MSc Psychology - Distance Learning
| Program start date | Application deadline |
| 2023-09-01 | - |
| 2024-09-01 | - |
Program Overview
The MSc Psychology program at Canterbury Christ Church University equips non-psychology graduates with the skills and knowledge for a career in psychology. Delivered online, the program offers flexibility and accessibility, while providing a comprehensive exploration of psychology, research methods, and practical applications. Graduates are eligible for Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership with the British Psychological Society (BPS) and are prepared for diverse career opportunities in the field.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
Objectives:
The MSc Psychology program at Canterbury Christ Church University is designed to equip postgraduates with a non-psychology background with the academic and practical skills needed for a career in psychology, academia, or related fields. The program takes an applied approach to learning, focusing on vocational/professional training and engaging students with a wide range of expertise within the field.
Program Description:
This postgraduate program provides a comprehensive exploration of the world of psychology, delving into both scientific insights into human behavior and the intricacies of the human mind. Through this intensive 1-year program, students will engage with modules covering topics such as cognitive and biological psychology, applied psychology, research methods, social and developmental psychology, and more. The program operates online, offering flexibility and global accessibility to accommodate diverse student schedules and learning preferences. Additionally, each student receives dedicated support throughout their studies from a designated Personal Academic Tutor.
Benefits:
Upon completion of the MSc Psychology program, graduates will:
- Have gained an in-depth understanding of psychology and developed advanced academic skills for specialization in the field.
- Have gained valuable research experience working alongside leading experts in the field.
- Have mastered a flexible course structure through distance learning, accommodating individual needs.
- Have become a valued member of CCCU's Graduate College, fostering valuable connections within the academic community.
- Be eligible for Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (GBC) with the British Psychological Society (BPS).
- Be equipped with career preparedness skills through dedicated employability sessions, ensuring confidence and direction upon graduation.
Outline:
Program Content:
The program curriculum delves into a diverse range of psychology topics, focusing on areas crucial for understanding the human mind and behavior. Some of the core areas covered include:
- Cognitive Psychology: Explores mental processes like memory, attention, language, and problem-solving.
- Biological Psychology: Investigates the biological bases of behavior, including the role of the brain and nervous system.
- Applied Psychology: Examines practical applications of psychology in various fields such as health, education, and organizations.
- Research Methods: Equips students with the necessary research skills for conducting and evaluating psychological research.
- Social Psychology: Examines the influence of social interactions and group dynamics on individuals.
- Developmental Psychology: Explores human development across the lifespan, from infancy to old age.
Program Structure:
The MSc Psychology program consists of 7 core modules of 20 credits each, totaling 140 credits. In addition, students undertake a final Dissertation (Research Project) module worth 40 credits, bringing the total program credits to 180. The program is offered both full-time and part-time:
- Full-time: Students typically complete the program in 12 months, dedicating approximately 30-35 hours per week to their studies.
- Part-time: Students can opt for a more flexible pace, completing the program over 24 months with around 15-20 hours of study per week.
Part-time students complete their studies in two stages:
- Year 1: Focuses on foundational modules including Psychology in Context, Social and Developmental Psychology, Cognitive and Biological Psychology, Personality and Individual Differences, and Applying Psychology.
- Year 2: Dives into Research in Psychology, Statistics and Data Analysis, culminating in the independent research project.
Individual Modules:
Each module within the program focuses on a specific aspect of psychology, providing students with in-depth knowledge and the ability to apply those learnings in real-world scenarios.
Some of the core modules include:
- Psychology in Context: Introduces students to the core concepts and historical development of psychology as a discipline.
- Social and Developmental Psychology: Examines the impact of social interactions and cultural influences on individual development across the lifespan.
- Research in Psychology: Equips students with the necessary research skills for conducting and evaluating psychological research.
- Cognitive and Biological Psychology: Provides insights into the relationship between mental processes and the biological underpinnings of behavior.
- Dissertation (Research Project): Allows students to undertake an independent research project under the guidance of an experienced supervisor, focusing on a topic of their choice.
Assessment:
The assessment strategy within the MSc Psychology program employs a variety of methods to evaluate student learning and skill development. These assessments may include:
- Objective assessments: Testing students' knowledge and understanding of key concepts through multiple-choice questions, fill-in-the-blanks, or similar formats.
- Essays: Encouraging students to develop critical analysis and written communication skills by exploring specific topics in-depth.
- Portfolios: Allowing students to showcase their knowledge and skills through a compilation of their work, demonstrating their development throughout the program.
- Practical reports: Providing opportunities for students to apply their learnings to real-world situations and demonstrate their problem-solving abilities.
- Presentations: Enabling students to hone their communication and presentation skills by sharing their research findings or insights with peers and faculty.
- Final research project: Culminating in a comprehensive research project, students showcase their independent research skills, analysis, and ability to contribute original knowledge to the field of psychology.
Teaching:
The MSc Psychology program benefits from a dedicated team of experienced lecturers and research-active academics, bringing real-world expertise and insights to the classroom. Additionally, students may encounter practitioners and other key stakeholders within the field, enriching their learning experience with diverse perspectives on the applications of psychology.
Interactive Online Learning:
The program's distance learning format offers flexibility and accessibility while maintaining engaging and interactive learning experiences. Students utilize various online learning tools, including:
- Guided learning presentations: These interactive presentations guide students through specific topics, encouraging active engagement with the material and promoting self-directed learning.
- Virtual classrooms: Virtual classrooms offer the opportunity for live interactions with faculty and fellow students, fostering discussions, collaborative learning, and real-time clarification of doubts.
- Webinars: Regularly scheduled webinars featuring experts in the field provide exposure to current research and diverse perspectives within psychology.
- Online quizzes and discussion forums: These interactive online assessments help students gauge their understanding of the material and engage in discussions with peers, deepening their knowledge and fostering critical thinking.
Active Learning Community:
The program cultivates a vibrant online learning community where students are encouraged to participate actively, share their experiences, and pose questions within the virtual classroom environment. Regular webinars and online workshops further strengthen this sense of community, bringing together students and faculty for engaging interactions.
Individualized Support:
Beyond the virtual learning environment, students gain access to personalized support through:
- Regular tutorials with a Personal Academic Tutor: These personalized sessions provide individualized guidance and support, addressing each student's learning needs and ensuring their academic progress.
- One-to-one supervision during the research project: During their independent research project, students receive close guidance and support from an experienced supervisor, ensuring the successful completion of their research endeavor.
Time Commitment:
The program demands dedication and time commitment, varying slightly between full-time and part-time options:
- Full-time students: dedicating approximately 30-35 hours per week, encompassing independent and guided learning, assessment planning, and preparation.
- Part-time students: dedicating around 15-20 hours per week, ensuring effective progress in their studies.
Program Accessibility:
The part-time route is particularly recommended for applicants with significant commitments outside of their studies, as it offers more flexibility in managing their learning pace.
Careers:
The MSc Psychology program opens doors to various career paths within the field of psychology and related disciplines. Graduates have successfully pursued postgraduate training in areas such as Clinical and Forensic Psychology, leading to fulfilling careers as:
- Clinical Psychologists: Assisting individuals with mental health conditions through assessment, diagnosis, and treatment.
- Forensic Psychologists: Applying psychological principles within the legal system to support criminal investigations, risk assessments, and offender rehabilitation. In addition to these specialized paths, graduates often find roles in various settings, including:
- Assistant Psychologists: Providing support to qualified psychologists in various healthcare and research settings.
- Support Workers: Providing vital assistance to individuals within social care services, mental health organizations, and educational institutions.
- Intervention Facilitators: Designing and delivering programs focused on addressing specific behavioral or social issues within communities. The program actively equips students with career preparedness skills throughout their studies. Through dedicated employability sessions, students gain valuable guidance and resources to navigate their career options and build confidence as they transition into the professional world.
Other:
Program Highlights:
- Accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS), ensuring high-quality standards and recognition within the field.
- Designed for postgraduates with a non-psychology background, providing a pathway into professional psychology careers.
- Offered through convenient distance learning, allowing global accessibility and accommodating diverse learning needs.
- Provides valuable research experience under the guidance of experts in the field.
- Cultivates a supportive and engaging online learning community for students.
- Prepares students for diverse career opportunities within the field of psychology.
Admissions Criteria:
- Applicants must hold an undergraduate degree in any subject, or a non-accredited undergraduate degree in psychology with a minimum grade of 2:1.
- Applicants with lower grades may be considered on a case-by-case basis, taking into account their academic performance, professional experience, personal statement, and references.
- UK students: £9,090 for full-time, £4,545 for part-time
Financial Support:
Government loans may be available to eligible UK students pursuing postgraduate Master's courses. The eligibility criteria depend on both the student's personal circumstances and the specific course chosen.
- UK:
- Full-time: £9090
- Part-time: £4545
- Overseas:
- Full-time: £15,500
- Part-time: N/A
