Join our flexible online Masters degree in psychology.
If you want to learn more about psychology or begin a career in psychology but have a degree in another subject, this degree is for you.
Online MSc Psychological Studies introduces you to the study of psychology, giving you a critical overview of classic and contemporary psychology.
In this flexible and customisable online degree, you’ll gain the knowledge and skills to pursue a career in psychology or in other areas where a scientific understanding of human behaviour is important.
Graduate with a psychology specialism
Enhance your career and specialise in distinctive areas of psychology by choosing from optional elective courses.
In this degree, you can choose to specialise and graduate in:
- MSc Psychological Studies
- MSc Psychological Studies with Human AI Interaction
- MSc Psychological Studies with Mental Health, or
- MSc Psychological Studies with Organisational Psychology.
Cover core foundations and the latest research
You’ll develop a comprehensive understanding of the core areas of psychology required by the British Psychological Society (BPS) , including:
- biological psychology
- cognitive psychology
- developmental psychology
- individual differences
- research methods, and
- social psychology.
As well as covering current theory, you’ll get an exciting overview of contemporary psychological research in these areas.
Learn to carry out your own research
With expert guidance, you’ll develop practical knowledge and skills in research methodologies used in psychology, including quantitative and qualitative techniques.
You’ll also carry out a research-based project as part of your studies, putting your skills into practice.
Earn your Masters in psychology online, flexibly
Study part-time or full-time
The part-time version of this degree fits around full-time work, so you can keep earning an income while you earn your qualification.
Or you can choose to study more intensively, full-time, to complete your MSc in 12 months.
Set your own pace
You choose how many courses you want to take each term, and can take breaks between courses if life gets in the way.
Pay flexibly
There’s no upfront degree fee to pay – instead you pay per course, per term, helping you spread the cost and make your Masters more afforable.
Application for accreditation submitted to The British Psychological Society (BPS)
BPS accreditation for this degree is pending – application for accreditation has been submitted to the BPS.
We have a long-standing relationship with the BPS, who accredit our on-campus MSc Psychological Studies, so you can be assured you are studying for a respected qualification.
Who is this distance learning psychology degree for?
The online degree is for you if you’d like to pursue a career or further study in psychology, but you have not studied psychology before.
You can also study MSc Psychological Studies on campus (BPS accredited).
If you already hold an undergraduate degree in psychology, check out our wider range of postgraduate psychology qualifications.
130 years of psychology at Aberdeen
The School of Psychology at the University of Aberdeen is the oldest psychology department in the UK.
You’ll be studying with a university that has been pioneering psychological research and training professionals in the field for over a century.
Choose the University of Aberdeen for your online Masters degree in psychology
Over 530 years of excellence
Graduate from the fifth-oldest university in the English-speaking world, founded in 1495.
Outstanding research quality
94% of our psychology research is ranked world-leading or internationally excellent in the UK’s most recent Research Excellence Framework (REF 2021).
NHS and alumni discounts
NHS staff get 10% off this online degree. University of Aberdeen alumni get 20% off.
What you’ll study
You can choose to study for a:
- Masters (180 credits)
- exit early with a Postgraduate Diploma (120 credits)
- exit early with a Postgraduate Certificate (60 credits), or
- start with one of the short courses that make up this degree (15 credits).
You can build your way to a qualification one short course at a time.
How you’ll study
Online learning
This distance learning Masters degree in psychology is delivered flexibly, 100% online.
You can learn with us anywhere, no student visa required, and manage your study hours to suit you.
Your teaching
Teaching is delivered through MyAberdeen, our online Virtual Learning Environment (VLE). It holds all the materials, tools and support you’ll need in your studies. Take a look around MyAberdeen.
You can access your learning materials on computer, smartphone and laptop, 24 hours a day. You’ll find a range of resources at your fingertips, including:
- videos
- video lectures to stream and download
- reading materials
- discussion boards with your tutors and peers
- the online resources of our award-winning Sir Duncan Rice Library.
Your tutors
This online Masters in psychology is delivered by our School of Psychology.
You’ll learn from a highly experienced team of academics who are experts in delivering high-quality teaching and research in contemporary psychology.
Our team will support you to ensure that you have an excellent student experience throughout your educational journey.
This degree is assessed entirely online.
We use several types of assessment throughout your studies, including:
- multiple-choice quizzes
- short-answer tests
- essays, and
- presentations.
Hours for taught courses
Part-time
To study part-time, we recommend you take no more than 30 credits per term. Students typically take one or two 15-credit short courses per term.
15 credits
- Around 150 hours of study and assessment time to complete.
- You’ll study 10 – 15 hours per week per term.
30 credits
- Around 300 hours of study and assessment time to complete.
- You’ll study 20 – 30 hours per week per term.
Full-time
You can also study this degree full-time, taking 60 credits per term.
- Around 600 hours of study and assessment time to complete.
- You’ll study 40 hours per week per term, plus more at assessment times.
This is an indicative guide to the time required for a typical student at this level to achieve the learning outcomes. This includes time for independent study, as well as teaching and assessments.
You can largely set your own study hours each week to cover the materials. MyAberdeen is available 24/7, so you can log in and study when it suits you.
Activities at fixed times
Some activities will be scheduled for fixed times, such as online meetings with your tutor or assessments with deadlines. But otherwise, you can access and work through each course at your convenience.
Hours for 60-credit projects and dissertations
A 60-credit project or dissertation is around 600 hours of study time.
If you’re studying part-time, you’ll carry out your project over two terms (around 20 hours per week).
If you’re studying full-time, you’ll carry out your project in a single term (around 40 hours per week).
When you study with us, you can expect a first-class support structure so that you’re never alone in your studies.
But learning online does mean you have to motivate yourself and manage your own time.
Your most important commitment will be time – the time to work through, reflect on and understand your teaching materials.
Before you start a course that involves a high degree of independent study, we recommend looking at the time you will be able to devote to your studies each week:
- Be realistic
- Create a weekly schedule as a guide
If you have any questions about studying online, get in touch with our friendly team. We’re here to help.
Our first-class support structure will ensure that you aren’t alone in your studies. You’ll have contact with your coordinator via email, MyAberdeen and Microsoft Teams. You can use social media and discussion boards to chat with your fellow students too.
We provide a wide range of services to support you in your studies and beyond:
- Careers and Employability Service
- Disability support
- IT support
- Library support
- Student Support Service – help with finances, wellbeing, and non-academic issues
- Student Learning Service – study skills support and advice
- Aberdeen University Students’ Association (AUSA) – run by students for students
- Toolkit – clever apps and free training that can make your study life easier
Wherever you are in the world, you’ll feel part of our very special Aberdeen learning community.
We’re a member of the Access scheme run by the Society of College, National and University Libraries (SCONUL).
Access study spaces, books and journals in your area
The SCONUL Access scheme allows you, as a University of Aberdeen student, to access books and resources at university libraries across the UK and Ireland, or visit them for a quiet place to study.
You’ll be able to use study spaces, books and journals at over 150 university libraries which belong to the scheme.
Your support team
Our friendly team are here to answer any queries you have about your studies.
Dr Clare Kirtley
Clare is the programme coordinator. She’ll be on hand to answer any questions about the MSc content before you start and to help you throughout your studies.
Get in touch
The online education team is here to answer any questions you have right now about this qualification, or about studying online.
Ask us a questionWhere this will take you
Your MSc qualification
You’ll receive a respected MSc from the University of Aberdeen, one of the UK’s six ancient universities.
Depending on whether you choose to specialise, you’ll receive either an:
- MSc in Psychological Studies
- MSc in Psychological Studies with Human AI Interaction
- MSc in Psychological Studies with Mental Health, or
- MSc Psychological Studies with Organisational Psychology.
You’ll receive exactly the same qualification online as you would on campus. Your degree title will not mention online or distance learning.
Your qualification will be recognised by industry and educational institutions around the world, opening up international opportunities.
Careers
Your MSc in Psychological Studies can be the first step to a career in psychology, and will open up various options to you.
Completing this MSc will provide you with the knowledge and skills required to apply scientific methodology to understanding human behaviour in all areas of life, including:
- business
- education, and
- health and social care.
As well as giving you a better understanding of human behaviour, you’ll also gain skills that are sought after across the entire job market, including skills in:
- data analysis
- analytical thinking
- communication
- designing, conducting, and disseminating research.
Further study and research careers
You may be interested in pursuing a research career in psychology.
This online Masters degree in psychology will provide you with the foundation to successfully progress to an MRes in Psychology as the first step to a PhD.
Continuing Professional Development (CPD)
Your employer or professional institute may recognise this programme for CPD hours. Talk to your employer or institute to find out more.
Lifelong career support
Our career support doesn’t stop when you graduate.
You have access to our free careers service while you study, and beyond.
- 1:1 appointments
- CV checks
- Interview prep
- Job opportunities
Fees and funding
Tuition fees typically increase each year. A 3% fee rise has been confirmed for academic years 2026/27, 2027/28 and 2028/29.
Our indicative costs include a 3% fee rise each year.
Pay as you go
This is a pay-as-you-go qualification.
You do not have to pay the full tuition fee upfront.
You can spread the cost and pay as you go, term by term.
How it works
- You decide how many credits to study for each term.
- At the start of term, you pay only for the credits you’re taking that term.
- This gives you control over your costs and workload for each term of your qualification.
There are several ways you may be able to get help funding your studies:
- Employer sponsorship – we accept full and partial fee payments from sponsors
- Student loans
- Scholarships – search our funding database for scholarships
Find out more about funding options.
Student card
All our students are entitled to a University of Aberdeen student card. This gives you access to a range of student discounts around the city and online.
Learning resources
Access to all the books and resources you need are included in your tuition fee. They’ll be made available to you online and you do not have to buy your own copies.
Printing
You may wish to set aside a small budget for printing, depending on how you like to work.
20% Alumni discount
You’re entitled to 20% off our postgraduate taught degrees and short courses if you have a degree from the University of Aberdeen. View Alumni discount details.
10% NHS discount
NHS staff receive 10% off online postgraduate degrees and short courses offered by our School of Medicine, Medical Sciences and Nutrition; our School of Psychology; and our ILM leadership courses. View NHS discount details.
How discounts work
Discounts are applied during your application process. Only one discount can be used per application. If you are eligible for more than one discount, we will apply the largest discount for you.
Benefits of studying for your Masters degree in psychology online
Fits around full-time work
This degree fits around full-time work, with flexible hours and 24/7 study access.
Learn anywhere
On smartphone, desktop and laptop, with no need for a student visa.
You’re in expert hands
We’ve been delivering online and distance learning for decades.
Entry requirements
MSc
The minimum entry requirements for this degree are:
- a 2:2 UK honours degree (or equivalent) in any discipline.
Entry requirements
We welcome students from all over the world.
See the minimum entry requirements above. If you do not have qualifications from the UK, check equivalent qualifications from your country.
Visa requirements
You do not need a student visa to study online with us.
English language requirements
Teaching is delivered in English.
If English is not your first language, use our English requirements checklist to see if you need to provide evidence of your English language skills when you apply.
English language tests and scores
If you do need to provide English language test scores, these are the tests and minimum scores we accept for this course or degree.
These are our Postgraduate Standard requirements.
IELTS Academic, IELTS UKVI Academic, or IELTS Online (not IELTS Indicator or IELTS General Training)
- 6.5 overall
- 5.5 for listening, reading and speaking
- 6.0 for writing
TOEFL iBT or TOEFL iBT Home Edition
- 90 overall
- 17 for listening
- 18 for reading
- 20 for speaking
- 21 for writing
- TOEFL DI code is 0818
Cambridge English: B2 First, C1 Advanced, or C2 Proficiency
- 176 overall
- 162 for listening, reading and speaking
- 169 for writing
LanguageCert Academic / LanguageCert Academic SELT
- 70 overall
- 60 for listening, reading and speaking
- 65 for writing
Oxford ELLT Digital – English Language Level Test Online
- 7.0 overall
- 5.0 for listening, reading and speaking
- 6.0 for writing
PTE Academic (online test not accepted)
- 62 overall
- 59 for listening, reading, speaking and writing
Skills for English: SELT
- B2 pass with merit
Duolingo – tests taken from 1 July 2024 onward
- 120 overall
- 95 for listening, reading and speaking
- 105 for writing
University of Aberdeen English Pre-sessional Programme (PSE)
- Pass
- Valid for one year. Refresher can be offered if out of date
Pre-sessional academic English preparation programmes undertaken at other UK universities
- Pass at an equivalent of 6.5 (C1)
- B2 in all four skills
- Certification must be within one year prior to the start of your course
For full information about language requirements, see our English Language Requirements page.
You apply through our online Applicant Portal. It allows you to upload relevant qualifications and documents.
There is no application fee for our online programmes.
What you need to apply
- Degree transcript
- Personal statement
- Degree certificate
- CV / Resume
Apply now
Start with our step-by-step guide. It explains degree transcripts, what to write in your personal statement and how to use our Applicant Portal.
You can apply to start in either September or January.
Apply as early as you can. This is so we have time to review your application and get a decision to you. We also want to ensure you have time to enrol before teaching starts.
September 2026 intake
For our September 2026 intake, the application deadline is 6 September 2026.
You will need to accept your offer and provide any outstanding documents to meet the conditions of your offer by 13 September 2026.
Teaching starts on 21 September 2026.
January 2027 intake
Teaching starts on 25 January 2027.
Application deadlines will be announced in due course.
You will need access to:
A computer (PC, laptop or Mac) with an up-to-date operating system
Most teaching materials are smartphone- and tablet-friendly. But we recommend a proper laptop or desktop for completing assignments comfortably.
Reliable internet access
We recommend:
- a wired connection
- a minimum download speed of 2 Mbps so you can take part fully in live sessions.
Speakers or headphones
- We recommend a headset with built-in microphone and earphones if you’re likely to study in an environment with background noise.
- A webcam is optional, but you may like to use one for some interactive sessions.
Software
We’ll give you access to Office365 applications. This means you can use online versions of Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint and OneDrive and install these programs on up to five personal devices.
If your course requires specialist software, we’ll provide you with access to this and a licence that lasts throughout your studies.
See our detailed IT requirements for more information.
Master of Science
180 credits
£12,780
This indicative cost is based on 180 credits of study over 28 months, starting in September 2026.
Apply for this programme
- Start month
- September or January
- Indicative cost
- £12,780
This indicative cost is based on 180 credits of study over 28 months, starting in September 2026.
Apply via our Applicant Portal
