Online degrees and courses
| UCAS code | |
|---|---|
| Duration | 24 months |
| Entry year | 2027 |
| Campus |
| Typical offer | |
|---|---|
*The programme duration will depend on whether you complete the two year or three year pathway.
Web: Enquire online
Phone: +44 (0)1392 72 72 72
Top 100 in the world for Psychology
Ranked 87th in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings by subject 2026 and 82nd in the QS World University Subject Rankings 2026.
100% of our Education research has internationally excellent impact*
REF 2021 based on 4* and 3* research, submitted to UoA4 Psychology, Psychiatry and Neuroscience
Top 10 in the UK for Psychology
Guardian University Guide 2025
11th in the UK for internationally excellent research in Psychology
REF 2021 based on 4* and 3* research, submitted to UoA4 Psychology, Psychiatry and Neuroscience
This course is accredited by the British Psychological Society. BPS accreditation confers eligibility for the Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership. This is the first step towards becoming a Chartered Psychologist.
"…Working as a primary school teacher at a state school in London…I worked with many children who had special educational needs and/or social and emotional needs. Through my experiences with these children…I began to feel curious about neurodevelopmental disorders and educational psychology more broadly…When I came across the part-time MSc in Psychology (Conversion) at Exeter, I liked that students could choose between clinical and educational psychology modules and that it was completely online, which appealed to me given I worked full-time in the classroom and needed something I could do alongside this."
"Although the MSc is completely online, I never felt like I was tackling it alone. All of the lecturers are incredibly approachable and supportive, and there are plenty of opportunities to engage and interact with other course mates. My favourite part of the course was the final research project, which allows you to conduct your own scientific research into an area of psychology that you find particularly interesting. This meant that I could pursue my own interest within the field of educational psychology, and tailor my research to stand out when applying for educational psychology roles. My supervisor was incredibly knowledgeable, and it was such a privilege to work with her to complete my final project.
Having ADHD, I was worried that I would really struggle to meet deadlines, but the due dates of assignments are spread throughout the module, and there is plenty of time to complete the necessary work for each one. Lecturers are very understanding, and the online environment felt incredibly welcoming and supportive. During my final research project, my supervisor was prompt in responding to questions and provided very clear guidance throughout the whole process. Overall, my experience as an online student at Exeter was incredibly positive, and I am so glad that I chose it as the place to complete my MSc in Psychology."
Abbi
MSc Psychology Conversion Online
We usually require a minimum 2:1 Honours degree. No specific subjects are required.
Please note, that in some circumstances, research projects as part of the final dissertation module, students will be required to complete a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.
International students need to show they have the required level of English language to study this course.
The required test scores for this course fall under Profile B2.
Please note that programme structures may be subject to change. The modules listed here are indicative. The precise modules available to you in future years may vary depending on your point of entry, staff availability and research interests, new topics of study and student demand.
This course is specifically designed for graduates with non-psychology degrees to obtain a British Psychological Society - accredited postgraduate degree.
Completion of this course confers eligibility to apply for Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership of the BPS, which is required before you can work as a psychologist in a variety of different fields, including education, clinical, forensic and organisational.
The course offers general training in psychology, making it valuable to people with a broad range of aspirations, and also provides the option to specialise in clinical or educational psychology.
Fully online, it enables students to study in their own time, and without needing to attend campus.
The order in which modules are taken will vary slightly depending on your entry point during the year. However, the module order has been carefully designed to support your progression and maximise your potential for success.
In general, both Research Methods and Conceptual Issues in Psychology and Introduction to Statistics are taken in the first two terms, while the Research Project is completed at the end of the programme.
Full details about study duration options and time commitment can be found below.
Please note that the module information displayed here is subject to change.
165 credits of compulsory modules, 15 credits of optional modules. The modules are offered on a carousel model where you may join the programme at one of three points each year.
| Code | Module | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Compulsory 1 | ||
| Cognitive and Developmental Psychology | 15 | |
| Personality and Individual Differences | 15 | |
| Children and Young People's Mental Health | 15 | |
| Research Project | 60 | |
| Introduction to Statistics | 15 | |
| Research Methods and Conceptual Issues in Psychology | 15 | |
| Social Psychology | 15 | |
This module provides an introduction to two core areas of psychology: cognitive and developmental psychology. Cognitive psychology concerns the study of mental processes and developmental psychology deals with the changes that happen as we grow.
Through research-led teaching you will be introduced to a variety of different perspectives in order to develop your knowledge and understanding of cognition and development across the lifespan.
The module will introduce you to classical and contemporary theoretical viewpoints and it will offer you an opportunity to engage with recent research in the fields of cognitive and developmental psychology. You will also be encouraged to apply this knowledge and understanding to key societal issues and consider implications for education and wider society.
This module is a compulsory module for Online MSc Psychology Conversion programme students, and it has no pre-requisites.
The aim of the module will be to introduce you to cognitive and developmental psychology.
This module focuses on current and historical understanding of personality and individual differences. We will review the main theories of personality and use contemporary empirical evidence to explore the complex relationship between personality and behaviour. We will consider the challenges of measuring personality and intelligence. In-depth examples of the complexity of individual differences will be provided, and some of the taught content will focus on personality disorders and problems assessing and classifying such disorders. The module will also enable you to examine some of the broader societal issues relating to individual differences in personality.
This module is a compulsory module for Online MSc Psychology Conversion programme students and it has no pre-requisites.
The module will introduce you to theories, research and practice in relation to the psychology of personality and individual differences. In the pursuit of this we aim to:
2020 NHS Digital data showed that 1 in 6 children and young people had some form of diagnosable mental health condition and that this is a risk factor for a range of negative outcomes. This module will introduce you to the key mental health and wellbeing issues which children and young people face in contemporary society. This might include a focus on depression, anxiety and self-harm, but also childhood vulnerability, adverse childhood experiences, trauma and loss. It also considers the context, behaviour and features in education and society that impact on children and young people's mental health.
This is a compulsory module on the Online MSc Psychology Conversion programme. There are no pre-requisites to this module.
The module aims to help you to develop:
This module is the culmination of the practical training and learning on the Psychology Conversion degree and allows you to demonstrate your empirical research skills, as required for the Graduate Basis for Chartered membership of the British Psychological Society. You will negotiate your project topic through a structured process and be closely supervised throughout your research project by an academic member of staff whose personal research focus aligns with your topic.
You will usually work in groups of two to four and typically will be engaged in the same piece of research, depending on the nature of the project. Your supervisor will carefully manage this aspect, in order to ensure that each student recognises their individual responsibilities. The skills you learn in working as a member of a team add to the transferable skills valued by employers.
Although working in groups, you will write the Final Report on your own with support from your supervisor. You will also prepare an individual Research Poster to be submitted with your Final Report.
The aims of the module are to enable you to develop your knowledge and understanding of the problems and complexities of conducting empirical research in a particular area of Psychology. The project typically involves the collection of original empirical data from participants, or equivalent alternatives such as computational modelling of empirical data or secondary data analysis, such as a meta-analysis.
This module will give you training on a variety of different statistical techniques commonly used in research conducted by psychologists. As such, it provides core skills required for interpreting psychology research and conducting the research project that you will complete as part of your Masters. The aim is to provide you with knowledge of commonly used tests such as analysis of variance (ANOVA) and linear regression. The module discusses conceptual issues and provides experience of using statistical software for carrying out such analyses in the practical exercises accompanying the taught content. Whilst basic mathematical skills are required, the module does not assume Mathematics A level or degree level experience.
The central objective of this module is to provide you with the skills to carry out statistical analyses in psychological domains, analyse relevant datasets using the statistical software to carry out between and within-subjects ANOVA and multiple linear regression, and interpret the results, allowing you to then report your findings using relevant reporting conventions. These skills will assist you in your Research Project.
This module will provide you with basic skills necessary to understand and conduct research in psychology. You will gain an understanding of the main scientific research methods, both quantitative and qualitative, their advantages and disadvantages, and areas of application. This will help you to integrate ideas and findings across the multiple perspectives in psychology and recognize distinctive psychological approaches to relevant issues. You'll get first-hand experience of participating in psychological research, learning the principles of sound data collection, gaining a critical understanding of the role of experimental design, the choice of research methods employed, and the analytic approach taken, for testing psychological theories. You will in the process acquire skills in writing (scientific) reports. Finally, you will gain an understanding of ethical issues related to conducting research in psychology.
The aim of this module is to introduce you to important issues such as:
Social psychology seeks to understand how people think, feel and act in relation to others and the world around them. As such, the topics of interest to social psychologists cover almost everything humans do, from personal choices to conflict and violence in society. Because social psychology is applicable to so many domains, it is also directly relevant to everyday life - by learning about social psychology, inevitably you also learn something about yourself. This module is structured to provide you with a good oversight of some of the key topics in social psychology. Specific areas will be introduced each week; together we will identify why it is important and discuss classic and contemporary theories and research that have tried to understand that topic from a social psychological perspective.
The aim of this module is to provide you with a good understanding in some of the key areas of social psychology. Taught content will explore social psychological phenomena as they relate to individuals (e.g., the self), group behaviour (e.g., social influence, leadership), and important social issues (e.g., prejudice). Key theories and classic and contemporary studies will be identified and discussed. The content will give you an understanding of how social psychological thinking has developed across time and, more generally, the module will aim to develop your ability to develop critical thinking in the way you approach psychological research.
| Code | Module | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Optional 1 | ||
| Educational Psychology | 15 | |
| Clinical Psychology | 15 | |
This module provides an introduction to applied psychology in educational settings. Educational psychology is concerned with how children and young people learn and the factors that influence learning and school engagement (cognitive, behavioural, social-emotional and environmental/ecological). Educational psychologists work with teachers, parents, learners and other stakeholders to understand, assess, and support additional learning needs in formal and informal educational contexts. This module is a key starting point for anyone considering a career in educational psychology, enabling them to understand the nature of the role and acquire foundational knowledge and skills.
The module aims to help you to:
Clinical Psychology is a major area of Applied Psychology that makes a difference in people's lives by helping them deal with a range of problems, from depression and anxiety, to psychosis and drug problems. The module involves the collection of evidence for 'what works', and uses psychological theories such as Psychodynamic or Cognitive Behavioural to understand what guides practice. In this module, clinically-focussed psychologists will provide an overview of major mental health issues, providing you with valuable insight into how such problems arise, the treatments that may be offered, and to what benefit. This module provides a key starting point for anyone considering a future in applied psychology enabling them to understand the true nature of clinical psychology.
To provide an overview of how clinical psychologists understand major psychological disorders from a bio-psycho-social perspective. Aims of the module are:
£15,000 in total
The MSc Psychology (Conversion) consists of 180 master’s-level credits and has a total tuition fee of £15,000, based on completion over the minimum study period of two years.
Fees are charged per 15-credit module, with each module costing £1,250. You can pay in full at the beginning of the course or as you go by paying for the module or modules you are registered to study in each term.
You can choose from three study duration options. The total cost is the same across all routes, but the number of modules taken per term determines how tuition fees are spread over time.
All study routes are part-time. The difference between them is the number of modules taken per term.
UK postgraduate student finance may be available for the 2-year and 3-year study options. The 3 years and 1 term option is not eligible for student finance.
The programme includes a 60-credit independent research project, completed over two consecutive terms across all study durations. The research project is charged at the same per-module rate and forms part of the total programme fee.
As well as your fees, there are some potential additional costs to be aware of to ensure that you give yourself the best chance of success. These include a suitable computer or device to study and work from, an adequate internet connection to access your learning materials and connect with others, and a comfortable place to study.
While our online programmes do not require any attendance on campus, as a student of the University of Exeter you are always welcome to visit. You may also be offered the chance to attend a graduation ceremony in person, for which travel costs and gown hire will apply.
If you are struggling to afford your chosen programme of study, some help may be available from either the government or the university. This includes:
Postgraduate student loans.
If you live in the UK, you may be able to access a loan to help pay for your online degree fees and living costs while you study. To be eligible, you must not already have a Masters degree (or above). For information on how to apply and your student finance entitlement, please visit the following links depending on whether you live in England, Wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland.
If you are awaiting the approval of a postgraduate loan to pay for the course and evidence is provided through the Admissions application gateway, access to learning material will be provided prior to receipt of payment.
Disabled Student Allowance (DSA).
Most UK students with a physical disability or mental health difficulty, long term health condition or specific learning difficulty will be able to apply for Disabled Students’ Allowance which can help towards the cost of specialist equipment, one-to-one support and other costs associated with your condition. If you feel this applies to you, you are encouraged to apply as early as possible as the whole process can take up to 12 weeks. If you complete an application and are not eligible for DSA, please make an appointment with the Access Ability Team to discuss alternative funding and support.
Success for All fund.
Some financial support may be possible through our Success for All fund as assessed on a case-by-case basis providing eligibility criteria are met. Fully online students are not automatically eligible for an IT bursary, but exceptions may be made in some circumstances. However, please note the University would expect students to have made reasonable provision to support themselves during their studies prior to enrolling on a module.
Employer sponsorship.
Your employer or another organisation you are associated with may be happy to pay all or part of your fee. If you are getting financial support in this way, we can invoice them directly for the value that they have agreed to support before you start your studies. You will have to pay any balance so that the module you are studying is paid in full before you start.
Student discounts.
Our online students are fully registered students of the university, and therefore can ask for an Exeter Unicard, which can be used to access a wide range of student discounts on everyday items including food and clothing. You can also apply for student discounts on products and services through the UniDays card.
If you would like help understanding how fees, funding and study duration work together, you can arrange a conversation with one of our advisers, who can talk you through your options in more detail.
This programme is specifically designed to enable students with a non-psychology background to pursue a career in psychology, many of which require a BPS-accredited degree for further training. This degree will help prepare graduates for a subsequent career in, for example, clinical psychology, educational psychology, organisational and occupational psychology, and forensic psychology.
Studying with us not only offers outstanding opportunities for career development, but also the chance to tap into a worldwide peer and research network. Additionally, learning in a virtual environment both enhances and demonstrates vital skills that employers are seeking in the modern workplace, such as communication and time-management skills, the ability to self-motivate and direct, and an ease with digital technologies.
The MSc Psychology (Conversion) is delivered entirely online through a structured, term-based model. Teaching materials are accessed via the University of Exeter’s online learning environment.
You will be assigned an academic personal tutor who is familiar with the programme and can support your academic and professional development, including guidance on studying psychology online and signposting to relevant university resources.
All learning takes place in the Exeter Learning Environment (ELE), which provides access to:
Each module has an academic lead, often supported by a team of tutors, who direct learning and provide feedback throughout the term.
Students should expect to spend around 10–15 hours per week per 15-credit module. This includes engagement with teaching materials, independent study and preparation for assessments. Study time varies depending on prior experience and where you are in the programme.
How you organise this time is flexible. You may choose to study regularly across the week or concentrate learning into longer sessions around work and personal commitments. If you study two modules in a single term, your expected study time for that term will be higher.
All students complete a 60-credit independent research project, completed over two consecutive terms across all study durations. This extended timeframe supports project planning, data collection, analysis and academic writing, with academic supervision throughout.
Apply now for January 2027 entry » Apply now for May 2027 entry »
Apply now for January 2027 entry » Apply now for May 2027 entry »
Student finances is not available for this option.
Apply now for January 2027 entry » Apply now for May 2027 entry »
* 16th in The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide, 16th in The Guardian University Guide 2027 and 11th in the Complete University Guide 2027
