A European Framework for Psychologists' Training

STRUCTURE OF FORMAL EDUCATION - UNITED KINGDOM

Undergraduate psychology degrees recognised by the British Psychological Society are offered at approximately 100 universities. About 45 universities offer postgraduate training in professional areas of psychology leading towards recognition as a Chartered Psychologist.

Entry requirements. University entrance is normally based on A levels, the national school examinations taken by all students wishing to proceed into higher education. The minimum requirement for entry to university is normally two passes at A level (out of the three subjects that are normally taken). However, psychology is a popular subject and most universities ask for more than just minimum grades. A levels are graded from A (highest) to E (lowest pass) and most universities ask for at least B or C grades for entry into psychology degrees. Increasingly, students without A level qualifications - especially mature students - are being accepted into higher education. Psychology is one of the more popular subject areas for such students.'

The degree structure. The pattern is 'discontinuous'. The first degree (three years) covers general psychology, with the emphasis on the main areas of academic psychology. There is some coverage of professional areas but this is limited and does not form part of the core curriculum. The postgraduate level involves specialism in a single sub-area of psychology (clinical, educational and so on). There is little generic training at postgraduate level. Approved routes to chartered status exist in clinical psychology, health psychology, occupational (work) psychology, forensic psychology, counselling psychology, and the applied psychology of teaching.

ECTS. Credit rating is now widespread in UK universities. There is no absolute standard, but the majority seem to be moving towards a system where each year counts for 120 credits. In effect, then, one UK credit is equivalent to 0.5 credits in the ECTS scheme.

Examination. The first (undergraduate) degree is normally examined by a combination of formal, essay based exams, coursework assignments such as essays and laboratory reports, and a project. Professional training courses are assessed by coursework, exams, case studies, role play, observation of practice, and a research project, though the relative weightings of these can vary substantially.

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