MSci – 4 year Integrated Masters in Psychology

What is an MSci?

The MSci degree is a new 4 year undergraduate course in Psychology with an ‘Integrated Masters Programme’
It leads to the award of a ‘Master of Psychology’ degree (MSci)
The MSci at the University of York is a BPS accredited Psychology degree, providing the ‘Graduate Basis for Chartered membership of the Society’ (GBC)
The MSci degree will be one of the first to be implemented in the UK
Integrated masters degrees are already common across other sciences (e.g. MChem, MPhys, MBiol)

How does the MSci differ from the BSc course?

What are the benefits of the MSci?

You will have the opportunity to learn more about the most up-to-date thinking in key areas of Psychology
You will gain extensive practical experience and knowledge by working closely with members of faculty
You will develop your transferable and interpersonal skills to maximise your employment potential
You will obtain a valuable masters-level qualification
You will enhance your chances when applying for a PhD programme

For whom will it be relevant?

The MSci degree is particularly useful for students who are generally aiming for a scientific career, but it will also enhance skills that are useful in a variety of jobs.
The MSci gives you a broader and more in depth coverage of Psychology with opportunities to specialise and develop skills relevant for future careers
The MSci is likely to be useful for a variety of future careers:
- PhD: MSci then PhD
- Educational Psychologist: MSci then Educational Doctorate
- If you want to enhance your employability generally
You may want to remain in the BSc Programme if you intend to follow careers that involve specialist training at postgraduate level:
- Forensic Psychologist: BSc then specialist MSc
- Occupational Psychologist: BSc then specialist MSc
- School Teacher: BSc then PGCE
- Clinical Scientist in the NHS: BSc then specialist MSc
- Scientist in a non-Psychology discipline: BSc then MSc
- Enter a non-scientific career

If you are an International Student, you will want to consider the relative importance given to undergraduate integrated masters (MSci) and postgraduate masters (MSc) level qualifications in the profession and country you are interested in working in. This will differ considerably depending upon your circumstances. You should also be aware that the terms of your visa may prevent you from transferring between programmes once registered, or may require you to reapply in order to transfer.

Are there any academic requirements for transfer to the MSci course?

Transfer from the BSc to the MSci course requires an average mark of at least 55 over year 2 of your course. This is the standard transfer requirement to integrated masters courses at the University of York.

How much will it cost?

Can I get a loan to cover fees?

Yes - 4 year undergraduate courses attract a 4-year loan (whereas a stand-alone masters programme must be paid for).

I am a year 2 student - what steps do I have to take to get onto the MSci?

Week 5 Semester 1 - attend information session on MSci
Week 6/7 Semester 1 – discuss options with personal supervisor.
By the start of Semester 2– decide whether you want to transfer to the MSci, and indicate which pathway you want to follow.
Early Semester 2 – make module decisions at the same time as BSc students.

What decisions will you need to take?

You should talk carefully with your personal supervisor about which options would be best for your future career.
Before the start of Semester 2, you will need to decide whether you want to transfer to the MSci, or remain on the BSc course, and if you decide to transfer to the MSci, you will also need to decide which pathway you want to specialise in.

I want to remain on the BSc, will I be disadvantaged?

No. The BSc degree will remain the same prestigious degree that it has always been, and will be taught in the same way, by the same staff.
BSc and MSci students will compete on equal terms for places on all modules, where they are limited.