Psychology MSc - Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, you are. To be eligible for this course, we ask that you have a minimum of a 2:2 honours undergraduate degree. However, you don’t need previous experience studying or working in psychology. 

If you don’t meet our academic requirements, but can demonstrate considerable professional experience, you may still be eligible. Contact an Enrolment Advisor at DLstudentenquiries@northumbria.ac.uk for more information.

If you are an international applicant, you may also need to provide evidence of your English language ability for example holding a minimum overall IELTS score of 6.5 with 6 in each component or an approved equivalent.

This course has been designed to help you change your career direction and develop your skills in the field of psychology.

You’ll learn the essential theoretical and practical knowledge you need to join the British Psychology Society as a Graduate Member (GBC status) and begin working towards a flourishing career, whether as a researcher or chartered psychologist. This MSc can also provide you with a platform to a doctoral programme, which you’ll need in order to specialise in certain fields, such as counselling, educational psychology or clinical psychology.  

Some graduates of Psychology MSc programmes at Northumbria have also made great use of their degree in commercial settings. The quantitative data analysis, critical-thinking and research skills you will develop are perfectly suited to a career in leadership and management, HR, marketing or public sector work. Leverage your knowledge of the human mind to be more effective in your working life.

The British Psychological Society (BPS) is a UK registered charity responsible for the promotion of excellence and ethical practice in psychology. If you’re hoping to practice as a chartered psychologist in the UK, you’ll first need to join the BPS as a graduate member by gaining GBC Status. You can do this by successfully achieving a BPS accredited degree such as our Psychology MSc.

Once you have GBC status, you can undertake a variety of approved educational paths to achieve specific career outcomes. For example, graduates wishing to become a clinical psychologist can undertake a BPS accredited doctoral programme that will prepare you for clinical training. For some career paths, including forensic psychology, occupational psychology or sports psychology, a specialist Stage 1 Masters after your GBC will enable you to apply for graduate-level training roles.

For more details on career paths in the field of psychology, you can read our Psychology MSc course pages.

You’ll be able to complete your Psychology MSc in around two years. However, if you need to take a break during your course for personal reasons or otherwise, our flexible course design will allow you to take a break. Please be aware, however, that any breaks in study will affect the date of your graduation. 

The course is designed to be studied completely online - there will be no need to come to campus, even for assessments.  

As a distance learning student, you will have access to quality teaching, just as you would on campus, while being free to study whenever and wherever you want. However, if you wish to visit the campus at Northumbria University to make use of our facilities, you will be welcome.

There is no difference between the qualification you receive on our distance learning course and any equivalent qualification which you might study on campus. You’ll be taught by tutors with years of experience in the sector, who also teach on our on campus courses. They’ll help you to gain the skills needed to lead and make a difference in our ever-evolving field of psychology.

For each module, you’ll have regular virtual assessments to help you keep on track. The format of these will vary but they will all be submitted through Blackboard Ultra, our eLearning portal. The course will combine academic theory with real world practice, so you’ll be able to tailor your projects and assessments to your current role. This means you’ll be able to apply your new knowledge in everyday working life, even before graduation.

The recommended study time for this course is 15-20 hours a week, so it's ideal for busy working professionals. Plus, our distance learning delivery and flexible learning model means you’ll be able to balance your studies alongside any existing commitments – no need for a career break or to disrupt your personal life.

It is vital that you have regular internet access throughout your course to access Blackboard Ultra, our e-learning portal, which contains your online learning materials, in-course communication tools, advice and support services.

The recommended computer operating systems are:

• Windows 7 or newer
• Mac OSX 10.6 or newer
• Linux – chromeOS
• Mobile – iOS 7 and newer/Android 4.2 and newer

You’ll be part of a supportive, engaging community. During each module, you’ll be to attend interactive webinars and participate in virtual discussion boards with tutors and other students. Throughout, your tutors will be available to assist you with your studies and any academic questions. However, you’ll also be assigned a Student Success Advisor, who will be there to support you from day one to graduation. Whether you need pastoral guidance, help meeting deadlines or advice about fees, they’ll be on hand at every step. 

Applying for our Masters is quick and easy:  you can simply apply online for our next intake. A personal Enrolment Advisor will be with you at every step of the way, in case you have any questions about your application.

During the process, you’ll need to upload some important documents onto our online applicant portal including:

• A copy of your degree certificate or transcript (if this was awarded in a language other than English, you’ll need an official translation too)
• A photocopy of your driving licence, passport or other proof of identity
• A 500 word personal statement (this could cover why you wish to do the course, what you think you could bring to it and why you would like to study with Northumbria University)
• Proof of your English Language proficiency if English is your second language

After receiving your application, our Admissions Team will aim to respond to you as soon as possible.

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Please note, in order to ensure BPS standards are met, and the integrity and quality of this course is upheld, places on this course are limited. Due to high demand, these places will be allocated on a first come first served basis to applicants who meet the entry criteria. To avoid disappointment, we encourage you to submit your application as early as possible if you wish to join our next intake. Any applications submitted after the current intake is full will be considered for the following one – you will be notified if this is the case. If you would like to speak to someone about this, please feel free to call us on 0191 276 4874 or email DLstudentenquiries@northumbria.ac.uk

The full course fees for UK, EU and international students is £9,950*.

You will be able to spread the cost of your fees over the duration of your course, paying on a module-by-module basis. 

For more information about this, plus any financial support you may be entitled to, please contact our Enrolment Team on (+44) 191 276 4874 or at dlstudentenquiries@northumbria.ac.uk.

*Please note, fees correct for 2021/22 intakes. Fees are reviewed regularly and may change for future intakes, falling in later academic years. After the point of enquiry, you will be notified of any changes by our Enrolment Team