Psychology Bsc vs Msci

I do not understand the difference between Bsc honours for psych and Msci as they are both undergraduate courses. I want to know more about Msci course and how is it difference to Bsc and if it closes option down for different pathways you can take in the Bsc course instead.

Reply 1

Lancaster Student Ambassador

Official Rep

15

Hello, I believe the BSc is just an undergraduate degree whereas MSc is a masters (postgraduate level) course. The confusion may be stemming from the MSc you are looking at potentially being an integrated masters (meaning that it is an undergraduate and masters in one)? Overall, for psychology, the main thing you need to be aware of is if you are intending on going into the clinical field you will need to study a BPS accredited course. If you are unsure on which course may be the best fit for you, you can always email the admissions department for that university as they will be able to advise you!
-Kat (2nd year undergraduate psychology student at Lancaster University)

Reply 2

her.findlay

Original post by farishya.masa

I do not understand the difference between Bsc honours for psych and Msci as they are both undergraduate courses. I want to know more about Msci course and how is it difference to Bsc and if it closes option down for different pathways you can take in the Bsc course instead.

Hey farishya.masa!

I studied an Msci applied psychology degree and I think the clinical placement during my course has helped me gain roles in the NHS and mental health charities. I am currently in the process of applying to train as a counselling psychologist and again my degree was something that stood out at interview - so I would say, if you'd like to gain clinical experience, then the Msci is a great route to take! I can't see why it would limit your route into psychology 🙂

The main difference between the Bsc and Msci degree at my university was the Msci had an extra year where I trained as a PWP and the final (fourth) year modules were taught and marked at Master's level (so the percentage to pass was higher). Other than that, my first two years at university were exactly the same as a Bsc psychology degree which is BPS accredited.

Reply 3

Scotland Yard

Clearing and Applications Advisor, Universities Forum Helper

20

Original post by farishya.masa

I do not understand the difference between Bsc honours for psych and Msci as they are both undergraduate courses. I want to know more about Msci course and how is it difference to Bsc and if it closes option down for different pathways you can take in the Bsc course instead.

MSci is, as others have pointed out, just a BSc with a masters on top as well. Your first three years will be just your standard BSc and the fourth and final year you'll be doing a masters. The details of what exactly the masters will entail will vary university from university.

The integrated masters approach has both advantages and disadvantages. The good thing about it is that you've got a masters guaranteed after you finish your degree, and you're eligible for the same old same old student finance support and maintenance loan you got during your undergrad (this isn't the case with normal, standalone masters, you just get given a bit of money which probably won't ever cover the tuition fees and that's it). The bad thing about integrated masters is that they might be more general and not allow for as much specialisation in a particular field of psychology as you might have liked, plus many employers don't consider the MSci to be on the same level as a masters, due to its integrated nature.

@her.findlay tells of a good experience with a MSci degree which has a placement. Note however you can also find plenty of BSc degrees with placement years, which will also work wonders for your future.

Psychology Bsc vs Msci

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