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Final award |
BA (Hons) |
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Intermediate awards available |
Cert HE, Dip HE, |
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UCAS code |
C881 |
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Details of professional body accreditation |
N/A |
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Relevant QAA Benchmark statements |
Aspects of Sociology and Psychology Benchmarks inform content |
|
Date specification last up-dated |
April 2012 |
Psychosocial Studies Helps You to Make Sense of Yourself and the World Around You will learn to build an integrated understanding of the human world with ideas from a range of perspectives from sociology and psychology.
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 welcome applications from mature students who do not have formal qualifications but may have relevant experience. Mature students who have relevant work or voluntary experience will be asked to attend for interview and to complete a written English test and a further essay. The same procedure will apply for students with non-standard qualifications who may nevertheless be suitable for admission. 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.
For those with the potential, commitment and enthusiasm, but who are unable to meet the entry requirements for this degree programme you can apply for the Extended Degree programme route. An Extended Degree includes a Level 0 year, making the period of study 4 years (full-time) or 5 years (part-time). The programme provides a supportive learning space for students to experience academic studies at university and helps develop confidence and academic skills in preparation for Levels 1-3.
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. International Qualifications will be checked for matriculation to UK Higher Education undergraduate programmes. 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 525 or an IELTS score of 5.5 (no skill level below 5) and for Level 0 entry an IELTS score of 5.0 (no skill level below 5) would be required.
The Psychosocial Studies BA offers new ways of exploring the relationships between individuals and their society. It encompasses both the individual focus of psychology and the broader concerns of the social sciences with society, history and culture. It provides a unique opportunity to study a socially-aware psychology and alongside an individual-sensitive sociology in an interdisciplinary framework.
The University divides the academic year into 2 semesters (September-January, and February-June). Psychosocial Studies is a 3 year degree, in which students study 3 modules per semester.
The programme typically has a three year duration (when taken full-time). Psychosocial 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 the single honours routes there are 5 core modules at level 1. There are three core modules on the Major and Joint route at level 1 - Psychology in Context, Identity and Culture: Psychosocial Approaches, and Knowledge Skills and Experience.
In the second year, there are five core modules on the single honours pathway. Major and Joint students must take Individual Development, Self Culture and Society 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 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. It is possible to move from full-time mode to part-time mode of study and vice-versa to accommodate any external factors such as financial constraints or domestic commitments.
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 fifteen module passes (300 credits) may be awarded an ordinary (unclassified) degree.
Most Psychosocial Studies modules are taught by a combination of lectures and small group seminars. Typically, for one module, students attend two hours of lectures and a one-hour seminar each week, but some modules include workshops, field trips or lab work. We also make extensive use of specially prepared resources to assist with private study. These include module handbooks, computerised materials, and library and on-line resources.
Psychosocial Studies modules may be assessed by coursework alone, or coursework combined with examinations and/or presentations. The different kinds of coursework include essays, projects, case studies, reports, and book reviews. The first year of the degree does not count towards the final degree classification. The second year counts for 1/3 and the third year for 2/3 of the final degree.
There is a short placement module available for third year students. Psychosocial Studies has links with a number of organisations offering placements and non-assessed work experience in London. More substantial placement opportunities are available through the Psychosocial Studies with Professional Practice.(BA Hons). The field also has academic associations with other degree programmes in Europe through the Socrates programme.
In their final year, many Psychosocial Studies students choose to do some supervised research of their own dissertation. Dissertations may be theoretical or library-based but must represent a substantial review of a topic of the student's own choice. Empirical work is greatly encouraged as this gives the student the opportunity to develop specialised research skills in a supported environment. Professional placements also involve student research projects, as do some other taught modules on the degree.
Psychosocial Studies is a degree programme which helps students to develop skills and ways of thinking about problems in the real world. Psychosocial Studies graduates often find employment in the welfare field and the voluntary sector, and a number have entered teaching or local government. Others have gone into fields such as market research and publishing, or have gone on to further study (MA, PhD).
then Psychosocial Studies might be the degree for you.
then a Psychosocial Studies degree will give you new and exciting ways of thinking about yourself, others and the social world.
To see the world differently, Psychosocial Studies is a degree programme that is engaging, exciting, informative and challenging. It offers new perspectives and opens up new horizons. A wide range of modules is offered, catering for a broad spectrum of interest that can be expanded even further through the combined honours programme.
A degree in Psychosocial 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 counsellor, research, PR and marketing, psychotherapist, welfare worker, university administration, IT, family therapist, educational psychologist, youth worker.
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. Students should normally meet their personal tutor on a weekly basis through the first 2 semesters. Personal tutors may be consulted during their office hours, or contacted by phone or email. 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.
Students on the Psychosocial Studies degree are introduced to a range of psychosocial theories and skills such as counselling, learning listen empathically and understanding the dynamics of group processes, which provide an excellent foundation from which to pursue further professional qualifications and career training in the areas of mental health, psychotherapy, child development and PhD research.
This programme is designed to give you the opportunity to:
All learning outcomes are covered in the programme’s single honours route and where Maj, J and/or Min is shown against a learning outcome, this confirms that the learning outcome is covered in the Major, Joint and/or Minor routes offered.
On graduating with an honours degree in Psychosocial Studies, students should be able to:
Thinking skills
On graduating with an honours degree in Psychosocial Studies, students should be able to:
Subject-Based Practical skills
On graduating with an honours degree in Psychosocial Studies, students should be able to:
Skills for life and work (general skills)
On graduating with an honours degree in Psychosocial Studies, students should be able to:
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:
The overall credit-rating of this programme is 360 credits.
The expected duration of this programme is 3 years when attended in full-time mode or 4.5 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.
The teaching year begins in September and ends in June. Some students may wish to join the programme 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.
This programme is part of a modular degree scheme. A student registered in a full-time attendance mode will take six 20 credit modules (or fewer, if any are 40 credit modules) per year. An honours degree student will complete modules totalling 120 credits at level one, modules totalling 120 credits at level 2 and modules totalling 120 credits at level 3.
It is possible to bring together modules from one subject with modules from another to produce a combined programme. Subjects are offered in a variety of combinations:
Modules are defined as:
The following are the core and optional requirements for the single, major, joint and minor routes for this programme.
The Skills Modules listed in the Joint Route are Core, unless the equivalent Skills Modules are taken in your other combined subject. All modules are worth 20 credits unless otherwise stated
| CODE | TITLE | PRE-REQUISITE | EXCLUDED | STATUS SINGLE | STATUS MAJOR | STATUS JOINT | STATUS MINOR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Level 1 |
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PS1204 Semester A |
Knowledge Skills & Experience* |
|
Study Skills Module |
Core |
Core |
Option* |
N/A |
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PS1201 Semester A |
Psychology in Context |
|
|
Core |
Core |
Core |
Core |
|
IS1206 Semester A |
Thinking Sociologically |
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|
Core |
Option |
N/A |
N/A |
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PS1202 Semester B |
Psychology in Practice |
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|
Option |
Option |
Option |
N/A |
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PS12XX Semester B |
Identity and Culture: Psychosocial Approaches |
|
|
Core |
Core |
Core |
Core |
|
PS12XX Semester B |
Psychosocial Perspectives on Individual Development |
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|
Core |
Option |
Option |
Option |
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Semester B |
University Wide Option* |
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Option |
Option |
Option |
Option |
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Level 2 |
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PS22XX Semester A |
Psychosocial Perspectives on the Workplace |
Psychosocial Perspectives on Individual Development |
|
Option |
Option |
Option |
N/A |
|
PS22XX Semester A |
Self, Culture and Society |
|
|
Core |
Core |
Option |
Option |
|
PS22XX Semester A |
Concepts of Psychological Illness and Treatment |
|
|
Core |
Core |
Option |
Option |
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Semester A |
University Wide Option* |
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Option |
Option |
Option |
Option |
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PS2203‡Semester B |
Qualitative Research Methods in Psychosocial Studies |
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Core |
Core |
Option |
N/A |
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PS22XX Semester B |
Psychosocial Family and Childhood Studies |
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|
Core |
Option |
Option |
Option |
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PS2209# Semester B |
‘Race’, Difference and Diversity |
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Core |
Core |
Option |
Option |
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Level 3 |
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PS3000 Semesters A and B |
Dissertation (40 credit module) |
PS2203 |
|
Core* |
Core* |
Option |
N/A |
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PS3203 Semester A |
Psychoanalysis, Culture and Society |
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Option |
Option |
Option |
Option |
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PS3221 Semester A |
Psychosocial Perspectives on Criminal Behaviour |
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Option |
Option |
Option |
Option |
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PS3235 Semester A |
HIV in the World |
Social Science level 2 research methods |
|
Option |
Option |
Option |
Option |
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Semester A |
University Wide Option* |
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Option |
Option |
Option |
Option |
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PS3000 Semesters A and B |
Dissertation (40 credit module) |
PS2203 |
|
Core |
Core |
Option |
N/A |
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PS3205 Semester B |
Intro to Counselling |
Concepts of Psychological Illness and Treatment |
|
Option |
Option |
Option |
Option |
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PS32XX Semester B |
Family and Childhood Studies |
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Option |
Option |
Option |
Option |
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PS3230 Semester B |
Exploring Emotion Psychosocially |
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Option |
Option |
Option |
Option |
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Semester B |
University Wide Option* |
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Option |
Option |
Option |
Option |
At level 3 students on the single honours Psychosocial Studies (BA Hons) must, in addition to the 40 credit dissertation choose at least 3 modules from the above grid of Psychosocial modules.
*University wide options – we will ensure a list of recommended options is made available each year
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Important information & notes to programme table grids |
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*Skills Curriculum Modules All Students must take 3 skills curriculum modules = Skills for Academic Learning level 1 in first semester of study # = Employability/Professional Practice – Level 2 or 3 ‡ = Research Skills – Level 2 or 3 * For joint programmes a student is required to do relevant skills modules at each level from either (but not both) joints making up their programme – hence the skills modules are options for each joint. Full details: http://www.uel.ac.uk/qa/skills.htm |
Combined Honours Major Two thirds of your degree is in your MAJOR subject. You will usually take FOUR modules (80 Credits) per level 2 in semester A and 2 in semester B. Skill modules must be core Joint Each Joint programme makes up half of your degree. You would usually study 3 modules from each subject per level 1 or 2 in semester A and 1 or 2 in semester B. Skills modules are options Minor One third of your degree is in your MINOR subject. You will usually take TWO modules (40 Credits) per level 1 in semester A and 1 in semester B. Skills modules are not available |
In order to gain an honours degree you will need to obtain 360 credits including:
In order to gain an ordinary degree you will need to obtain a minimum of 300 credits including:
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.
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 |
Knowledge is developed through
Thinking skills are developed through
Practical skills are developed through
Skills for life and work (general skills) are developed through
Knowledge is assessed by:
Thinking skills are assessed by:
Practical skills are assessed by:
Skills for life and work (general skills) are assessed by:
Before the programme started, the following was checked:
This is done through a process of programme approval which involves consulting academic experts including some subject specialists from other institutions.
The quality of this programme is monitored each year through evaluating:
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 our 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.
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 University's quality assurance procedures.
The standard of this programme is monitored by at least one external examiner. External examiners have two primary responsibilities:
External examiners fulfil these responsibilities in a variety of ways including:
The following methods for gaining student feedback are used on this programme:
Students are notified of the action taken through:
The following methods are used for gaining the views of other interested parties:
| Location | Which elements? | Taught by UEL staff | Taught by local staff | Method of Delivery |
|---|---|---|---|---|
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- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
Further information about this programme is available from:
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