Psychology of Mental Health (Conversion) MSc Level: Postgraduate taught Subject: Clinical Psychology Year of entry: 2027 Study options Mode of study On campus Full-time MSc | 1 year | Start date: September 2027 Part-time intermittent study MSc (ICL) | up to 6 years | Start date: September 2027 Key facts School School of Health in Social Science College College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences Study location Central Area Accreditation Available Apply now 17 to 19 November 2026: Postgraduate Virtual Open Days Join us live to explore postgraduate taught and research study at Edinburgh and gain key insights before you apply. Browse sessions and register Overview About the degree programme Our MSc Psychology of Mental Health (Conversion) programme offers the opportunity to study psychology at a graduate level and become eligible for chartered membership (GBC) of the British Psychological Society on a graduate basis.Graduate Basis for Chartered membership (GBC) of the British Psychological SocietyThis programme does not assume any prior knowledge of psychology or experience of working with people and is open to graduates from any discipline. It is most suitable for graduates without a psychology degree who would like to change direction into psychology and have a particular interest in mental health.You will learn about all key areas of psychology as a science and relate this specifically to understanding mental health and illness. Students will develop a range of research skills and will each receive supervision in small groups to carry out a research project.Successful completion of this programme does not confer clinical qualification as a mental health practitioner but does serve as one of the pre-requisites (British Psychological Society (BPS) accredited Psychology degree) necessary for further study and training as a practitioner.The programme provides detailed coverage of all core aspects of psychology:developmentalsocialcognitivebiological psychologyindividual differencesIt also includes conceptual and theoretical perspectives in psychology, and psychological research methods and data analysis. You will also complete an empirical research project in an area of psychology relevant to mental health. Study options Our campus-based programme can be taken full-time or part-time (2-6 years). The full-time study option offers the opportunity for you to become immersed in your studies for a year, while the part-time option allows you to study flexibly around other commitments such as work and family.This is an intensive programme designed to equip students with a comprehensive postgraduate-level understanding of psychology, including core content typically covered over three to four years of undergraduate study.The curriculum is structured to support this learning within a condensed and academically rigorous schedule. Programme benefits This programme is distinctive in the UK because of its focus on the psychological perspectives of mental health and illness, being the only BPS conversion programme with a focus on the psychology of mental health. This focus is particularly suited to those who wish to pursue a career in a caring profession, such as clinical psychology.The programme is delivered by a staff team offering exceptional expertise in both psychological science and clinical psychology.Study with students from a diverse range of academic and professional backgrounds, including (but not limited to) the humanities, social sciences, education, business, health professions, and the natural and physical sciences. Fees, costs and funding Tuition fees Tuition fees by award and duration Tuition fees for full-time and part-time options are listed for one academic year. Full-time MSc Psychology of Mental Health (Conversion) (1 year) tuition fees Part-time intermittent study MSc (ICL) Psychology of Mental Health (Conversion) (up to 6 years) tuition fees Graduate discount If you are a University of Edinburgh graduate, you will be eligible for a 10% discount on your tuition fees for this programme. You may also be eligible if you were a visiting undergraduate student.Find out how to receive your graduate discount Deposit You do not have to pay a deposit to secure your place on this programme. Costs Accommodation and living costs You will need to pay for your accommodation and living costs (such as rent, food and utility bills) for the duration of your programme.For 2026-2027, we estimate that it will cost an average of £18,504 each year (£1,542 each month) to live in Edinburgh as a postgraduate.The exact amount you spend will depend on different factors, especially the accommodation you choose.Living costs: estimates explained Funding opportunities Funding for postgraduate study is different to undergraduate study, and many students need to combine funding sources to pay for their studies.Most students use a combination of the following funding to pay their tuition fees and living costs:borrowing moneytaking out a loanfamily supportpersonal savingsincome from workemployer sponsorshipscholarshipsExplore sources of funding for postgraduate study Search for other funding opportunities You can find scholarships, bursaries and other funding you might be eligible for on our Scholarships and Student Funding site.Postgraduate funding opportunities Entry requirements These entry requirements are for the 2027-28 academic year and requirements for future academic years may differ. Entry requirements for the 2028-29 academic year will be published in early Oct 2027. Qualifications A UK 2:1 honours degree or its international equivalent. International equivalent qualifications To find international equivalent qualifications, select where you studied from the country or region list. Where you studied - Select a country or region - Afghanistan Albania Algeria Angola Argentina Armenia Australia Austria Azerbaijan Bahamas Bahrain Bangladesh Belarus Belgium Belize Benin Bolivia Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana Brazil Brunei Darussalam Bulgaria Burkina Faso Burundi Cambodia Cameroon Canada Chile China Colombia Costa Rica Côte d'Ivoire Croatia Cuba Cyprus Czechia Democratic Republic of Congo Denmark Dominican Republic Ecuador Egypt El Salvador Eritrea Estonia Eswatini Ethiopia Finland France Gabon The Gambia Georgia Germany Ghana Greece Guatemala Guinea Haiti Honduras Hong Kong-SAR China Hungary Iceland India Indonesia Iran Iraq Ireland Israel Italy Jamaica Japan Jordan Kazakhstan Kenya Kosovo Kuwait Latvia Lebanon Lesotho Liberia Libya Lithuania Luxembourg Macau-SAR China Madagascar Malawi Malaysia Mali Malta Mauritius Mexico Moldova Montenegro Morocco Mozambique Myanmar Namibia Nepal Netherlands, The New Zealand Nicaragua Nigeria North Macedonia Norway Oman Pacific Islands Pakistan Palestine Panama Paraguay Peru Philippines Poland Portugal Qatar Romania Russia Rwanda Saudi Arabia Senegal Serbia Sierra Leone Singapore Slovakia Slovenia Somalia South Africa South Korea South Sudan Spain Sudan Sweden Switzerland Syria Taiwan Tanzania Thailand Togo Trinidad and Tobago Tunisia Turkey Uganda Ukraine United Arab Emirates United States of America Uruguay Uzbekistan Venezuela Vietnam West Indies and Caribbean Yemen Zambia Zimbabwe My country or region is not listed English language requirements You must prove that your English language abilities are at a high enough level to study this degree programme.This is the case for all applicants, including UK nationals.You can meet our English language requirements with one of the following:an English language test (restrictions apply)a degree that was taught and assessed in English (restrictions apply)certain professional qualifications English language tests we accept We accept any of the following English language tests, at the specified grade or higher: IELTS Academic: total 7.0 with at least 6.5 in each component. We do not accept IELTS One Skill Retake to meet our English language requirements. TOEFL-iBT (including Home Edition) before 21 January 2026: total 100 with at least 23 in each component. We do not accept TOEFL MyBest Score to meet our English language requirements. TOEFL-iBT (including Home Edition) from 21 January 2026: total 5.0 with at least 4.5 in each component. We do not accept TOEFL MyBest Score to meet our English language requirements. Oxford ELLT: total 8 with at least 7 in each component. We do not accept Oxford ELLT Skill Retake to meet our English language requirements. C1 Advanced (CAE) / C2 Proficiency (CPE): total 8 with at least 7 in each component. We do not accept Oxford ELLT Skill Retake to meet our English language requirements. Oxford Test of English Advanced: total 155 with at least 145 in each component. How old your English language tests can be Tests no more than two years oldThe following English language tests must be no more than two years old on the 1st of the month in which your programme starts, regardless of your nationality:IELTS AcademicTOEFL-iBT (including Home Edition)Oxford ELLTOxford Test of English AdvancedTests no more than three and a half years oldAll other English language tests must be no more than three and a half years old on the 1st of the month in which your programme starts, regardless of your nationality. Degrees taught and assessed in English We accept an undergraduate or postgraduate degree that has been taught and assessed in English in a majority English-speaking country, as defined by UK Visas and Immigration.UKVI list of majority English speaking countriesWe also accept a degree that has been taught and assessed in English from a university on our list of approved universities in non-majority English-speaking countries (non-MESC).Approved universities in non-MESCHow old your degree can beIf you are not a national of a majority English-speaking country, then your degree must be no more than five years old on the 1st of the month in which your programme starts.This time limit does not apply to your degree if you are a national of a majority English-speaking country. Find out more about our English language requirements Find out about other English language qualifications we accept, including professional qualifications.English language requirements Programme details What you will study You will study a series of taught courses in core areas of psychology and complete a research project.The courses cover classic and contemporary psychology theories and are delivered through a range of engaging teaching approaches.You are able to tailor your studies to your interests through your research project topic. Find courses for this programme Find out what courses you can study on this programme and how each of them are taught and assessed. The courses on offer may change from year to year, but the course information will give you an idea of what to expect on this programme. Full-time MSc Psychology of Mental Health (Conversion) (1 year) (2026-2027) Part-time intermittent study MSc (ICL) Psychology of Mental Health (Conversion) (up to 6 years) (2026-2027) We link to the latest information available. This may be for a previous academic year and should be considered indicative. Disclaimer The programme is currently undergoing modification. This means the programme content will change from what is advertised here in response to regulatory requirements. Teaching and assessment Teaching As a student on the MSc Psychology of Mental Health (Conversion) programme, you will join a vibrant and diverse cohort of approximately 150 students. Teaching approaches focus on delivery of psychological science and its application to mental health.Courses are delivered in a variety of formats including 'flipped classroom', small group tutorials and traditional lectures. While most classes are face-to-face, other courses have a blended format where you will participate in both online learning and supplementary tutorials.The courses are assessed using a variety of assessment methods including several traditional in-person exams, essays or reports, and portfolios. Support for your studies You will have access to a range of support services if you need them throughout your degree.We will assign you to a student adviser, and this should be the first person to contact if you need help. They can guide you to other University service teams depending on what support you need. How we support you Within the programme, you will also be assigned an Academic Cohort Lead, who will provide academic support throughout the year. Careers and further study Accreditation Our programme is accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS), which means that our graduates are eligible to register with the BPS, through graduate basis for chartered membership (GBC).This is essential for many psychology practitioner training roles in the UK (for example, clinical psychology, health psychology, and forensic psychology) for which an accredited undergraduate or conversion degree is the first step.This degree alone does not confer qualification for professional clinical practice. Career opportunities Graduates will be eligible to register with the British Psychological Society through graduate basis for chartered membership (GBC). This will create career opportunities where a psychology degree is advantageous or essential. It also creates opportunities for advanced professional training in psychology (such as Clinical Psychology or Educational Psychology), which normally require an undergraduate degree in psychology.You will also develop a range of sophisticated psychological research skills that will open career opportunities in research, including research assistant posts and doctoral research training. Further study After completing this programme, you may wish to consider applying for a PhD or other research programme.Applying for research degreesMoving on to a PhD (advice from the University's Careers Service) Careers Service Our Careers Service can help you to fully develop your potential and achieve your future goals. The Careers Service supports you not only while you are studying at the University, but also for up to two years after you finish your studies. With the Careers Service, you can: access digital resources to help you understand your skills and strengthstry different types of experiences and reflect on how and what you developget help finding work, including part-time jobs, vacation work, internships and graduate jobsattend careers events and practice interviewsget information and advice to help you make informed decisions Visit the Careers Service website Applying How to apply You apply online for this programme. After you read the application guidance, select your preferred programme, then choose 'Start your application' to begin.If you are considering applying to more than one programme, you should be aware that we cannot consider more than 5 applications from the same applicant. When to apply Due to high demand, this programme operates a gathered field approach to admissions, with two application and selection deadlines as noted below. We strongly recommend that you apply as early as possible, especially if you intend to apply for funding or a visa. Applications may close earlier than published deadlines if there is exceptionally high demand. If you are considering applying for our pre-sessional English Language programme, please make sure you apply in Round 1. Selection deadlinesRoundApply byReceive decision no later than1Monday 14 December 2026Thursday 18 March 20272Monday 31 May 2027Wednesday 30 June 2027Please note that these are the latest dates by when you will receive a decision. We expect many applicants will receive a decision sooner than these published deadlines. We will make as many offers as possible to the strongest candidates on an ongoing basis. When to submit supporting documents For an application to be reviewed, it must be a complete application by the application deadline with all supporting documentation uploaded, including your transcripts. If you already have evidence that you meet the English language entry requirement, please submit this evidence at the time of your application. If you have not already met the English language requirement, we will still review your application and issue a decision providing it is otherwise complete. Application fee There is no fee to apply to this programme. What you need to apply As part of your online application, you will need to provide: a personal statementdetails of relevant knowledge/training skillsYou will also need to submit some or all of the following supporting documents:copies of your degree certificates and academic transcripts that confirm your current or final marksevidence you meet the English language requirementscertified translations if your original documents are not in EnglishWhen you start your application, you will be able to see the full list of documents you need to provide.ReferencesYou do not need to provide a reference when you submit your application for this programme.There may be certain circumstances when a reference will be required, for example if we need to verify work experience. If that is the case, we will contact you after we have reviewed your application to request a reference. Apply Select the award, duration and delivery mode you want to study. Then select the start date you want to apply for. Select programme - Select a programme - MSc Psychology of Mental Health (Conversion) (1 year) MSc (ICL) Psychology of Mental Health (Conversion) (up to 6 years) After you apply Once you have applied for this programme, you will be able to track the progress of your application and accept or decline any offers.Checking the status of your applicationWe will notify you by email once we have made a decision. Due to the large number of applications we receive, it might take a while until you hear from us.Receiving our decisionWhat to do if you receive an offer:Receiving an offerAccepting an offerSubmitting supporting documents Life at Edinburgh Accommodation We guarantee an offer of University accommodation for all new, single postgraduate taught students from outside the UK and new, single postgraduate research (typically PhD) students who:apply for accommodation by 31 July in the year when you start your programmeaccept an unconditional firm offer to study at the University by 31 Julystudy at the University for the whole of the academic year starting in SeptemberUniversity accommodation websiteAccommodation guarantee criteriaWe also offer accommodation options for couples and families.Accommodation for couples and familiesIf you prefer to live elsewhere, we can offer you advice on finding accommodation in Edinburgh.Accommodation information from the Edinburgh University Students' Association Advice Place Societies and clubs Our societies and sports clubs will help you develop your interests, meet like-minded people, find a new hobby or simply socialise.SocietiesSport Clubs The city of Edinburgh Scotland's inspiring capital will form the background to your studies — a city with an irresistible blend of history, natural beauty and modern city life. Find out more about living in Edinburgh Exercise, leisure and support facilities Outside of your studies, we offer a range of facilities that you might find useful day-to-day, including:sport and active wellbeing facilitiesUniversity cafes and cateringEdinburgh University Students' Association (EUSA) venues and shopsa multi-faith chaplaincy for all faiths and nonea University nursery (based at King’s Buildings campus) Health and wellbeing support You will have access to free health and wellbeing services throughout your time at university if you need them.The support services we offer include: a student counselling service a health centre (doctor's surgery) support if you're living in University accommodation dedicated help and support if you have a disability or need adjustmentsHealth and wellbeing support services Disability and Learning Support Contact General enquiries Contact our enquiry team about your eligibility or how to apply. Contact us Academic contact Dr Zara Brodie Programme Director School of Health in Social Science College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences University of Edinburgh Contact details Email: psychology-conversion@ed.ac.uk
