A discussion group
Course type
Masters degree
Credits
180

Credits

  • Credits measure the student workload required for the successful completion of a module or qualification.
  • One credit represents about 10 hours of study over the duration of the course.
  • You are awarded credits after you have successfully completed a module.
  • For example, if you study a 60-credit module and successfully pass it, you will be awarded 60 credits.
How long it takes
2 years part-time study
Read more about how long it takes
Study method
Distance learning
Course cost
Postgraduate loan available
See Fees and funding
Entry requirements
Find out more about
Entry requirements

MSc in Psychology

Course code: F74

This masters degree provides a valuable opportunity to gain an advanced understanding of a range of areas in psychology, including cognitive, social, forensic and counselling psychology. You'll develop critical appraisal skills in the evaluation of psychological research and practice. You will also gain an understanding of the reciprocal relationship psychological research has with medicine, public policy, public opinion and the media. Completing this rigorous masters degree will enable you to source, select and review psychological research independently, evaluate its relevance for complex real life issues, assess its validity, and clearly communicate your findings to a range of different audiences.

  • Enhances your analytical and communication skills, as well as developing research literacy skills.
  • Bespoke teaching materials and experienced tutors guide you through fascinating, cutting-edge topics and research.
  • Relevant for existing professionals or those wishing to pursue a career in all areas of public policy, social justice, management, the health services and marketing. 

Please note that this masters degree is not accredited by The British Psychological Society. 

Course type
Masters degree
Credits
180

Credits

  • Credits measure the student workload required for the successful completion of a module or qualification.
  • One credit represents about 10 hours of study over the duration of the course.
  • You are awarded credits after you have successfully completed a module.
  • For example, if you study a 60-credit module and successfully pass it, you will be awarded 60 credits.
How long it takes
2 years part-time study
Read more about how long it takes
Study method
Distance learning
Course cost
Postgraduate loan available
See Fees and funding
Entry requirements
Find out more about
Entry requirements

How to register

Select the module you will study first, read the full description, and follow the instructions to register.

Modules

To gain this qualification, you need 180 credits from the following:

Compulsory modules Credits Next start
Principles of social and psychological inquiry (DD801)

This module aims to equip you with critical research literacy skills that provide a crucial foundation for your continuing postgraduate studies within psychology and the social sciences.

See full description

Register
60 04 Oct 2025
Evaluating psychology: research and practice (DD803)

This module enables you to critically evaluate the links between research and practice in four sub-fields – cognitive, forensic, social and counselling psychology.

See full description

Register
120 04 Oct 2025

Please note that Evaluating psychology: research and practice (DD803) is worth 120 credits. Fees for postgraduate modules are based on the number of credits you study. Therefore the fee for this 120-credit postgraduate module will be double that for a 60 credit module Principles of social and psychological inquiry (DD801).

You should note that the University’s unique study rule applies to this qualification. This means that you must include at least 60 credits from OU modules that have not been counted in any other OU qualification that has previously been awarded to you.


Learning outcomes, teaching and assessment

The learning outcomes of this qualification are described in four areas:

  • Knowledge and understanding
  • Cognitive skills
  • Practical and professional skills
  • Key skills
Read more detailed information about the learning outcomes.

Credit transfer

For this qualification, we do not allow you to count credit for study you have already done elsewhere.


On completion

On successful completion of the required modules for the qualification you can be awarded an MSc in Psychology. You will be entitled to use the letters MSc Psych (Open) after your name. You will have the opportunity to attend a degree ceremony.

Regulations

As a student of The Open University, you should be aware of the content of the qualification-specific regulations below and the academic regulations that are available on our Student Policies and Regulations website. 


We regularly review our curriculum; therefore, the qualification described on this page – including its availability, its structure, and available modules – may change over time. If we make changes to this qualification, we’ll update this page as soon as possible. Once you’ve registered or are studying this qualification, where practicable, we’ll inform you in good time of any upcoming changes. If you’d like to know more about the circumstances in which the University might make changes to the curriculum, see our Academic Regulations or contact us. This description was last updated on 19 March 2024.

You must hold a UK honours degree (2:2 at least) or equivalent to be accepted for the MSc in Psychology. Whilst your first degree can be in a different subject to psychology, you must have the skills expected of a social sciences graduate.

This qualification has a required study order. You will begin with Principles of social and psychological inquiry (DD801) which will help equip you with the requisite skills needed to undertake postgraduate-level study, but it does not offer remedial training for those with an unsuitable bachelors degree or inadequate experience. You will have the opportunity to study with a cohort of peers throughout, while modules and the assessments build on one another systematically.

You must be able to:

  • write accurately, clearly and concisely
  • read large quantities of text quickly, accurately and critically
  • classify evidence precisely and assess its value and reliability
  • argue logically and consistently
  • select and interpret evidence to support a logical argument.

Your spoken and written English must be of an adequate standard for postgraduate study. If English is not your first language, we recommend that you will need a minimum score of 6.5 under the International English Language Testing System (IELTS). Please see the IELTS website for details. If you’re not sure whether your English skills are good enough, there is some help and guidance at our Skills for OU Study website.

How long it takes

Most students study the MSc in Psychology part-time, completing one module a year over two years.

You must complete the MSc in Psychology within 10 years.

Career relevance

By studying this psychology postgraduate programme you will develop advanced skills in assessing psychological claims and evidence in key specialisms in psychology. These skills are relevant to a broad range of careers related to public policy, social justice, management, advertising and marketing, as well as the third sector.

The skills developed will be recognised by employers in all fields who value people who can complete a complex psychological project independently; communicate clearly and effectively to diverse academic and non-academic audiences; analyse and evaluate complex information; and who are capable of independently seeking out and selecting good research evidence relevant to real-life issues.

This qualification is not accredited by The British Psychological Society (BPS).

Careers and Employability Services have more information on how OU study can improve your employability.

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