Psychology (conversion) MSc: Online distance learning

In this MSc Psychology (conversion) online distance learning programme you will develop a deeper understanding of the human mind and the world around you. Regardless of your prior experience with psychology, you will explore this complex, yet fascinating subject to develop a broad and critical awareness of psychological theory and innovative research methods. This programme is designed as a starting point for people who wish to pursue a new career in psychology, and those who wish to enhance their knowledge and understanding of the brain to benefit existing careers outside of professional psychology.

Online distance learning
Academic contact: mvls-psych-conversion@glasgow.ac.uk
Teaching start: September

Online
MSc: 30 months part‑time

Apply now

Why this programme

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Important details about the programme

See the MSc Psychology linktree for further information.

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Psychology ranking top 10 in the UK

This conversion programme is designed to provide you with an opportunity to develop intellectual, practical, and professional skills that will be helpful in your future career, whatever that may be.
It is accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS) and upon graduating, you can apply for Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (GBC) of the BPS. With a GBC, you are then eligible to apply for further study in a specialist area in the UK and become a chartered psychologist.

Programme structure

Please note this programme is only delivered part-time and cannot be completed in less than 3 academic sessions. Our only full-time conversion programmes are located on campus here in Glasgow.

This programme is delivered entirely online via asynchronous distance learning. You will never be required to visit Glasgow and there are no compulsory live sessions that you are required to attend. There are two semesters in each academic session and each semester consists of 14 teaching weeks (with reading weeks and holiday breaks) and a dedicated assessment period. Teaching materials are released fortnightly and you are able to self-pace your learning during these fortnights.

Due to the intensive nature of conversion programmes, we strongly advise students consider dedicating a minimum 20 hours per week to study.

In year 1 of the programme you will complete 5 core courses (60 credits). In year 2, you will complete 3 core courses (40 credits) and 2 optional courses (20 credits). In year 3, you will complete an independent research project (60 credits), under the guidance of an academic supervisor.

Core courses

Optional courses

Please note that optional courses are contingent upon individual staff expertise and their availability may be subject to change each year with changes to staffing. Changes in optional courses have no bearing on the accreditation status of this programme as accreditation is only determined by the compulsory core courses listed above. Please ensure that any funding support you may seek is not tied to the availability of these optional courses.

Programme outcomes

Critically evaluate principal and specialised theories of psychology.
Identify, interpret and evaluate contemporary and historical research in psychology.
Evaluate ways in which psychological theory can inform practice.
Identify the ethical issues raised when people participate in psychological research or receive psychological treatment.
Review the contrasting perspectives as to the nature of science and critically evaluate the extent to which Psychology may be considered scientific.
Critically evaluate the influence of social, cultural and historical factors on psychological theory and research.
Evaluate psychological research design and methodologies
Use a range of statistics and research methodologies appropriate to psychology
Demonstrate programming skills in R
Design and conduct an original, significant empirical research project on a psychological topic.

Programme alteration or discontinuation
The University of Glasgow endeavours to run all programmes as advertised. In exceptional circumstances, however, the University may withdraw or alter a programme. For more information, please see: Student contract.

Career prospects

A conversion programme in the UK is specifically tailored to meet the accreditation requirements of the British Psychological Society. On successful completion you will be eligible for Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (GBC) with the British Psychological Society. This will allow you to go on to further study in specialised areas of psychology in the UK.

This conversion programme can function as both a feeder for a research-based PhD, applied Doctorates, or as an industry-focused qualification. Please note, due to the highly competitive nature of postgraduate Psychology pathways in the UK, this programme may be the first (and not only) step in this journey. We strongly advise UK-focused applicants to review the careers information provided by the BPS.

If you are based outside the UK, it is important that you review the accreditation requirements of your local accrediting/governing body to ensure they recognise a BPS-accredited Conversion MSc. It may be recognised, but you may be required to complete additional supplementary study specific to their requirements.

There are numerous benefits to completing this programme if you do not wish to pursue a professional psychology pathway. Due to the very broad relevance of psychology, a Psychology Conversion MSc can provide transferable skills that complement a diverse range of industry qualifications from Human Resources and Management, Education, Nursing, Medicine, Social Work and media.

Fees & funding

Tuition fees for 2025-26

MSc

Online Distance Learning:

UK / EU / International: £15,000 (total cost)

£1667 per 20 credits
60 credits per year over 3 years

Additional fees

Fee for re-assessment of a dissertation (PGT programme): £370
Submission of thesis after deadline lapsed: £350
Registration/exam only fee: £170

Funding opportunities

UK Study Online Scholarship

The UK Study Online scholarship is open to UK, EU and international students taking online undergraduate and postgraduate courses.

Please see UK Study Online for more details.

UK Study Online Scholarship

Alumni Discount

In response to the current unprecedented economic climate, the University is offering a 20% discount on all Postgraduate Research and full Postgraduate Taught Masters programmes to its alumni, commencing study in Academic session 2025/26. This includes University of Glasgow graduates and those who have completed a Study Abroad programme, International Summer School programme or the Erasmus Programme at the University of Glasgow. The discount applies to all full-time, part-time and online programmes. This discount can be awarded alongside most University scholarships.

Alumni Discount

Postgraduate Loans for Welsh Students

If you are a Welsh student looking to study a postgraduate programme* in Glasgow then you can apply for a student loan in exactly the same way as you would for a Welsh University.

* does not apply to Erasmus Mundus programmes

For more information visit Student Finance Wales

Postgraduate Loans for Welsh Students

Postgraduate Student Loan (NI)

If you are a Northern Irish student looking to study a taught Masters programme* in Glasgow then you can apply for a student loan in exactly the same way as you would for a University in Northern Ireland.

Northern Irish students are able to apply for non-means-tested tuition fee loans of up to £5,500, to help with the costs of funding.

For more information visit www.studentfinanceni.co.uk/types-of-finance/postgraduate .

* does not apply to Erasmus Mundus programmes

Postgraduate Student Loan (NI)

The scholarships above are specific to this programme. For more funding opportunities search the scholarships database

Entry requirements

2.1 Hons (or non-UK equivalent) in any subject.

2:2 honours degree may be accepted if you have also completed additional postgraduate qualifications that include a thesis component (Masters or PhD) or non-UK equivalent. or non-UK equivalent.

Due to accreditation requirements, qualifications below a 2:1 honours degree cannot be supplemented by personal or professional experience.

English language requirements

For applicants whose first language is not English, the University sets a minimum English Language proficiency level.

International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Academic and Academic Online (not General Training)

6.5 overall with no subtest less than 6.5
IELTS One Skill Retake Accepted
Tests must have been taken within 2 years 5 months of start date. Applicants must meet the overall and subtest requirements using a single test

Common equivalent English language qualifications accepted for entry to this programme

TOEFL (ibt, my best or athome)

93 overall with Reading 23; Listening 23; Speaking 23; Writing 24
Tests must have been taken within 2 years 5 months of start date. Applicants must meet the overall and subtest requirements, this includes TOEFL mybest.

Pearsons PTE Academic

59 overall with no subtest less than Reading 60; Listening 59; Speaking 59; Writing 74
Tests must have been taken within 2 years 5 months of start date. Applicants must meet the overall and subtest requirements using a single test.

Cambridge Proficiency in English (CPE) and Cambridge Advanced English (CAE)

176 overall, no subtest less than 169
Tests must have been taken within 2 years 5 months of start date. Applicants must meet the overall and subtest requirements using a single test.

Oxford English Test

7 overall with no subtest less than 7
Tests must have been taken within 2 years 5 months of start date. Applicants must meet the overall and subtest requirements using a single test.

LanguageCert Academic SELT

70 overall with no subtest less than 70
Tests must have been taken within 2 years 5 months of start date. Applicants must meet the overall and subtest requirements using a single test.

Password Skills Plus

6.5 overall with no subtest less than 6.5
Tests must have been taken within 2 years 5 months of start date. Applicants must meet the overall and subtest requirements using a single test.

Trinity College Tests

Integrated Skills in English II & III & IV: ISEII Distinction with Distinction in all sub-tests
Tests must have been taken within 2 years 5 months of start date. Applicants must meet the overall and subtest requirements using a single test.

University of Glasgow Pre-sessional courses

Tests are accepted for 2 years following date of successful completion.

Alternatives to English Language qualification

Degree from majority-English speaking country (as defined by the UKVI including Canada if taught in English)
- students must have studied for a minimum of 2 years at Undergraduate level, or 9 months at Master's level, and must have completed their degree in that majority-English speaking country within the last 6 years.
Undergraduate 2+2 degrees from majority-English speaking country (as defined by the UKVI including Canada if taught in English)
- students must have completed their final two years study in that majority-English speaking country within the last 6 years.

For international students, the Home Office has confirmed that the University can choose to use these tests to make its own assessment of English language ability for visa applications to degree level programmes. The University is also able to accept UKVI approved Secure English Language Tests (SELT) but we do not require a specific UKVI SELT for degree level programmes. We therefore still accept any of the English tests listed for admission to this programme.

Pre-sessional courses

The University of Glasgow accepts evidence of the required language level from the English for Academic Study Unit Pre-sessional courses. We would strongly encourage you to consider the pre-sessional courses at the University of Glasgow's English for Academic Study (EAS) Unit. Our Pre-sessional courses are the best way to bring your English up to entry level for University study. Our courses give you:

direct entry to your University programme for successful students (no need to take IELTS)
essential academic skills to help you study effectively at University
flexible entry dates so you can join the right course for your level.

For more detail on our pre-sessional courses please see:

Pre-sessional courses

We can also consider the pre-sessional courses accredited by the below BALEAP approved institutions to meet the language requirements for admission to our postgraduate taught degrees:

Heriot Watt
Kingston Upon Thames
Middlesex University
Manchester University
Reading University
Edinburgh University
ST Andrews University
UCL
Durham

For further information about English language requirements, please contact the Recruitment and International Office using our enquiry form

How to apply

To apply for a postgraduate taught degree you must apply online. We cannot accept applications any other way.

Please check you meet the Entry requirements for this programme before you begin your application.

Documents

As part of your online application, you also need to submit the following supporting documents:

A copy (or copies) of your official degree certificate(s) (if you have already completed your degree)
A copy (or copies) of your official academic transcript(s), showing full details of subjects studied and grades/marks obtained
Official English translations of the certificate(s) and transcript(s)
One reference letter on headed paper
Evidence of your English language ability (if your first language is not English)
Any additional documents required for this programme (see Entry requirements for this programme)
A copy of the photo page of your passport (Non-EU students only)

You have 42 days to submit your application once you begin the process.

You may save and return to your application as many times as you wish to update information, complete sections or upload supporting documents such as your final transcript or your language test.

For more information about submitting documents or other topics related to applying to a postgraduate taught programme, see how to apply for a postgraduate taught degree

Guidance notes for using the online application

These notes are intended to help you complete the online application form accurately; they are also available within the help section of the online application form.

If you experience any difficulties accessing the online application, see Application System Help.

Name and Date of birth: must appear exactly as they do on your passport. Please take time to check the spelling and lay-out.
Contact Details: Correspondence address. All contact relevant to your application will be sent to this address including the offer letter(s). If your address changes, please contact us as soon as possible.
Choice of course: Please select carefully the course you want to study. As your application will be sent to the admissions committee for each course you select it is important to consider at this stage why you are interested in the course and that it is reflected in your application.
Proposed date of entry: Please state your preferred start date including the month and the year. Taught masters degrees tend to begin in September. Research degrees may start in any month.
Education and Qualifications: Please complete this section as fully as possible indicating any relevant Higher Education qualifications starting with the most recent. Complete the name of the Institution (s) as it appears on the degree certificate or transcript.
English Language Proficiency: Please state the date of any English language test taken (or to be taken) and the award date (or expected award date if known).
Employment and Experience: Please complete this section as fully as possible with all employments relevant to your course. Additional details may be attached in your personal statement/proposal where appropriate.

Reference: Please provide one reference. This should typically be an academic reference but in cases where this is not possible then a reference from a current employer may be accepted instead. Certain programmes, such as the MBA programme, may also accept an employer reference. If you already have a copy of a reference on letter headed paper then please upload this to your application. If you do not already have a reference to upload then please enter your referee’s name and contact details on the online application and we will contact your referee directly.

Application deadlines

September 2025

International & EU applicants

Due to demand for degree places on this programme, the University has an application process with application rounds which recognises that different geographical areas complete and submit their applications at different times of the year. This process aims to ensure fairness and equity to applicants from all geographic regions.

Round 1 application dates: 1 October 2024 to 4 November 2024

All international applications submitted within these dates will be reviewed with no priority given to any geographic region. You will receive our decision on your application by 15 January 2025.

Round 2 application dates:5 November 2024 to 16 December 2024

All international applications submitted within these dates will be reviewed with no priority given to any geographic region. You will receive our decision on your application by 10 March 2025.

Round 3 application dates: 17 December 2024 to 3 February 2025

Priority will be given to under-represented geographic regions. You will receive our decision on your application by 14 April 2025.

Round 4 application dates: 4 February 2025 to 24 March 2025

Priority will be given to under-represented geographic regions. You will receive our decision on your application by 5 May 2025.

Round 5 application dates: 25 March 2025 to 12 May 2025

Priority will be given to under-represented geographic regions. You will receive our decision on your application by 16 June 2025.

Round 6 application dates: 13 May 2025 to 7 July 2025

Priority will be given to under-represented geographic regions. You will receive our decision on your application by 28 July 2025.

All international applications submitted by 16 December 2024 will be reviewed and processed normally with no priority given to any geographic region. From 17 December 2024, priority will be given to applications from geographic areas which have been unable to submit applications before that point.

As we receive a great number of applications, prospective students are only allowed to apply once per year.

UK applicants

22 August 2025

Applications for this online programme will be accepted up until it starts.