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Key details

Start date(s)
September 2026
Study Mode
Full-time (1 year)
Part-time (2 years)
Location
Main Campus (Horsforth)
School
Social Sciences

This is an MSc Psychology (Conversion) programme, not an MSc Psychology programme. As such, this course is aimed primarily at non-Psychology graduates who wish to undertake further training as a Psychologist, but do not wish to undertake a second undergraduate degree.

Effectively, you will be undertaking one half of an undergraduate Psychology degree in one third of the time, and for one fifth of the cost, before graduating with an MSc Psychology (Conversion) degree.

Successful graduation will see you gain eligibility for Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (GBC) of the British Psychological Society (BPS), enabling further training and a career as a Psychologist. No prior knowledge of psychology is expected.

The Student Contract

About this course

Aided by active researchers in the field of psychology, you will cover all of the important areas within the discipline, and develop a broad understanding of human behaviour and interaction. Content will be taught through a mix of traditional lectures, student-led workshops and a broad array of assessments.

There will be a strong element of research design, encouraging critical thought and enabling a thorough and practical experience of the research process. You will be encouraged to take ownership of a valued research topic and to write up your MSc Thesis in a journal format that may lead to the publication of impressive work. 

By the time you graduate, even without previous experience in psychology, you will be well-placed to seek out further training and progress toward a career as a Psychologist.

Accreditation

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This degree is accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS) (link opens in a new window/tab) which makes you eligible for Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership on successful completion of the course.

Why study with us

  • Study on a BPS-accredited course. This means you’ll be eligible for Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership when you graduate which is your first step to becoming a Chartered Psychologist.
  • Fast-track your career with this Conversion course. Aimed at non-psychology graduates, undertake half of the undergraduate course in a third of the time, while having bespoke postgraduate content tailored to you.
  • Work assignments around your schedule. You’ll never have more than one deadline in any week. There are also no exams on this programme.
  • Opportunity to study aspects of Clinical Psychology. We listen to what students want so we’ve provided a specific module which considers the evidence base relevant to mental health conditions over the lifespan, something rarely found in a Psychology conversion course.
Student working on computer.

Course modules

You will study a variety of modules across your programme of study. The module details given below are subject to change and are the latest example of the curriculum available on this course of study.

Year 1

You may study the following modules throughout your degree.

Cognitive Psychology – Core

You will critically examine how cognitive psychology draws upon different theoretical perspectives and methods of inquiry. You’ll study topics such as memory, perception, thinking and language as inter-related cognitive processes. You’ll critically examine historical development and theoretical explanations and consider a variety of investigative methods and approaches, gaining an understanding of the careers to which cognitive psychology could be applied.

Research in Mental Health – Core

Psychopathology, the scientific study of mental illness or disorders will be introduced in this module. You’ll consider potential causes of mental ill-health and will evaluate the prevalence of mental ill-health among different populations, including age, race, culture, socio-economic status. Diagnostic systems and approaches to psychological distress will be debated and you’ll investigate what potential barriers there are to treatment. You’ll critically evaluate interventions with attention on patience preference, cost and outcomes. The BPS Code of Ethics and Conduct and BPS activities related to social justice, equality, diversity and inclusion will also be covered.

Developmental Psychology – Core

You’ll explore the defining characteristics, methods and scope of major topic areas in developmental psychology. Topics include perspectives on development from a wide range of research areas: the bio-psychosocial approach, temperament and personality, cognitive development, the family, emotions and attachment, peer relationships, and gender identity. 

Biological Psychology – Core

Human behaviour is complex, but can be readily explained by the interactions between body and mind. This module takes a behavioural and endocrinological (hormonal) approach, investigating the ways in which hormones can influence specific behaviours. We will look at basic neuroanatomy before introducing topics such as trust, sexual orientation, stress appraisal, aggression and human attraction.

Personality and Individual Differences – Core

In everyday life, there are often minor and major differences between individuals, groups and populations. It is the focus of individual difference research to explore these differences and how this might impact upon behaviour and choices. 

Psychological Research Methods – Core

The aim of this module is to introduce you to the foundations of research methods in psychology. It is the structure upon which psychology is built, and will enable you to approach your MSc Thesis with confidence. You will be guided through the process of research design, ethical applications, data collection and subsequent analysis. 

Social Psychology – Core

The module introduces you to the history of social psychology, core theories and research, and controversies and debates. You’ll explore the evolution of social psychology, social cognition, group processes and relations, and social influence. The workshops within the course address specific issues within these areas, critically evaluating the research and applying them to real-life examples. The course also explores the cultural relativism of social psychological theories and research.

MSc Thesis – Core

This module provides an opportunity for you to complete an original investigation within your chosen field of psychology. You will complete a thorough literature search of the previous research relevant to your chosen subject area, before applying the knowledge and skills developed in Psychological Research Methods to collect data and test your hypothesis.

Course structures

September - Full-time
Year Term Module Credits Contact hours
1 Term 1 Cognitive Psychology 15 0.5 day a week
Personality and Individual Differences 15 0.5 day a week
Social Psychology 15 0.5 day a week
Psychological Research Methods 30 0.5 day a week
Term 2 Research in Mental Health 15 0.5 day a week
Developmental Psychology 15 0.5 day a week
Biological Psychology 15 0.5 day a week
MSc Thesis 60 0.5 day a month for three months 
Term 3 MSc Thesis One-to-one meetings with your project supervisor arranged at your convenience
September - Part-time
Year Term Module Credits Contact hours
1 Term 1 Cognitive Psychology 15 0.5 day a week
Psychological Research Methods 30 0.5 day a week
Term 2 Research in Mental Health 15 0.5 day a week
Developmental Psychology 15 0.5 day a week
Biological Psychology 15 0.5 day a week
2 Term 1 Personality and Individual Differences 15 0.5 day a week
Social Psychology 15 0.5 day a week
Term 2 MSc Thesis 60 0.5 day a month for three months
Term 3 MSc Thesis One-to-one meetings with your project supervisor arranged at your convenience

 

Learning and teaching

Assessment within the programme employs a full range of written forms, presentations and practical activities, in order to reflect the academic and employability skills being developed during your studies.

Employability-relevant forms of assessment – including posters, information leaflets and evidence-based briefs – are used to assess the outcomes from both individual and group-based learning.

We have a good variety and balance of assessment forms and that there are opportunities for you to exercise an element of choice in the form of assessment undertaken. There are class tests, but these are never worth more than 20% of a module.

There are no exams.

Learning and teaching

At Leeds Trinity we aim to provide an excellent student experience and provide you with the tools and support to help you achieve your academic, personal and professional potential.

Our Learning, Teaching and Assessment Strategy delivers excellence by providing the framework for:

  • high quality teaching
  • an engaging and inclusive approach to learning, assessment and achievement
  • a clear structure through which you progress in your academic studies, your personal development and towards professional-level employment or further study.

We have a strong reputation for developing student employability, supporting your development towards graduate employment, with relevant skills embedded throughout your programme of study.

We endeavour to develop curiosity, confidence, courage, ambition and aspiration in all students through the key themes in our Learning and Teaching Strategy:

  • Student Involvement and Engagement
  • Inclusion
  • Integrated Programme and Assessment Experience
  • Digital Literacy and Skills
  • Employability and Enterprise

To help you achieve your potential we emphasise learning as a collaborative process, with a range of student-led and real-world activities. This approach ensures that you fully engage in shaping your own learning, developing your critical thinking and reflective skills so that you can identify your own strengths and weaknesses, and use the extensive learning support system we offer to shape your own development.

We believe the secret to great learning and teaching is simple: it is about creating an inclusive learning experience that allows all students to thrive through:

  • Personalised support
  • Expert lecturers
  • Strong connections with employers
  • An international outlook
  • Understanding how to use tools and technology to support learning and development

Entry requirements

Leeds Trinity University is committed to recruiting students with talent and potential and who we feel will benefit greatly from their academic and non-academic experiences here. We treat every application on its own merits; we value highly the experience you illustrate in your personal statement.

The following information is designed to give you a general overview of the qualifications we accept. If you are taking qualifications that are not included below, please contact our Admissions Office who will be happy to advise you.

The British Psychological Society requires students on accredited programmes to analyse, present, and evaluate quantitative and qualitative data. Therefore, a basic level of English and mathematics is essential to ensure that students are adequately equipped to evaluate and interpret research findings which means that in addition to any higher level qualifications, all applicants must also have the English and mathematics qualifications specified below.

Applicants must hold:

  • A minimum 2.2 degree in a subject area other than Psychology (the course is specifically designed for non-Psychology graduates)
  • GCSE Maths and English Language at grade 4/C or above, or an alternative level 2 qualification.

For more information on meeting English language requirements and academic requirements by country, visit our International Applicants page.

Please contact us for personalised advice on 0113 283 7123 or at admissions@leedstrinity.ac.uk

Fees and finance

Funding

UK Home Students:

For information about our tuition fees please visit our Student Fees and Finance pages.

If you studied your undergraduate degree at Leeds Trinity University, you may be eligible for a discount of up to 50% on the cost of your tuition fees.

International Students, including EU Students:

Visit our web page for international students.

Leeds Trinity Alumni Discount

Some Leeds Trinity graduates are eligible for a tuition fee discount on postgraduate courses of up to 50%, excluding PGCE Delivery Partner Model and Lead Partner Model, and Masters by Research courses. You will need to achieve a 2:2 or above in a Leeds Trinity undergraduate course to qualify.

Postgraduate course Leeds Trinity Alumni Discount
MSc programmes  50% for Leeds Trinity graduates with a 1st class honours degree
MSc programmes 35% for Leeds Trinity graduates with a 2:1 honours degree
MSc programmes 20% for Leeds Trinity graduates with a 2:2 honours degree

How to apply

There is no official closing date for applications, but the course will be closed when it is full. We therefore encourage you to make your application as early as possible.

Please ensure you complete the application form in full and supply all the required supporting documentation when you make your initial application. Incomplete applications may be rejected.

If you need advice on your application, please contact our admissions team on 0113 283 7123 (Monday to Thursday, 9.00am to 5.00pm, or Friday 9.00am to 4.00pm) or admissions@leedstrinity.ac.uk

Home applicants - How to apply

Applicants who require a Student Route Visa

The application deadline for applicants who require a Student Route Visa in order to study in the UK is 5pm on Monday 1 June 2026.

Part-time study is not available for international students on a Student Route Visa.

For additional information, including academic requirements by country, visit our .

What happens next?

Our admissions team will acknowledge receipt of your application by email.

Where applications are submitted but references are still in progress, admissions will wait for the reference(s) to be received and then will process it, and forward it to the relevant Programme Leader within five days of receipt of the reference(s).

The Programme Leader will make a decision based on your application. You may be asked to provide a reference to demonstrate your academic and non-academic experiences, or you may be invited to attend an interview. If you are successful and are made an offer, the conditions will be outlined in your offer letter. 

Applications will be acknowledged within five working days. Applicants will be contacted within 15 working days with a request for additional information, an invitation to an informal interview or an application decision.

Made an offer?

You should accept or decline your offer by emailing admissions@leedstrinity.ac.uk.

If you accept, you'll need to prove you satisfy the conditions outlined in your offer letter.

You may be asked to present the relevant supporting documentation in person to the student information point on campus - if originals are not needed, you’ll be contacted and given details of how to provide the supporting documentation.