ObjectivesThis Certificate is a 60-credit introductory course for graduates with insufficient, inappropriate or no prior study of psychology at degree level. Satisfactory completion of the Certificate allows entry onto the one-year full-time equivalent Conversion Diploma which confers British Psychological Society (BPS) graduate membership and the graduate basis for registration (GBR). GBR is a pre-requisite for entry to postgraduate training in applied areas of professional psychology, such as counselling, clinical, educational, forensic, health and occupational psychology. Graduates with a minimum of 60 credits of appropriate psychology (cognitive, development, social, biological, psychology and personality) at degree level can apply directly for a place on the Conversion Diploma course. Any exemptions are granted only by the Admissions Tutor.
Entry requirementsApplicants are expected to have a good Honours degree. Prior study of psychology is not necessary but mathematics grade C at GCSE, or an equivalent qualification, is required. The BPS requires all graduates to obtain a minimum of 50% overall in order to meet the criteria for GBR. Proficiency in the English language is essential. If English is not your first language, you will require an IELTS 6.5 minimum with a minimum score of 6 in all components, TOEFL (old examination) 630, TOEFL (new examination) 267 or equivalent.
Academic titleGraduate Certificate Psychology
Course descriptionCourse structure
In this introductory course, you will take the following core modules:
-Developmental Psychology I
-Personality and Social Psychology
-Cognitive Psychology I
-Biological Basis of Behaviour
-Psychological Research Methods I
Assessment
You are assessed with a range of methods including practical reports and end-of-module examinations.
Career opportunities
This Conversion programme is designed specifically for graduates from other disciplines who wish to become professional psychologists - if you undertake the Diploma following this Certificate , you will gain BPS accreditation for the GBR, which is essential if you wish to register as a Chartered Psychologist or progress to other postgraduate programmes in professional areas of psychology.
Attendance & duration
-Full-time: one semester starting Feb one day and two half days per week, plus a one-week full-time day course at the end of the year in September
-Part-time (day): one year starting Sept one day per week, plus a one-week full-time day course at the end of the year in September