Programme Specification for Psychology Graduate Diploma
|
Final award |
Graduate Diploma |
|
Intermediate awards available |
- |
|
UCAS code |
- |
|
Details of professional body accreditation |
Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership of the British Psychological Society |
|
Relevant QAA Benchmark statements |
Psychology |
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Date specification last up-dated |
March 2010 |
Profile
The summary - UCAS programme profile
BANNER BOX:
Accredited by the British Psychological Society as conferring the Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (formerly known as Graduate Basis for Registration), provided the minimum standard equivalent to a Lower Second Class Honours is achieved. This is the first step towards becoming a Chartered Psychologist.
Available for full and part time study; core modules offered as day or evening attendance
Two entry points, September and February starts.
Our School of Psychology also offers a full range of postgraduate professional training programmes.
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
A first degree either from a UK university or from a recognised overseas institution (refer to the International Association of Universities) and that is equivalent to a UK degree (refer to the British Council’s International Guide to Qualifications in Education). Your degree must have included at least one semester or 60 credits or half a year’s study in Psychology.
Applicants who hold an appropriate degree that did not include the minimum amount of study of Psychology (see above) may apply for a Bridging Programme (full-time or part-time). This programme comprises up to 80 credits of Psychology at Level 1. Successful completion of the Bridging Programme gives entry to the Graduate Diploma.
Students may be admitted through Accreditation of Experiential Learning (AEL) or Accreditation of Certificated Learning (ACL) processes.
In the case of applicants whose first language is not English, then IELTS 6.0 (or equivalent) is required. International qualifications will be checked for appropriate matriculation to UK Higher Education undergraduate programmes.
ABOUT THE PROGRAMME
What is Psychology?
Psychology is the empirical study of behaviour. Psychologists study the biological basis of behaviour, mental functioning (referred to as cognition), development and change across the lifespan, individual differences such as personality and intelligence and the influence of social contexts on behaviour. Psychological knowledge and theories are used to advance our understanding of health, work, education, crime, therapy and many other arenas of human activity.
Graduate Diploma in Psychology at UEL
The Graduate Diploma in Psychology is for people who already have a first degree and wish to convert this into a qualification that will be recognised by the British Psychological Society as conferring the Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (formerly known as Graduate Basis for Registration), a pre-requisite for post-graduate training leading to Chartership, and for professional work in the field (this depends on you achieving an overall average mark of 50% or above). Alternatively, you may be wishing to learn more about Psychology and/or further your career in related areas without having to undertake another complete degree course.
Programme structure
The Graduate Diploma takes one year full-time or a minimum of one and a half years part-time. You may study during the day or evening or a combination of the two. You will complete 120 credits, from two Level 2 modules and four Level 3 modules, each module carrying 20 credits.
The Bridging Programme takes one year part-time (day or evening study) starting in September, or one semester full-time (day or day and evening study combined) starting in February.
Learning environment
Teaching methods vary from module to module but include lectures, seminars, tutorials, practical classes, demonstrations and individual supervision. Student learning is supported by lecture notes, module handbooks and suggested reading. Direct class contact is supplemented by individual reading, completion of set exercises and preparation for assignments.
Learning resources include IT and general psychology laboratories, access to electronic databases and specialist library facilities.
Assessment
Programme modules are assessed by examination, by a mixture of coursework and examination, or by coursework alone. At least one third of assessment will be by coursework – the exact proportion will depend on option choice. Coursework includes essays, research reports, group and seminar presentations and an empirical project.
Project work
An empirical project is a compulsory module on the Graduate Diploma. Students design, carry out, analyse and interpret an original investigation in an area of their choice. The student is supported on a one-to-one basis by regular meetings with an academic supervisor with research and/or theoretical expertise in the area. Postgraduate professional training staff are also available to act as supervisors to undergraduate students if appropriate.
IS THIS THE PROGRAMME FOR ME?
If you are interested in...
- The causes of and factors that influence people’s behaviour
- Working with people in a range of professional settings
If you enjoy...
- Thinking about why people behave the way they do
- Designing and carrying out studies that explore the factors influencing behaviour
- Learning how psychologists can use their knowledge to help people
If you want...
- A professionally accredited degree in Psychology
- The opportunity to enter postgraduate training for a career
- Knowledge and skills that can be used in a large range of career settings
Your future career
A British Psychological Society recognised qualification is the first step towards becoming a professional psychologist, whether it be in the field of clinical, educational, occupational, counselling, health or forensic psychology. Those wishing to specialise in these areas undertake further postgraduate training at Masters or Doctorate level.
As well as providing a route into professional psychology, a qualification in this field is relevant to a wide range of other areas of work. Examples of these are social welfare, sport & leisure, education, human resource management, consumer research and advertising, media, market research and community work.
How we support you
On joining the programme, students will be offered induction sessions, including an introduction to Research methods and Statistics. All students are allocated a personal and academic tutor. Additional help is available from the leaders of individual modules and from the Programme Leader.
Project supervisors also provide personal support and help with career choice, job applications and preparation of CVs.
Students can take advantage of the flexibility of our provision (full-time/part-time, day or evening) to adjust their mode of study to suit changes in their financial, occupational or family responsibilities.
Specialist support (for example for financial advice, careers advice, counselling and learning support) is also available from University support services.
Bonus factors
Students have the chance to participate in and help with real-life research. The best student projects can be accepted for publication in professional journals.
The Psychology Help Desk offers a valuable one-stop source of information and advice, as well as a centre for handing in and retrieving course work, booking equipment and rooms, and assistance with IT problems.
Outcomes
Programme aims and learning outcomes
What is this programme designed to achieve?
This programme is designed to give you the opportunity to:
- convert your first degree into a qualification recognised by the British Psychological Society as conferring the Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (formerly known as Graduate Basis for Registration).
- progress to postgraduate study/professional training in psychology.
- equip you with the specialised knowledge and skills that will enable you to pursue successful, responsible and useful careers in a number of areas of employment related to psychology.
- gain experience of postgraduate practice in Psychology by links with the professional programmes in the School.
- match your mode of study to your needs and responsibilities through our flexibility in programme provision.
What will you learn?
Knowledge
- Good knowledge of the influences on and factors involved in human functioning in all the core areas of Psychology (Biological foundations; Cognitive Psychology; Social Psychology; Developmental Psychology; Individual Differences, Emotion & Motivation).
- Knowledge of a range of research paradigms, methods & measurement techniques.
- Knowledge of real life applications of theory to behaviour and experience.
- Knowledge of how normal behaviour & experience can be affected by physical & mental illness
Thinking skills
- Analysis & interpretation of evidence
- Scientific reasoning
- Critical thinking
- Appreciation of multiple perspectives & approaches
Subject-Based Practical skills
- Ability to design & conduct research
- Ability to analyse & interpret quantitative & qualitative data.
- Awareness of ethical issues & principles in research on human behaviour
Skills for life and work (general skills)
- Communication, both oral & written
- Computer literacy (word-processing, electronic communication, electronic databases, statistical software, internet searching).
- Interpersonal & group skills
- Numeracy & statistical competence
- Self-knowledge
- Planning & time-management
Structure
The programme structure
Introduction
All programmes are credit-rated to help you to understand the amount and level of study that is needed.
One credit is equal to 10 hours of directed study time (this includes everything you do e.g. lecture, seminar and private study).
Credits are assigned to one of 5 levels:
- 0 - equivalent in standard to GCE 'A' level and is intended to prepare students for year one of an undergraduate degree programme
- 1 - equivalent in standard to the first year of a full-time undergraduate degree programme
- 2 - equivalent in standard to the second year of a full-time undergraduate degree programme
- 3 - equivalent in standard to the third year of a full-time undergraduate degree programme
- M - equivalent in standard to a Masters degree
Credit rating
The overall credit-rating of this programme is 360 credits.
Typical duration
The expected duration of this programme is 1 year when attended in full-time mode or 1.5 years in part-time mode. It is possible to move from a full-time mode of study to a part-time mode of study and vice-versa, to accommodate any external factors such as financial constraints or domestic commitments. Many of our students make use of this flexibility and this may impact on the overall duration of their study period.
How the teaching year is divided
The teaching year begins in September and ends in June but some programmes also allow students to join at the start of Semester B, in February.
A typical student, in full-time attendance mode of study, will register for 120 credits in an academic year. A student in a part-time mode of study may register for up to 80 credits in any academic year.
What you will study when
This programme is part of a modular degree scheme. A student registered in a full-time attendance mode will take six 20 credit modules per year whilst a part-time student will take four or fewer 20 credit modules per year. Students may take the modules in any order that suits their mode of attendance with the one exception that PY2001 needs to be passed before registering for PY3002.
| LEVEL | UEL Module Code | TITLE | SKILLS MODULES (Insert Y where appropriate) | CREDITS | STATUS SINGLE | STATUS MAJOR | STATUS JOINT | STATUS MINOR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2 |
PY2001 |
Research Methods |
Y |
20 |
Core |
NA |
NA |
NA |
|
2 |
PY2003 |
Cognitive Psychology & Psychobiology |
N |
20 |
Core |
NA |
NA |
NA |
|
3 |
PY3002 |
Professional Psychological Studies |
Y |
20 |
Core |
NA |
NA |
NA |
|
3 |
PY3022 |
Conceptual & Historical Issues in Psychology (CHiPs) & Social Psychology |
N |
20 |
Core |
NA |
NA |
NA |
|
3 |
PY3023 |
Individual Differences & Developmental Psychology |
N |
20 |
Core |
NA |
NA |
NA |
|
3 |
PY3103 |
Occupational Psychology |
N |
20 |
Option |
NA |
NA |
NA |
|
3 |
PY3104 |
Critical Social Psychology |
N |
20 |
Option |
NA |
NA |
NA |
|
3 |
PY3106 |
Health Psychology |
N |
20 |
Option |
NA |
NA |
NA |
|
3 |
PY3109 |
Method and Design Issues in Psychology |
N |
20 |
Option |
NA |
NA |
NA |
|
3 |
PY3114 |
Evolutionary Psychology |
N |
20 |
Option |
NA |
NA |
NA |
|
3 |
PY3115 |
Forensic Psychology |
N |
20 |
Option |
NA |
NA |
NA |
|
3 |
PY3116 |
Advanced Developmental Psychology |
N |
20 |
Option |
NA |
NA |
NA |
|
3 |
PY3117 |
Psychology and Difference |
N |
20 |
Option |
NA |
NA |
NA |
|
3 |
PY3121 |
Psychology of Relationships |
N |
20 |
Option |
NA |
NA |
NA |
|
3 |
PY3124 |
Positive Psychology |
N |
20 |
Option |
NA |
NA |
NA |
|
3 |
PY3125 |
Addictive Behaviours |
N |
20 |
Option |
NA |
NA |
NA |
|
3 |
PY3131 |
Advanced Qualitative Research Methods |
N |
20 |
Option |
NA |
NA |
NA |
|
3 |
PY3132 |
Development through the lifespan |
N |
20 |
Option |
NA |
NA |
NA |
|
3 |
PY3134 |
Psychological Perspective on Power Politics and Political Violence |
N |
20 |
Option |
NA |
NA |
NA |
|
3 |
PY3135 |
Psychology of Choice |
N |
20 |
Option |
NA |
NA |
NA |
|
3 |
PY3136 |
Science, Pseudoscience & Paranormal Belief |
N |
20 |
Option |
NA |
NA |
NA |
|
3 |
PY3137 |
Development and difficulties in the early years |
N |
20 |
Option |
NA |
NA |
NA |
|
3 |
PY3138 |
Psychology of Criminal Conduct 1 |
N |
20 |
Option |
NA |
NA |
NA |
|
3 |
PY3139 |
Psychology of Criminal Conduct 2 |
N |
20 |
Option |
NA |
NA |
NA |
Modules are defined as:
- Core - Must be taken
- Option - Select from a range of identified module within the field
- University Wide Option - Select from a wide range of university wide options
Requirements for gaining an award
In order to gain the Graduate Diploma in Psychology, students must complete and pass (40%) the two core modules specified at Level 2 (40 credits), the three core modules specified at Level 3 (60 Credits), plus one 20 credit Level 3 option. An overall pass or fail will be given on the basis of achievement on the six modules.
Students who achieve an average mark over all of six modules of 55% and over will be awarded a pass with merit; those achieving an average of 70% or above will be awarded a pass with distinction.
Assessment
Teaching, learning and assessment
Teaching and learning
Knowledge is developed through
- Lectures
- Seminars
- Tutorials
- Guided reading
Thinking skills are developed through
- Lectures
- Seminars
- Tutorials
- Practical classes
Practical skills are developed through
- Practical classes
- IT workshops & exercises
- Project supervision
Skills for life and work (general skills) are developed through
- Skills tutorials
- IT workshops & exercises
- Course work assignments & feedback
- Project work
- Group work
Assessment
Knowledge is assessed by
- Coursework
- Examinations
Thinking skills are assessed by
- Coursework
- Examinations
- Project work
Practical skills are assessed by
- Practical reports
- IT exercises
- Statistical examinations
- Project work
Skills for life and work (general skills) are assessed by
- Project work
- Tutorial assignments
- IT exercises
Quality
How we assure the quality of this programme
Before this programme started
Before the programme started, the following was checked:
- there would be enough qualified staff to teach the programme;
- adequate resources would be in place;
- the overall aims and objectives were appropriate;
- the content of the programme met national benchmark requirements;
- the programme met any professional/statutory body requirements;
- the proposal met other internal quality criteria covering a range of issues such as admissions policy, teaching, learning and assessment strategy and student support mechanisms.
This is done through a process of programme approval which involves consulting academic experts including some subject specialists from other institutions.
How we monitor the quality of this programme
The quality of this programme is monitored each year through evaluating:
- external examiner reports (considering quality and standards);
- statistical information (considering issues such as the pass rate);
- student feedback.
Drawing on this and other information, programme teams undertake the annual Review and Enhancement Process which is co-ordinated at School level and includes student participation. The process is monitored by the Quality and Standards Committee.
Once every six years an in-depth review of the whole field is undertaken by a panel that includes at least two external subject specialists. The panel considers documents, looks at student work, speaks to current and former students and speaks to staff before drawing its conclusions. The result is a report highlighting good practice and identifying areas where action is needed.
The role of the programme committee
This programme has a programme committee comprising all relevant teaching staff, student representatives and others who make a contribution towards the effective operation of the programme (e.g. library/technician staff). The committee has responsibilities for the quality of the programme. It provides input into the operation of the Review and Enhancement Process and proposes changes to improve quality. The programme committee plays a critical role in the quality assurance procedures.
The role of external examiners
The standard of this programme is monitored by at least one external examiner. External examiners have two primary responsibilities:
- To ensure the standard of the programme;
- To ensure that justice is done to individual students.
External examiners fulfil these responsibilities in a variety of ways including:
- Approving exam papers/assignments;
- Attending assessment boards;
- Reviewing samples of student work and moderating marks;
- Ensuring that regulations are followed;
- Providing feedback through an annual report that enables us to make improvements for the future.
Listening to the views of students
The following methods for gaining student feedback are used on this programme:
- End of Module student feedback
- Student representation on Programme Committee (meeting two times a year)
- Student representation on School Board (meeting 3 times a year)
- Annual Questionnaire to graduates
Students are notified of the action taken through:
- Minutes of Programme Committee
- Feedback from student representatives
- Minutes of School Board
- Notices on the Help Desk notice boards
- Notices on UELPlus pages
Listening to the views of others
The following methods are used for gaining the views of other interested parties:
- Feedback from External Examiners
- Links with professional training courses
- Links with British Psychological Society
Further Information
Alternative locations for studying this programme
| Location | Which elements? | Taught by UEL staff | Taught by local staff | Method of Delivery |
|---|---|---|---|---|
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Where you can find further information
Further information about this programme is available from:
- Current External examiners
- External examiner reports (available from UEL virtual learning environment (UELPlus or Moodle))
