Understanding BPS accreditation
If you’re considering a psychology degree, you’ve likely come across the term BPS accreditation. It’s a mark of approval from the UK’s representative body for psychologists – the British Psychological Society (BPS) – and signals that a course meets the highest standard in psychology study. For some pathways, it’s essential.
In particular, anyone aiming to become a chartered member of the BPS must complete BPS-recognised training. Chartered status is the top level of recognition for a practitioner psychologist in the UK. It confirms that you’ve met the Society’s benchmarks for academic and professional standards.
That said, not every pathway requires it. Many roles in wellbeing, analysis, or community support use psychology skills in different ways, without needing the chartered process.
What is BPS accreditation?
When a degree is recognised by the BPS, it means the programme has been independently reviewed and shown to meet their requirements for quality. For students, this gives confidence that the course builds the right skills and expertise to progress as a psychologist in your chosen field.
You can check whether a course is accredited by:
Looking for the BPS logo or statement on the provider’s website.
Using the official BPS course search tool.
Why does BPS accreditation matter?
Essential for becoming a chartered psychologist
If your goal is to achieve chartered status, BPS recognition is a must. Without it, you can’t progress through the process that leads to recognition as a practising psychologist in the UK.
Recognition and credibility
Employers, clients, and colleagues see BPS-approved qualifications as a sign of quality. It shows that your studies have met the Society’s expectations and that you’re prepared for advanced study or practice.
Access to professional networks and resources
Studying on a recognised programme connects you to the wider BPS community. Members gain access to resources, connections, and events that support development throughout their future.
When accreditation isn’t essential
Not every role requires BPS approval. Roles such as data analysis, counselling support, or working as a social worker may not require the chartered pathway. If your chosen field lies here, BPS endorsement may be helpful but not mandatory.
How to become a chartered psychologist in the UK
Becoming a chartered psychologist is a rewarding journey that opens the door to highly respected opportunities across health, education, and research. While it takes commitment, the pathway is clear – and each step builds your skills, confidence, and professional standing.
Step 1: Start with an accredited degree
Begin with a BPS-accredited undergraduate degree in psychology. If your first degree wasn’t accredited, you can take an accredited conversion MSc to gain the Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (GBC).
Step 2: Progress to doctoral training
To move into professional practice, you’ll usually need a BPS-accredited doctorate (or equivalent) in your chosen area – such as clinical, counselling, or educational psychology. These postgraduate training programmes combine advanced academic learning with practical, supervised and relevant work experience placements.
Step 3: Gain supervised experience
During doctoral study, you’ll complete supervised practice placements where you work directly with patients – from NHS clinics to schools or community organisations. This relevant work experience can be one of the most rewarding parts of your journey – helping you put your skills into practice and getting experience in areas you're most interested in.
Step 4: Register with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC)
Once your required studies are complete you’ll register with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC). This is the official regulator that ensures practitioner psychologists meet professional standards in the UK.
Step 5: Apply for chartered membership
Finally, you can apply to the BPS for Chartered Membership (CPsychol). This confirms you’ve completed the required postgraduate training and are now recognised as a chartered psychologist.
Postgraduate conversion courses: your pathway into psychology
If you didn't study a BPS-accredited psychology degree at undergraduate, you may be eligible to apply for a postgraduate conversion programme. Conversion courses build the foundations needed for a career in psychology, and a BPS-accredited master’s also provides the Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (GBC) – the first step towards becoming a chartered psychologist.
At Walbrook, our online MSc Psychology programmes are designed with this route in mind. We’ve applied for BPS accreditation, which is still under review. This means our MScs are not yet accredited and do not currently provide a route to chartership. They do, however, give you a strong grounding in theory, research, and applied skills that can support psychology-aligned roles.
Find out more:
MSc PsychologyIf you're considering one of our online degrees, enter your details, including a valid phone number, and we’ll call to tell you more about the programme you’re interested in.
Where BPS accreditation can take you
A psychology degree can lead to many rewarding roles – but your options may expand further if you study a BPS-accredited programme.
Psychology careers that require BPS recognition
If you want to practise as a psychologist, you’ll need to follow the BPS pathway to chartership, which opens careers such as:
Clinical psychology
Counselling psychology
Educational psychology
Forensic psychology
Health psychology
Sport and exercise psychology
These are regulated professions where chartership gives you the recognition and authority to practise. Salaries reflect the level of expertise required: clinical psychologists in the NHS typically earn £48,000 to £63,000 depending on experience (National Careers Service), with the potential to earn more in private practice.
Psychology careers where accreditation isn’t essential
Not all psychology-related roles require BPS chartership. Many draw on skills from psychology without needing the full chartered process. These can be rewarding if you’re keen to apply psychological skills in broader contexts – for example, supporting people with mental health issues in the workplace or using active listening to undertake wellbeing counselling.
Psychology research assistant
Psychological wellbeing practitioner
Human resources professional
Wellbeing or mental health adviser
Counsellor (via alternative routes)
What is the difference between a psychiatrist, a professional in psychology, and a chartered psychologist?
These three titles might sound similar, but they each involve different qualifications and expertise.
Professional in psychology – Someone with a university degree in psychology who applies psychological knowledge and skills in roles such as research, wellbeing, or counselling support, but may not have chartered status.
Chartered psychologist – A psychologist who has completed the full BPS-approved learning pathway, applied their expertise with patients, and become a chartered member of the BPS.
Psychiatrist – A medically trained doctor who specialises in mental health. Psychiatrists complete a medical degree, then specialist training in psychiatry, and can diagnose conditions and prescribe medication.
Shape your future in psychology with Walbrook
Our online conversion master’s degrees are designed for graduates who didn’t study psychology at undergraduate level, or whose degree wasn’t BPS-accredited. They give you the skills you need to begin the pathway towards chartered psychologist status.
We’ve submitted both programmes for British Psychological Society (BPS) review. If approved, our MSc Psychology programmes will be the lowest-priced online BPS-accredited conversion courses in the market – at just £7,080.
Study full-time in as little as 14 months or part-time alongside work. With per-module pricing and an online-first design, you can pursue your chosen field without putting life on hold.
MSc Psychology
