Top 10 in UK for student experience (Sunday Times Good University Guide 2024)
Strong career outcomes
96% of graduates in employment, vocation or further study within 15 months of graduation (HESA 2024)
A quality learning experience
Top 5 in UK for teaching quality (Sunday Times Good University Guide 2024)
Fully flexible study
100% online part-time learning
Affordability
Pay your fees per module, as you go
Career path
11 industry-focused MBA degrees, 5 MSc Computer Science programmes, and 3 MSc Psychology pathways
Explore the mind and advance your career with St Mary’s 100% online MSc Psychology
St Mary’s 100% online MSc Psychology is ideal for graduates from non-psychology backgrounds or those seeking a thorough grounding in psychological theory and research. It provides a comprehensive foundation in core psychological approaches and research methods, helping you develop a deeper understanding of human behaviour and mental processes, and to support your progression into psychology-related roles or further academic study.
This flexible programme covers essential areas of psychology, including biological, cognitive, developmental, individual differences, and social psychology, alongside research methods and conceptual issues. You’ll build analytical, critical thinking, and research skills to evaluate psychological theories and address real-world challenges. You’ll also learn to apply a range of theoretical perspectives critically, particularly in relation to key debates such as nature versus nurture, which underpin much of contemporary psychological thinking.
A strong focus on research runs throughout, culminating in an empirical project. You’ll design and carry out independent psychological research, gaining experience in collecting, analysing, and presenting data using both quantitative and qualitative methods. The course is both engaging and academically robust, helping you build the skills and knowledge that are valued across a wide range of careers involving psychology.
BPS Accreditation
This programme is BPS accredited. BPS accreditation means that graduates of these programmes will be eligible for the Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (GBC), a requirement for most professional careers and further postgraduate training in psychology. The accreditation confirms that the programmes meet recognised UK standards in curriculum design, teaching and academic quality.
You’ll develop your capacity to…
Critically compare historic and contemporary approaches to psychological enquiry
Demonstrate in-depth knowledge of specialised areas at the forefront of psychological research
Apply and evaluate a range of research methods, paradigms and measurement techniques, recognising their limitations
Synthesise diverse perspectives and evidence to address complex psychological questions
Design, conduct and communicate independent research using appropriate psychological methods
Apply psychological theory to real-life contexts and communicate findings in audience-appropriate formats.
And grow your career…
Psychology graduates are in demand across sectors, from pscyhology, healthcare and education to marketing, HR, and public services. This programme is designed to equip you with both academic and practical skills that can open doors to a range of careers or further professional training in psychology.
With a programme designed for you…
St Mary’s 100% online MSc Psychology is designed for busy professionals and graduates looking to make a career change or pursue further academic training. With fully asynchronous delivery, you can learn at your own pace supported by an academic tutor and a collaborative online learning environment.
The programme provides responsive academic support, access to modern digital tools, and a curriculum built around applied assessments, making it possible to grow your knowledge and credentials with minimal disruption to your daily life.
Programme Modules
Conceptual and Historical Issues in Psychology
Examine what makes individuals unique by exploring key theories and research in personality, intelligence, emotion, and motivation. You’ll analyse the nature versus nurture debate, investigate psychometric testing, and reflect on how these differences impact wellbeing. This module will encourage personal reflection and critical thinking as you apply concepts to both research and everyday life.
£645
Social and Ethical Psychology
Investigate the social forces that shape human behaviour and the ethical considerations that underpin psychological research and practice. You’ll explore topics such as group dynamics, social influence, culture, and identity, while developing your ability to critically assess ethical dilemmas in contemporary psychology. The module bridges traditional and critical perspectives to help you understand the evolving nature of social psychology and the responsibilities of psychologists in society.
£645
Biology, Brains and Bodies
Explore the biological foundations of human behaviour, focusing on how brain structure and function influence cognition, emotion, and personality. You’ll examine neuropsychological concepts, including neural networks and behavioural genetics, and investigate how typical and atypical biological processes affect psychological phenomena. Through real-world examples and research methods such as twin studies and neuroimaging, you’ll develop a critical understanding of the nature versus nurture debate and the biological roots of psychological traits.
£645
Psychology of Everyday Life
Apply psychological theory to real-world behaviours, exploring the factors that influence habits, lifestyle choices, and emotional wellbeing. You’ll investigate topics such as addiction, stress, and motivation, as well as everyday phenomena like shopping or conspiracy beliefs. By integrating biological, cognitive, and social perspectives, you’ll develop an applied understanding of how psychology shapes daily life.
£645
Cognitive Processes
Discover how the human mind processes information by examining core areas of cognitive psychology. You’ll study attention, perception, memory, decision-making, and language, and explore how these functions contribute to our understanding of the mind. Through theoretical models and empirical evidence, you’ll gain a critical perspective on cognitive functioning, including how current research informs real-world applications and clinical practices.
£645
Personality and Individual Differences
Examine what makes individuals unique by exploring key theories and research in personality, intelligence, emotion, and motivation. You’ll analyse the nature versus nurture debate, investigate psychometric testing, and reflect on how these differences impact wellbeing. This module will encourage personal reflection and critical thinking as you apply concepts to both research and everyday life.
£645
Development Across the Lifespan
Gain insight into how humans develop from birth through to old age, exploring the biological, cognitive, social, and cultural influences that shape our experiences. You’ll analyse key concepts such as attachment, language acquisition, and identity formation, while examining both typical and atypical development. By engaging with contemporary research and theories, you’ll deepen your understanding of how development is influenced by historical, societal, and cross-cultural contexts.
£645
Cyberpsychology: Living in a Digital World
Explore how digital technologies influence human behaviour, identity, and social interactions. This module examines the psychological impact of online environments, including social media, virtual reality, and digital communication. You’ll consider how technology affects cognition and wellbeing, and investigate the ethical implications of digital life, including online deviance and cybercrime.
£645
Psychological Science: Research Methods and Statistics
Develop your skills in designing, conducting, and analysing psychological research using quantitative methods. You’ll learn to apply statistical tools and specialist software to test hypotheses, interpret data, and draw evidence-based conclusions. The module emphasises ethical research practices and equips you with the analytical skills needed for conducting your own psychological investigations.
£645
Dissertation
Design and conduct an independent research project on a topic of your choice, supported by expert supervision. You’ll apply the knowledge and skills developed throughout the programme to carry out a rigorous, ethically sound study. This module enables you to deepen your understanding of psychological research, from formulating a research question to analysing data and presenting your findings.
£1,935
Entry requirements
To study St Mary’s University's 100% online MSc Psychology you will need to have completed:
An undergraduate degree at 2:2 (or higher) in any subject, excluding BPS accredited Psychology degrees.
English language requirements
Applicants whose first language is not English, or most recent education or work experience was not in English will need to demonstrate proficiency by completing an approved English language test such as IELTS (6.0 overall with no individual sub-scores under 5.5), Pearson PTE (55 overall minimum), or equivalent.
The information below is required for social login
Login to your Account
JOIN FOR FREE
Let’s begin with setting up your account to keep track of your progress