Why choose St Mary's University?
Why choose St Mary's University
Top 10 in UK for student experience (Sunday Times Good University Guide 2024)
96% of graduates in employment, vocation or further study within 15 months of graduation (HESA 2024)
Top 5 in UK for teaching quality (Sunday Times Good University Guide 2024)
100% online part-time learning
Pay your fees per module, as you go
11 industry-focused MBA degrees, 5 MSc Computer Science programmes, and 3 MSc Psychology pathways
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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.
Please note: this programme is not open to applicants who already hold a BPS-accredited Psychology degree.


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…


With a programme designed for you…
Prefer more structure and live interaction?
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Programme Modules
MSc Psychology (Online)
Study an online MSc Psychology with St Mary's and you'll explore the human mind in depth, gaining the skills and insight to thrive in people-focused careers.
Top 10 in UK for teaching quality
(Sunday Times Good University Guide 2025)
12th in the UK
for Student Satisfaction
(Complete University Guide 2026)
78% of graduates in skilled employment and on track to achieve their future goals
(Complete University Guide 2026)
Course Overview
Unlock the secrets of the human mind
Study an online MSc Psychology with St Mary's and you'll explore the human mind in depth, gaining the skills and insight to thrive in people-focused careers.
This flexible, BPS-accredited MSc Psychology gives you a strong grounding in psychological theory and research, making it ideal for graduates from any discipline.
Whether you're a career-changer or looking to further your academic training, you'll deepen your understanding of human behaviour, master core research methods and build the capabilities to progress into psychology-related roles across health, education and business.
You'll learn from expert psychology tutors, explore biological and cognitive processes, individual differences and social behaviour. Through a collaborative online learning environment, you'll engage in major debates, such as nature versus nurture, and discover how psychological theory shapes our understanding of human behaviour today.
Graduate with an MSc Psychology from St Mary's and you'll be ready to shape change, support others and unlock new opportunities in careers built around understanding people.
BPS Accreditation
The online MSc Psychology from St Mary's is accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS). Graduates are 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 programme meets recognised UK standards in curriculum design, teaching and academic quality.
What will you learn
You'll gain a strong grounding in psychological theory and how it relates to individual behaviours in a rapidly changing world, strengthening your critical thinking and research skills.
Explore how psychology has developed as a scientific discipline, from its early origins to modern practice. You'll critically engage with key figures, theories, and movements, and see how psychological ideas are shaped by philosophical, social, and cultural contexts. This module helps you understand the main historical developments in psychology while developing the skills to identify poor scientific practices in research.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
How It Works
Flexible Online Learning
Specifically designed to be studied and completed while in full-time work. Study at the times that are convenient to you and fit it around your work and family life.
Real-World Relevance
78% of graduates are in skilled employment and on track to achieve their future goals (Complete University Guide 2026).
Academic Support
Receive personalised feedback on assignments and one-to-one guidance from dedicated tutors. Our Student Support team provides assistance with academic writing, research skills and career development.
Career Outcomes
What can I do with an MSc Psychology?
Step into a range of people-focused careers across health, education and business, or engage in further study, with this BPS-accredited master's in psychology. Our graduates follow a variety of career paths, including:
applying mental health and assessment knowledge (with further training).
improving workplace performance using behavioural insight (with further training).
supporting wellbeing using psychological understanding.
applying developmental psychology to assist diverse learners.
using behavioural insight to support people development.
applying research tools and cognitive psychology to improve user journeys.
Entry Requirements
Academic qualifications
An honours degree at 2:2 (lower second-class honours) or higher, in any subject, excluding BPS-accredited Psychology degrees
Fees
The total cost for the online MSc Psychology from St Mary's is £7,740. You can choose to pay in full at the start of your programme or pay per module (£645 per 15-credit module).
Frequently Asked Questions
A master's in psychology is an important stepping stone for careers in psychology, including counselling, educational psychology and forensic psychology, although further accredited study may be necessary.
Yes. This master's programme is BPS accredited and as a graduate, you'll be eligible for the Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (GBC), a requirement for most professional careers and further postgraduate training in psychology.
No, you can study from anywhere in the world at times that suit you. The course is delivered online via a tailored virtual learning environment, and you'll be supported by a personal course tutor.
This course is designed for working professionals and international students who wish to study part-time and is delivered over two years.
There are six start dates throughout the academic year, so you'll be able to start soon after your application is accepted.
Yes, you can pay per module to help spread the costs of your studies. You may also be eligible for a scholarship to help finance your studies.
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Prefer more structure and live interaction?
Learn more about the Distance Learning MSc Psychology
Compare courses
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