BIRKBECK COLLEGE, UNIVERSITY OF LONDON · UNITED KINGDOM
Psychology (Conversion)
Master's · Taught in en
At a glance
12 mo
Duration
6.5
IELTS
€26k
Tuition / yr
en
Language
Master's
Level
- BPS-accredited conversion courseAccreditation
- Provides Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (GBC) of the BPSProfessional Recognition
- Taught by world-leading academicsExpert Faculty
- Ranked 5th in the UK for teaching (NSS 2023)Teaching Quality
- Top ten UK university for psychological sciences research (REF 2021)Research Excellence
- Flexible full-time (1 year) or part-time (2 years) studyStudy Options
The MSc Psychology (Conversion) program at Birkbeck, University of London, is specifically designed for graduates from non-psychology backgrounds or those with an unaccredited psychology degree. This rigorous course is accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS) and provides you with the Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (GBC), a crucial step for pursuing various recognized psychology professions. This program will equip you with a strong foundation in psychological theory and practice, including specialisms like neuroscience, perception, memory, developmental, and social psychology. You will gain hands-on experience with scientific methodologies, from behavioural experiments and brain imaging to clinical assessments, learning both critical thinking and valuable transferable skills for a wide range of careers. Studying at Birkbeck means learning from world-leading academics in the School of Psychological Sciences, which is renowned for its research excellence. The program offers flexible study options, including full-time (1 year) or part-time (2 years), with October and January start dates. Teaching is supported by a dedicated team and combines on-campus practical sessions, online seminars, and lectures, with at least half of your time on campus.
Curriculum
The MSc Psychology (Conversion) curriculum is designed to provide you with a comprehensive understanding of key psychological theories and practical research skills. You will cover core areas of psychology and develop competencies in research methodology.
- Year 1 (Full-time) or Year 1-2 (Part-time)
- Neuroscience
- Developmental Psychology
- Attention and Performance
- Learning Memory and Cognition
- Individual Differences and Social Psychology
- Research Methodology (including qualitative methods and IT skills)
Careers
The MSc Psychology (Conversion) provides the necessary foundation for various career paths within psychology and related fields. The Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (GBC) of the BPS is essential for progressing into recognized psychology professions. Beyond specialist roles, the program also equips you with highly transferable skills valued across a wide range of industries.
- Clinical Psychologist
- Counselling Psychologist
- Educational Psychologist
- Forensic Psychologist
- Occupational Psychologist
- Health Psychologist
- Neuroscientist (research/academic)
- Researcher
- Marketing Specialist
- Media Professional
Frequently asked questions
- What are the tuition fees for international students?
- For full-time international students, tuition fees are £22,230 per year. Part-time international students will be charged £11,115 per year. Tuition fees may increase in subsequent years.
- What are the entry requirements for this programme?
- You will need a second-class honours degree (2:2) or above in any subject, or an overseas equivalent. You must also provide proof of GCSE Maths or an equivalent qualification. For English language requirements, an IELTS Academic score of 6.5 overall with no less than 6.0 in each sub-test is accepted, among other options.
- How long does the MSc Psychology (Conversion) programme take to complete?
- The programme can be studied full-time over one year or part-time over two years. There are also flexible start dates in October and January.
- Is this programme accredited and does it offer professional recognition?
- Yes, this MSc Psychology (Conversion) programme is accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS). It provides the Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (GBC) of the BPS.
- What are the career prospects after completing this degree?
- This MSc provides a foundation for careers as a Clinical Psychologist, Counselling Psychologist, Educational Psychologist, or Forensic Psychologist. It also equips you with transferable skills for roles like Marketing Specialist or Media Professional.
- How can I apply for the MSc Psychology (Conversion) programme?
- You can apply online through the course page, preparing documents like your degree transcript and proof of GCSE Maths. It is recommended to apply as early as possible for either the October or January intake.
Entry requirements
Undergraduate DegreeA second-class honours degree (2:2) or above from a UK university, or overseas equivalent. This can be in any subject.
MathematicsGCSE Maths or equivalent qualification.
IELTS Academic Test6.5 overall, with no less than 6.0 in each sub-test
Cambridge Certificate in Advanced English176 with 169 in each sub-test
Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English176 with 169 in each sub-test
IGCSE - English First Language (Syllabus 0500, 0522, or 0990)C or 5, with minimum grade 2 in Listening and Speaking
IGCSE - English Second Language (Syllabus 0511, 0991, 0510, or 0993)B or 5, with minimum grade 2 in Listening and Speaking (for 0510/0993)
International Baccalaureate English AGrade 5 (Standard Level) or Grade 4 (Higher Level)
International Baccalaureate English BGrade 6 (Standard Level) or Grade 5 (Higher Level)
LanguageCert Academic70 overall with minimum 65 in sub-tests
Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic)62 with 60 in each sub-test (PTE Academic Online not accepted)
PSI: Skills for EnglishB2 Pass with Merit
TOEFL: IBTFrom Jan 2026: Total Score 4.5 (reading: 4, listening: 4, speaking: 4, writing: 4.5)
Applications are reviewed on individual merits, and professional qualifications or relevant work experience will be considered positively. Birkbeck encourages applications from mature learners. Ensure your application includes a transcript of your previous degree and proof of GCSE Maths/equivalent. If you don't meet the minimum IELTS requirement, Birkbeck offers pre-sessional English courses and foundation programmes. International students requiring a Student visa must apply for full-time courses; part-time enrolment is generally not eligible for Student visa sponsorship.
Fees
Tuition (international)£22,230 per year for full-time students; £11,115 per year for part-time students.
Tuition (home)£13,110 per year for full-time students; £6,555 per year for part-time students.
LivingStudents are advised to calculate their potential living costs. The university does not provide an estimated figure.
Tuition fees are charged annually and may be subject to inflationary increases in subsequent years. Students who have previously completed an award at Birkbeck may be eligible for a discount through the Lifelong Learning Guarantee. Birkbeck offers flexible payment plans for tuition fees. Specific groups of international students may be eligible for part-time overseas fee status.
How to apply
1. 1. Find Your CourseIdentify the specific MSc Psychology (Conversion) intake (October or January start) and study mode (full-time or part-time) that suits you best.
2. 2. Prepare Your DocumentsGather all necessary documents, including a transcript of your previous degree and proof of GCSE Maths or an equivalent qualification. Ensure you meet the English language requirements; if not, consider pre-sessional courses.
3. 3. Complete the Online Application FormFill out the application form, listing all relevant qualifications and experience, including those you are currently working towards. Be sure to provide all required details accurately.
4. 4. Submit Your ApplicationSubmit your completed application form online. You can typically apply directly through the course page.
5. 5. Await DecisionBirkbeck's admissions team will review your application. You will be contacted regarding the outcome.
6. 6. Accept Your Offer (if successful)If you receive an offer, follow the instructions to accept it and secure your place. Further guidance will be provided on enrollment.
7. 7. Apply for Visa (International Students)If you require a Student visa, you should apply for a full-time course and begin your visa application process well in advance, referring to Birkbeck's international visa information.
Accreditation
This course is accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS), providing Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (GBC).
Frequently asked questions
What are the tuition fees for international students?
+
For full-time international students, tuition fees are £22,230 per year. Part-time international students will be charged £11,115 per year. Tuition fees may increase in subsequent years.
What are the entry requirements for this programme?
+
You will need a second-class honours degree (2:2) or above in any subject, or an overseas equivalent. You must also provide proof of GCSE Maths or an equivalent qualification. For English language requirements, an IELTS Academic score of 6.5 overall with no less than 6.0 in each sub-test is accepted, among other options.
How long does the MSc Psychology (Conversion) programme take to complete?
+
The programme can be studied full-time over one year or part-time over two years. There are also flexible start dates in October and January.
Is this programme accredited and does it offer professional recognition?
+
Yes, this MSc Psychology (Conversion) programme is accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS). It provides the Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (GBC) of the BPS.
What are the career prospects after completing this degree?
+
This MSc provides a foundation for careers as a Clinical Psychologist, Counselling Psychologist, Educational Psychologist, or Forensic Psychologist. It also equips you with transferable skills for roles like Marketing Specialist or Media Professional.
How can I apply for the MSc Psychology (Conversion) programme?
+
You can apply online through the course page, preparing documents like your degree transcript and proof of GCSE Maths. It is recommended to apply as early as possible for either the October or January intake.