Pscychology MSc Aston Online - polystyrene head with Electroencephalography (EEG)

Master of Science in Psychology (Conversion)

MSc (Online)

If you are fascinated by human behaviour and looking to pivot into a psychology-related field, our flexible online MSc Psychology programme offers a powerful first step. Designed for learners from any academic background, this part-time degree builds the knowledge and critical thinking needed to pursue new opportunities in psychology and beyond. As a conversion programme, it is specifically designed for those without a BPS-accredited undergraduate degree in Psychology and is not intended for those who already hold one.

Study fully online with expert support through Aston’s immersive Digital Campus and reimagine what your future could look like.

Why choose this programme

Aston Univ-of-the-Year

No psychology degree? No problem: Whether your background is in arts, sciences, or any other field, Aston Online’s Masters in Psychology lets you transition confidently into psychology and related careers even if you didn’t study it at an undergraduate level.

Join a top-ranked programme with proven career success: Ranked 7th in the UK for graduate prospects in psychology (Complete University Guide, 2025). Aston University is your launchpad to real-world professional roles and rewarding career opportunities.

Sharpen your research and problem-solving skills: Build essential expertise in research methods, critical thinking, and professional ethics to better understand human behaviour and make a meaningful difference in people’s lives, workplaces, and communities.

Boost your employability with in-demand skills: Gain the ability to analyse, synthesise, and apply psychological knowledge with confidence. Our programme equips you with practical, work-ready skills, like critical thinking and problem-solving, so you can stand out as a thoughtful, adaptable professional ready to make a meaningful impact both within and beyond psychology.

Globally accessible with flexible admissions: Wherever you are in the world, Aston University Online makes higher education within reach, with flexible study, monthly payment options, and non-standard entry routes that recognise the value of varied professional and educational experiences.

Study on your terms anywhere, anytime: Enjoy the freedom of fully online learning with no fixed schedules or compulsory live sessions. Focus deeply on one module and assessment at a time, perfectly balancing your studies with work and life.

Become part of a supportive, global learning community: Learn alongside a small, close-knit cohort with personalised guidance from expert tutors. Experience a welcoming, inclusive environment where you’re never studying alone.

Meet the programme director

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Welcome to the MSc Psychology programme with Aston University Online! You are about to embark on a comprehensive academic journey that will equip you with a deep understanding of human behaviour, from foundational principles to advanced research and applied practice.

This conversion programme is specially designed for those without a BPS-accredited undergraduate degree in Psychology and is not intended for those who already hold one. The MSc Psychology programme will provide you with a sound knowledge of the core areas within psychology and develop your expertise in advanced research methods. All of our programmes are delivered online, offering you the flexibility to study at your own pace while benefiting from Aston’s commitment to high-quality teaching and student support.

We look forward to supporting you throughout your studies and helping you achieve your goals in the fascinating field of psychology.

Professor Rebecca Knibb – Programme Director
Rebecca Knibb, Aston Online Psychology Programme Director - smiling while arms folded

Programme overview

Understanding people starts with asking questions. What makes us who we are, and behave the way we do in our relationships, our decisions, our struggles? If you're driven to explore these questions and apply psychological insight to real-world challenges, our online MSc Psychology conversion programme is your next step. This degree is designed for those who want to turn their interest in human behaviour into a new professional direction or deeper expertise.

You’ll explore core areas of psychological science, including cognitive, developmental, social, and biological psychology, gaining insight into both typical and atypical human functioning. With the support of expert tutors, you’ll also complete an independent research project on a topic that matters to you.

As you study, you’ll build sought-after skills in critical thinking, research, and communication, alongside a rich understanding of people and behaviour. These abilities are highly valued by employers and can open doors to meaningful roles in mental health, education, HR, marketing, public services, and beyond.

Delivered fully online and part-time, this programme is designed to fit around your life, meaning you can manage studying around other commitments such as work and family. You’ll learn alongside a global student community and gain access to Aston University’s extensive digital library, featuring leading publications and the resources you need to deepen your knowledge, support your research, and stay current with advances in the field. 

Whether you want to change careers, build on your previous experience, or simply understand people better, this MSc gives you the knowledge, confidence, and flexibility to take your next step in psychology. Psychology touches every aspect of life and this programme gives you the tools to apply it where it matters most.

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What you will learn

Core psychological concepts: Build foundational knowledge across key areas of psychology, including cognition, development, and behaviour.

Research skills and methodologies: Learn how to conduct and analyse psychological research using professional tools and methodologies.

Biological basis of behaviour: Explore the biological and neurological underpinnings of behaviour and mental processes.

Applied psychology in society: Understand how psychological theories apply to real-world challenges across health, education, business and society.

Specialist research project: You will also conduct a research project in a specialist area with support from our expert psychology team.

Flexible payment plans and funding options

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When I discovered a couple of years ago that Aston had created online programmes for those who wanted to continue their education, but needed the flexibility to do so, I was absolutely thrilled. I work full-time so this was perfect me.

Kristal Burnett-Dunkley – Aston Online student
Kristal Burnett Dunkley - Aston student

Career prospects

Our MSc Psychology conversion degree is designed to thoroughly prepare you for a successful career in a wide range of academic, industry, and healthcare settings. Upon graduation, you’ll be equipped to pursue diverse career paths or continue advancing your research with a PhD for those aiming for an academic career.

This degree also offers excellent opportunities for further professional development. You’ll be positioned to specialise in areas such as health psychology, clinical psychology, occupational psychology, forensic psychology, or neuropsychology, ultimately working towards becoming a practitioner psychologist.

Career prospects you can look forward to: 

Policy advisor/Officer: Apply behavioural insight to shape public policy, improve decision-making, and design services that better meet community needs.

User experience (UX) researcher: Conduct user research to understand behaviour, improve digital experiences, and inform the design of user-centred products and services.

Market analyst: Analyse consumer behaviour and market trends to help organisations make informed decisions about products, services, and strategy.

Careers advisor/Employability coach: Use psychology-informed approaches to help people plan and manage their careers – often in education or local authority settings.

MSc Psychology Career Prospects - psychologist speaking to couple in therapy session

Programme structure

This programme is studied over two years part-time. In the first year, you’ll study three modules, each worth 30 credits. In the second year, you’ll complete one 30-credit module and a 60-credit research module. Each credit is equivalent to 10 learning hours, meaning a 30-credit module reflects 300 hours of learning, while the research module represents 600 hours.

Level 7
Programme aims

*We may update our programmes to reflect best practices and academic developments. If we do, we’ll let you know of any changes at the earliest opportunity by updating our programme webpages. If you have already received an offer, we’ll write to you directly to let you know of the changes.

Unsure if you qualify?

Check your eligibility now or speak with our admissions team about alternative entry routes.

Is this programme right for you?

  • You are curious about human behaviour and mental processes and want to apply psychological knowledge to your current or future profession.
  • You are motivated to understand and support others through psychological insight, whether in personal, professional, or community settings.
  • You are seeking practical and research skills that can support postgraduate training or open roles within or beyond the field of psychology.
  • You don’t have a BPS-accredited Psychology degree and want a pathway into the field through a conversion degree.
  • You value flexibility and need a fully online, part-time programme that fits around work, family, or other responsibilities.
  • You are looking to build key transferable skills and expand your career options across a range of industries.

Entry requirements

We carefully design our entry criteria to ensure every student begins their academic journey with Aston Online equipped with the foundational knowledge, potential, and personal qualities needed to succeed in their chosen programme. Our standards are not merely a threshold for entry; they are set to support student success and uphold the quality of the learning experience. Each student joins an intellectually challenging, personally rewarding programme, aligned with employers' expectations and the global job market.

Standard entry requirements

You will need one of the following: 

  • A UK 2:2 (lower second-class honours) degree 

  • An equivalent international degree recognised by Aston University 

You will need to provide: 

  • A copy of your bachelor's degree and transcripts (translated to English if necessary)  

  • Your curriculum vitae (CV)  

  • A professional reference  

  • Your ID  

  • Proof of English language (if applicable) 

Non-standard entry routes 

We take a holistic approach to evaluating applications, considering both your academic background and professional experience. If you don’t meet the standard entry requirements, you may still be considered if you: 

  • Can demonstrate strong professional achievements or relevant qualifications

  • Have at least three years of relevant work experience

You will need to provide: 

  • A personal statement detailing your motivations for undertaking this programme and how your background, qualifications, and experiences will help you meet its demands

Get in touch with a Student Advisor to check if you're eligible to enrol: enquiries@astononline.ac.uk. 

International students

Every year, students from over 120 countries choose Aston, bringing with them a wide range of international degrees and qualifications. We recognise this diversity while maintaining rigorous academic standards, reflecting the global business landscape our graduates lead in. 

A Student Recruitment Advisor can assess your degree equivalency on your behalf as part of the application process. You can also explore recognised qualifications by region, including Africa, the Americas, Asia, Europe, and the Middle East, here. For personalised advice before applying, contact our Admissions Team at enquiries@astononline.ac.uk.

English language requirements

Applicants whose first language is not English must provide evidence of a recognised English language qualification, taken within the last two years and accepted by Aston University. If needed, we can provide an internationally accredited online English Language Assessment, which you can discuss with your Student Recruitment Advisor during the application process. 

We accept a wide range of English language qualifications, including: 

  • IELTS Academic and IELTS Academic Online 

  • IELTS One Skill Retake 

  • TOEFL and TOEFL iBT 

  • Oxford ELLT (Global and Digital) 

  • Pearson Academic (PTE) 

  • Password Test 

  • Language Cert International ESOL SELT 

  • Kaplan Test of English (KTE) 

  • Cambridge Advanced Test (CAE) 

  • Cambridge Proficiency Test (CPE)


Find out if you qualify

If you have any questions about your eligibility or the application process, please get in touch with the Aston Online Admissions Team:

Email: enquiries@astononline.ac.uk

Call: +44 (0) 121 824 6374 

Our office is open Monday to Friday, 09:00 - 17:00 GMT

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FAQs

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Don’t hesitate to reach out! Our friendly admissions team is ready to answer your questions and offer personalised guidance on eligibility and funding options.

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