Experimental Psychology (Conversion)

Overview

After successfully completing the Experimental Psychology (Conversion) programme offered by the University of Bristol, you will be eligible for the Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership of the BPS, which is a prerequisite for pursuing a career in psychology.

You will learn the theories of social, cognitive, developmental, biological and individual differences psychology, and develop the skills to understand and apply the research on which these theories are based. You will also learn how to design experiments and analyse data to provide valid answers to meaningful psychological research questions.

In your dissertation, you will combine these skills and knowledge to develop, carry out and report on a substantial piece of original, empirical research.

Teaching and dissertation supervision is undertaken by internationally renowned academics, who employ a variety of teaching and assessment methods (eg lectures, seminars, tutorials, laboratories, essays, reports, examinations, presentations). These methods help you to develop transferable skills, such as critical thinking, psychological and scientific literacy, research skills, teamwork, and oral and written communication skills, which are valued by employers across a wide range of industries. They also help to prepare you for further postgraduate study in psychology.

Careers

Students enrolled on conversion programmes are commonly seeking to move into psychology from other disciplines. They are often interested in careers as chartered psychologists, specialising in areas such as clinical, educational, health, sport, counselling, forensic, occupational, neuro or research psychology.

Successful completion of an accredited conversion programme provides eligibility for the Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership of the British Psychological Society, which is the first step along any of these professional pathways.

Students who are not planning further postgraduate study will still benefit from the psychological knowledge and transferable skills developed during a conversion programme. Such knowledge and skills are directly relevant to a wide variety of careers in industries as diverse as health, education, marketing, research, law, finance, human resources and public service.