Wessex Branch

Resources

Useful links

Universities

Follow the links below to see programmes of research seminars etc. at Psychology Departments in Universities in the Wessex region.

• Kingston University
• Southampton Solent University
• University of Bournemouth
• University of Brighton
• University of Chichester
• University of Portsmouth
• University of Reading
• University of Southampton
• University of Surrey
• University of Sussex
• University of Winchester

Undergraduate Prize

Awarded for the best undergraduate dissertation at each BPS-accredited Wessex Branch University.

The BPS Wessex Branch Undergraduate Prize was founded in 2007 (previously known as The Tony Gale Prize).

Each university nominates its top final year undergraduate dissertation, and each winner is awarded a monetary prize of £100.  Winners are invited to write a 1500-word summary article which will be published in the annual publication, BPS Branch Awards.

The Board of Examiners at each University will decide on the dissertation submitted to the Wessex Branch.

Eligible universities

• Kingston University
• Southampton Solent University
• University of Bournemouth
• University of Brighton
• University of Chichester
• University of Portsmouth
• University of Reading
• University of Southampton
• University of Surrey
• University of Sussex
• University of Winchester
• The Open University (students placed in Region 02 and Region 13 for their studies)

How to apply

Only eligible University Psychology Departments can nominate students to the BPS Wessex Branch.

Please note: nominees (students) cannot apply for this prize directly through the BPS Wessex Branch.

If you consider yourself eligible to be nominated for this Prize and have not been, please contact [email protected].

Deadlines

• 21 June:  deadline for universities to submit nominations.
• 30 June: Wessex Branch will email successful nominees asking if they wish to submit a 1,500-word shortened dissertation for publication in BPS Branch Awards
• 23 August: deadline for submission of shortened dissertations (if applicable)
• 15 September: nominees receive initial feedback on their submissions.
• 30 September: Re-submission deadline.
• 31 October: Wessex Branch will issue the prizes.  Please note that we will not accept any submissions after this date

Bursary Scheme for Members

Bursaries are available for students to attend conferences or events in the region. All bursaries will be of equal value. 

The number of bursaries available each year will depend on resources and award of a bursary cannot be guaranteed even if all requirements for eligibility have been met.

Precedence will be given to those who have not been awarded a BPS Wessex Branch Bursary previously.

Decisions will be final, and no correspondence will be entered into regarding unsuccessful applications.

Judging process

These Bursaries will be allocated to students who are Wessex Branch members (i.e. members of the British Psychological Society either living or studying in the Wessex area), up to a maximum of 100% of the conference fee per student.

Within these parameters the awards sub-committee can determine the number and monetary value of the bursaries they wish to grant, subject to confirmation by the Wessex Branch Committee.

In the event of there being competition for the Bursaries the awards sub-committee will act as the judging panel.

Please note:

• An annual Bursary Prize might be offered to a Wessex Student to attend a conference of their choice providing that they were presenting a paper. 
• An individual may only be in receipt of one bursary within a 12 month period.
• Bursaries may be offered for BPS events within the region organised by either sub-systems or universities. 
• Previous applications may be taken into account in the decision making process.
• Recipients will be required to pay their conference fees and then submit their receipt to the Branch. The bursary will be paid by bank transfer on receipt of the conference report. 
• Recipients will be required to submit a 500 word report on the conference for use as the Branch decide. 

There may also be additional requirements for specific events and these will be detailed on an event-by-event basis. 

Applicants must :

• live or study in Wessex area
• be a student member of the British Psychological Society
• provide details on how the bursaries will benefit their studies

How to apply

Applications are now open.

Submission must be received by 30 September 2024.

Apply for a bursary

Committee

Chair: Richard Pemberton ([email protected])

Chair Elect: Vacant

Past Chair: Vacant

Honorary Treasurer: Alan Gilbert ([email protected])

Honorary Secretary: Vacant ([email protected])

E-Newsletter Editor: Vacant ([email protected])

General Committee Members:

• Emma Palmer-Cooper
• Shakiba Moghadam
• Tracey Elder
• David Hancock
• Luke Basford
• Patrick Chan
• Izzy Ball
• Valentina Canessa-Pollard
• Stephanie Bennett
• Elif Yuce

Wessex Dorset: Sarah Hodge ([email protected])

Wessex Solent & Thames Valley: Vacant ([email protected])

Wessex Surrey: Vacant ([email protected])

Wessex Sussex: Vacant ([email protected])

PsyPAG Representative: Izzy Ball

Student Ambassador: James Prentice

Join

When you join the BPS you are automatically made a member of your local branch.

The Wessex Branch of the BPS covers the following areas/postcodes:

• Bournemouth (BH)
• Brighton (BN)
• Croydon (CR)
• Dorchester (DT)
• Guilford (GU)
• Kingston-Upon-Thames (KT)
• Portsmouth (PO) 
• Reading (RG)
• Redhill (RH)
• Sutton (SM)
• Southampton (SO)
• Salisbury (SP)

Member e-newsletter

The Wessex Branch uses its e-newsletter to inform its members of activities and initiatives that are relevant to their interests and to make requests for engagement on topical issues. 

To receive this you will need to:

1. become a member of the Wessex Branch
2. check your email preferences that you have opted into receiving emails
3. ensure that your email address is correct

You can check your preferences by logging into your member portal.

If you have any queries, please contact Member Network support - Wessex Branch.

Getting involved with the Wessex Branch Committee

The Wessex Branch relies on a wide range of people getting involved, and the work of the Branch is largely achieved through the dedication of unpaid volunteers.

Our volunteers come from a wide range of different backgrounds, whether they be practitioners or academics, or full members or in-training members, and together form an open and inclusive community.