Course description

Psychology is the scientific study of the mind and behaviour. Psychologists seek to understand why we feel, think, and behave the way we do and how this understanding can help us to address many of the important issues society faces today.

Our online Psychology conversion course is accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS) and covers the key areas of psychology, including cognitive, social, developmental and biological psychology, along with research methods. Here at Leicester, we also offer a professional psychology module dedicated to supporting your career development, where you will explore different areas of applied psychology.

This course allows access to further study in any area of applied psychology, research or teaching. The accredited nature of the course means that you will be eligible to receive the Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership of the British Psychological Society; the necessary first step on the way to becoming a professional psychologist. Accreditation also means that the course is externally validated by the BPS, so you can be sure that it conforms to the high standards of quality they set.  

The part-time, distance learning format offers flexibility to balance studies with work and family commitments, allowing you to enhance your current career or start a new one in psychology. It’s enjoyable yet challenging and structured to focus on one module at a time. You can study with us from anywhere in the world at a time that suits you. 

An optional two-day Course Conference is held annually at the University and online, consisting of workshops and study skills sessions. The Conference provides support for your studies and the opportunity to hear esteemed speakers, both academic and practitioner, from different areas in applied psychology. It is also an excellent opportunity to meet staff and fellow students!

In addition, we are also in the top 23 UK universities for quality of research, with over 80% of research outputs evaluated as internationally excellent or world-leading and 100% having very considerable or outstanding real-world impact beyond academia. (REF 2021).

Entry requirements

Related courses

“The course changed the way I thought about people and understanding behaviours, which are all things I can apply to both my personal and professional life. 

"The support is there. Even from 10,000 miles away and an 11 hour time difference, people were always willing to help. Staff were on hand to speak to me at a fairly alien time to Leicester and always listened to any questions that I had.”
Matt, Australia, 2025 graduate of MSc Psychology by Distance Learning

Here is what some of our other students had to say about the course:

"I chose this course because I was seeking something that would truly challenge my thinking and support my growth, both personally and professionally. A big motivation was my daughter, who has inspired me to better understand children and people in general. I wanted to learn more about child development and the influence of parenting.

What initially drew me in was how well-structured and thoughtfully planned it is. The two-year outline, with clear dates and topics, really appealed to my need for organization. The consistent presentation and weekly routine also created a sense of safety and predictability that helped me stay grounded.
The best part of this course is how practical and relevant the content is. It goes beyond theory, every topic has real-world application, and I often find myself reflecting on it in everyday life.

The teaching is clear, the learning platform is easy to navigate, and the opportunities for discussion and reflection have been incredibly valuable. I’ve felt consistently supported by the lecturers, whose encouragement and responsiveness make a real difference.
Admittedly, each new module feels like unlocking a new language, overwhelming at first. However, by the seventh week, the pieces begin to fall into place, and that sense of achievement is deeply rewarding. This course has not only expanded my understanding but has also inspired me to keep learning and growing."

Sheila

Marios, Greece 

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“The course was a great introduction into psychology, and a very good base on which I can now build on. Both the teaching staff and the DL team are very supportive and always make time for the students. I am excited to use the knowledge and skills gained during this course for my new career path!”
Melanie, 42, Germany

"The course material was diverse and well-structured, tutors were responsive and the constant exchange with fellow students provided a great sense of support. A great online learning experience!"
Maysaa, 46, Jordan

“As a nurse and mature student, the course has really enabled me to explore the wealth of evidence that supports our understanding of the brain and how it works and has made a positive contribution to the development of my existing clinical skills in workplace health and wellbeing.”
Cathy

"The course is an exciting, enlightening experience that gives useful diverse tools in Psychology. The staff is supportive and helps push the students into fulfilling their potential. The experience, throughout it, is educating, satisfying and fun."
Moshe, 27, Israel