Background and aims

• Who is the programme for? 
• What will you get from this programme? 
• Introductory Reading 

This programme is accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS). Successful graduates from the programme are eligible for the Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership of the Society (GBC). GBC provides an important verification of the breadth and depth of psychology graduates’ knowledge and skills. It is also a validation of graduates’ readiness to undertake independent research in psychology. Completion of an accredited programme at any level contributes towards graduates’ understanding of the key bodies of knowledge which are relevant to the profession-specific Standards of Proficiency specified by the Health Professions Council. Importantly, it also indicates that knowledge and skills have been gained as a result of work with and support from appropriately qualified people.

Who is the programme for?

Many individuals who want to become psychologists gain their initial education and training by means of the successful completion of a British Psychological Society (BPS) accredited undergraduate honours psychology degree.  However, some become interested in pursuing a career in psychology at a later point in their life.

The purpose of the programme is to enable you to build on the transferrable skills you have attained in your undergraduate degree and provide you with the necessary level of study in psychology acceptable to the British Psychological Society and allows you to pursue a career in psychology.

The programme attracts a diverse range of people who bring a variety of interesting and valuable experiences to the discussions within the programme activities. The programme attracts students from across the globe including the UK, European countries including Ireland, Poland, Greece, Italy, Hungary and Lithuania and international students from China, Malaysia, India, USA, Canada, Jordan, Ghana and Pakistan.

What will you get from this programme?

By the end of this programme you will be able to:

• Demonstrate knowledge that covers and integrates the main areas of psychology. This includes a critical understanding of the principal and specialised theories, principles and concepts, which is informed by developments at the forefront of research in psychology;
• Use a significant range of general and specialised skills, techniques, practices and/or materials which are associated with psychology;
• Apply a range of standard and specialised research instruments and techniques of enquiry in psychology;
• Plan and execute a significant project of research or investigation in psychology.

Introductory Reading

Since this conversion programme is very intensive, it would be beneficial for you to start preparing yourself for the programme by reading the books below.

Overview about psychology

Hewstone, Fincham & Foster (2005) Psychology

Book about research methods

Wilson, S & McLean, R. (2011) Research Methods and Data Analysis

Please note the following:

• The programme is not for people who have already undertaken an undergraduate degree in psychology. The programme covers the same material as is offered in BPS accredited undergraduate programmes.
• If you wish to do this programme to become a Clinical Psychologist, it is important to understand that successfully finishing this programme would make you eligible to apply for a "doctorate in clinical psychology" course, however this is a very competitive environment and you may be required to undertake a further MSc in Psychology and/or a few years of volunteering or work experience in mental health/clinical psychology to improve your chances of entry.
• Successful completion of this programme entitles you to apply for British Psychological Society Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (GBC), which is a necessary requirement for entry onto subsequent postgraduate activity, both professional and academic, in Psychology in the UK.