Programme summary for BA (Hons) Psychology Studies by Distance Learning

About the programme

Throughout this degree you’ll learn techniques to devise and carry out studies to examine human behaviour and motivations. In exploring this fascinating and popular subject you’ll develop your scientific reasoning and enhance your critical thinking, among many other skills. Learn about the core areas including Social and Developmental Psychology and individual differences. Study the practical applications such as Forensic and Developmental Psychology. Apply theory to real life experience. Explore research paradigms, methods and measurement techniques. Understand the background and structure of the profession.

Programme structure

To be awarded a Single Honours Degree in Psychology Studies, you will have to complete 360 credits over three levels. This will comprise 120 credits at Level 1 or higher, plus 120 at Level 2 or higher, plus 120 at Level 3 or higher. All modules are compulsory.

To study Psychology Studies as a Major, you will have to do four core modules at Levels 1 and 2 and two core modules and two options from a choice of five at Level 3.

To study Psychology Studies as a Joint, you will have to do three core modules at Level 1, unless Skills is taken in the other discipline then you must choose one module from a choice of two alternative option modules offered. At Level 2 there are three core modules, unless the Research Skills module is taken in the other discipline, then you must choose the alternative Psychology module offered. At Level 3 you must take two core modules. However, if you wish to conduct your final year Project in the other discipline, then you will have to choose three modules from a choice of five alternative option modules available.

To study Psychology Studies as a Minor route, you will have to do two core modules at Level 1, two modules from a choice of three at Level 2 and two modules from a choice of five at Level 3.

Career opportunities

This programme will provide you with an academic qualification that will equip you with the intellectual and personal skills that have been identified as very important to employers. Career opportunities include jobs within social welfare, sport and leisure, education, human resource management, consumer research and advertising, media, market research and community work. This degree is not intended to give you a professional qualification and is not accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS). If you wish to pursue a professional qualification in Psychology you will need to go on to do further study.

Support

On enrolment, you will be provided with an induction pack containing all the information you need to prepare you for your studies. UEL has a team of dedicated Distance Learning Student Advisors who will be the first point of contact for all non-academic support matters. The Distance Learning Student Advisors will:

welcome you by email, and provide advice on how to log to UEL Plus (the virtual learning environment) and Connecting UEL (the Resource & Community site)
work with you in conjunction with your academic tutor to agree a study programme, discuss your progress and remind you about deadlines
explain university procedures and policies
help you plan for assessments and exams and provide advice on time management
help you determine which university Award suits your career or personal needs
refer you to the best learning and support resources including dyslexia and disability support and career advice.

In addition all distance learning students receive academic support from course tutors. Tutors will communicate with you via UEL Plus (the virtual learning environment). Support is also available via the Learning Resource Centre where there are dedicated librarians and the ‘ask a librarian’ feature. Peer support is very important and you will find a broad range of opportunities to build networks and exchange ideas with other students via our online communities.

Admission

Entry to Level 1 or the Full Programme

To enrol on the first Level or the Full Programme you must normally hold 240 UCAS tariff points or equivalent.

Entry on a Modular Basis

If you do not hold the required tariff points for Level 1 or Full Programme entry, studies will be permitted on a modular basis, following a guidance interview with a programme advisor.

In order to be able to complete this programme, a good level of English is required. In line with UEL the IELTS requirements for all distance-learning programmes are a minimum of 6.0 overall, with a minimum of 6.0 in both reading & writing (and a minimum of 5.0 in listening & speaking). Where English is not your first language, you may be required to provide a written example of your work in order to ensure your suitability for the programme.

Overseas students should be aware that all exams MUST be taken in the UK at one of the six listed exam venues. Students should also be aware that they are expected to cover all costs in attending the exams.

Accredited Certificated Learning (ACL)

You may be able to gain admission to the programme with advanced standing. If you think that you could be entitled to ACL, you will be asked to send the following evidence to ICS: