Does the BPS accredit programmes delivered outside of the UK?
Accreditation is limited to those UK providers who have successfully graduated at least one cohort of UK students, and to provision that is delivered in the English language.
Providers have been asked to advise the society of any provision of this kind that is either running currently, or that is in development, so that we can plan our schedule of accreditation visits.
Guidance on accrediting programmes outside of the UK can be found in our Accreditation Documents.
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If you are involved in developing provision outside of the UK please contact us for further information.
Is it possible to study outside of the UK as part of an accredited programme?
Our accreditation standards allow students to undertake up to one-third of the credits for their accredited programme outside of the UK.
However, the availability of study-abroad opportunities will depend on several factors.
These include the relationships that the UK education provider has in place with international partner universities, and the processes they have in place to risk assess potential international study placements or exchange opportunities.
The education provider will also need to be satisfied with the content of the study to be undertaken outside of the UK. Will it effectively support students' progression when they return to the UK, and will students still be able to cover the curriculum required for accreditation in full by the time they complete their degree?
Because of this, study abroad opportunities may not be available to all students.
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If you have any queries, please contact the Customer Support Team.
How can I check the accreditation status of a degree when applying for Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership?
If you're unsure whether your degree will give you eligibility for Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership, you need to check whether your degree was accredited for your intake year.
To do this please use the "Find an accredited course" search function.
Please note: in order to gain eligibility for the GBC, you need to achieve an accredited award, follow any specified pathway detailed on the results page of the search, and gain a 2:2 or above if you started after September 2006.
You must also pass the psychology project in order to be eligible for the GBC.
Following a Memorandum of Cooperation between the Society and the Psychological Society of Ireland (PSI), those eligible for Graduate Membership of the PSI after having gained an academic award accredited by the PSI are also eligible for the Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (GBC) of the British Psychological Society.
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If you have any queries, please contact the Customer Support Team.
Does the society accredit international degrees?
Although the society began accrediting UK awards delivered outside of the UK in 2014/15, it doesn't currently accredit international degrees.
If you completed your degree at an institution outside of the UK, you will, therefore, need to submit an individual application for Graduate Membership of the Society so that our Membership team can properly assess eligibility for the Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership based on the qualifications you have.
GBC is an important step towards becoming a Chartered Member of the Society (CPsychol). If you hope to continue to study psychology after your degree, it is recommended that you choose an accredited course so that you can leave your options open.
Without eligibility for the GBC, you won't be able to complete society-accredited postgraduate and professional studies.
More information on becoming a member of the society.
All overseas applications are assessed on the individual merit of the qualifications received, and confirmation of your eligibility for the GBC will then be available to you.
If you're not eligible, then you may need to complete an accredited conversion programme.
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If you have any queries about applying for Society membership, email the Membership Team or call +44 (0)116 252 9911.