Accreditation

Would anyone advise that I start an MSc degree in Psychology at a Uni who has recently submitted their accreditation application to BPS?

What are your thoughts? Thanks

Reply 1

gigitwenty

I think it depends what you want to do next? Would your MSc be accredited?

Reply 2

De Montfort University

Official Rep

Original post

by A’wale

Would anyone advise that I start an MSc degree in Psychology at a Uni who has recently submitted their accreditation application to BPS?
What are your thoughts? Thanks

Hey there 😃

If your goal is to become a certified psychologist, then accreditation is crucial. Studying at a university that hasn't obtained it yet comes with a risk because there's no guarantee they will secure it. While it’s possible they’ll get approved, it’s not guaranteed, as the course must meet specific requirements. So if becoming a certified psychologist is your main goal, it’s a bit of a gamble.

I’d strongly recommend getting in touch with the university to get the latest update on their accreditation status. At the same time, it might be worth considering other universities that already have accreditation, just to keep your options open.

Wishing you the best outcome! I hope it all works out in your favor! 🤞😊

Feel free to reach out if you have any questions 😉 You can also chat with me or other students directly through The Ambassador Platform.

Take care,

Julia
Psychology student
De Montfort University

Reply 3

UEA Rep Grace

Original post

by A’wale

Would anyone advise that I start an MSc degree in Psychology at a Uni who has recently submitted their accreditation application to BPS?
What are your thoughts? Thanks

Hi A'wale. I would never study on a course that does not have a BPS accreditation because it really closes doors on future jobs. A BPS accreditation means a course is up to a certain standard and without it you can't become a certified psychologist, so it's worth getting as much information as possible about the course.

On the other hand, studying at a uni with a BPS accrediation means they're actively teaching skills that accredited psychologist roles look for. I would be worried a freshly-accredited (if it's awarded) uni might not have this all worked out yet.

Personally, I wouldn't risk it, but it's entirely up to you- you know yourself and the uni best! I would encourage reaching out to the uni for new information, perhaps reaching out to the BPS to see what they think- anything that can help you make an informed decision.

Let me know if you have any other questions and best of luck!

Reply 4

uniofleicSTEM

Official Rep

Hi A'wale 👋

As mentioned above, a BPS accredited psychology course will certainly open many doors! Have you considered completing the course from home?

We offer a part-time and distance learning course, which gives you the flexibility to fit the course in with your studies and around work. All whilst making you BPS certified in the process. You can find out more on our course page: Psychology MSc DL course

Upon finishing the course you'll be eligible for Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (GBC) and a stepping stone towards becoming a chartered psychologist. But, as mentioned, it's also good to check with the university you applied for whether they will be accredited by the time you were to start.

Best of luck!

Emma
University of Leicester

Reply 5

A’wale

Original post

by De Montfort University

Hey there 😃
If your goal is to become a certified psychologist, then accreditation is crucial. Studying at a university that hasn't obtained it yet comes with a risk because there's no guarantee they will secure it. While it’s possible they’ll get approved, it’s not guaranteed, as the course must meet specific requirements. So if becoming a certified psychologist is your main goal, it’s a bit of a gamble.
I’d strongly recommend getting in touch with the university to get the latest update on their accreditation status. At the same time, it might be worth considering other universities that already have accreditation, just to keep your options open.
Wishing you the best outcome! I hope it all works out in your favor! 🤞😊
Feel free to reach out if you have any questions 😉 You can also chat with me or other students directly through The Ambassador Platform.
Take care,
Julia
Psychology student
De Montfort University

Thanks Julia. That was helpful and inspiring

Reply 6

EssexStudentRep

Official Rep

Original post

by A’wale

Would anyone advise that I start an MSc degree in Psychology at a Uni who has recently submitted their accreditation application to BPS?
What are your thoughts? Thanks

Hi A'wale!🌟

This is very good question you are raising. Since the BPS accreditation is essential if you are considering doing any psychology-related work in the UK, I would suggest you being more cautious with this particular university.

For a course to be accredited against BPS requirements, it has to go through three stages: Application, Initial decision, and Visit. Assuming your chosen university already submitted the application, it may take up to 3 months to receive an initial decision with three possible outcomes - proceed to visit, further clarification required, or not accredited. Assuming the application was confirmed and a visit scheduled, it may take up to 3 more months for that to happen with two possible outcome - accreditation granted or withdrawn. Overall, it may take around 6 months for university to receive a definite outcome.

Keeping all that in mind, I'd suggest you exploring some other options for your MSc in Psychology unless you are sure that the university still has enough time to obtain the accreditation before the start of your studies.

If you are looking for a BPS accredited degree, I am currently studying MSc Psychology at the University of Essex which I could not recommend more! If you have any questions or would like to chat about the course - please don't hesitate to get in touch😊

Best,
Essex Student Rep - Renaldas✌️