![\"Stonebridge](\"https:\/\/www.stonebridge.uk.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/Stonebridge-Become-a-Psychologist-Right-for-you.png\")
<\/a><\/p>\nSimilarly, mental health nurses aren\u2019t necessarily qualified psychologists. And they don\u2019t have to be either. Arguably a qualification to that level would be advantage but that\u2019s true of many professions.<\/p>\n
If, however, you want to become a \u2018chartered psychologist\u2019 to either operate a private practice or to work for the NHS then you will need a qualification approved by the British Psychology Society (BPS).<\/p>\n
This means studying an undergraduate degree (psychology) that leads to the Graduate Basis for Registration (GBR) and a suitable postgraduate qualification. This is mandatory for pursuing a career in psychology.<\/p>\n
From a commercial standpoint it will also help you get personal indemnity insurance if you decide to go down the private practice route.<\/p>\n
Psychology at Degree Level<\/h2>\n
Psychology is a complex, theory heavy course that requires a solid understanding in key principles in order to keep pace.<\/p>\n
This means if your qualifications lie elsewhere you may struggle. There are also mathematic and scientific elements to the course that could prove challenging without the proper background of study.<\/p>\n
Therefore, if you\u2019re contemplating embarking on a psychology degree soon, you\u2019ll need to get a foundation level of knowledge. Or run the risk of being left behind.<\/p>\n
An Access to Higher Education Diploma in Psychology will provide you with that foundation knowledge you need to tackle university level study.<\/p>\n Depending on the area of psychology you wish to focus on there are different Access to HE Diplomas. Although\u00a0psychology is the core focus, they can include social sciences and criminology.<\/p>\n Both are relevant to degree level study; they will merely inform the direction your studies will take in the long term.<\/p>\n Access to Higher Education Diploma courses are open to anyone over aged 19+, including individuals with A Levels \u2013 or equivalent. While you can get accepted onto a psychology course with qualifications in related subjects, you may struggle.<\/p>\n This isn\u2019t a reflection on other courses or any one person\u2019s ability to learn. It\u2019s entirely down to the course content and how steep the learning curve can be.<\/p>\n If you already have an idea of which universities you would like to apply to in the future, study their prospectus so you have a good grasp of what the course contains.<\/p>\n Remember, universities create their own courses so while there will be similarities, they won\u2019t the same.<\/p>\n The good news is,\u00a0Access to HE Diplomas are accepted by 140 universities in the UK. However, check with your chosen institutes to make sure they do before you apply.<\/p>\n If you are embarking on your education in psychology completely fresh, it can feel a little daunting. Unsurprisingly there are a lot of theorists and theories to get to grips with.<\/p>\n Not to mention just understanding the fundamentals.<\/p>\n So, it\u2019s worth giving yourself a head start with some recommended reading.<\/p>\n Psychology: The Science of Mind and Behaviour by Richard Gross<\/strong> is the benchmark introductory psychology textbook.<\/p>\n Dubbed as \u2018the psychology student\u2019s bible\u2019 it will provide anyone embarking on an academic career in psychology with all the core principals they need.<\/p>\n Cognitive Psychology: A Student\u2019s Handbook by Michael W Eysenck<\/strong> is a leading undergraduate textbook. It offers comprehensive coverage of all the key areas of cognitive psychology.<\/p>\n The book has been written to provide a thorough understanding of human cognition.<\/p>\n The Complete Companions: AQA Psychology Year 1 and AS Student Book by Mike Cardwell <\/strong>provides students with exceptional study and revision support.<\/p>\n Note that this book is tailored for AS and A Level study so not all the material covered in the book will feature in the Access\u00a0to HE Diploma Psychology course. But the knowledge you gain will still be or real benefit to you.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Stonebridge Associated Colleges offers two pathways for the study of Psychology. Both are fully accredited and accepted by most UK universities.<\/p>\n Online learning gives you the freedom to study what you want, at a time and place that works best for you. Not the person running the course.<\/p>\n You still get the benefit of tutor support, the qualification and expanding your knowledge but without the hassle.<\/p>\n You can organise your learning around your circumstances and tailor your studies in way that works best for you.<\/p>\n And don\u2019t forget, online learning usually offers a flexible way of paying for the course so you can manage your finances better too.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n To enrol on your Access to Higher Education Diploma in Psychology<\/strong><\/a> click the button below.<\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\nCovering the basics<\/h2>\n