Programme Specification for Psychology Studies by Distance Learning BA (Hons)
This programme is no longer recruiting. Please refer to the programme specification for BSc (Hons) Psychology by distance learning.
This programme is only offered at: This programme is offered by UEL with elements supported by International Correspondence Schools Ltd (ICS).
|
Final award |
BA (Hons) |
|
Intermediate awards available |
Cert HE, Dip HE, Ordinary degree |
|
UCAS code |
- |
|
Details of professional body accreditation |
N/A |
|
Relevant QAA Benchmark statements |
Psychology (QAA 2002) |
|
Date specification last up-dated |
July 2012 |
Profile
The summary - UCAS programme profile
BANNER BOX:
The BA (Hons) Psychology Studies degree is studied by distance learning. This programme offers a broad grounding in the study of psychology.
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
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 student 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 our approved 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 submit the following evidence:
- Programme/ Module Specification or syllabus (including evidence of assessment format)
- Final certificate
- Transcript of grades.
ABOUT THE PROGRAMME
What is Psychology?
Psychology is the study of behaviour and mental processes – it is the study of what people think and what people do (and how and why). Psychology has many applications across a broad range of areas – clinical psychology, forensic psychology, educational psychology and occupational psychology to name but a few.
Psychology Studies at UEL
- Study at your own pace to develop knowledge of psychology and improve your prospects
- A broad-based degree preparing you for many careers
- No entry qualifications needed to start on a module – modules make up degrees!
- All course materials designed by experts in the field of psychology
- No need to attend classes
- An affordable way to learn with a flexible choice of ways to pay
- Help and guidance from student advisors
- Academic support from a subject specialist tutor
- Access to our virtual learning environment and online student community
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.
Learning environment
This programme is offered on a distance-learning basis allowing you to select your learning environment – be it your home, office or a public library. Learning material is presented in the format of textbooks with specially written Study Guides containing interactive activities; feedback is provided to enable you to monitor your own progress.
It is essential that you have access to an internet-ready PC computer with Microsoft Windows XP or Higher, in order to utilise various online resources. A broadband connection of at least 350K is recommended.
It is also imperative that your computer has Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook) and you must be able to install your own packages.
Student/ student discussion and student/ tutor discussion opportunities are available via our virtual learning environment and distance learning student community.. Additional learning resources include access to online journals via ATHENS and access to UK university libraries via SCONUL.
Assessment
Assessment methods vary across the degree according to the learning outcomes of the individual module. There are three opportunities each calendar year at which to take exams or submit final assessments. When students start studying a module, they are automatically enrolled for the next assessment point.
Students are required to pass all six level one modules but their overall degree classification is calculated on their performance at levels two and three.
Work experience/placement opportunities
-
Project work
The final year project is a compulsory module for Honours. You will conduct a thorough literature review of an area of your choice. This will involve designing, analysing and interpreting an original empirical investigation in this same area. You will be allocated a personal tutor with expertise in the subject area, with regular telephone/ e-mail contact arranged in advance.
Added value
By successfully completing a distance learning degree programme, you not only display relevant knowledge, skills and understanding to an employer but also that you are able to manage your time effectively, that you are self-motivated and already have a good work ethic – all of which can give you the edge you need to find success in the real world.
IS THIS THE PROGRAMME FOR ME?
If you are interested in...
- the causes of and factors that influence people’s behaviour
- gaining good, flexible, employment-related skills
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 degree in general psychology covering a range of applications
- knowledge and skills that can be used in a large range of career settings
- to study in a flexible way
Your future career
This degree is not intended to give you a professional qualification. If you wish to pursue a professional qualification in Psychology you will need to go on to do further study. However, the 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.
A significant number of psychology graduates decide not to enter professional psychology but do enjoy success in finding employment in a variety of other work areas where their training is useful. Estimates show between 80% and 85% of psychology graduates nationwide use their degree as a general degree.
Also, in recent years, an increasing number of psychology graduates have chosen to undertake further study, such as higher degrees, teacher training or specific training schemes.
How we support you
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.
Bonus factors
- No Entry requirements
- Study at your own pace
- Contact with Tutors as much or as little as you want.
- The support of experienced Advisors to guide you through your studies.
- Instalment based payment plan
- Contact with other students through UEL Plus
Outcomes
Programme aims and learning outcomes
What is this programme designed to achieve?
This programme is designed to give you the opportunity to:
- Pursue a successful, responsible and useful career in a number of areas of employment through relevant knowledge, skills and understanding acquisition
- Progress to further study
- Make informed choices for future work and study through providing a general, broadly-based course
- Learn in a flexible manner; in a timescale and environment in keeping with your preferences and needs
What will you learn?
Knowledge
- The core areas of psychology as related to humans including physiological and biological development, cognitive psychology, social psychology, developmental psychology, neuropsychology and individual differences
- Applications of psychology including work psychology, educational psychology, forensic psychology and clinical psychology
- Research paradigms, methods and measurement techniques
- Real life applications of theory to behaviour and experience
- The background and structure of the profession
Thinking skills
- Analysis and interpretation of evidence
- Scientific reasoning
- Critical thinking
- Appreciation of multiple perspectives and approaches
Subject-Based Practical skills
- Ability to design and conduct research
- Ability to analyse and interpret quantitative and qualitative data
- Awareness of ethical issues and principles in research on human behaviour
Skills for life and work (general skills)
- Communication
- Computer literacy (word-processing, electronic communication, electronic databases, statistical software, internet searching).
- Numeracy and statistical competence
- Self-awareness
- Planning and time-management
- Employability skills
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. online activities and discussions, private study and reading).
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 3 years when attended in full-time mode or 4.5 years in part-time mode. Support, however, may be available for longer – up to eight years, if necessary (this is the maximum time from first enrolment that students have to complete the programme).
How the teaching year is divided
There are three entry points per year onto the programme: September, February and May. A student, normally registering for 6 modules in one year would do so in a full-time attendance mode of study and a student registering for up to 4 modules in one year would do so in part-time attendance mode of study.
What you will study when
A typical full-time student will take six 20-credit modules per year, but you may choose to take fewer than this. To graduate as an honours degree student you will need to have completed 120 credits at level one, 120 credits at level 2 and 120 credits at level 3.
You may also study Psychology Studies as a combined degree.
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.
The following are the core and optional requirements for the single and major pathways for this programme
|
LEVEL |
TITLE |
CREDITS |
STATUS SINGLE |
STATUS MAJOR |
STATUS JOINT |
STATUS MINOR |
|
|
1 |
Skills for Learning and Psychology* |
20 |
Core |
Core |
Core (Unless Skills taken in other discipline in which case this module is unavailable) |
N/A |
|
|
1 |
Introduction to Psychology 1* |
20 |
Core |
Core |
Core |
Core |
|
|
1 |
Statistics in Psychological Research |
20 |
Core |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
|
|
1 |
Introduction to Psychology 2 |
20 |
Core |
Core |
Core |
Core |
|
|
1 |
Research Issues, Methods and Ethics |
20 |
Core |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
|
|
1 |
Applications of Psychology |
20 |
Core |
N/A |
Option |
N/A |
|
|
1 |
Research Methods and Statistics 1 |
20 |
N/A |
Core |
Option |
N/A |
|
|
2 |
Individual Differences |
20 |
Core |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
|
|
2 |
Neuropsychology |
20 |
Core |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
|
|
2 |
Developmental Psychology |
20 |
Core |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
|
|
2 |
Social Psychology |
20 |
Core |
Core |
Option |
Option |
|
|
2 |
Advanced Research Methods |
20 |
Core |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
|
|
2 |
Cognitive Psychology |
20 |
Core |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
|
|
2 |
Cognitive Psychology/Psychobiology |
20 |
N/A |
Core |
Core |
Option |
|
|
2 |
Research Methods and Statistics 2 |
20 |
N/A |
Core |
Core (Unless Research taken in other discipline in which case this module is unavailable) |
N/A |
|
|
2 |
Personality and Developmental Psychology |
20 |
N/A |
Core |
Core |
Option |
|
|
3 |
Professional Development in Psychology and Advanced Conceptual and Historical Issues in Psychology (PD-CHIPs) |
20 |
Core |
Core |
Core (Unless Project/Employability taken in other discipline in which case this module is unavailable) |
N/A |
|
|
3 |
Professional Psychological Studies |
20 |
Core |
Core |
Core (Unless Project taken in other discipline in which case this module is unavailable) |
N/A |
|
|
3 |
Psychology of Education |
20 |
Core |
Option |
Option |
Option |
|
|
3 |
Work Psychology |
20 |
Core |
Option |
Option |
Option |
|
|
3 |
Forensic Psychology |
20 |
Core |
Option |
Option |
Option |
|
|
3 |
Psychological Disorders |
20 |
Core |
Option |
Option |
Option |
|
|
3 |
Health Psychology |
20 |
N/A |
Option |
Option |
Option |
|
(*offered with support from ICS Ltd)
Requirements for gaining an award
In order to gain an Honours degree you will need to obtain 360 credits including:
- A minimum of 120 credits at level one or higher
- A minimum of 120 credits at level two or higher
- A minimum of 120 credits at level three or higher
In order to gain an Ordinary degree you will need to obtain a minimum of 300 credits including:
- A minimum of 120 credits at level one or higher
- A minimum of 120 credits at level two or higher
- A minimum of 60 credits at level three or higher
In order to gain a Diploma of Higher Education you will need to obtain at least 240 credits including a minimum of 120 credits at level one or higher and 120 credits at level two or higher
In order to gain a Certificate of Higher Education you will need to obtain 120 credits at level one or higher.
In order to gain a University Undergraduate Certificate students will need to obtain 40 credits at level 1 or higher.
In order to gain a University Undergraduate Associate Certificate students will need to obtain 20 credits at level 1 or higher.
Only one final award may be obtained.
In order to gain a Foundation Degree you will need to obtain a minimum of 240 credits including:
- A minimum of 120 credits at level one or higher
- A minimum of 120 credits at level two or higher
(A foundation degree is linked to a named Honours degree onto which a student may progress after successful completion of the Foundation degree.)
Degree Classification
Where a student is eligible for an Honours degree, and has gained a minimum of 240 UEL credits at level 2 or level 3 on the programme, including a minimum of 120 UEL credits at level 3, the award classification is determined by calculating:
|
The arithmetic mean of the best 100 credits at level 3 |
× |
2/3 |
+ |
The arithmetic mean of the next best 100 credits at levels 2 and/or 3 |
× |
1/3 |
and applying the mark obtained as a percentage, with all decimals points rounded up to the nearest whole number, to the following classification
|
70% - 100% |
First Class Honours |
|
60% - 69% |
Second Class Honours, First Division |
|
50% - 59% |
Second Class Honours, Second Division |
|
40% - 49% |
Third Class Honours |
|
0% - 39% |
Not passed |
Assessment
Teaching, learning and assessment
Teaching and learning
Knowledge is developed through:
- Guided independent study
- Guided reading
- Formative assessment
- Knowledge-based activities with feedback
- On-line question/ answer forums
Thinking skills are developed through:
- Reflective/ thinking activities with feedback
- Analytical activities with feedback
- Evaluative activities with feedback
- Problem-solving activities with feedback
- On-line question/ answer forum
Practical skills are developed through:
- Practical activities with feedback
- IT activities with feedback
- Research skills-based activities with feedback
- Project work and supervision
Skills for life and work (general skills) are developed through:
- The study medium, i.e. distance learning
- Planning activities with feedback
- IT activities with feedback
- Formative assessment with feedback
- Project work
Assessment
Knowledge is assessed by
- Coursework
- Essays
- Examinations
- Project work
Thinking skills are assessed by
- Coursework
- Examinations
- Project work
Practical skills are assessed by
- Practical reports
- Portfolio compilation
- IT exercises
- Case study exercises
- Completion of project
Skills for life and work (general skills) are assessed by
- Project work
- IT exercises
Quality
How we assure the quality of this programme
Before this programme started
Before this programme started UEL checked that:
- 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 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 convening a panel of academic experts including some subject specialists from other institutions. Each panel member scrutinises available documents and talks to the staff who will teach the programme before deciding whether it can be approved.
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 School Quality Standing Committee.
Once every six years University of East London undertakes an in-depth review of the whole field. This 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 University of East London’s 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 to the University 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:
- Module evaluations
- Programme evaluations
- Polls via our website
- Student representation on the programme committee (held twice yearly).
Students are notified of the action taken through:
- Individual mailing letters as required
- Postings on the UEL Plus and Connecting UEL (the Resource & Community site)
Listening to the views of others
-
Further Information
Alternative locations for studying this programme
| Location | Which elements? | Taught by UEL staff | Taught by local staff | Method of Delivery |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
Where you can find further information
Further information about this programme is available from:
- The UEL web site (http://www.uel.ac.uk)
- The student handbook
- Module study guides
- UEL Manual of Regulations and Policies
- UEL Quality Manual
- Regulations for the Academic Framework
- Current External examiners
- External examiner reports (available from UEL virtual learning environment (UELPlus or Moodle))
