MSc / PG Dip Psychology frequently asked questions 
Entry on to the MSc Psychology does not require you to have studied any psychology previously. The British Psychological Society stipulates that a minimum of 180 credits of Psychology are required to obtain the Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership and the MSc Psychology provides all 180 credits. The PG Dip differs in that it involves 120 credits only and therefore is a shorter course, designed for those people who already have 60 credits of Psychology from prior study at degree level.
Both courses show that you can work successfully at postgraduate level but the MSc is a higher status qualification. The MSc covers the same modules as the PG Dip plus an additional 60 credits. These include 20 credits of optional modules in contemporary psychology, a specialist essay in an area of the student's own choice and an extended research project. In this way, the MSc provides students with a greater opportunity for following their own interests.
The PG Dip and MSc students are taught together, with the MSc students taking their additional modules from term two onwards. This means that, assuming you meet the entry criteria for both courses, it's easy to transfer from one to the other at any point in the first term.
Accreditation by the British Psychological Society (BPS)
This course is accredited by the BPS as a psychology conversion course conferring eligibility for the Graduate Basis for Registration. This is the first step towards becoming a chartered Psychologist and provides the basis for further professional training in psychology.
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MSc / PG Dip Psychology course content
Psychology is the systematic study of behaviour and experience. As a discipline it is wide-ranging and overlaps with both biological sciences, such as neurology, physiology and genetics, and with social sciences such as sociology and anthropology.
The course is designed to provide dedicated supportive teaching tailored to the particular needs of postgraduate conversion students and to facilitate the development of a strong course identity among students.
- The course is based on core modules, specific to the conversion course, which are taught by a small team of approachable and enthusiastic staff who are experienced in supporting students from diverse disciplinary backgrounds.
- Further support is provided through small group individualised teaching in tutorials and individual supervision of the Research Project and Specialist Essay.
- The Psychology Division is large, with around 50 academic staff covering all areas of the discipline, and thus students on the MSc/PG Dip are able to take options from, and do research projects in areas of particular interest to them. This can be very helpful in preparation for related work or further study after graduation.
Modules studied include:
- Biological Psychology
- Social Psychology
- Developmental Psychology
- Cognitive Psychology
- Historical and Conceptual Issues
- Individual Differences
- Research Methods
- Statistics
- Research Project
- Contemporary Psychology (MSc only)
- Specialist Psychology Essay (MSc only).
The course:
- provides graduates in other disciplines with a route to becoming a professional psychologist
- covers all of the core knowledge areas within psychology
- deepens students' range of quantitative and qualitative research skills and methods, culminating in an independent research project
- gives students access to, and requires them to make use of, recently developed and well-equipped laboratories
- provides lectures, seminars, tutorials and lab classes that facilitate the development of a course identity among students
- makes full use of the facilities provided by the University's Virtual Learning Environment (VLE).
Research opportunities
Students carry out both an empirical research project with a research active member of staff and an in-depth literature based dissertation. The Division of Psychology has links with several external organisations and some students will be able to make use of these links in carrying out their research project.
Assessment
The course is assessed on a modular basis via examination, coursework, presentation, research and project/dissertation work.
Psychology resources and facilities
The BPS-accredited psychology conversion courses at Nottingham Trent University are supported by nearly 50 academic staff and an appropriate level of other support staff (secretarial, clerical, admin and technical).
The University has made significant financial investment in the Psychology Division over recent years upgrading accommodation, facilities and equipment used exclusively for the provision of our psychology courses and for research. We have a state-of-the-art undergraduate teaching laboratory suite opened in 2006, and a further phase of development, opened in 2007, includes a second teaching laboratory specifically catering for postgraduate students.
In addition there are specialist suites dedicated to particular areas of interest in psychology, including:
- social interaction, group work and interviewing
- computer gaming and cyberpsychology
- eye-tracking
- cognitive modelling and visual analysis
- psychophysiology.
Alongside these are new flexible cubicles for student project work, a psychometric test bank library, and a technical workshop.
Your future career in Psychology
Psychologists may work in settings as diverse as:
- community mental health teams
- prisons
- schools
- large blue chip companies
- research laboratories
- government departments
- the armed services
- hospitals
- premiership football clubs.
This course does not currently offer placements.
Postgraduate Diploma in Psychology
- You will need an undergraduate degree (minimum 2.1) or other recognised equivalent qualification.
- Applicants whose undergraduate degree is a 2.2 will also be considered.
- Applicants with ordinary degrees and/or alternative equivalent life skills and experiences will also be considered but will be required to demonstrate their motivation and ability to study at the required academic level in their Personal Statement.
- Applicants need 60 credits of Psychology from prior study at degree level.
- One academic or vocational reference is required.
MSc Psychology
- You will need an undergraduate degree (minimum 2.1) or other recognised equivalent qualification.
- Applicants whose undergraduate degree is a 2.2 will also be considered.
- Applicants with ordinary degrees and/or alternative equivalent life skills and experiences will also be considered but will be required to demonstrate their motivation and ability to study at the required academic level in their Personal Statement.
- One academic or vocational reference is required.
English language entry requirements
See the English language entry requirements for courses at the School of Social Sciences and a full list of all English language qualifications accepted by the University.
Scholarships
The School of Social Sciences Scholarship scheme provides a number of awards to students on taught Masters Programmes. For further information visit our fees and funding section.
Open days
The School of Social Sciences holds open events throughout the year. Come along and learn more about our courses, speak to programme leaders and find out about studying with the School. To find out more about these events visit the School of Social Sciences website.
How to apply
Click the Apply online button at the top of the page to complete your application.
As places are limited you are encouraged to submit your application as early as possible to avoid disappointment. The course starts in September 2012 so in order to receive enrolment materials in good time we advise that applications are submitted before the end of July 2012. Please allow additional processing time for international applications from countries that require a visa.
Study routes
MSc: 12 months full-time or 24 months part-time
PG Dip: nine months full-time or 21 months part-time (two academic years)
Both courses start in September. In the first two terms full-time versions of the courses will have timetabled classes on three days of the week (usually Monday-Wednesday). The remaining two days are intended for independent study. though some Contemporary Psychology options on the MSc may also fall on these days in term two.
