Hi folks
I'm looking at a Psychology MSc Conversion online also as I have commitments so am unable to attend university physically. I already a have a BA in English and two years' experience working (although not much relevant to psychology). Ultimately, I want to become a chartered Forensic Psychologist have spent the past week researching courses.
My three choices are:
- Glasgow (expensive and long but from a fantastic Uni with great career prospects. They have more modules and a Forensic Psychology module)
- Manchester Met (reasonable fees, only 12 months full time, a Forensic Psychology module and top 100 ranking but still, not the best uni and I couldn't find anything on career prospects or research and their Forensic Psychology lecturer only finished their PhD last year)
- BPP (Cheapest option and well-known uni/college but no Forensic Psychology module and no ranking + they're mainly known for Law and Business, not psychology)
I haven't gone with others due to poor ranking/too expensive/not BPS accredited/require residential attendance (make sure you can attend this)
I've read lots of conflicting advice. Some say at the end of the day, it's a conversion, and so doesn't matter where it comes from as long as it's accredited. Others have said the focus is on your work experience and when an employer is looking at someone from a low-ranking uni and someone from a prestigious one as the dealbreaker, they'll go with the latter.
Personally, despite the fact I'll have to magic £4k from thin air as SFE won't cover it, I might go with Glasgow as I think having a 100% online course can be a negative for some employers and so having an excellent reputation should make up for that. In addition, I'll cover more modules over more time and get to work (hopefully) in relevant fields throughout.
Overall, whatever happens, I feel as though I'll be better equipped and more qualified for the future having spent £6k more on a top 10, world-renowned uni with three year's work experience and deeper understanding of psychology than if I did a 'cash cow' course at MMU or BPP for much less and less quality but far quicker. Everyone says that a career in psychology is about your CV and I think Glasgow gives the better chance at those jobs.
It's a tough choice but that's where I'm at so far. I've applied for funding and I'll apply to all three in the coming weeks.