Because of the DFP requirements in relation to non GBR students and the perceived need (by the DFP) to call the course a different name contingent on whether students have GBR recognition or not, non GBR students will be awarded the title MSc in Psychology and Investigation. In contrast, an MSc in Investigative Psychology will be awarded to those students who are GBR (as explained below).

But first let me emphasise that with one small exception, the course is identical for all students. All students will be assessed and expected to participate in the course in the same way. The only difference is that MSc in Investigative Psychology students are required to take the module in Clinical and Legal Issues and successfully to complete the assessment for this course. Other students may take this course and complete the assessment if they wish but they will have to sign up for it at the start of the first term.

The reason for two titles to the award is entirely, totally and completely due to the demands of the British Psychological Society (BPS). I'll explain. Our MSc course is recognised by the BPS as the first step towards status as a Chartered Forensic Psychologist within the UK. But in order for the course to carry such significance the student must first be recognised as having Graduate Basis for membership of the BPS (otherwise known as GBR). Only GBR students are able to use the MSc as part of their training that will lead to Chartered status within the BPS. This would be true for any similar forensic course in the UK. Now, the BPS wishes to protect the clarity of its routes to Chartered status and therefore insists that for a course to maintain recognition and accreditation as the basis of such an important status any students who also participate in that course who are NOT GBR must be given a degree title that is different from the title the GBR students get, even though they take the same course.

The University of Liverpool has therefore agreed that from the intake in September 2002 non- GBR students (which is usually about half the students) will be awarded a degree with the title of: MSc in Psychology and Investigation. All graduates will, of course, still be able to put MSc after their name, and so, except in the details on their CVs, they will still have an MSc from the University of Liverpool. Let me emphasise that the MSc course that students take and the way they are dealt with will be identical. The difference in title is entirely a bureaucratic matter to please the officials at the BPS. If you have any problem with this or feel you require further explanation let me know immediately so that we can clarify.

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