The MSc in Psychology is a conversion route for students who hold an undergraduate Honours degree in a subject other than psychology. The programme provides a detailed knowledge of the core areas of psychology and principal theoretical and methodological issues in the field.
Postgraduate; leading to a Master of Science (MSc)
One year full time
A good 2.1 Honours undergraduate degree in a subject other than psychology. If you already possess an undergraduate degree in Psychology, the School offers a range of other postgraduate programmes.
If you studied your first degree outside the UK, see the international entry requirements.
English language proficiency. See English language tests and qualifications.
UK and EU: £6,800
Overseas: £19,400
For more guidance, see supporting documents and references for postgraduate taught programmes.
If you are looking to start this programme in 2017, you can find information about 2017 entry on the 2017 Psychology (Conversion) MSc page. Information about all programmes from previous years of entry can be found in our archive.
The MSc in Psychology (Conversion) is a full-time taught postgraduate programme run by the School of Psychology and Neuroscience.
Over two semesters, students will take nine compulsory modules. The modules are taught through lectures, seminars, workshops and tutorials. Assessment comprises entirely of coursework; there are no exams. On average, class sizes range up to 80 students for lectures and 20 students for seminars.
The final three months of your course will be focused on writing the final assessment piece, a 15,000-word research project dissertation.
In addition to the support provided by the research project supervisor and module coordinators, there is a dedicated team of staff offering support for students, including the Masters' Course Coordinator and a Masters' Statistics Tutor.
Further particulars regarding curriculum development.
The modules in this programme have varying methods of delivery and assessment. For more details of each module, including weekly contact hours, teaching methods and assessment, please see the latest module catalogue.
The modules listed ran in the academic year 2015-2016 and are indicative of this course. There is no guarantee that these modules will run for 2016 entry.
Take a look at the most up-to-date modules in the module catalogue.
Student dissertations will be supervised by members of the teaching staff who will advise on the choice of subject and provide guidance throughout the research process. The completed dissertation of not more than 15,000 words must be submitted by a date specified in August.
The School of Psychology and Neuroscience hosts a weekly seminar programme at 3.30pm on Fridays in the Old Library of the Psychology Building. These seminars include public lectures, open school discussions and papers presented by a variety of guest lecturers from the UK and abroad. Following the seminar, a wine reception is held in the staff common room.
The School also hosts an annual Jeeves Lecture as part of its seminar programme. The lectures are given by eminent psychologists and neuroscientists. Staff, students and members of the public are welcome at this lecture.
Recent Graduate Discount
The University of St Andrews offers a 10% reduction in tuition fees for students who have graduated during the last three years and are now starting a postgraduate programme.
Many Psychology graduates continue their education by enrolling in PhD programmes at St Andrews or elsewhere.
The Medical Research Council and the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council offers studentships for PhD research in health, biological and related sciences covering up to four years funding and, in some cases, accommodation fees.
Most of our students intend to pursue a career in research or clinical psychology. Thus, many of our graduates go on to research assistantships or PhD places. Others have obtained positions in government, healthcare, or business.
Please note that the MSc focuses on psychology as a science rather than as a clinical service, but many of our graduates pursue careers by obtaining research assistantships at teaching hospitals or other mental health centres.
The Careers Centre offers one-to-one advice to all students on a taught postgraduate course and offers a programme of events to assist students to build their employability skills.
School of Psychology and Neuroscience
St Mary's College
South Street
St Andrews
KY16 9JU
Phone: +44 (0)1334 46 2157
Email: pgsecpsych@st-andrews.ac.uk
Admission to the University of St Andrews is governed by our Admissions policy.
As a research intensive institution, the University ensures that its teaching references the research interests of its staff, which may change from time to time. As a result, programmes are regularly reviewed with the aim of enhancing students' learning experience. Course revision protocol (PDF)
The University will clarify compulsory fees and charges it requires any student to pay at the time of offer. The offer will also clarify conditions for any variation of fees. Fee setting protocol (PDF)