Psychology MSc VS specialising
I start a MSc with OU in October. I am still not certain what route I want to go into with psychology as I am interested by multiple specialties and don’t want to limit myself yet. Am I making a mistake starting my MSc in Psychology? Should I wait until I know what I want to specialise in? I’ve already done a year away from education so didn’t want to ‘waste’ anymore time when I am doing it part time. Any advice would be helpful
Reply 1
Starting your MSc now isn’t a mistake—many students refine their specialty during study. The course will expose you to diverse areas, helping you decide. Waiting may delay progress unnecessarily, especially part-time. Use your first modules to explore interests and network before committing to a specific path.
Reply 2
Original post
by JhrutterI start a MSc with OU in October. I am still not certain what route I want to go into with psychology as I am interested by multiple specialties and don’t want to limit myself yet. Am I making a mistake starting my MSc in Psychology? Should I wait until I know what I want to specialise in? I’ve already done a year away from education so didn’t want to ‘waste’ anymore time when I am doing it part time. Any advice would be helpful
It depends on whether you already have an accredited undergrad in Psychology or not. If you do then yes you should not rush into doing a masters, as different specialisations may need different masters, i.e. if you wanted to be a Forensic Psychologist you would need another masters after this current one you are considering and you would have to fund yourself. I would always recommend pausing a masters until you know you need it.
If instead you havent done a psychology undergrad and this masters is a conversion course then disregard, as this masters type is not specialist but is a core requirment of specialist psychologist pathways (clinical, forensic, educational).
Greg
Clin Psych
(edited 2 months ago)
Reply 3
That's helpful
Reply 4
Jhrutter
OP
4
Original post
by greg tonyIt depends on whether you already have an accredited undergrad in Psychology or not. If you do then yes you should not rush into doing a masters, as different specialisations may need different masters, i.e. if you wanted to be a Forensic Psychologist you would need another masters after this current one you are considering and you would have to fund yourself. I would always recommend pausing a masters until you know you need it.
If instead you havent done a psychology undergrad and this masters is a conversion course then disregard, as this masters type is not specialist but is a core requirment of specialist psychologist pathways (clinical, forensic, educational).
Greg
Clin Psych
If instead you havent done a psychology undergrad and this masters is a conversion course then disregard, as this masters type is not specialist but is a core requirment of specialist psychologist pathways (clinical, forensic, educational).
Greg
Clin Psych
I do have an accredited undergrad. Do you think it would be more beneficial to wait?
Reply 5
I wouldn't spend money on an MSc if you aren't clear on which branch or aspect of psychology you are interested in.
If you already have a BPS degree and don't need a conversion, you should wait until you know what you want to study. Especially if you are using a Masters Loan from SFE to pay for it. You only get one shot at those, so spend it wisely!
If you already have a BPS degree and don't need a conversion, you should wait until you know what you want to study. Especially if you are using a Masters Loan from SFE to pay for it. You only get one shot at those, so spend it wisely!
Reply 6
Original post
by JhrutterI do have an accredited undergrad. Do you think it would be more beneficial to wait?
Yes 100%
Reply 7
Jhrutter
OP
4
Original post
by greg tonyYes 100%
Can I just ask you also, if I have a BPS accredited undergraduate degree is it detrimental that I have a BPS accreditation on my MSc as well?
Reply 8
Original post
by JhrutterCan I just ask you also, if I have a BPS accredited undergraduate degree is it detrimental that I have a BPS accreditation on my MSc as well?
You only need one accredited course. Always choose a masters that actually offers some tangible benefits, either employment wise or in some area of specific learning need. If the course ticks either one of these then go for it, very little else matters.
Greg
Reply 9
Jhrutter
OP
4
Original post
by greg tonyYou only need one accredited course. Always choose a masters that actually offers some tangible benefits, either employment wise or in some area of specific learning need. If the course ticks either one of these then go for it, very little else matters.
Greg
Greg
Thank you. I’ve changed my study to MSc in Forensic Psychology. One of my friends is saying she was advised to only do a masters if it was BPS accredited regardless of her BPS undergrad so I was starting to panic.
Reply 10
The exception is qualifying masters, like the forensic MSc (stage 1). Is that what you would like to do in future? Cos it's a waste of money otherwise
Reply 11
Jhrutter
OP
4
Original post
by InterrobangThe exception is qualifying masters, like the forensic MSc (stage 1). Is that what you would like to do in future? Cos it's a waste of money otherwise
I have always wanted to work with victims of crime. Specifically a trauma route. I was just always put off doing it as a masters due to how competitive the job market is in my area
Reply 12
Original post
by JhrutterI have always wanted to work with victims of crime. Specifically a trauma route. I was just always put off doing it as a masters due to how competitive the job market is in my area
Most of the work is likely to be with perpetrators rather than victims. There may be better courses to do that are more interesting and then work in a charity or similar
Reply 13
Original post
by JhrutterI have always wanted to work with victims of crime. Specifically a trauma route. I was just always put off doing it as a masters due to how competitive the job market is in my area
Check The Anna Freud Centre for the training. With UCL they offer psychology and trauma Msc plus multiple specific courses. Good luck!
Reply 14
UCL Psychology and Kings College Psychology - mental health/trauma specialisms are online too.
Quick Reply
Related discussions
- Psychology in education vs pure psychology
- Bristol vs leeds
- Psychology BSc or MSc conversion?
- Accredited Masters
- Arden University vs University of Essex for psychology degree
- Psychology conversion
- Any Aspiring Physiotherapists/Physiotherapy Applicants Here?
- Careers after a Psychology Masters
- University of Bath vs Southampton vs Nottingham
- BSc & MSc Psychology
- picking unis 2026 entry
- I can't seem to pick a career.....
- Languages to Psychology?
- Masters in different subject.
- Msc Online Conversion (Wolverhampton vs Sunderland)
- undergrad course focus/including Behavioural Economics.
- neuropsychologist vs clinical psychologist
- MSc Psychology (Conversion/Online Learning)
- Queen Mary University of London or University of Bath ?
- Careers advice (science vs art vs math)
Latest
Trending
Last reply 1 day ago
Psychology of Mental Health (Conversion) MSc - Edinburgh UniversityPsychology
13
14
Last reply 1 month ago
MSc Psychology Conversion Derby/Wolverhampton/Arden Jan 2025 StartPsychology
13
32
Last reply 2 months ago
MSC psychology and mental health online course @ Sheffield HallamPsychology
13
21
Last reply 3 months ago
MSc Psychology Conversion degree — where should I apply, and is it worth it?Articles for you
How The Student Room is moderated
To keep The Student Room safe for everyone, we moderate posts that are added to the site.
