Information for students on taking an accredited programme
If you are a student (or prospective student) looking to find out more about how and why you should consider taking an accredited degree, this page should answer some of your questions.
How can I check the accreditation status of a degree?
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 utilise 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.
Can the society recommend one programme over another?
The British Psychological Society is unable to recommend one accredited programme over another, or likewise comment on the differences or strengths of the courses by way of comparison.
All of the programmes that are currently accredited have met the criteria which we set in order to ensure that they facilitate a high standard of psychology education or training. We're only able to indicate that accredited programmes have met our minimum standards.
Depending on the type of course or University you're interested in, you may find it helpful to look at league tables and other public data sources such as the Guardian's University Guide, the Times Good University Guide, or the Times Higher Education Supplement.
You may also find the results of the National Student Survey valuable.
We'd also recommend that you spend time looking at individual University websites to find out more about the particular research and teaching strengths that different Departments have, as these may help you make a choice, particularly if you already have an idea of the particular areas of psychology that are of greatest interest to you.
Find out more
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If you have any queries, please contact the Customer Support Team.
What is an accredited conversion programme?
Graduates who haven't taken an accredited programme in psychology may undertake a conversion course. Conversion courses provide an opportunity for graduates to build on their first-degree qualification to become eligible for the Society's Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership.
The course will usually consist of at least one full year (approximately 45 weeks full-time, or its part-time equivalent) and typically comprise either 120 or 180 credits.
Applicants to conversion programmes must normally have a degree at any level which has not been accredited by the Society (whether in psychology or another subject). For conversion programmes comprising 180 credits, this is the only entry requirement set by the Society, although individual providers may set other requirements that they expect their applicants to meet.
Previous studies
For awards comprising only 120 credits, applicants will need to have previously studied the equivalent of at least 60 credits of psychology at the undergraduate level (level 4 or above; level 7 in Scotland). If you haven't done 60 credits or more of psychology study, you can usually do a bridging or access course (often a certificate in psychology) first.
A small number of conversion course providers also welcome applicants who have completed a Society-accredited programme and therefore are already eligible for the Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership. They typically offer their courses in more specialist areas that may offer interesting further study opportunities for psychology graduates.
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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.
Contact us
If you have any queries about applying for Society membership, email the Membership Team or call +44 (0)116 252 9911.
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.