Programme summary for BA (Hons) Psychosocial Studies with Professional Practice
About the programme
- Psychosocial Studies with Professional Studies has been part of a distinct area of teaching at UEL since 1983. This area emerged in response to growing student demand for programmes that addressed both individual experience, and larger-scale social processes.
- The Psychosocial Studies undergraduate programmes at UEL are the only ones of their kind within the UK.
- The Psychosocial Studies with Professional Studies (4 year) is well worth considering if you have a good idea of the area of work you are interested but lack experience.
- Students take a range of interdisciplinary programmes, or 'modules,' that span psychology, sociology, cultural studies and psychoanalysis.
- The modular degree means that students are part of a wide academic community, and may take related modules in for instance Sociology, Cultural Studies and Education.
- In teaching, emphasis is placed on discussion, the relation of students' experiences to academic material, and students' own workshop and project work.
- Psychosocial Studies with Professional Studies students come from a wide range of social, national and educational backgrounds, a diversity that we view positively as enriching the degree experience.
- Psychosocial Studies with Professional Studies staff are strongly involved in research and policy, and this cutting-edge work feeds into many modules. It is part of the School of Social Science Media and Cultural Studies, which scored a 4 and 5 in the 2001 Research Assessment Exercise.
Programme structure
The University divides the academic year into 2 semesters (September-January, and February-June). Psychosocial Studies with Professional Studies is a 4 year degree, in which students study 3 modules per semester, in full-time mode.
The programme includes a significant period in professional placement, plus preparation and guidance for the placement and an additional taught module. Psychosocial Studies with Professional Studies can also be taken in combination with many other subjects offered in the undergraduate modular degree scheme, either as major/minor or as joint honours.
For all routes (save minor) there are two core modules in the first year – 'Psychology in Context', 'Key Concepts and Debates in Psychosocial Studies'. Students are encouraged to take a Sociology module, usually 'Thinking Sociologically'. Students on the single honours programme must also take the ‘Knowledge, Skill and Experience’ module. In the second year, there are two core modules, 'Individual Development' and 'Qualitative Research Methods' which all students except save minor route must take. Students on the minor route take the two core first year modules, then any three Psychosocial Studies with Professional Studies modules in Part 2. In the third year single honours students must take a dissertation module.
The programme may be taken full-time (five or more modules each academic year) or part-time (up to four modules ). It can also be taken mixed-mode, spending part of the programme as a full-time student and some as part-time. This is especially useful for students , who for one reason or another, fall behind with their work and need to catch up.
Students who do not pass all 120 credits at a level will be required to resit those modules the following year. This means however that they must resit (and pass) these incomplete modules whilst they are studying for their other modules, and this is a burden to be avoided if at all possible. Students will not be able to progress to level 3 if they have not passed all 120 credits at level 1.
Finally, students who do not wish or are unable to complete the whole programme can be awarded qualifications for the standard they have achieved. After the first year, students with six module passes (120 credits) may be awarded the Certificate of Higher Education (CertHE) and those with twelve module passes (240 credits) the Diploma of Higher Education (DipHE). Students with a total of sixteen module passes (320 credits) may be awarded an ordinary (unclassified) degree.
Career opportunities
A degree in Psychosocial Studies with Professional Studies offers a solid foundation for a wide range of careers. Many of our graduates go on to work in the welfare sector (especially with agencies in areas such as mental illness, learning difficulties, drug abuse and homelessness). Others have entered teaching or local government, and some have entered the research, communications and marketing spheres. Some students have gone on to benefit from the range of postgraduate opportunities at UEL and our linked programmes at the Tavistock Clinic. Career opportunities include counselling and psychotherapy, research, PR and marketing, welfare worker, university administration, IT, family therapist, youth worker.
Support
Our students come from a wide range of backgrounds, and we aim to help each student reach their own unique potential. On arrival, students are allocated a personal tutor who will be their first point of call for academic guidance and pastoral care throughout their time with us. Personal tutors may be consulted during their office hours, or contacted by phone or email. Staff in the area also run a 'helpdesk' system whereby at least one member of academic staff is available for consultation if help or advice is needed and the personal tutor is not available. Students may also consult the year tutors on matters relating to their year or programme of study. The year tutors also run regular sessions, such as Year Meetings, Careers Days, Module Choices days.
Admission
The minimum requirements for entry for Level 1 entry is 240 UCAS tariff points from: A/AS level (Including 2 A2 passes), GNVQ, AVCE, Scottish Highers, International Baccalaureate. European Baccalaureate, BTEC / SCOTEC Diploma, Relevant Access Course or successful completion of the Level 0. Other qualifications, including overseas, may be considered.
We also welcome applicants from mature students who do not have formal qualifications but may have relevant experience. Students applying to this programme will be expected to demonstrate a specific interest in this area of study and should have a commitment to engaging with the subject. Applicants may be invited for interview.
Overseas Qualifications
The number of overseas qualifications which are accepted for entry are too numerous to list, but you can get advice from the British Council or our admissions unit on 020 8223 2835. You must be able to understand and express yourself in both written and spoken English and some evidence e.g. For level 1 entry a TOEFL score of 550 or an IELTS score of 6.0 (no skill level below 5) and for Level 0 entry an IELTS score of 5.5 (no skill level below 5) would be required.
Key facts
You can start many programmes in either September or February and applications are simple to make. Click below to:
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