Weighed down by an old 2:2

In 2021, I achieved a distinction in an MSc in Health Psychology. For the past 14 years I have worked in the third sector as a substance use worker, becoming senior practitioner six years ago. I have completed training in low level CBT, child & adult protection, suicide prevention and trauma. I have worked with hundreds of clients on relapse prevention skills, risk assessments and child protection measures. I work as part of an integrated service with both NHS drug and alcohol services and have worked on individual projects with the NHS as partners. Prior to this, I worked as a support worker within various fields including mental health, learning disabilities and forensic services.

In 2022, I applied for post-graduate training in psychology. I was delighted to be shortlisted for interview on a highly competitive course. However, my interview was subsequently cancelled as my credentials "do not meet the minimum criteria". This was due to the fact that I achieved a 2:2 in my undergraduate degree, 19 years previously.

The minimum entry criteria stated that all applicants must have GBC, an Honours Degree in Psychology (2:1 or above) or completion of an MSc psychology conversion course at a level equivalent to a 2:1 and which confers GBC with the BPS. My degrees are BPS accredited and I have GBC. In 2003, with a 2:2 undergraduate degree I did not meet the minimum criteria. In 2021, with a distinction in an MSc I surpassed the minimum criteria. Is it really the case that the postgraduate teaching I received does not meet the minimum standards required for undergraduate teaching? The job specification for the course required "undergraduate level knowledge of psychological theories". I have post-graduate level knowledge of psychological theories.

I was advised that I could complete a conversion course in order to achieve the required 2:1 at undergraduate level. I cannot. Aside from finances and time, one conversion course advised that I would not be eligible to apply as I already have a degree conferring GBC. Due to a refusal to recognise postgraduate qualifications, I am locked out of progression within psychology despite earning a distinction in an MSc and acknowledgement from the course that I have significant clinical experience. Is it really the case that an MSc in Health Psychology is effectively worthless due to an undergraduate grade that I received almost two decades ago?

Contextual admissions processes, which recognise equality and diversity, are rare particularly within fields relating to clinical psychology. At no point during the application process was I asked to discuss my undergraduate degree. It does not appear that anyone considered that this degree mark was achieved 19 years ago and that my knowledge and skills had vastly improved during that time. The application does not outline that I was the first person within my working-class family to attend University. It does not outline that for at least four years prior to beginning my undergraduate course, I had experienced severe mental health issues. It does not outline that these issues continued throughout University but that I still achieved an Honours degree. It does not outline that my finances and family circumstances did not allow for me to embark on honorary assistant psychologist posts, part-time work or further training. It does not outline that I only completed an MSc in Health Psychology due to funding provided by the Society For The Study of Addictions.

This is not the way to increase access to psychological therapies, it is not the way to increase equality and diversity within the workforce and it is not the way to improve entrance pathways and break down barriers within the psychology workforce.

Julie Benson

Aberdeen

[email protected]