Psychology (Conversion) MSc

Course overview

Change direction. Discover psychology. Build the foundation for a future career understanding human behaviour and improving the lives of others.

Ready for a change? This MSc Psychology (Conversion) allows you to take your first step towards a career in psychology, even if you don’t have an undergraduate degree in this discipline.

You’ll gain a recognised foundation in psychology as you progress towards professional psychology training. Once you graduate, you’ll achieve Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (GBC) with the British Psychological Society (BPS), pending accreditation approval of this course.

Over this one-year programme, you'll develop a comprehensive understanding of the core areas of psychology, including cognitive, biological, developmental and social psychology, alongside advanced research methods and data analysis.

You'll explore how to use psychological science to address real-world challenges such as mental health, health behaviour, education, social relationships and wellbeing.

Alongside developing your understanding of psychology, we’ll encourage you to think critically about the challenges facing individuals, communities and societies around the world. This global perspective will help you develop the skills, confidence and awareness to make a positive impact in your future career and help fight for a fairer and more inclusive society.

Why study at Leeds?

• Gain a recognised route into psychology: This British Psychological Society (BPS)-accredited degree (pending approval) provides Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (GBC), an essential first step towards many professional psychology careers.
• Change your career in just one year: Even if you don’t have a psychology degree, this course allows you to build the foundation required for further psychology training without needing a second undergraduate degree.
• Explore how you can affect real-world issues: Discover how to apply psychological science to improve health and wellbeing, enhance education, shape public policy and address complex social challenges.
• Develop invaluable research and analytical skills: Build expertise in quantitative and qualitative research methods, data analysis, scientific communication and evidence-based problem solving.
• Learn from highly-renowned researchers: Leeds is a research-intensive Russell Group university, so you’ll learn from expert tutors who are actively advancing psychological knowledge through cutting-edge research, including collaborations with the NHS, government and industry.
• Access specialist psychology facilities: Benefit from dedicated laboratories, neuroimaging technology including EEG and fNIRS, the Human Appetite Research Unit, and extensive research resources.
• Prepare for diverse career opportunities: Graduate with the knowledge, skills and confidence to pursue professional psychology training or careers across education, health, research, business, public services and beyond.

Explore Leeds

Discover our campus, facilities and accommodation with our 360 virtual experience platform.

With immersive 360 experiences, image galleries, virtual tours, videos and day-in-the-life content, you can take a personalised, interactive tour of campus and explore the University's academic, social and residential environments from anywhere in the world.

You can get a feel for what it's really like to live, learn and belong at the University of Leeds – all from the comfort of home.

Accreditation

Accreditation has been sought from the British Psychological Society (BPS). Following approval, the programme will provide Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (GBC), an essential first step for many psychology career pathways.

Course details and modules

With this programme, you’ll combine advanced psychological theory and research training and learn how to apply your knowledge in real-world settings. You'll study the core areas required by the British Psychological Society while building the skills needed to critically evaluate evidence, conduct research and communicate psychological knowledge effectively.

Course structure

The list shown below represents typical modules/components studied and may change from time to time. Read more in our terms and conditions.

Year 1 compulsory modules

Advanced Cognitive Psychology and Neuropsychology (30 credits)

Explore contemporary cognitive psychology and neuropsychology, examining how brain processes influence behaviour and how psychological research can be applied to address real-world challenges. You'll critically evaluate both established and emerging theories and research methods.

Advanced Social and Lifespan Psychology (30 credits)

Investigate social behaviour, cognition, motivation and development across the lifespan. You'll examine psychological applications in contexts such as culture, education, sport and the workplace, while considering developmental processes and individual differences.

Advanced Research Methods, Statistics and Analysis in Psychology (30 credits)

Develop advanced skills in quantitative and qualitative research methods, statistical analysis, research design, ethics and scientific reporting, preparing you for independent research and professional practice.

MSc Research Project (60 credits)

Work closely with an academic supervisor to design, conduct and evaluate an original piece of psychological research, culminating in a substantial research report.

Optional study (30 credits)

You'll choose 30 credits of optional study, allowing you to tailor the programme to your interests and career goals.

Systematic Review (30 credits)

Develop advanced evidence synthesis skills, learning how to systematically identify, evaluate and summarise research literature. This module is ideal if you're interested in research, further study or careers that require critical evaluation of evidence.

Alternatively, choose one specialist module, either The Psychology of Ageing and Dementia or Health Behaviour Change, alongside Advanced Research Issues in Psychology.

The Psychology of Ageing and Dementia (15 credits)

Explore the psychological and neuropsychological aspects of ageing, dementia, diagnosis, treatment and lived experiences.

Health Behaviour Change 1 (15 credits)

Examine how psychological theories can be used to understand and influence health-related behaviours and improve wellbeing.

Advanced Research Issues in Psychology (15 credits)

Explore specialist areas of psychology while further developing your understanding of research, evidence synthesis and contemporary issues in the discipline.

Learning and teaching

You'll learn through a mix of lectures, seminars, workshops, practical classes, tutorials and independent study, helping you build both psychological knowledge and valuable research skills.

You'll engage with expert academics who are actively shaping the field through their research, alongside experienced practitioners and postgraduate researchers. Throughout the course, you'll engage with contemporary psychology and have opportunities to attend guest lectures, participate in research activities and get involved in the wider psychology community.

You'll be supported throughout your studies by a personal tutor who will help you develop academically, professionally and personally. Beyond the classroom, there are opportunities to enhance your experience through research volunteering, student societies, course representation and widening participation activities.

On this course, you’ll be taught by our expert academics, from lecturers through to professors. You may also be taught by industry professionals with years of experience, as well as trained postgraduate researchers, connecting you to some of the brightest minds on campus.

Assessment

You'll be assessed through a range of methods designed to help you develop both your psychological knowledge and professional skills. Depending on your modules, assessment may include presentations, case studies, research projects, reports, group work, blogs, podcasts, essays and exams.

These varied assessment types reflect the ways psychologists communicate and apply their expertise in the real world, helping you develop skills in research, critical analysis, problem-solving and communication.

Facilities

We have over 70 members of academic, research and support staff, including 12 professors. The School is renowned for high-quality research, much of it in collaboration with government departments, research councils, the NHS and industry.

The School of Psychology has excellent facilities to support your learning and allow you to participate in and conduct novel research. We have dedicated computer laboratories, EEG equipment for measuring the brain's electrical activity, the human appetite research unit with its state-of-the-art facilities and exceptionally well-resourced libraries, giving you access to contemporary research outputs within the discipline.

Additionally, there is a wide range of other specialised equipment to support research and teaching. We offer a lively learning environment with modern facilities for teaching and research and a comfortable student lounge. The size of the School and range of its activities combine to provide a varied and exciting environment in which to study and work.

Applying

Entry requirements

A bachelor degree with a 2:1 (hons) or international equivalent in any subject.

Applicants with a lower classification or non‑standard qualifications may be considered on an individual basis, taking into account relevant academic background or professional experience.

International

We accept a range of international equivalent qualifications. For more information, please contact the Admissions Team.

English language requirements

IELTS 6.5 overall, with no less than 6.0 in any component. For other English qualifications, read English language equivalent qualifications.

Improve your English

International students who do not meet the English language requirements for this programme may be able to study our postgraduate pre-sessional English course, to help improve your English language level.

This pre-sessional course is designed with a progression route to your degree programme and you’ll learn academic English in the context of your subject area. To find out more, read Language for Science (6 weeks) and Language for Science: General Science (10 weeks). 

We also offer online pre-sessionals alongside our on-campus pre-sessionals. Find out more about our six week online pre-sessional, our 10 week online pre-sessional or our 16 week online pre-sessional.

You can also study pre-sessionals for longer periods – read about our postgraduate pre-sessional English courses.

How to apply

Please visit our How to Apply page for full details of the application process and the supporting documents required as part of your application. 

We encourage all applicants to apply as early as possible. 

Application deadlines 

• International applicants: Friday 30 July 2027  

To apply, click the button below to access the University’s online application system. 

International applicants can find further information on visas, immigration requirements and student support on our International students pages. We recommend applying as early as possible to allow sufficient time for visa processing before your programme starts.

If you're still unsure about the application process, contact the admissions team for help.

Admissions policy

University of Leeds Admissions Policy 2027

This course is taught by

School of Psychology

Contact us

School of Psychology Taught Postgraduate Admissions Team

Email: psyc-admissions@leeds.ac.uk
Telephone: +44 (0) 1133436674

Fees

UK: £13,800

International: £34,000

Read more about paying fees and charges.

For fees information for international taught postgraduate students, read Masters fees.

Additional cost information

There may be additional costs related to your course or programme of study, or related to being a student at the University of Leeds. Read more on our living costs and budgeting page.

Scholarships and financial support

If you have the talent and drive, we want you to be able to study with us, whatever your financial circumstances. There may be help for students in the form of loans and non-repayable grants from the University and from the government. Learn more about Masters funding. 

Scholarships are also available to help fund your Masters. Find out more and check your eligibility below:

Career opportunities

As a psychology graduate, you’ll develop highly valued analytical, research, communication and problem-solving skills that employers across many sectors are searching for. During the programme, you'll gain experience in research design, data analysis, project management, critical thinking and evidence-based decision making, all of which will enhance your employability across a range of areas.

Career destinations

Graduates may pursue careers in areas such as:

• mental health and wellbeing
• research and teaching
• human resources
• marketing and communications
• public services
• youth work
• social care and support services

Further professional psychology training

The programme provides a foundation for progression to specialist postgraduate training in areas such as:

• clinical psychology
• counselling psychology
• educational psychology
• forensic psychology
• health psychology
• occupational psychology
• sport and exercise psychology

Careers support

At Leeds, we help you to prepare for your future from day one. ​

The School works closely with the University Careers Centre to provide employability workshops, careers events, employer engagement opportunities, CV support and personalised guidance to help you achieve your career goals.

Our Careers Service has the global expertise and sector-spanning industry partnerships that, combined, go well beyond simply helping you get a job. They provide you with the resources you need to upskill and achieve the future you aspire towards – even in the face of lightning-paced change. 

• Dedicated Employability Team: Meet with our qualified careers consultants and specialist employability and placements officers, on hand to help you choose the right path and develop the skills to get there. They can support with CV and cover letter writing, LinkedIn profile building, mock interviews and navigating AI: get confident with tailored advice and techniques.  
• Employability and networking events: Get involved in a full range of events, including careers fairs and specialist industry talks with employers who are actively recruiting. You’ll also benefit from mentoring and a supportive careers community, helping you make connections, build your network, and shape your journey as a future professional. 
• Skills training: We embed transferable skills training in all our programmes to support your transition to the workplace. Gain expertise employers value, such as communication, problem-solving and research and data analysis. 
• MyCareer system: Access a dedicated portal where you can book careers appointments, view helpful resources and browse vacancies and events. Access digital tools, including LinkedIn support, video interview preparation, plus global job market and visa guidance. We also offer pre‑arrival support to help you prepare for career planning in the UK and make the most of your time with us. 
• Exclusive opportunities: Bring your enterprise to market with our award-winning business advice service, Spark. Apply for vacancies only available to our students. And hone your skills further with Leeds University Union, home to volunteering opportunities and over 300 clubs and societies. 

Work placements and industry experience

As a Masters student at Leeds, you’ll have the unique opportunity to gain real-world industry experience with our Global Industry Programme.

You’ll develop key professional skills and gain invaluable insight into working in your chosen field, helping to solve a real business problem from a live company brief.

This experience will enhance your CV, helping you stand out in the competitive graduate jobs market and improving your chances of securing the career you want.

Benefits of the Global Industry Programme:

• Fully online and designed to fit around your studies.
• Opportunities to make professional networks in areas such as digital marketing, business growth, sustainability and funding strategy.
• Gain valuable insight and build consultancy experience with a UK or international organisation, working on a time limited brief.
• Work as part of a team across disciplines to tackle real business needs.
• Advance your experience and hands-on skills by putting the course teachings into practice.
• Improve your employability prospects.
• Make new friends, build confidence and consider your future plans.