Online Masters Psychology (BPS accredited)
2-3 years
Part Time
Tuition: GBP 9,450
Paid in Instalments
Intakes: Jan 2026
Deadline: 4 May 2026
Course overview
The Online Masters in Psychology degree teaches distinctive depth, range, knowledge and skill based applications of psychology. The University of Derby Online Masters in Psychology is accredited by the BPS (British Psychological Society), and upon completion students are conferred a GBC – Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership at the BPS, the first step to full Society status and a chartered, practicing Psychologist. Students enrolled on this BPS-accredited Masters Psychology course are eligible for a free 12-months BPS student membership
Gain a comprehensive understanding of the fundamental areas of psychology and how they interlink to one another, including cognitive psychology, biological psychology, social psychology and the contextual and historical issues and human lifespan challenges that underpin these areas. The MSc in Psychology also teaches how to design, conduct, analyse, write and disseminate an independent psychological research project.
Students studying the Online Masters in Psychology can specialise in a distinctive area of Psychology by choosing one of the optional modules available in this degree;
- Autism Spectrum Disorder and ADHD
- Applied Psychology of Human Performance
- Positive Psychology
- Language and Literacy Development
- Psychology of Pain
These modules are taught by a research-active team of academics from the University of Derby who are at the forefront in the field of Psychology. This online masters in psychology alone does not permit practice but instead provides an opportunity to meet one of the entry requirements for a postgraduate psychology course of professional training in Education, Sport, Health, Clinical, Occupational or Forensic Psychology.
Please note that due to the popularity of the University of Derby BPS-accredited Masters in Psychology degree, we urge students to apply early as places are very limited.
Online Masters Psychology (BPS accredited)
Online Masters Psychology (BPS accredited)
Accreditation
The Online Masters Psychology by the University of Derby is accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS), and is one of the longest BPS accredited Online degrees in Psychology.
The British Psychological Society was established over a 120 years ago and champions the field of Psychology, Psychologists and the wider professions in the field. With over 65,000 members, the organisation is committed to aiding the field in having a positive impact on both Psychologists, as well as the community and its individuals.
Teaching & Assessment
The Online MSc Psychology course is assessed through 100% assignment based coursework such as presentations, group work, essays, practical reports and research reports.
How you will be Taught in the Online Masters in Psychology course
This Psychology degree is structured, designed and taught by academic teams that are both specialists in their area of Psychology, as well as in online learning delivery. Access an extensive library of psychology resources, attend webinars on core skills such as assessment writing, and other academic and services. Students can interact with their peers and their tutors during virtual classroom sessions, online discussion forums and Microsoft Teams. Towards the end of the Masters in Psychology course, students also receive one-to-one academic and tutorial support from a specialist psychology supervisor when beginning the empirical research project.
It is recommended to dedicate 20 hours of study per week for each 20-credit module.
Online Student support and guidance:
All students have a dedicated Personal Tutor and Online Learner Advisor, and have full access to the University of Derby;
- Digital Library
- Health and Wellbeing Centre
- Careers and Employability Services
- IT Support
- Union of Students
- Develop@Derby for study, personal and employability skills
Benefits
Students on this BPS-accredited MSc Psychology course are also eligible for a free 12-months BPS student membership, giving students access to a wide range of student member benefits including networking, psychology publications and more. After the one-year free membership, students can choose to renew it directly with the BPS.
The 180 credits earned in this BPS accredited Online Masters in Psychology makes students automatically eligible for (GBC) Graduate Basis for Chartership. GBC is the the first step towards attaining a Chartered Psychologist status.
This MSc Psychology course also gives students the opportunity to explore new and diverse areas in Psychology, to help them choose a specialisation if they choose to continue this pathway.
Career path
The Online Masters Psychology course teaches the core areas of psychology, and imparts a deep understanding of the subject matter. Upon completion, students who wish to continue further learning and would like to specialise can consider studying an Online Masters in Occupational Psychology, Online MSc Forensic Psychology or Online MSc Health Psychology, which will broaden the range of professional competencies.
Eligibility - Entry Requirements
Applicants to the Online Masters Psychology course require one of the following;
- An undergraduate degree with Honours (in any subject) from a UK university or equivalent overseas qualification – at least a 2:2
- A Masters degree from a UK university or equivalent overseas qualification
- A psychology degree which hasn’t given you Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership – at least a 2.2
- An undergraduate degree from an overseas institution that is equivalent to the above UK qualifications. It is also important that you have a good standard of written and spoken English
Plus
- GCSE/GCE O Level Maths: Grade C
English language qualifications
You’ll also normally require one of the following English language qualifications:
- GCE O level English Language C
- GCSE English C
If English is not your first language, or you have not successfully completed your highest level of qualification in English, you will need an English language qualification. It is recommended you Speak to our Higher Education Consultant for assistance.
For this Psychology degree you will need at least one of the following:
- IELTS 6.5
- TOEFL: 550 (paper based), 213 (computer based) or 80 (internet based)
- Pearson Test of Academic English: 51
- Cambridge Advanced Certificate: Pass
- London Tests of English: we accept level 5 for postgraduate courses
- International GCE O Level English Language: Grade C
- International GCSE English/English as a Second Language: Grade C
Core Modules
Throughout this module you will be provided with a critical understanding of theory, empirical findings, and research methods for key topics in cognitive and biological psychology. Biological psychology explores areas of the field such as neurophysiology, neuroanatomy (both typical and atypical), psychopharmacology, and comparative approaches to animal and human behaviour.
Cognitive psychology is concerned with the empirical study of mental processes. The module covers topics such as perception, attentive processes, executive functions, communication, thoughts, emotions, stress, addiction, and social cognition.
Module learning outcomes:
On successful completion of the module, you will be able to:
- Design and evaluate empirical research that advances contemporary understanding of human cognition and mental processes
- Review, critically evaluate, and synthesise published research in biological psychology
Module content:
Indicative content:
- Perception
- Attentive processes
- Executive functions
- Communication and language
- Thoughts, intelligence, and reasoning
- Emotions and stress
- Addiction
- Social cognition
20 Credits
This module develops your academic understanding of the discipline of psychology as a science from multiple perspectives, including the social and cultural construction of psychology, and political and ethical issues in psychology.
The module provides you with an understanding of conceptual and historical issues, and current debates within psychology. It also introduces a range of subject-specific and intellectual skills that you as a psychology student needs to successfully engage in your programme of study.
Module learning outcomes:
On successful completion of this module, you will be able to:
- Discuss current debates within psychology
- Critically evaluate evidence relating to conceptual and historical issues in psychology
Module content:
The module content may include:
- Origins of Psychology and epistemological issues
- Ethical considerations
- Current debates within psychology
- Introduction to the scientific method and quantitative research methods
- Introduction to qualitative research methods
- Experimental psychology
- Applied psychology and impact of research
- Academic writing skills in psychology
20 Credits
This module advances the concepts of mixed research methods and covers research design, ethical practice in research, and qualitative and quantitative approaches to research.
You will develop the ability to perform appropriate statistical analyses to address research questions about human behaviour. You will also develop the ability to explore and analyse textual information by using qualitative methods. In addition, you will demonstrate an ability to design, conduct and report an ethically sound mixed methods research study exploring human behaviour.
Module learning outcomes:
On successful completion of the module, you will be able to:
- Develop an ethically and methodologically sound empirical research study exploring a pertinent psychological theory
- Analyse, interpret, and critically evaluate the findings of the study to form coherent conclusions about the research question(s)
Module content:
The indicative content for this module may include:
- explore quantitative and qualitative research methodologies
- cover ethical aspects of the research process by completing an ethical application
- cover research planning and the design of a study by using mixed methods
20 Credits
This zero-credit module is required for all MSc and PG Diploma Psychology students. It will provide you with academic, careers, and employability skills during the first year of the programme, particularly for those who may have been out of education for a long time or who are less familiar with online learning.
You will be introduced to models of reflection, which will be required for the assessment related to the module.
Module learning outcomes:
On successful completion of the module, you will be able to:
- Critically reflect and evaluate their academic and employability skills for academic and career progression within psychology
Module content:
The module will introduce careers and employability skills. It will act as a hub that could include relevant career opportunities, networking events and information, academic skills support sessions, journal reading club.
Indicative content may include:
- Live sessions and workshops based on topics such as e.g. what can I do with my psychology qualification, study skills sessions, referencing, literature searching, critical thinking skills
0 Credits
In addition, the module provides you with knowledge and understanding of psychometrics and research methods in individual differences. You will enhance your group working skills throughout the module.
Module learning outcomes
On successful completion of the module, you will be able to
- Demonstrate a comprehensive and critical understanding of contemporary debates, and applications of qualitative and quantitative research into individual differences
- Demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of research planning and design, utilising qualitative and quantitative methods, in the psychology of individual differences
Module content
Indicative content:
- theoretical approaches to individual differences including personality, psychometrics, and intelligence
- aspects of positive psychology
- physical and mental health
- research planning and design in individual differences
The module will provide you with a deep understanding of the range of research conducted in lifespan psychology, and with applications of social psychological theory to real world scenarios.
Module learning outcomes
On successful completion of the module, you will be able to:
- Demonstrate a comprehensive critical understanding of core issues, concepts, models and theories underpinning social and lifespan psychology
- Engage in scientific enquiry of a specific aspect of lifespan and social psychology using qualitative research methods
Module content
The module content may include:
- social cognition
- inter-group processes and small group processes
- social influence
- attribution
- social development
- childhood, adolescence and lifespan development
- attachment
- cognitive and language development
- applications of social and lifespan psychology, including education, organisations, the media and social media, community, and environment
Module learning outcomes
On successful completion of this module, you will be able to:
- Critically review contemporary literature on psychological theories and research to examine a novel research question(s)
- Design, plan and conduct a feasible and ethical empirical study to address novel research question(s) using appropriate methodologies
- Analyse and interpret the findings of the study to form coherent conclusions about the research question(s)
- Present a scientific report of the research consistent with prescribed professional and academic standards that demonstrates advanced scholarship in a chosen specialist area
Module content
Indicative content:
- Defining the scope and nature of a research question
- Investigating a research question ethically
- Exploring and discussing potential topics with support and supervision
- Applying methodological techniques
- Enhancing report writing skills
Optional Modules
You will critically evaluate how psychological theories can be applied with the aim of protecting individuals from the risk of addiction or to help those already experiencing problems resulting from addictive behaviours.
Module learning outcomes
On successful completion of this module, you will be able to:
- Critically evaluate the contribution of psychology to the understanding of addictive behaviours
- Critically evaluate the application of relevant psychological theories to prevention, harm reduction and/or treatment
Module content
Indicative content:
- Substance-use disorders as well as potential behavioural addictions, such as problem gambling and excessive online gaming
- Theories drawing on psychobiological, psychological and sociocultural perspectives applied to addictive behaviours
- Factors associated with initiation, escalation and recovery
- Prevention and treatment of addictive behaviours
Module learning outcomes
On successful completion of the module, you will be able to:
- Critically evaluate the application of positive psychology approaches in different applied settings
- Demonstrate a critical understanding of the approaches and research methodologies utilised to investigate aspects of positive psychology
- Summarise and critically evaluate key research in the field of positive psychology through the synthesis of an appropriate research idea
Module content
Indicative content:
- Approaches to Positive Psychology and Research Methodologies
- Origins of Positive Psychology
- Positive Psychology Interventions
- Job crafting (employability skills) and Appreciative Inquiry
- Compassion, Mindfulness and Acceptance
- Pleasure, Kindness and Happiness
- Hope, Resilience and Self-efficacy
- Gratitude and Optimism
- Positive Psychotherapy, Health, and well-being
- Positive Body Esteem
Module learning outcomes
On successful completion of this module, you will be able to:
- Apply performance psychology theories to real life examples, to include identification of issues and the implementation of interventions
- Critically reflect on the process of data collection and the skills utilised in the development of your case study
Module content
This module will cover a range of topics including:
- Professional philosophy, frameworks and ethics
- Needs assessment and self-regulation
- Motivation and motivational climate
- Confidence
- Performance under pressure
- Mental skills interventions
- Burnout
Module learning outcomes
On successful completion of the module, you will be able to:
- Critically appraise the classification symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
- Critically evaluate autism spectrum disorder and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) research and theory
Module content
The module examines research and theory on ASD and ADHD and their application in the diagnosis and treatment of ASD and ADHD. Indicative learning content may include:
- Historical background of the study of ASD and ADHD
- The classification, diagnosis and epidemiology of ASD and ADHD, referring to current criteria and diagnostic practice in the UK and abroad
- Symptoms and comorbidity of ASD and ADHD
- Aetiology of ASD and ADHD, which may include genetic/biological influences, cognitive theories
- Behavioural, cognitive, and pharmacological treatments for ASD and ADHD
- Developmental outcomes
In this module you will develop an understanding of human behaviour and behaviour change. You will learn about key theories and models (e.g.; The Theory of Planned Behaviour, Stage Models of Change and COM-B) that relate to explaining behaviour, behaviour change and their application. You will develop knowledge of behaviour change interventions and their development and evaluation for different settings.
Module learning outcomes
On successful completion of the module, you will be able to:
- Critically evaluate the role of key behaviour and behaviour change theory and research in contemporary society
- Applying theories and models of behaviour and behaviour change to propose a behaviour change intervention and evaluation suitable for a given settings
Module content
Module content may include:
- Defining behaviour and distinguishing behaviour from the determinants and outcomes of behaviour
- Use of key models and theories to explain behaviour
- Behaviour change intervention design and evaluation
- Considerations for maintaining behaviour change
- Application of behaviour change to contemporary society and sustainability challenges
You will explore a range of issues within the area of clinical psychology, health and wellbeing and will be introduced to the generic skills required of psychologists working in these areas. The use of psychologically based assessments, interventions and therapies appropriate to specific populations and clinical issues will also be examined.
Module learning outcomes
On successful completion of the module, you will be able to:
- Demonstrate an in-depth understanding of a clinically relevant issue
- Demonstrate the application of relevant psychological theory to identify and address the psychological needs of a specific clinical population or client
- Critically evaluate the utility of at least one psychologically based intervention or therapy to address a clinically relevant issue
Module content
Indicative content:
- Understanding the generic skill base of psychologists working in clinical contexts
- Exploring relevant issues within the areas of clinical psychology/health and wellbeing
- Applying psychologically based, assessments, interventions and therapies
Module learning outcomes
On successful completion of the module, you will be able to:
- Review and appraise psychologically oriented explanations of criminal behaviour and control
- Apply psychological theories and research to evaluate police investigation and judicial processes
- summarise and critically evaluate key research in the field
Module content
This module offers an insight into some of the practical applications of psychology, as well as the psychological explanations for offending behaviour and control.
Weekly unit titles:
- Development of Criminal and Antisocial Behaviour
- Mental Health and Crime
- Dealing with Offenders
- Violence and Aggression (the Case of Terrorism)
- Judicial Processes
- Offender Profiling
- Eyewitness Testimony and Cognitive Interviewing
- Psychopathy
- Victimology
This module looks at the biological and cognitive consequences of a number of conditions and analyses the knowledge we have at present and what that knowledge tells us about a functioning brain. The module will explore a number of conceptual issues within the context of neuropsychological disorders.
Module learning outcomes
On successful completion of this module, you will be able to:
- Critically evaluate conceptual issues, theories and research in neuropsychology
- Critically evaluate the applications of neuropsychology
Module content
Indicative content for the module:
- What is neuropsychology?
- Impact of ABI on survivors and families
- Language and communication disorders
- Executive functioning
- Perceptual disorders
- Memory and learning
- Diagnosis and neuropsychological assessments
- Therapies, treatments and rehabilitation
Module learning outcomes
On successful completion of the module, you will be able to:
- Demonstrate critical understanding of how psychological theory, research, and practices can be applied to education
- Apply psychological analysis and explanation to educational topics and issues
Module content
The following are examples of indicative content:
- Special educational needs
- Innovative psychological interventions in education
- Psychology and specific subjects in education
- Educational transitions and contexts
- Psychology of learning/teaching
- Interdisciplinary approaches
Through the module, you will learn about the main theoretical models of human communication and will be exposed to current research evidence in relevant fields. You will find out about current methodologies available to psychologists to study and support communication.
Module learning outcomes
On successful completion of the module, you will be able to:
- Critically discuss and analyse theories and research about different aspects of human communication
- Critically evaluate evidence-informed methods to support human communication across the lifespan
Module content
The module will cover a range of topics around human communication. Indicative content may include:
- Language development (typical and atypical)
- Neurobiology of language
- Psycholinguistic theories and methodology
- Communication as a social construct
- Verbal and non-verbal communication
- Effective and compassionate communication
- Conversational analysis
Beginning with an introduction of the development of eating behaviour in infancy, the module will explore the biological, social, cognitive and emotional influences on appetite/food intake in both adults and children. It will also consider relevant interventions designed to support children and adults with their eating behaviours, with you being expected to evaluate and consider the application of these approaches.
Module learning outcomes
On successful completion of the module, you will be able to:
- Demonstrate an in-depth understanding of the key theoretical approaches involved in the study of eating behaviours
- Critically evaluate how relevant theory and research can be applied to behaviour change/psychoeducational approaches to influence eating behaviour
Module content
Indicative content:
- Eating in infancy and childhood (e.g., food neophobia, picky/fussy eating)
- Obesity and weight stigma, eating in older adults
- Biological, Cognitive, Social and Environmental perspectives on eating
- Behaviour change interventions to improve eating in children (e.g., fruit and veg promotion), and adults (e.g., calorie labelling), disordered eating prevention interventions and alternative therapies (e.g., nature connection)
Module learning outcomes
On successful completion of this module, you will be able to:
- Explain the principle ways by which psychologists have studied the phenomena of pain
- Critically evaluate the theoretical and methodological developments in research and practice applied to one particular area of the psychology of pain in an online presentation to an audience
- Communicate relevant information relating to an area of pain in a written format suitable for use as a patient/practitioner information resource
Module content
The module content may include learning material covering the following areas:
- Experience of pain
- Neurobiology of pain
- Theories of pain
- Psychosocial influences on pain
- Investigating and measuring pain
- Interventions
- Issues in pain research
Throughout the module, we will draw upon a range of psychological theory and research. Specifically, the module will discuss some factors that contribute to the dynamic nature of parenting, taking a critical consideration of the literature in these areas. The module will also cover how factors associated with diversity may have an impact on the quality of parenting.
Module learning outcomes
On successful completion of the module, you will be able to:
- Demonstrate an in-depth understanding on how psychological theory and research can be applied to parenting
- Critically evaluate psychological theory and research on how factors associated with diversity may have an impact on the quality of parenting
Module content
The module will cover a number of areas associated with parenting. The following are examples of indicative content:
- Maternal and postpartum mental health
- Transition to parenting
- Diversity in parenting
- Quality of parenting
- Parenting self-efficacy
- Parenting and identity
You will evaluate psychological theory and apply theoretical concepts and knowledge to develop arguments relating to sexuality and gender. The module considers a number of areas where the psychology of sexuality and gender intersects with applied topics, in order to focus on the interaction between psychological knowledge and application.
Module learning outcomes
On successful completion of the module, you will be able to:
- Critically evaluate psychological research and theory relating to broad topics of human sexuality and gender
- Demonstrate an in-depth understanding of contemporary issues in human sexuality and gender based on psychological theory and research findings
Module content
The focus of this module is the psychology of sexuality and gender. The following are examples of indicative content:
- Theoretical perspectives on sexuality, gender and gender identity
- Conceptual and ethical issues
- Diversity in sexualities and gender identities
- The intersection of sexuality, gender and gender identity with applied topics – such as education, forensic settings and healthcare
Taking a broad focus the module will include applied elements such as the psychology of misinformation; consideration of behaviour change elements such as nudge theory; and the elaboration likelihood model. The module will also focus on the specific reference made to problem solving and/or metacognition within the area.
Module learning outcomes
On successful completion of this module, you will be able to:
- Critically evaluate empirical research and show detailed knowledge across psychology of thinking
- Critically discuss theory and current debates within the psychology of thinking
Module content
Indicative content:
- Critical exploration of contemporary theories, research and debates relating to psychology of thinking and higher cognitive processes
- How heuristics, biases, beliefs and logic influence thinking
- Conscious and unconscious cognitive processes
- Individual differences in thinking
- Dual-process theories of thinking and reasoning
- Evolution of higher cognitive processes
- Critical thinking
- The normative/descriptive gap and the rationality paradox
This module will focus on the application of key theories, models and skills used by both sport and exercise psychologists to enhance performance and physical activity.
Module learning outcomes
On successful completion of this module, you will be able to:
- Analyse and apply sport and exercise psychology theory and research to influence an applied scenario
- Apply psychological theories relating to sport and exercise psychology to positively influence an applied scenario
Module content
Indicative content:
- Psychological constructs that impact sport performance, for example: anxiety, confidence, attention, personality, and group cohesion
- Psychological constructs that impact exercise participation, for example: motivation, behaviour change, well-being and the environment
Psychology’s claim to be an objective science is critically examined with an exploration of topics such as scientific racism and sexism. Key figures in psychology and related areas such as the eugenics movement will be discussed. Furthermore, this module explores the ways in which psychological theory and practice has been used to oppress marginalised groups within society.
Module learning outcomes
On successful completion of the module, you will be able to:
- Demonstrate a critical understanding of the historical development of psychological thought
- Demonstrate a critical understanding of the epistemological basis of psychological knowledge
- Demonstrate a critical understanding of the relationship between psychology and the wider social, political, historical and cultural context
Module content
Indicative content:
- Psychological testing and the political – the making of geniuses and monsters
- The psychologization of society and the everyday
- The psychological experiment – a melting pot of fantasy, desire and power
- A psychology for social justice – liberation, community and critical approaches
- Scientific sexism and racism
Module learning outcomes
On successful completion of the module, you will be able to:
- Apply health psychology theory and research to the maintenance of health, and experience of illness
- Critically evaluate health psychology theory and its application to the maintenance of health and understanding of illness
Module content
Indicative module content may include:
- Health psychology in today’s society
- Health psychology theory and models
- Health promotion
- Illness experiences
- Patient-practitioner relationships
- Long-term conditions
- Women’s health
Course fee
Global:
- Course Fee: GBP 9,450
+VAT if applicable
Fees are determined by where applicants are currently working and residing
GBP is Great British Pounds
Academics
Refaat Kazoun
Philippe Riewer
Ajith Kumar
What our student say
Khaled Abdullah Ahmed Nusair
University of Leicester
MBA
It was an exciting, interesting journey within the University modules, staff, tutors and program. The staff at Stafford are very supportive, cooperative and professional, I am really thankful to all of them.
