BSc (Hons) Psychology (Distance Learning)
Course overview
Start date
September 2021
Subject area
Psychology
Attendance
Full-time, 3 years
Full-time, 4 years
Part-time
Learning
Distance Learning
Course summary
This course is ideal if you’re committed to living or working away from our School of Psychology in east London. Wherever you’re based, our academic and administrative teams will support you. They’re highly experienced in supporting distance learners.
The key advantages of this new course are that you have the flexibility of choosing when you can study and access to your own personal tutor as well as online forums. It follows the format of our highly successful campus-based degree, which has been developed within our highly respected School of Psychology over a period of more than 50 years.
While other universities may require some attendance, this course is delivered entirely online through our virtual learning environment, UELDirect. There’s no requirement for attendance in any of your modules. But this course requires a lot of self-discipline and time management is the key.
“About a third of our students are in London, and a third live in the UK,” says Course Leader Dr Anna Stone. “We have others in countries across the world, including Thailand, Guatemala and all across Africa.
Whether you're working, or you have children to look after, or you're simply looking to keep your mind active - this course is perfect for you.
Return to campus: dual delivery
In a Covid-secure environment, enjoy learning on our state-of-the-art campuses and flex between online delivery
Find out more100%
Student satisfaction
An incredible endorsement from our own students, and shows they love studying our Distance Learning course - and we have no doubt you will love us too. (NSS, 2018)
Mirrors our on-campus course
As a distance learner you’ll cover the same material, and the same amount of material, as if you were doing the BSc (Hons) Psychology course on-campus. This is very rare for Distance Learning courses in the UK and we're one of the very few universities in the UK to offer this.
Accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS)
This accreditation is a mark of quality that students and employers understand and value. Studying a BPS accredited course will give you the opportunity to gain graduate or chartered membership of the Society.
Dimitris Flamouris
Psychology by Distance Learning, BSc (Hons)
The technology used in the presentations has made the distance learning experience almost as real as being on campus. Support for distance learning students has been well planned and I’ve never felt left out.
Fees and funding
Tuition Fee Loan
You can apply for a loan to cover the cost of your tuition fees, which will be paid directly to UEL. There are no up-front fees required. Repayment only starts after you finish your course and are earning over £25,000. If you haven’t finished repaying your loan after 30 years it will be automatically cancelled.
To apply visit gov.uk/student-finance
Maintenance Loan
You can apply for a loan to help with living costs such as food, travel and accommodation. How much you can borrow depends on where you live and study, and whether you are currently on welfare benefits. The maximum loan you can apply for is £12,729.
To apply visit gov.uk/student-finance
Supplementary Grants
The government also offer the following additional support:
- Parents' Learning Allowance
- Adult Dependants' Grant
- Childcare Grant
- Disabled Students’ Allowance
- All nursing and many allied health students on courses from September 2020 will receive a payment of at least £5,000 a year from the government.
For further information visit gov.uk/student-finance or contact Student Finance England.
All students will receive:
Bursaries Schemes for which you can apply
- Care Leaver and Foyer Bursary - up to £1,500
- Progression Bursary - up to £2,000
- Engagement Bursary - up to £2,000
- Hardship Bursary - up to £2,000
- Helena Kennedy Foundation - £1,500
- Going Global – awards range from £300 - £700
Scholarships Schemes for which you can apply
- Vice Chancellor Scholarship - up to £27,750 over three years
- Dean Scholarship - up to £13,500 over three years
- Civic Engagement Scholarship - £1,000
- EU Scholarship (EU Only) - £1,000
- ELSEF Scholarship - £1,000
- UTC Scholarship - £1,500
- Sports Scholarships - up to £6,000
There are a number of external organisations that offer financial help to
students. Please see the list below list to view additional support options.
Alternatively, you can visit the Scholarship Search website.
Please note that the University of East London is not responsible for
the content of these external sites and is not associated in any way
with the funding schemes and their application processes.
The Student Money Advice and Rights Team (SMART) are here to help you navigate your finances while you are a student at the University of East London.
We can give you advice, information and guidance on government and university funds so that you receive your full funding entitlement.
Email: study@uel.ac.uk
Phone: 020 8223 4444
You don't need to pay this up front.
EU, EEA and Swiss Nationals starting a course in September 2021, will no longer be eligible for Home fees. However, such nationals benefitting from Settled Status or Citizens' Rights may become eligible for Home fees as and when the UK Government confirms any new fees regulations. Further information can be found at UKCISA.
Tuition fees are subject to annual change. Fees for future years will be published in due course.
Tuition Fee Loan
You can apply for a loan to cover the cost of your tuition fees, which will be paid directly to UEL. There are no up-front fees required. Repayment only starts after you finish your course and are earning over £25,000. If you haven’t finished repaying your loan after 30 years it will be automatically cancelled.
Maintenance Loan
Part-time students can access maintenance loans from Student Finance England.
From academic year 2018/19, part-time students can access maintenance loans from Student Finance England.
You can apply for a loan to help with living costs such as food, travel and accommodation.
Part-time students need to study their courses at a rate of at least
25% of an equivalent full-time course in each academic year.
For further information visit gov.uk/student-finance
We appreciate that finance is one of the key considerations when you are applying to university. That's why alongside your Government loan, you can apply for scholarships to help towards your finances. We have invested over £2 million worth of scholarships to financially assist new students, starting in September 2019. If you are awarded a scholarship you don't need to pay it back.
All students will receive:
Ebooks
Bursaries Schemes for which you can apply
Scholarships Schemes for which you can apply
There are a number of external organisations that offer financial help to
students. Please see the list below list to view additional support options.
Alternatively, you can visit the Scholarship Search website.
Please note that the University of East London is not responsible for
the content of these external sites and is not associated in any way
with the funding schemes and their application processes.
The Student Money Advice and Rights Team (SMART) are here to help you navigate your finances while you are a student at the University of East London.
We can give you advice, information and guidance on government and university funds so that you receive your full funding entitlement.
Email: study@uel.ac.uk
Phone: 020 8223 4444
Price per 30 credit module.
EU, EEA and Swiss Nationals starting a course in September 2021, will no longer be eligible for Home fees. However, such nationals benefitting from Settled Status or Citizens' Rights may become eligible for Home fees as and when the UK Government confirms any new fees regulations. Further information can be found at UKCISA.
At UEL, we understand that studying in another country is a big financial commitment. If you apply early for an undergraduate, you may be entitled to a scholarship of up to £3,000.You can find out more about the international scholarships here.
The Student Money Advice and Rights Team (SMART) also run an Emergency International Fund to assist international students in hardship.
You can contact our SMART team on 02082233333 or study@uel.ac.uk
As part of the Tier 4 student visa requirements, UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) estimate that you will need £1,265* per month to cover your living costs. It includes expenses for accommodation, food and drink, travel within London, text books, entertainment, clothing, toiletries and laundry. Most Tier 4 students are required to show they have sufficient funds to cover the first nine months of the course before they start- a total of £11,385- in addition to the tuition fees. You can find more information about the specific requirements of the Tier 4 student visa here. The amount that you will spend can vary depending on your lifestyle. The UKCISA International Student Calculator can help you plan and manage your money. Please make sure you also factor in the fees for the visa application and immigration health surcharge when budgeting.
* Please note the Immigration Rules are subject to change and this figure is likely to be increased by UKVI year on year. Please therefore check our ISA pages for more information at the time of preparing your visa application.
Deposits and paying by instalments
International students are required to pay a deposit prior to being issued a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS).
Your remaining balance will be paid in five monthly instalments over your first term. The first of these instalments must be paid when completing your enrolment on arrival at UEL. Please follow the payment instructions here.
After the required payment has been made, you will be asked to complete the online International Student Reply Form to confirm your acceptance of our offer and of our terms of admittance and fees policy.
Our International team at UEL are available for advice and guidance on studying in London, fees, scholarships and visa requirements.
Email: international@uel.ac.uk
EU, EEA and Swiss Nationals starting a course in September 2021, will no longer be eligible for Home fees. However, such nationals benefitting from Settled Status or Citizens' Rights may become eligible for Home fees as and when the UK Government confirms any new fees regulations. Further information can be found at UKCISA.
Tuition fees are subject to annual change. Fees for future years will be published in due course.
Entry requirements
- September 2021
-
Degree
112
New UCAS Points
Access to HE Diploma (QAA approved) with 60 credits overall and 45 credits at Level 3
If you do not meet the academic English language requirements for your course, you may be eligible to enrol onto a pre-sessional English programme. The length of the course will depend on your current level of English and the requirements for your degree programme. We offer a 5-week and an 11-week pre-sessional course. Find out more.
Level 2 equivalences such as Level 2 Functional Skills in English / Maths, Level 2 Key Skills in Communication / Application of Number and Level 2 Adult Literacy / Adult Numeracy
Please note that some courses require applicants to meet the entry requirements outlined on the course page. Our pre-entry Information Advice and Guidance Team are able to provide further advice on entry requirements and suitability for study.
What you'll learn
As a distance learner you’ll cover the same material, and the same amount of material, as if you were doing the BSc (Hons) Psychology course on-campus.
Our Psychology degree will give you a broad knowledge and understanding of the fundamentals of modern Psychology. You will develop a good knowledge of the influences on and factors involved in human functioning in all the core areas of Psychology:
- Biological foundations
- Cognitive Psychology
- Social Psychology
- Developmental Psychology
- Individual Differences
- Conceptual and Historical Issues in Psychology
- Research methods
You will also develop detailed knowledge of several specialised areas through option choice, develop knowledge of research paradigms, methods and measurement techniques, of real life applications of theory to behaviour and experience, and knowledge of how behaviour and experience can be affected by physical and mental illness. This knowledge will be backed up by subject-based practical skills such as the ability to design and conduct research, to analyse and interpret quantitative and qualitative data, and awareness of ethical issues and principles in research on human behaviour.
Key to many careers and employers - you will also develop thinking skills, including analysis and interpretation of evidence, scientific reasoning, critical thinking, and appreciation of multiple perspectives and approaches. Furthermore, other skills for life and work including communication, computer literacy (word processing, statistical software), interpersonal and group skills, numeracy and statistical competence, self-knowledge and reflexivity, and planning and time-management.
What you'll study and when
We consistently review our courses to ensure we are up-to-date with industry changes and requirements from our graduates. As a result, our modules are subject to change.
Core
Thinking Like a Psychologist (mental wealth)
Introduction to Biological and Social and Individual Differences
Introduction to Cognitive and Developmental Psychology
Psychology in Applied Contexts
Researching with Small Samples
Researching with Larger Samples
Core
Individual Differences and Diversity (mental wealth)
Psychological Research Methods
Topics in Cognitive and Developmental Psychology
Applications of Psychobiology and Social Psychology
Work-based Learning in Psychology
Option
The Psychology of Sleep and Dreaming
Research Skills in Cognitive Neuroscience
Introduction to Forensic Psychology
Psychology, Identity and Society
Developmental Difficulties and Differences
Core
Psychology and Social Engagement (mental wealth)
Psychology Research Project (both terms)
The Psychology of Mental Health
Option
Drugs and Addictive Behaviours
Cyberpsychology
Advanced Forensic Psychology
Health Psychology
Advanced Developmental Psychology
Psychology of Choice: Judgment and Decision
Cognitive Neuropsychology
Psychology of Belief
Occupational Psychology
Counselling Psychology
How you'll be assessed
Feedback is provided within 15 working days in line with UEL’s assessment and feedback policy.
How you'll learn
As a distance learner you’ll cover the same material, and the same amount of material, as if you were doing the BSc (Hons) Psychology course on campus.
Our psychology degree will give you a broad knowledge and understanding of the fundamentals of modern psychology. You will develop a good knowledge of the influences on and factors involved in human functioning in all the core areas of psychology:
- Biological foundations
- Cognitive Psychology
- Social Psychology
- Developmental Psychology
- Individual Differences
- Conceptual and Historical Issues in Psychology
- Research methods
You will also develop detailed knowledge of several specialised areas through option choice, develop knowledge of research paradigms, methods and measurement techniques, of real life applications of theory to behaviour and experience, and knowledge of how behaviour and experience can be affected by physical and mental illness. This knowledge will be backed up by subject-based practical skills such as the ability to design and conduct research, to analyse and interpret quantitative and qualitative data, and awareness of ethical issues and principles in research on human behaviour.
Key to many careers and employers - you will also develop thinking skills, including analysis and interpretation of evidence, scientific reasoning, critical thinking, and appreciation of multiple perspectives and approaches. Furthermore, other skills for life and work including communication, computer literacy (word processing, statistical software), interpersonal and group skills, numeracy and statistical competence, self-knowledge and reflexivity, and planning and time-management.
We offer dual delivery which combines traditional on campus face-to-face teaching and online teaching simultaneously, allowing you to interact as if you were there in person. You can move smoothly between online and on campus teaching subject to your individual timetable (and health requirements). Students can interact and collaborate in person and online in any of these live-streamed sessions.
Live-streamed sessions will also be recorded, so you can login when you want, playback and watch from the comfort of your home and whilst on the go. Lab, rehearsal and practical on campus sessions are scheduled in blocks with online options.
We are investing in key areas beyond your studies including our career services, library and well-being, to be available both face-to-face on campus and online with many of these available 24/7. We have new, modern library facilities on both campuses offering inspirational environments for study and research. Libraries contain resources in print and digital formats, a range of study spaces and dedicated librarian who can assist with your learning.
Students are supported with any academic or subject related queries by an Academic Advisor, module leaders, former and current UEL students.
If you need a bit of extra help with certain skills such as academic writing, maths or IT, our Skillzone and English for Academic Purposes we offer workshops, drop-in sessions and one-to-one appointments to help our students achieve their potential. You can receive advice and guidance on all aspects of the IT systems provided by the university from our IT Service Desks located on all three campuses.
Our Student Support hubs in Docklands and Stratford feature centralised helpdesks to cater for your every need. UEL provides also support and advice for disabled students and those with specific learning difficulties (SPDs).
Your overall workload consists of class and online tutor led sessions, individual learning, practical activities. The size of classes can vary depending on the nature of the course, module and activity. This can range from large groups in a lecture theatre setting, to smaller groups taking part in seminars and collaborative work. You will receive your personalised timetable at the beginning of the academic year dependent on your course.
Your individualised timetable is normally available to students within 48 hours of enrolment. Whilst we make every effort to ensure timetables are as student-friendly as possible, scheduled teaching can take place on any day of the week between 9.00am and 6.00pm. For undergraduate students Wednesday afternoons are normally reserved for sports and cultural activities, but there may be occasions when this is not possible. Timetables for part-time students will depend on the modules selected.
The approximate percentages for this course are:
Year 1: scheduled teaching – 300 hours; guided independent study – 900 hours.
Year 2: scheduled teaching – 300 hours; guided independent study – 900 hours.
Year 3: scheduled teaching – 300 hours; guided independent study – 900 hours
To give you an indication of class sizes, this course normally attracts 100–120 students a year. Lecture sizes are normally 100 plus students.
In the seminars you will be taught in groups of 18–20 students. However, this can vary by academic year.
Who will teach on this course
The teaching team includes qualified academics, practitioners and industry experts as guest speakers. Full details of the academics will be provided in the student handbook and module guides.
Your future career
Employers value psychology graduates because they believe they have a better understanding of human behaviour. Your understanding of how people work within organisations will be a real selling point when you apply for any managerial appointment.
On average, 80 per cent of University of East London psychology graduates pursue careers outside academia.
Many are now employed in social welfare, sport and leisure, education, human resource management, consumer research and advertising, media, market research and community work.
Your training in data collection and analysis, report writing and IT skills will also be useful in a range of jobs not directly related to psychology.
If you are in the 20 per cent of graduates wanting to continue your studies, a BSc Psychology degree is the first step towards becoming a professional psychologist, whether it is in the field of clinical, educational, occupational, counselling, health or forensic psychology.
Your next step will be further study at master’s or doctorate level.
“Some people do a distance-learning degree so they can further their careers,” says Course Leader Dr Anna Stone. “Some people want to keep mentally agile, and there’s nothing better than study to keep the mind active. Some of our students are in their 70s.”
Explore the different career options you can pursue with this degree and see the median salaries of the sector on our Career Coach portal
