Our MSc Psychology (Conversion) is a great way to develop and enhance your critical understanding of psychological theories, methods and debates. What’s more, you can achieve eligibility for the Graduate Basis for Chartership (GBC) of the British Psychological Society (BPS).

Key information

Award:

MSc

Mode of Study:

Full-time

Duration:

12 months

Location:

University of Bolton

Start date:

25/09/2023

Course Details

If you’re looking to pursue a psychology-related career or further professional training in psychology, this highly regarded conversion course is ideal. Maybe you’re considering a future in educational, occupational or clinical psychology, but don’t have enough credits in psychology at undergraduate level. Or perhaps your psychology degree didn’t come with eligibility for the Graduate Basis for Chartership of the British Psychological Society. Either way, this course is a great solution.

The programme modules cover specific areas of psychology equivalent to those in the British Psychological Society‘s qualification exam, and will give you an opportunity to achieve a firm grounding in psychological theories, approaches and research methods.

While most of your modules will be at Master’s level, you can expect to study in classes alongside our undergraduate students. Learning alongside our undergraduates offers you the opportunity to share in a wider variety of opinions and experiences, helping to broaden your view of psychology. We then offer separate Master’s-level tutorials, designed specifically for our MSc Psychology (Conversion) students, to support your achievement of postgraduate academic and critique skills.

Psychology courses at Bolton benefit from excellent facilities and committed, enthusiastic staff – many of whom are involved in leading research that will support your studies.

Highlights

You can enjoy support from approachable staff with a diverse range of research interests.
Our well-equipped department is home to innovative methods of teaching and assessment.
You’ll have the chance to learn how to apply advanced critical analysis and evidence-based reasoning to current research and methodology.
We’ll support you to develop much sought-after transferable skills as you prepare for postgraduate employment or training.

Key Features

The Department of Psychology at Bolton is well established – our undergraduate degree is one of the oldest in the country and we have offered conversion provision since 2001.
This MSc Psychology (Conversion) course is accredited by the British Psychological Society, and offers you the chance to achieve the Graduate Basis for Chartership.
Our excellent facilities include a fully equipped observation and psychophysiology laboratory.

Professional recognition

This programme is accredited as conferring eligibility for the Graduate Basis for Chartership (GBC) of the British Psychological Society (BPS), provided you successfully complete the course by passing all the prescribed modules with an overall average mark of at least 50%.

We encourage all our students to apply for student membership of the BPS.

Normally, you should have at least an Upper Second Class Honours degree (2.1) in a relevant subject; for instance, social science or science.
You must also have Mathematics GCSE at grade C or above or grade 4 to 9 (or equivalent).
If you don’t meet the entry requirements listed above, but can offer alternative evidence of your capacity to succeed on this course, we’ll be happy to consider your application.
We'll consider applications where appropriate work experience can be demonstrated in lieu of, or in addition to, the published academic qualifications in line with the University’s Recognition of Prior Experiential Learning (RPEL) procedures.
You’ll be required to attend an interview and/or provide a portfolio of work.
If English isn’t your first language, you’ll also need IELTS 6.0 with no less than 5.5 in any band (or equivalent). We also accept a range of other English language qualifications – please visit our English Language Requirements web page for more details.

Where changes are made to material information contained in this course description or a decision is taken to suspend a course between the offer of admissions and enrolment, we will inform applicants at the earliest possible opportunity and will outline the various options available to the applicant.

The MSc Psychology (Conversion) is a conversion course for graduates who wish to pursue a professional career in psychology; for instance, in educational, occupational or clinical psychology.

On successful completion of the course, you’ll possess enhanced intellectual and thinking skills, problem solving, interpersonal awareness, communication skills and the ability to develop arguments supported by relevant evidence, team work and IT and data handling skills.

What can I do with this qualification?

There are numerous career paths available to psychology graduates with British Psychological Society (BPS) accreditation. The more traditional careers include counselling and clinical psychology, occupational or educational psychology, mental health, forensic psychology, cognitive behavioural therapy, and sport and exercise psychology. In addition, there are broader career options, including personnel management, research, teaching, social work and health. The BPS website at https://careers.bps.org.uk/ provides a good source of careers advice.

Postgraduate options include further studies at Master’s or PhD level. Graduates can also progress to graduate schemes, which are long term employment contracts usually with a large corporate company offering advanced training packages.

Alternative career options

Although some psychology graduates become professional psychologists, many others go on work in related fields. Graduates can use the qualification as a stepping-stone into a range of careers, bearing in mind that some of these roles will require relevant experience and/or postgraduate study. Some of these careers include:

Teaching and education
Careers guidance
Human resources
Probation services
Prison services
Social work
Counselling
Family mediation and support
Nursing
Police
Media and advertising
Communications
Sport and recreation
Advertising
Child protection
Youth work

Course fees

Home students starting this course in the first year will be required to pay a Home fee of £7,920 for the academic year 2023/24.

Overseas students starting this course in the first year will be required to pay a Overseas fee of £13,550 for the academic year 2023/24.

Important note regarding tuition fees for the 2022-2023 academic year: EU nationals who meet residency requirements (have settled or pre-settled status) may be eligible for 'Home' fee status. If you do not meet these residency requirements, overseas fees will apply. Irish citizens living in the UK or Ireland will be eligible for 'Home' fee status under the Common Travel Area arrangement. Please read the student finance for EU students web page on www.gov.uk for information.

The fees for a student's course of study will be set for the normal duration of that course subject only to inflationary increases – measured by the Consumer Price Index (CPI) recorded in March each year to take effect for subsequent start dates.

Bursaries

Click here for more information on our Master's Bursaries.

For details of how to apply for this course, please choose your status from the options below:

You may apply directly to the University using the University's online application form. Please select your chosen start date from the list below:

You should have to hand:

Details of the educational establishments you attended and dates
Your certificates for the qualifications you are using to gain entry to the course – you will need to enter the completion date and upload copies
Details of any employment history including name, address, dates and role
Personal statement – this can be either input into the relevant field or uploaded separately
Details including e-mail addresses of two referees, at least one of which should be someone who can provide an academic reference

Please make sure any documents you wish to upload in support of your application are in pdf or jpeg format. Personal statements may be word documents.

Please ensure your data is correct at each stage of the application before you proceed to the next page. If you use the back button at any time during the application, you should check the validity of the data you have already input.

If you experience difficulties during the application process, contact the Admissions Team on 01204 903394 or admissions@bolton.ac.uk

Apply online: University of Bolton MSc Psychology (Conversion) - 25 September 2023

Thank you for your interest

In order to determine your suitability for this course as an international student and also to confirm you meet any initial eligibility criteria, we need you to answer a few short questions.

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English Language Qualifications

Have you completed an English Language qualification prior to application or have a valid exemption as per the list below? (The qualification/exemption must be uploaded with this application) E.g. Applicants from Nigeria/Africa must upload their WAEC or NECO certificate before the application is submitted for a prompt response and offer.

Acceptable English Language Tests – Undergraduate and Postgraduate

These tests must have been taken within 2 years of the start of the course

Test	Entry Requirements
IELTS Academic (taken within 2 years)	Undergraduate programmes 6.0 with no band below 5.5 Postgraduate programmes as per entry requirements
IELTS Indicator	Undergraduate programmes 6.0 with no band below 5.5 Postgraduate programmes as per entry requirements
PTE	Undergraduate and Postgraduate requiring IELTS6.0 Overall score of 50 with no less than 42 in each component Postgraduate requiring IELTS 6.5 Overall score of 58 with no less than 50 in each component Postgraduate requiring IELTS 7.0 Overall score of 65 with no less than 58 in each component
TOEFL iBT Including Special Home Edition	Undergraduate and Postgraduate requiring IELTS6.0 Overall score of 80 with the following component scores: Reading – 18 Writing – 17 Listening – 17 Speaking - 20 Postgraduate requiring IELTS 6.5 Overall Score of 88 with the following component scores: Reading – 20 Writing – 19 Listening – 19 Speaking 21 Postgraduate requiring IELTS 7.0 Overall Score of 100 with the following component scores: Reading – 23 Writing – 24 Listening – 22 Speaking 22
Pearson Versant	Undergraduate and Postgraduate requiring IELTS6.0 Overall score of 55 Postgraduate requiring IELTS 6.5 Overall score of 60 Postgraduate requiring IELTS 7.0 Overall score of 65
Trinity College (Integrated Skills)	Undergraduate and Postgraduate requiring IELTS6.0 ISE II –Distinction in each component Postgraduate requiring IELTS 6.5 ISE III – Pass in each component Postgraduate requiring IELTS 7.0 ISE III – Merit in each component
Other qualifications we currently accept (which do not require an additional SELT)
GCSE in English Language (from a UK awarding body)	Undergraduate and Postgraduate requiring IELTS6.0 Grade C Postgraduate requiring IELTS 6.5 Grade B
Irish Leaving Certificate Ordinary Level English	Undergraduate and Postgraduate requiring IELTS6.0 Grade C/C3 (20 points) Postgraduate requiring IELTS 6.5 Grade B/B3 (37 points)
Irish Leaving Certificate Higher Level English	Undergraduate and Postgraduate requiring IELTS6.0 Grade D/D2 (46 points) Postgraduate requiring IELTS 6.5 Grade C/C2 (66 points)
IGCSE English as a First language (for syllabus 0500 Listening and Speaking must be separately endorsed on the certificate)	Undergraduate and Postgraduate requiring IELTS6.0 Grade C Postgraduate requiring IELTS 6.5 Grade B
IGCSE English as a Second language (for syllabus 0510 Speaking must be separately endorsed on the certificate)	Undergraduate and Postgraduate requiring IELTS6.0 Grade C Postgraduate requiring IELTS 6.5 Grade B
Cambridge Advanced English	Undergraduate and Postgraduate requiring IELTS6.0 170 points with no component below 160 Postgraduate requiring IELTS 6.5 180 points with no component below 170 Postgraduate requiring IELTS 7.0 185 points with no component below 180
International Baccalaureate (IB) Standard or Higher Level English Language (Syllabus A)	Undergraduate and Postgraduate requiring IELTS6.0 Grade 4 Postgraduate requiring IELTS 6.5 Grade 5
International Baccalaureate (IB) Standard or Higher Level English Language (Syllabus B)	Undergraduate and Postgraduate requiring IELTS6.0 Grade 5 Postgraduate requiring IELTS 6.5 Grade 6
European Baccalaureate English Language	Undergraduate and Postgraduate requiring IELTS6.0 Grade 70% Postgraduate requiring IELTS 6.5 Grade 80%

Acceptable European qualifications

English component must be obtained within the last 4 years

Country	Qualification
Austria	Reifeprufungszeugnis/Maturazeugnis at 2.0
Belgium	Diplome d'acces a l'enseignment superieur/Diplome van Hoger Secundair Onderwijs at 75%
Bulgaria	Diploma Za Sredno Obrazovanie at Grade 3
Croatia	Svjedodzba o Maturi at grade 4.0
Cyprus	Apolyterion at 15
Czech Republic	Maturitni Zkou'ce/Maturita at grade 2.0
Denmark	Studentereksamen/HF/HHX/HTX/IBB /Diplomingenior at grade 9
Estonia	Riigieksamitunnistus or Gümnaasiumilõputunnistus at 70%
Finland	Ylioppilastutkintotodistus or Studentexamensbetyg at grade 5
France	Baccalauréat (le bac) or the Option Internationale du Baccalauréat at grade 12.5
Germany	Zeugnis der Allgemeinen Hochschulreife or Abitur or a Fachgebundene Hochschulreife at grade 2 / gut
Greece	Apolyterion at grade 15
Hungary	Erettsegi at grade 4
Italy	Diploma di Esame di Stato at grade 8/80%
Latvia	Atestats Par Visparejo Videjo Izglitib at grade 8
Lithuania	Brandos Atestatas at grade 8
Malta	Matriculation Certificate at grade C
Moldova	Diploma de Bacalaureat or Atestat de Studii Medii de Cultura Generala at grade 9
Netherlands	Diploma Middelbaar Beroepsonderwijs (MBO) or Diploma Voorbereidend Wetenschappelijk Onderwijs (VWO) at grade 8
Norway	Vitnemal-Videregaende Opplaering at grade 4
Poland	Swiadectwo Dojrzalosci / Matura at grade 70%
Portugal	Diploma de Ensino Secundario at grade 14
Romania	Diploma de Bacalaureat (English with all components at B2)
Slovakia	Vysvedcenie O Maturitnej at grade 2
Slovenia	Maturitetno Spricevalo at grade 4
Spain	Titulo de Bachillerato at grade 8
Sweden	Fullstandigt Slutbetyg Fran Gymnasiesk at grade C
Switzerland	Maturitatszeugnis or Maturite Federal at grade 5
Ukraine	Aтестат про повну загальну середню освіту at grade 10

Acceptable International Regional qualifications

Must be obtained no more than 4 years before the proposed start date of the course

Country	Qualification	Grade
Bahamas	General Certificate of Secondary Education	Grade C in English
Botswana	General Certificate of Education Ordinary Level	Grade C/4 in English
Brunei	Cambridge O Level	Grade C6 in English
Cameroon	GCE O level	Grade C in English
Hong Kong	HKCEE	Grade C in English (Syllabus B)
Hong Kong	HKDSE	Grade 4 in English
Kenya	Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education	Grade C in English
Malaysia	Malaysian 1119	Grade 6C in English - IELTS 6.0
Singapore	Singapore Cambridge O Level	Grade C6 in English
South Africa	South Africa National Senior Certificate	Grade 5 in English
Tanzania	Certificate of Secondary Education	Grade C in English
Uganda	Certificate of Education	Grade 6
Zambia	Zambia School Certificate	Grade 6 in English
Zimbabwe	General Certificate of Education Ordinary Level	Grade C in English
	Caribbean Examination Council	General proficiency Grade III in English
Nigeria/Ghana	WAEC/NECO	Grade C6 in English

I confirm I hold one of the above English Language Qualifications/Exemptions before making an application. I will upload the evidence with this application.

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Thank you for your interest

Please secure an approved English language qualification and then apply for the next intake.

Question

Have you ever received a visa refusal for entry into the UK or any other country?

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Thank you for your interest

Unfortunately we would be unable to sponsor under the Student Route Visa. If you do not require a visa to study in the UK please email us for further advice: intadmissions@bolton.ac.uk

Your Funding

Do you have full funding in place to cover your full tuition fees and living costs as required by UKVI? Please click here for more information.

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Unfortunately we will be unable to continue with your application.

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Have you read and understood the course entry requirements and confirm that you fully meet the requirements? (Please click on Entry Requirements tab above to ensure you comply with all the requirements for this course)

You may also refer to the following pages for information about International Qualifications equivalency: https://www.bolton.ac.uk/international/your-country-entry-requirements/

For further assistance with international qualifications equivalency (paid service) – please refer to the ECCTIS website (previously known as NARIC): https://ecctis.com/Qualifications/FindTheServiceForYou.aspx

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Thank you for your interest

Unfortunately we will be unable to proceed with your application as all entry requirements must be met.

Final Terms & Conditions

Please read the following:

I understand that the university reserves the right to withdraw their offer at any stage once the quota for the course has been filled.
I understand that I will be required to pay specific fees before CAS issuance is considered by the university.
I must declare any agent or consultant at the start of my application and they must be on the list of approved agents. (We also have Branch Offices in Africa, South Asia, Middle East and Central Asia who fully manage applications in their respective regions.)
I am able to complete the course in the normal duration.
I am able to arrive on time for the published start date.
I confirm that I will be 18 years old or more on the start date of the course.
I understand that the following documents will be uploaded as part my application:
(a) Passport with at least 6 months validity before start of course.
(b) Personal statement (written by myself).
(c) CV if applicable.
(d) Previous qualifications.
(e) English language certificate or proof of exemption.
(f) Professional references if applicable.
(g) Bank Statements and TB Certificate if applicable at the CAS issuance stage.
I have read and understood all questions and answered them correctly and truthfully to the best of my ability and knowledge.

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Thank you for your interest

Unfortunately we will be unable to proceed with your application.

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Based on the information supplied, we would like to invite you to apply for this course.

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Apply Online

The University welcomes applications from international students from all over the world. We try to make the application process as simple and as fast as possible for our international applicants.

How you apply is determined by your current location and what you are choosing to study:

Apply direct to the University. Links for the next available intakes of this course are shown below. Please click the link which will direct you to the online application form. Please read the user guidance before completing this.
Apply via one of our approved in-country referral partners. A list of our partners may be found on the International pages of this website.
Apply via UCAS for courses starting in September only – visit www.ucas.com.

Should you have any queries please contact the International Team on +44 (0) 1204 903110 or email international@bolton.ac.uk

Apply online: University of Bolton MSc Psychology (Conversion) - 25 September 2023

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Teaching and learning on a University of Bolton psychology course focuses on you. Our 'student-centred' approach adopts a welcome variety of teaching and learning techniques to support you as you acquire and develop key concepts, knowledge and skills – and work towards your study goals. Our emphasis on ‘active learning’ means you’ll have the chance to enjoy hands-on practical classes, fieldwork, lab-based workshops, seminars and tutorials, as well as self-directed study.

Assessment methods are also varied, allowing you to demonstrate your learning in a range of ways. For example, module assessments will include coursework such as essays, research reports, critical reviews, practical reports and statistical assignments – plus presentations, a course project report and traditional exams. Assessment methods will vary according to each module’s content and desired outcome.

Modules

The modules listed below may be a mixture of compulsory and optional. You may not have the opportunity to study all the modules shown as part of the course.

Advanced Social and Critical Psychology
Advanced Biopsychology
Advanced Cognitive Psychology
Advanced Personality and Developmental Psychology
Psychological and Social Research: Review, Evaluation and Design
MSc Conversion Research Methods
MSc Psychology (Conversion) Dissertation

Assessment methods

Level	Assesment method
Level one	Coursework 97%, Practical exams 3%

Learning activities

Level	Learning activity
Level one	Guided independent study 82%, Scheduled learning and teaching activities 18%

Disclaimer

The university will use all reasonable endeavours to deliver your course as described in its published material and the programme specification for the academic year in which you begin your course. The university considers changes to courses very carefully and the university will minimise any changes. Please be aware that our courses are subject to review on an ongoing basis and changes may be necessary due to legitimate staffing, financial, regulatory and academic reasons. The content of course modules and mode of associated assessments may be updated on an annual basis. This is to ensure that all modules are up-to-date and responsive to employment and sector needs. The published course material and the programme specification contain indicative ‘optional modules’ that may be subject to change due to circumstances outside of our control. For this reason, we cannot guarantee to run any specific optional module.