[jaw38]

My son has missed the deadlines for RPS submissions and although he's done them hasn't received any credits. Will he be able to progress to his 2nd year? In addition he thinks he's failed his statistics module - the exam part. Any comments greatly appreciated... He's doing well in all other modules.

[Liv1204]

Hi,

I just checked on UKC's School of Psychology website on the RPS page (here) and it says: 'IMPORTANT: If you are a first-year psychology degree student, you are required to complete the RPS (in the form of participation hours or essays) in order to progress to Stage 2. '

It sounds like he needs to speak to somebody there about what he should do. When you say he's done them but hasn't received any credits, what does that mean? The RPS page says "Each time you participate in an experiment the member of staff gives your number to the RPS administrator, who then collates all the information onto the RPS database." I graduated last year so it's been a while since I had to do the RPS credits, but if I remember rightly the RPS credits were updated quite shortly after doing each experiment/questionnaire etc, so he should have some credits at least. Is it just that he didn't get the required number of credits in time, or does he have none at all?

(Sorry for all the questions, I'm just trying to think how it's done because it's been a while!)

With exams, there are opportunities to retake in the summer if he does end up failing (although with stats I think a lot of people came out thinking they'd failed when I was there, it's not a nice exam!) I think if a module is retaken it may be capped at 40% (so a basic pass mark) generally, but it's probably worth checking the website to see. I would recommend him talking to the student advisor though, they can help him know what to do and they're very good.

[jaw38]

He did contact someone at uni when he read an email about the RPS dates and was told to do them and not worry about the deadline dates. He did them but when he looked he had 0 credits for them.

I read about the statistics and thought it couldn't be retaken during the 2nd year, meaning he would have to start again and repeat year 1...? He won't start again because of the financial implications with the fees increasing...

[Fuzzpig]

(Original post by jaw38)
He did contact someone at uni when he read an email about the RPS dates and was told to do them and not worry about the deadline dates. He did them but when he looked he had 0 credits for them.

I read about the statistics and thought it couldn't be retaken during the 2nd year, meaning he would have to start again and repeat year 1...? He won't start again because of the financial implications with the fees increasing...

If your son thinks he has completed enough, the 'zero' figure on SDS is not a problem. The RPS credits figure has been reset to zero by accident as they were prematurely put up on the SDS and had to be taken down since then.

There are still ongoing studies if your son needs to do more. Tell him to check his emails regularly.

As for statistics, he will be able to retake this exam in August as far as I am aware, with the retake capped at 40% (minimum pass rate), regardless of how well he does in this. However, I remember being sure I failed that and came out with something near 60% - I would ignore this until the results come out.

[jaw38]

Thanks for the replies...much appreciated

[NormalsWeird]

Also the exam for stats is only like 40% of the module so he's unlikely to have failed entirely if he's got a decent coursework grade

[jaw38]

Thanks, I feel reassured by the replies. My son seems reluctant to talk to tutors and feels he could go all year without any 1:1 contact. I suppose the transition from small classes and relationships with tutors at college to what he sees as a very impersonal process, takes time.

[NormalsWeird]

True. Though Lisa Clark is fantastic and really open/helpful/warm/friendly/non-judgemental - sort of like a mum but without the personal vested interest! Honestly speaking to her is his best bet as she can also suggest things to do to sort his worries out as well. Alternatively, emailing the office is good.

[jaw38]

Thanks for that, always good to have a name and a recommendation

[Liv1204]

Just to agree with above, I wouldn't have got through my degree without their help. They helped with advice about concessions, resits, attendance, exams and exam stress, coursework, grades and marking, and just for someone to talk to as well, so they will certainly be able to help.

It is very different at uni with tutors, it's more difficult to build up relationships, but it is what the student advisor is there for and they are brilliant at Kent.

[jaw38]

Thanks for that I'm going to get my son to read the posts when he comes home next weekend.

[jaw38]

Just to say comments/advice were spot on - Son DID pass the statistics and got full credit on the RPS. All good to start stage 2. Thanks again