MA Migration Studies
The MA in Migration and Refugee Studies at Sussex is a one-year full-time or two-year p...
MSc Psychology (Conversion)
Falmer
INTAKE: September
Program Overview
The MSc Psychology (Conversion) program at the University of Sussex is a full-time, one-year course designed for individuals who hold a degree in a field other than psychology but wish to transition into the field of psychology. It offers a structured curriculum that covers core areas of psychology, including cognitive psychology, social psychology, biological psychology, developmental psychology, and research methods. The program provides students with the foundational knowledge needed to pursue careers in clinical, educational, health, forensic, or organizational psychology, as well as the option to continue onto postgraduate research programs such as a PhD in psychology. The MSc Psychology (Conversion) program is accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS), ensuring that students meet the requirements to become a chartered psychologist in the UK.
Curriculum: The curriculum of the MSc Psychology (Conversion) program at Sussex is carefully designed to provide students with a broad understanding of key psychological concepts and research methodologies. The program begins with foundational courses in areas such as biological psychology, cognitive psychology, social psychology, and developmental psychology. Students are introduced to essential research methods, including experimental design, statistical analysis, and qualitative research techniques. The curriculum also includes specialized modules in areas such as health psychology, forensic psychology, and organizational psychology, allowing students to tailor their studies to specific interests. A significant component of the program is the research project or dissertation, where students conduct independent research under the guidance of faculty members, providing an opportunity to apply theoretical knowledge to practical research challenges.
Research Focus: The research focus of the MSc Psychology (Conversion) program at Sussex is rooted in the application of psychological principles to real-world challenges. The university’s faculty members are engaged in a wide range of psychological research, with a focus on topics such as cognitive development, mental health, social behavior, neuropsychology, and education. Students are encouraged to develop their own research interests and engage with ongoing research projects in various areas of psychology. The program emphasizes the importance of evidence-based practice and critical thinking, preparing students to contribute to the development of psychological knowledge. Sussex is known for its collaborative research environment, where students have the opportunity to work alongside leading researchers in the field, gaining valuable hands-on experience in psychological research.
Industry Engagement: The University of Sussex has strong ties to the psychology industry, offering students numerous opportunities for industry engagement throughout the MSc Psychology (Conversion) program. The university collaborates with a wide range of organizations, including healthcare providers, research institutions, and government agencies, providing students with access to internships, placements, and practical experience in applied psychology. These opportunities allow students to gain firsthand knowledge of how psychological principles are applied in real-world settings, enhancing their employability and career prospects. Additionally, the university regularly hosts guest lectures, workshops, and networking events, giving students the chance to interact with professionals from various areas of psychology and related fields.
Global Perspective: The MSc Psychology (Conversion) program at Sussex has a global perspective, attracting students from diverse backgrounds and cultures. The program emphasizes the importance of understanding psychological issues in a global context, addressing topics such as cross-cultural psychology, international mental health, and the global impact of social issues. Sussex’s international outlook is further enhanced through its partnerships with universities and research institutions around the world, offering students opportunities for international collaboration and exchange. The program’s global perspective prepares graduates to work in diverse environments and tackle psychological challenges on an international scale, whether in research, clinical practice, or applied psychology roles.
Location
Falmer
Score
IELTS 7
Tuition Fee
£ 25000
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Academic Qualifications: Applicants should have successfully completed a bachelor's degree or its equivalent from a recognized institution with a minimum overall score of 65% or equivalent.
English language proficiency:
- IELTS: A minimum overall score of 6.5 or 7.0 with no individual component below 6.0.
- TOEFL: A minimum overall score of 95.
- PTE Academic: A minimum overall score of 67.
- Some postgraduate programs may have specific subject prerequisites or additional requirements.
The University of Sussex offers a range of scholarships and financial support for international students to help make studying in the UK more accessible. These scholarships recognize academic excellence, support for underrepresented groups, and the ambition to help students thrive in their studies.
Sussex International Scholarships: The University offers a range of scholarships specifically for international students, including the Sussex Excellence Scholarships.These awards typically cover a portion of the tuition fees and are available for students pursuing undergraduate or postgraduate degrees.
Postgraduate Scholarships: International postgraduate students can benefit from the Sussex Graduate Scholarship, which provides a discount on tuition fees for eligible students with strong academic records.This scholarship is available for a variety of postgraduate programs and is aimed at supporting students who wish to advance their studies in the UK.
Chevening Scholarships: The University of Sussex is a partner in the Chevening Scholarship program, which is the UK government’s global scholarship program.Chevening Scholarships are awarded to outstanding individuals from around the world who wish to pursue postgraduate studies in the UK.
Erasmus Mundus Scholarships: The University of Sussex is involved in several Erasmus Mundus programs, offering scholarships for international students from EU and non-EU countries.These scholarships support students pursuing joint Master’s degrees across European universities.
Specific Country Scholarships: The University also offers country-specific scholarships for students from particular regions, such as Africa, India, and China.These awards are often designed to make studying at Sussex more accessible for students from those regions.
Graduates of the MSc Psychology (Conversion) program from the University of Sussex are equipped with a range of skills and knowledge that open doors to numerous career paths in psychology and related fields. The program’s emphasis on research methods, psychological theories, and practical applications prepares students for a variety of roles, including clinical, health, educational, forensic, and organizational psychology.
Clinical Psychologist: One of the most sought-after career paths for graduates of the MSc Psychology (Conversion) program is clinical psychology. Clinical psychologists work in healthcare settings, diagnosing and treating individuals with mental health conditions, including anxiety, depression, and more complex psychological disorders. Although the MSc Psychology (Conversion) is a foundational step, graduates can pursue further training and supervised practice to become fully qualified clinical psychologists. This typically involves completing a doctorate in clinical psychology, followed by relevant professional qualifications and clinical placements.
Counseling Psychologist: Counseling psychologists provide therapy and support to individuals dealing with emotional, psychological, or life challenges. Graduates of the MSc Psychology (Conversion) program can continue their studies to become counseling psychologists. This career involves working with clients in private practices, schools, healthcare facilities, or other mental health settings. Counseling psychologists use a variety of therapeutic techniques, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), to help individuals improve their mental well-being.
Educational Psychologist: Educational psychologists specialize in supporting students with learning difficulties or behavioral challenges within educational settings. They work with schools, teachers, parents, and students to address issues related to learning, social development, and emotional well-being. Educational psychologists play a crucial role in assessing children’s needs, providing interventions, and developing strategies to enhance their learning experiences. Graduates of the MSc Psychology (Conversion) program can pursue further qualifications and practical experience to become educational psychologists.
Forensic Psychologist: Forensic psychologists apply psychological principles to the criminal justice system. They work with law enforcement agencies, courts, and correctional facilities to assess offenders, provide expert testimony, and develop intervention strategies. Forensic psychologists are often involved in evaluating the mental state of individuals involved in criminal proceedings, assessing the risk of reoffending, and offering rehabilitation programs. This career requires further study and practical training in forensic psychology after completing the MSc Psychology (Conversion).
Health Psychologist: Health psychologists focus on the psychological aspects of health and illness, working to improve public health through research, policy development, and intervention programs. They study the psychological factors that affect health behaviors, such as stress, coping mechanisms, and lifestyle choices. Health psychologists work in hospitals, healthcare organizations, research institutions, or public health agencies, helping to design programs that promote healthy behaviors and improve the well-being of individuals and communities.
Organizational Psychologist: Organizational psychologists apply psychological principles to the workplace to improve productivity, employee well-being, and organizational effectiveness. They may work in human resources, consulting firms, or as independent consultants, helping organizations optimize employee performance, develop training programs, and manage workplace dynamics. Organizational psychologists also focus on improving workplace culture, employee motivation, and leadership development. Graduates of the MSc Psychology (Conversion) program can pursue further qualifications and practical experience to work in this field.
Research Psychologist: Research psychologists use scientific methods to study human behavior, cognition, and emotion. They may work in academic settings, research institutions, or private companies, conducting studies to advance knowledge in areas such as cognitive psychology, social psychology, developmental psychology, or neuropsychology. Research psychologists play a critical role in designing and executing experiments, analyzing data, and publishing findings that contribute to the broader understanding of psychological principles. Graduates of the MSc Psychology (Conversion) program can pursue PhD programs in psychology to further develop their research skills.
Mental Health Worker: Graduates of the MSc Psychology (Conversion) program can also work as mental health workers in a variety of settings, including hospitals, community health centers, and residential treatment facilities. Mental health workers assist individuals dealing with mental health issues by providing support, counseling, and intervention services. This role often involves working alongside clinical psychologists, psychiatrists, and other mental health professionals to develop treatment plans and provide ongoing support to individuals in need.
Psychological Well-Being Advisor: Psychological well-being advisors work in various settings, such as universities, businesses, and healthcare organizations, to support individuals’ mental health and well-being. They may provide guidance, resources, and support for individuals facing stress, anxiety, or other mental health challenges. Well-being advisors help individuals build resilience, manage stress, and improve their overall mental health through preventative and supportive strategies.
Social Worker (with a focus on psychological interventions): Social workers with a background in psychology provide support to individuals and families in need, often focusing on mental health, family dynamics, and social well-being. They work in various environments, including healthcare, child welfare, and community organizations. Social workers may use psychological interventions to support clients with emotional, behavioral, or psychological issues, collaborating with other mental health professionals to deliver holistic care.
Psychotherapist (Further Training Required): For those interested in therapy, psychotherapists work with individuals, couples, or groups to help them overcome emotional or psychological challenges. This career requires specialized training in specific therapeutic approaches, such as psychoanalysis, CBT, or humanistic therapy. Graduates of the MSc Psychology (Conversion) program who wish to pursue psychotherapy will need to undertake additional professional training and practice to become fully qualified.
