FAQ's
What is Psychosocial Studies?
Psychosocial Studies uses insights from different academic areas to understand the changing social world in which we live. It is a multidisciplinary degree, the lecturers here come from different academic backgrounds including: sociology, psychology, law, literature and cultural studies.
How is Psychosocial Studies different from Psychology?
Psychology is the study of the mind and behaviour of individuals. In Psychosocial Studies we share this interest in understanding the minds of individuals but we believe that the traditional scientific approaches that are common in psychology are not sufficient. People have hidden depths that often not easily measured or observed, and that they are shaped by the culture around them and by the different cultures they have experienced:
Can I become a psychologist with a degree in Psychosocial Studies?
Just like a degree in psychology, a degree in psychosocial studies does not provide you with a professional qualification. To work in a professional setting as a counsellor or therapist you will always need to do further training. A limited number of postgraduate programmes require that you have a degree recognised by the British Psychological Society (BPS) in order to be accepted on the postgraduate programme. Our degree is not recognised by the BPS. We do cover some sections of the syllabus suggested by the BPS, but we could not study the range of programme we do if we followed all of this syllabus. It is possible to have your qualification recognised by the BPS through further study. See below.
Is this degree recognised by the British Psychological Society?
No but it is possible to do further part-time study in order to have your degree recognised by the BPS. A suitable conversion programme is run by the University of East London. Details of other programmes may be found on the BPS website.
How is Psychosocial Studies different from sociology and cultural studies?
Like academics in these areas, we believe that people have to be understood as being shaped by the culture around them. We still believe, however, that to understand culture we have to understand individuals in all their depth and complexity too. Individual differences are important and people may feel and think differently from the way they are supposed to – individuals can help shape the world around them too.
Will I get a job at the end of the degree?
Whilst a degree in Psychosocial Studies is not a professional qualification that leads directly to a particular career, it is a very good stepping stone for a range of careers. Many of our graduates find work, or seek further qualifications in various professional and welfare settings – such as teaching, counselling, social work etc. Further details on career options can be found here.
How many days a week do I have to be in the university?
If you are a full-time student you will study 3 modules (programmes) at a time. This will usually mean that you have to be here on 3 days of the week. You will be expected to study at other times, but it will be up to you when you do this.
Can I study Part-time?
Yes. If you register as a part-time student you will study the same modules as a full-time student but will study two modules at a time. This would most usually mean being here on two days a week.
Can I work and study at the same time?
We recognise that many students now need have to have part-time jobs in order to support themselves. We are mindful of these and more general family commitments when we are timetabling teaching. We find our students can successfully juggle study with these commitments.
Where is Psychosocial Studies based?
The degree programme is based at the University's Docklands Campus.
Who should I contact for financial assistance or advice?
- Applicants should apply via their Local Education Authority (LEA)
- DfEE have a limited ‘Opportunity Bursary’ scheme
- For information on emergency loans, fee remission,hardship loans, Access funds, summer hardship funds, contact: Nicole Redman, (Tel: (020) 8223 2866) at the Student Finance Unit, UEL
- Copies of “Student Loans: Guidance on Terms and Conditions” can be obtained by calling (0800) 731 9133 quoting reference S-SLTC/V3
Does UEL have any Bursaries/grants for overseas applicants?
Contact the International Office, Barking Campus, UEL (tel: (020) 8223 2805).
I am a mature student who has not studied for a long time can I apply?
We have had many successful students who have been mature and have been out of education for a long time. If you do not have formal educational qualifications you need to talk to our admissions tutor (David Jones). It may be that we will ask you to complete an Access to Higher Education programme, or a New Beginnings programme, run by the University of East London.
