MSc Psychology of Mental Health (Conversion)

The MSc in Psychology of Mental Health (Conversion) offers the opportunity to study psychology at a graduate level and become eligible for chartered membership (GBC) of the British Psychological Society on a graduate basis.

Please check the postgraduate Degree Finder to see the specific entry requirements, start date and application deadlines. 

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This programme does not assume any prior knowledge of psychology or experience of working with people and is open to graduates from any discipline. It’s an ideal MSc programme to undertake if you want to gain an internationally-recognised psychology degree. You will learn about all key areas of psychology as a science and relate this specifically to understanding mental health and illness. Students will develop a range of research skills and will each receive supervision in small groups to carry out a research project. 

Our campus-based programme can be taken full-time or part-time (2-6 years). The full-time study option will allow you to become immersed in your studies for a year and the part-time option is open to home tuition fee status students, allowing you to study flexibly around other commitments such as work and family. 

Successful completion of this programme does not confer clinical qualification as a mental health practitioner but does serve as one of the pre-requisites (British Psychological Society (BPS) accredited Psychology degree) necessary for further study and training as a practitioner. 

Why choose this programme? 

This programme is unique in the UK because of its focus on the psychological perspectives of mental health and illness, being the only BPS conversion programme with a focus on the psychology of mental health. The programme covers all key areas of psychology: developmental, social, cognitive, biological and neuropsychology, and individual differences. It also covers conceptual and theoretical perspectives in psychology and psychological research methods.  

When classes began, it was slightly overwhelming for someone like me who had no background in social sciences or psychology, but the professors were outstanding that in the span of three months, I was able to hold a conversation about how the mind works while sharing very fascinating and current news that were related to the field. None of this would have been possible without the professors who are keen to share their knowledge.

Our masters degree is accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS), which means that our graduates are eligible to register with the BPS, through graduate basis for chartered membership (GBC). This is essential for many psychology practitioner training roles in the UK (for example, clinical psychology, health psychology, and forensic psychology) for which an accredited undergraduate or conversion degree is the first step. 

Beyond the programme 

Our MSc Psychology of Mental Health (Conversion) programme provides graduates with an understanding of the core areas of Psychology and their application to mental health. This will create opportunities in careers where a psychology degree is advantageous or essential, including a career in academia, research, or as a practitioner psychologist. 

Please note that you may need to meet other requirements, such as the right to work in the UK, to be eligible for practitioner training programmes within this country. Please therefore bear this in mind when considering if a psychology conversion programme is the right programme for you. Requirements for career pathways also differ internationally so you should check what type of degree is required to follow your career path within your chosen country. 

Further Study Opportunities   

We offer intermittent CPD sessions open to practitioners. Our graduates are welcome to attend these events, which contribute to maintaining accreditation and lifelong renewal of skills. For those seeking to advance their education, the University offers other postgraduate options, including Masters and PhD programmes.   

Find out more about our postgraduate Clinical Psychology options