Postgraduate Diploma / MSc Psychology

Summary 2012/13

• Study a programme conferring the British Psychological Society (BPS) Graduate Basis for Chartering;
• Take the first step towards gaining status as a Chartered Psychologist, preparing yourself for further professional training in psychology;
• Gain a postgraduate qualification widely accepted and useful in a variety of occupational contexts.

The Postgraduate Diploma in Psychology aims to provide graduates in disciplines other than psychology with the opportunity to obtain the Graduate Basis for Chartered membership (GBC) with the British Psychological Society (BPS).

Following completion of the Postgraduate Diploma, you will have the option to progress onto a Masters qualification in Psychology.

GBC allows you to pursue postgraduate training in applied areas of psychology associated with the Societies’ Divisions (e.g. Educational, Clinical Psychology etc). GBC is the first step toward gaining status as a Chartered Psychologist.

2012 Entry Requirements

There are two elements to the entry requirements for this programme:

• A degree (not a pass degree) in a subject other than psychology or in psychology but which does not confer eligibility for the Graduate Basis for Registration of the British Psychological Society;
• The equivalent of at 60 credits previous study of psychology at higher education level.

Summary 2013/14

• Study a programme conferring the British Psychological Society (BPS) Graduate Basis for Chartering;
• Take the first step towards gaining status as a Chartered Psychologist, preparing yourself for further professional training in psychology;
• Gain a postgraduate qualification widely accepted and useful in a variety of occupational contexts.

The Postgraduate Diploma in Psychology aims to provide graduates in disciplines other than psychology with the opportunity to obtain the Graduate Basis for Chartered membership (GBC) with the British Psychological Society (BPS).

Following completion of the Postgraduate Diploma, you will have the option to progress onto a Masters qualification in Psychology.

GBC allows you to pursue postgraduate training in applied areas of psychology associated with the Societies’ Divisions (e.g. Educational, Clinical Psychology etc). GBC is the first step toward gaining status as a Chartered Psychologist.

2013 Entry Requirements

There are two elements to the entry requirements for this programme:

• A degree (not a pass degree) in a subject other than psychology or in psychology but which does not confer eligibility for the Graduate Basis for Registration of the British Psychological Society;
• The equivalent of at 60 credits previous study of psychology at higher education level.

Details

Who is this course for?

The programme is designed for graduates that have studied the equivalent of at least 60 credits of psychology at higher education level, who have a degree and would like to obtain GBC and may also want to obtain a masters degree. This is a 'conversion' programme.

You can choose to exit the programme with a Postgraduate Diploma or complete a further module (Masters Dissertation) for the MSc conversion award.

How we will support you

All students will be assigned a personal tutor, with whom they will have regular meetings. Some e-learning will be used to support face-to-face teaching.

What will I study?

You will cover all the core areas of psychology as specified and required by the British Psychological Society for the accreditation of conversion courses.

You will examine the nature of personality and individual differences, including intelligence, developmental patterns and changes in social and cognitive abilities, interpersonal behaviour and the impact of social contexts on behaviour.

Exploring Cognitive Language and Biological Psychology, you will gain an understanding of the role of biology in underpinning behaviour and the nature of attention, perception, language and memory.

A research methods module will equip you with the ability to organise, analyse, interpret and report findings of research involving quantitative (numerical) data before you are introduced to approaches to qualitative research and analysis.

If you are studying for the Postgraduate Diploma, the programme concludes with a Dissertation in an area of psychology that interests you. MSc students will complete a masters level dissertation.

How will I study?

Our teaching methods follow a variety of formats from traditional style lectures to tutorials, seminars and workshops.

There is a well-equipped laboratory facility consisting of a teaching lab, audio-visual suite and soundproof cubicles for conducting experiments. We have a wide range of IT facilities, including spreadsheet and statistical packages, Internet access, electronic journals and abstract databases.

Who will be teaching me?

The Psychology team is a rapidly growing one, currently with ten members of staff. Our staff are all research active, particularly in the areas of thinking and reasoning, work psychology, psychological aspects of substance abuse, counselling, close relationships and the functioning of working memory.

Members of the team have been published in major national and international peer reviewed journals such as the British Journal of Psychology, Counselling Psychology Quarterly, the Quarterly Journal of Experimental Psychology, The Journal of Experimental Psychology and The Journal of Experimental Child Psychology.

How will I be assessed?

Most modules are assessed by a mixture of examination and coursework though some are assessed solely by coursework.

Coursework assignments might be essays, research project reports, group presentations or the critical analysis of research papers.

What are my career prospects?

There are two clearly identifiable career routes. Firstly, successful completion of this programme will open up a number of further postgraduate training and career opportunities, notably educational psychology, clinical psychology, work psychology, health psychology and teaching and research in further and higher education.

Secondly, you will be well qualified to enter a wide range of professions from advertising and the caring professions, through to personnel or teaching (further training required). The Psychology team at Edge Hill University has a strong record of research and encourages new graduates to register for higher degrees such as MPhil and PhD.

Professional Accreditation

The programme is accredited with the British Psychological Society to provide eligibility for the Graduate Basis for Charterered membership (GBC).

Related Programmes

University Certificate in Psychology

A Great Study Environment

Based in 160 acres of beautifully landscaped grounds, the Ormskirk Campus is a unique and inspirational place to study. Industry standard resources and cutting edge technology combine to make an interactive and highly advanced teaching and learning environment. Everything you could want is on one site with fantastic modern spaces in which you can study and socialise and 25 acres of sport and leisure facilities.

The University library gives you access to thousands of books, journals, online resources and extensive PC and media provision. You'll get all the support you need to succeed, reflected in Edge Hill University being ranked in the top two in England for students' personal development, and the top three in the country for assessment and feedback, in the 2011 National Student Survey. The University is also featured in the top four in England for graduate employment.

How do I apply?

Apply online at www.ukpass.ac.uk.

Visit www.edgehill.ac.uk/applyukpass for more information on the application process.

Fees and Finance

Tuition fees are £4,320pa for full-time study on this MA programme in academic year 2012/13. Part-time postgraduate students in academic year 2012/13 will pay £250 per 10 credit module, £500 per 20 credit module and £1,500 per 60 credit module. Information for UK and EU students only. Full-time fees for international postgraduate students are £11,500pa for academic year 2012/13.

Edge Hill graduates joining an eligible postgraduate programme at the University in academic year 2012/13 could benefit from a 20% reduction in tuition fees. If you're a UK or EU student and will be paying the fees yourself, you might be eligible to receive this discount. See www.edgehill.ac.uk/reducedfees for more information.

Where can I find out more?

If you would like to receive a copy of our prospectus or be kept updated about forthcoming events, contact the Course Information, Advice and Guidance Team by emailing study@edgehill.ac.uk or calling 01695 657000.

If you want to attend one of our open events held throughout the year, visit www.edgehill.ac.uk/postgradopendays to book your place.

You will also find Edge Hill University staff at many postgraduate study fairs taking place across the UK and Ireland.

Still want more?

If you have any questions you would like to ask the programme leader about this course, please contact:

• Pat Hornby-Atkinson, Department of Psychology, Edge Hill University, St Helens Road, Ormskirk, Lancashire L39 4QP
• Tel: 01695 650972
• Email: atkinsop@edgehill.ac.uk

Overseas students should visit www.edgehill.ac.uk/international or email international@edgehill.ac.uk for further information.

Modules

SPS4106 Social Psychology (10 credits) focuses on important social issues and problems such as the effects of the media on behaviour and attitude, and the psychological dimensions of group conflicts and decision making.

SPS4107 Developmental Psychology (10 credits) covers aspects of maternal behaviour such as substance abuse and access to antenatal care. These themes will be examined in relation to their effects on the subsequent development of the child. Major theories of development such as those of Piaget and Vygotsky will also undergo critical evaluation.

SPS4108 Personality and Individual Differences (10 credits) examines the nature of personality and individual differences, including intelligence, developmental patterns and changes in social and cognitive abilities. The module considers some of the controversies with regard to the nature of intelligence and personality, and considers aspects of the interface between personality and intelligence such as emotional intelligence.

SPS4109 Perception and Memory (10 credits) is concerned with understanding the nature of attention, perception, language and memory. Cognitive Psychology, including language, examines the higher mental processes that are central to human achievement.

SPS4110 Language and Thought (10 credits) is concerned with providing an understanding of the processes that allow us to communicate, comprehend, and use information and knowledge. In this way, the module reflects fundamental issues in the study of psychology.

SPS4111 Biological Psychology (10 credits) is concerned with understanding the role of biology in underpinning behaviour. The module familiarises you with the structure and functioning of the human nervous system and other bodily features which may influence our behaviour.

SPS4102 Statistics and Research Methods (30 credits) is designed to equip you with the ability to organise, analyse, interpret and report findings of research involving quantitative (numerical) data. You will also develop a sound understanding of approaches to qualitative research and analysis.

SPS4006 Research Application, Design and Dissemination (30 credits) allows you to conduct your own primary research in an area of psychology of interest to you. You will identify a research question, collect data, write up your findings and discuss their implications.

SPS4007 Psychology Masters (Conversion) Dissertation (60 credits) provides students who have completed the Postgraduate Diploma in Psychology with the opportunity to progress toward Psychology Masters (Conversion). The module involves undertaking independent research in a relevant area of your choice, subject to approval of the programme team, and allows you to demonstrate your effectiveness as an independent learner and researcher. The dissertation is an opportunity to design, execute and write-up a piece of substantive, original, research.