental psychology; history and philosophy of psychology; individual differences; psychobiology; and social psychology.
With a focus on providing a comprehensive understanding and application of psychological theory and research, you'll study qualitative and quantitative research methods in order to conduct your own empirical research project, which have previously covered a broad array of topics that have sometimes resulted in publication in peer-reviewed journals. For example, past research projects have ranged from the relationship between body mass and self-esteem in women to game immersion as an escape from stress, the impact of the home environment on children's literacy development to child refugees’ experiences of living in the UK.
Our innovative teaching and learning aims to incorporate numerous active learning methods to encourage your participation and deepen your understanding of specific subjects. 100% of students found our Psychology courses intellectually stimulating in the Postgraduate Taught Experience Survey (PTES) 2020. We will consider diverse, often fascinating, subjects, such as the nature of pain or whether non-human animals can acquire language. We also frequently touch on topical issues, for example, the differences between bullying and cyber-bullying or whether hostage and crisis negotiation should be used if the subjects are mentally ill.
You'll have the opportunity to be taught by staff with extensive professional psychological experience, some of whom are committee members of BPS Sections. Recent staff projects have ranged from expectancy and placebo effects in alcohol and other drugs to psychometric test development and validation, from analysing personality traits and coping styles in UK police officers to the varieties of developmental dyslexia in Greek children. Please note staff may be subject to change.
- Confers eligibility for the Graduate Basis for Chartered (GBC) Membership with the British Psychological Society, which forms part of the first stage training requirements in becoming a Chartered Psychologist (please see Accreditation and Professional Recognition section for further details and requirements)
- The opportunity to apply for and achieve additional certification in British Psychological Society (BPS) psychometric testing
- Learn to act in accordance with the legal, ethical and professional standards and regulations of the BPS and the Health and Care Professions Care Council (HCPC)
- Provides appropriate academic evidence for further study on our BPS accredited master’s degree programmes in Forensic Psychology, Forensic Psychology, and Crime, Occupational Psychology or Health Psychology
Your main study themes are:
- Biological Psychology: Explores the inter-relationship between behaviour and biological processes - in other words, the relationship between the brain, the body and behaviour. We'll consider some of the specific areas of interest to the biological psychologist, such as the role of sleep, the nature of addiction, behavioural genetics and pain.
- Social Psychology: You'll gain an in-depth understanding of the traditional and critical philosophies underlying modern social psychology, which considers how an individual's behaviour is affected by the presence of others. We'll look at a range of theoretical and methodological perspectives as they apply to real world issues and settings.
- Cognitive Psychology: Develops your understanding of key cognitive processes, such as memory, attention and problem-solving. We'll examine how people perceive, remember, think and solve problems in everyday settings.
- Developmental Psychology: Examines how people's thinking and their social behaviour changes with age, exploring psychological development from the pre-natal period through to adolescence. An emphasis will be placed on the application of developmental psychological theory in real-life, such as the identification of children's developmental problems in education and the interventions to help them.
- Individual Differences: Looks at how people differ from one another, for example, in terms of their intelligence and personality. We examine the nature of the developed individual as seen from various perspectives, including the psychoanalytic, behavioural, cognitive, biological and humanistic.
- Origins and Concepts of Psychology: Introduces you to the historical and philosophical issues which provide a context for the modern study of psychology, from its origins in the philosophy and the natural sciences of the 18th century through to the perspectives and sub-disciplines of psychology as a modern, scientific and applied discipline.
Online learning: This course typically starts in January and May, so please confirm your preference when you enquire. You will study online over two years part-time.
This course is taught using a mixture of online pre-recorded lectures and practical, 'hands-on' skills activities. Core course content will be delivered during the lectures, while the associated workshop activities offer opportunities for you to explore topics more independently, receive guidance on coursework assignments, begin to apply your knowledge and develop your academic and transferrable skills.
We consciously embrace a variety of learning styles, using PowerPoint lecture notes, videos and media clips and discussions through online forums. You will often be provided with recommended reading materials to engage with prior to, and outside of teaching sessions, such as book chapters, journal articles or other web resources.
Where possible, we endeavour to highlight the many different applied areas of Psychology, with past students hearing from an ex-police hostage and crisis negotiator from West Midlands Police, as well as educational and forensic psychologists (subject to availability).
This course will be assessed using a variety of methods which will could vary depending upon the module. Assessment methods include essays, practical reports, multiple choice tests, a test development exercise, case study, online presentations, and an annotated bibliography.
The Coventry University Group assessment strategy ensures that our courses are fairly assessed and allows us to monitor student progression towards the achieving the intended learning outcomes. Assessments may include exams, individual assignments or group work elements.
On successful completion, you will be able to:
- Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of psychological theory, debates and concepts; a range of quantitative and qualitative psychological research methods and ethical principles; the core areas of psychology; a range of research and theory within specialist topic areas; the selective application of research methodologies in psychological investigations
- Demonstrate competence in interpreting and evaluating psychological theories and research
- Select and apply to psychological research questions, a variety of research methods and techniques
- Reason scientifically and demonstrate the relationship between theory and evidence
- Develop research questions and design an appropriate independent research project to investigate these questions
- Write a psychological report in a format consistent with professional psychological standards
- Use a range of research techniques appropriately
- Locate and retrieve relevant information from a range of psychological sources, including electronic databases.
This online course has been designed specifically to allow you to study when it is convenient for you. The materials should be available any time of the day or night. The course material is presented online and contains interactive activities, such as student discussion forums and presentations and other formats. In addition, you will be expected to undertake further self-directed study each week, for example, completing the recommended reading that accompanies your lectures, working on coursework assignments, taking part in group work and exam revision.
Feedback from previous participants suggests students should expect to spend up to 2.5 days a week studying including teaching.
Global ready
Did you know we help more students travel internationally than any other UK university according to data from the experts in higher education data and analysis, HESA?
In 2018/19, we were able to provide a total of 5,469 experiences abroad that lasted at least five days.
Much of this travel is made possible through our Global Leaders Programme, which enables students to prepare for the challenges of the global employment market, as well as strengthening and developing their broader personal and professional skills.
Explore our international experiences1st for
International experiences
Sending more students overseas than any other UK uni 2016/17
5,469
Student experiences
The number of student trips abroad for at least 5 days in 2018/19
12,000
and counting
The number of students we’ve helped travel internationally since 2016
12
global programmes
As well as trips, we offer other opportunities like language courses
What our students say...
Undertaking the MSc in Psychology as an older student has been a fabulous experience. Not only has it reinvigorated a love of learning and promoted confidence in tackling new challenges, it has developed many new skills not least in accessing and critically evaluating resources, creative problem solving, and academic writing.
The diverse content of the course has been fascinating, ranging from history and origins of psychology, through its biological and cognitive aspects, research methods and its real-life applications. Working on an independent project was hugely fulfilling, providing the opportunity to engage with a topic of interest in great depth devising and organising real-world research related to it. Undertaking the course part-time ensured I could fit study around the needs of my family. Through the course I have made great new friends and broadened my skills whilst redirecting my career interests.
Entry Requirements
Tuition Fees
We pride ourselves on offering competitive tuition fees which we review on an annual basis and offer a wide range of scholarships to support students with their studies. Course fees are calculated on the basis of what it costs to teach each course and we aim for total financial transparency.
EU student fees
EU nationals starting in the 2020/21 academic year remain eligible for the same fees as home students and the same financial support. Financial support comes from Student Finance England, and covers undergraduate and postgraduate study for the duration of their course, providing they meet the residency requirement.
For tuition fee loans
EU nationals starting in the 2020/21 academic year must have resided in the European Economic Area (EEA) or Switzerland for the three years prior to the start of their course. The purpose of that three year residency should not have been mainly for the purpose of receiving full time education.
For maintenance loans
EU nationals starting in the 2020/21 academic year must have resided in the UK and Islands for the five years prior to the start of their course. The purpose of that five year residency should not have been mainly for the purpose of receiving full time education.
Career prospects
Graduate Immigration Route visa
Based on current information from the UK Government, international students whose study extends beyond summer 2021 may be eligible for a visa under the UK Government’s Graduate Immigration Route, which will enable students to stay and work, or look for work, in the UK at any skill level for up to two (2) years. Check the most up to date guidance available to check your eligibility and any updates from the UK Government before making an application or enrolment decision.
Psychology is used professionally in all areas of life, from education and health to the economy and crime. Psychologists help people of all ages – from young children to teenagers, adults and the elderly. They support people facing a wide range of circumstances, from the bereaved to those made redundant, victims of crime to the mentally ill.
There are two stages to becoming a Chartered Member of the BPS, requiring a combination of professional education and practice, during which you will choose to specialise in a particular area such as clinical psychology or educational psychology.
In the first instance, you need the Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (GBC), which is achieved by completing a conversion course like this if you don’t already hold an accredited undergraduate degree. The next stage will involve professional practice and may require further master’s study, depending on the field of psychology you wish to follow. Detailed guidance is available on the BPS website.
Coventry University is committed to helping you to prepare for your future career and aims to give you a competitive edge in the graduate job market. The University’s Careers and Employability team provide a wide range of support services to help you plan and prepare for your career.
Where our graduates work
Our postgraduate degree may open the doors to a variety of positions. Recent graduates have gone to work in teaching, human resources, management and a children’s hospital school, also as a performance analyst, psychological wellbeing practitioner, human rights investigator and child development advisor. Others have chosen to become a trainee educational psychologist, trainee forensic psychologist, trainee clinical psychologist on Doctoral programmes, pursue a PhD and further their academic career as a lecturer or research assistant.
What our students say...
Undertaking the MSc in Psychology as an older student has been a fabulous experience. Not only has it reinvigorated a love of learning and promoted confidence in tackling new challenges, it has developed many new skills not least in accessing and critically evaluating resources, creative problem solving, and academic writing.
The diverse content of the course has been fascinating, ranging from history and origins of psychology, through its biological and cognitive aspects, research methods and its real-life applications. Working on an independent project was hugely fulfilling, providing the opportunity to engage with a topic of interest in great depth devising and organising real-world research related to it. Undertaking the course part-time ensured I could fit study around the needs of my family. Through the course I have made great new friends and broadened my skills whilst redirecting my career interests.
Disclaimer
By accepting your offer of a place and enrolling with us, a Student Contract will be formed between you and the university. A copy of the 2020/21 Contract can be found here. The Contract details your rights and the obligations you will be bound by during your time as a student and contains the obligations that the university will owe to you. You should read the Contract before you accept an offer of a place and before you enrol at the university.
The tuition fee for the course that is stated on the course webpage and in the prospectus for the first year of study will apply. We will review our tuition fees each year. For UK and EU students, if Parliament permit an increase in tuition fees, we may increase fees for each subsequent year of study in line with any such changes. Note that any increase is expected to be in line with inflation. Following the UK’s exit from the European Union, EU students should be aware that there may be a change to UK laws following the UK’s exit, this may change their student status, their eligibility to study part time, and/or their eligibility for student finance. We will act in accordance with the UK’s laws in force in relation to student tuition fees and finance from time to time.
For International students the tuition fee that is stated on the course webpage and in the prospectus for the first year of study will apply. We will review our tuition fees each year. For international students, we may increase fees for each subsequent year of study but such increases will be no more than 5% above inflation.
