MA/MS Does anybody have any idea about the Graduate Charter Program of British Psychological Society?

[xoxo111]

Hi all,

I’ve an undergrad degree from USA and I’m trying to do a masters in psychology in UK. I got my degree assessed by the British psychological society and they said, my degree doesn’t confer to a British undergrad degree because 50% of my degree isn’t psychology based. I was a double major (biology), so I’ve more credits than required. I’m so frustrated that my degree doesn’t translate to a British degree. I want to appeal their decision. I don’t know if it’s the school I went to or if it’s the American college system. Either way, I’m hoping people who have knowledge about this, would shed some light, and also tips on how to appeal this.

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[psych.meout]

Hi all,

I’ve an undergrad degree from USA and I’m trying to do a masters in psychology in UK. I got my degree assessed by the British psychological society and they said, my degree doesn’t confer to a British undergrad degree because 50% of my degree isn’t psychology based. I was a double major (biology), so I’ve more credits than required. I’m so frustrated that my degree doesn’t translate to a British degree. I want to appeal their decision. I don’t know if it’s the school I went to or if it’s the American college system. Either way, I’m hoping people who have knowledge about this, would shed some light, and also tips on how to appeal this.

This sounds like a question for the BPS. Ask them why they rejected your degree if you have more than sufficient credits in psychology by double majoring. You can't really appeal until you know exactly why you were rejected.

 

[xoxo111]

This sounds like a question for the BPS. Ask them why they rejected your degree if you have more than sufficient credits in psychology by double majoring. You can't really appeal until you know exactly why you were rejected.

Here’s their reply:

To be eligible for Graduate Membership and the GBC a qualification must be from a recognised university institution, be at least 50% psychology, be equivalent to
a British Bachelors Second Class Honours Degree and cover eight core areas of psychology. The core areas being; psychobiology, cognitive psychology, social
psychology, developmental psychology, individual differences, conceptual and historical issues in psychology, research and coverage of a specialist/applied
area.

Psychology modules/subjects must comprise at least half of those required for the qualification to be awarded. We have calculated that only 31 are identifiable
as being in psychology. Therefore, your degree does not meet the requirement of being at least 50% psychology.

We have made an assessment of your degree against the above named areas psychology. Whilst we note that you have covered some of these areas we are
unable to find evidence that you have covered all eight core areas to the expected depth and breadth of coverage needed to meet the criterion for Graduate
Membership and the GBC.

 

[psych.meout]

It sounds like there are two areas they find to be insufficient, the overall percentage of psychology coursework in your degree and the eight core areas. Did you have courses in all eight areas?

 

[xoxo111]

It sounds like there are two areas they find to be insufficient, the overall percentage of psychology coursework in your degree and the eight core areas. Did you have courses in all eight areas?

My school never offered any courses in psychobiology so I’m not sure what that even is. I don’t think there ever was a class in terms of applied psychology, as that was mostly masters level.

 

[WisNeuro]

So, you will likely lose any appeal you make. Best bet is to see if they can define exactly where your course history is deficient and inquire about if there are any remediation options (continuing education credits, individual classes) that you can take to bring you into compliance with their guidelines.

 

[Heylookasquirl]

Hi there! So I actually have a very similar history as you (double majored in biology and psychology as an undergrad and then went and got a master's degree in the UK). What I found was that I didn't need to be a graduate member of the BPS to apply for my masters. They also wouldn't recognize my undergraduate degree due to it not being 50% psychology, but once I got my masters in the UK I was able to apply for graduate membership using that. I don't know if this helps but I'm happy to answer any questions if I can!

 

[xoxo111]

Hi there! So I actually have a very similar history as you (double majored in biology and psychology as an undergrad and then went and got a master's degree in the UK). What I found was that I didn't need to be a graduate member of the BPS to apply for my masters. They also wouldn't recognize my undergraduate degree due to it not being 50% psychology, but once I got my masters in the UK I was able to apply for graduate membership using that. I don't know if this helps but I'm happy to answer any questions if I can!

Hi! I thought most top tier schools want the membership and I would like to attend a top tier school.

 

[Heylookasquirl]

Hi! I thought most top tier schools want the membership and I would like to attend a top tier school.

I would check the requirements for each master's degree to see if they specifically require BPS membership. I received interviews from a few of the highly ranked universities and ultimately attended one of them. I'm happy to DM you with more specifics as I like to keep my anonymity on here .

 

[xoxo111]

I would check the requirements for each master's degree to see if they specifically require BPS membership. I received interviews from a few of the highly ranked universities and ultimately attended one of them. I'm happy to DM you with more specifics as I like to keep my anonymity on here .

Yes please. Dm would be great. Thank you.