MSc Psychology conversion course - distance learning
Hi
I have decided to apply to do the MSc Psychology conversion course, but I need to do it online due to family commitments. My question is whether I should do it with Arden University (where I have been offered a place), or whether I am better doing it online through a ‘traditional’ university? The course at Arden is BPS accredited, whereas the Open Uni version isn’t accredited, so that’s not an option. I like the look of the Arden course and what they have said, but I don’t really know much about them. The other alternative is to apply to a range of traditional unis around the country which also do accredited conversion courses - e.g Derby, Birmingham City, Northumbria? Would their courses be any better? I wouldn’t be located close to most of these, so wouldn’t be able to access their campus libraries etc.
Are Arden better online because they are specialists in online learning? Would I be at a disadvantage to campus students at a regular uni, only being able to access support online?
The course must be decent for BPS to accredit it surely- would it ring any alarm bells for future study/employment opportunities?
Any advice or experience welcome.
Many thanks!!
I have decided to apply to do the MSc Psychology conversion course, but I need to do it online due to family commitments. My question is whether I should do it with Arden University (where I have been offered a place), or whether I am better doing it online through a ‘traditional’ university? The course at Arden is BPS accredited, whereas the Open Uni version isn’t accredited, so that’s not an option. I like the look of the Arden course and what they have said, but I don’t really know much about them. The other alternative is to apply to a range of traditional unis around the country which also do accredited conversion courses - e.g Derby, Birmingham City, Northumbria? Would their courses be any better? I wouldn’t be located close to most of these, so wouldn’t be able to access their campus libraries etc.
Are Arden better online because they are specialists in online learning? Would I be at a disadvantage to campus students at a regular uni, only being able to access support online?
The course must be decent for BPS to accredit it surely- would it ring any alarm bells for future study/employment opportunities?
Any advice or experience welcome.
Many thanks!!
If you're wanting to eventually work as a practitioner psychologist then it's essential that you gain GBC of the BPS via a conversion course, as pretty much all MSc's ask for GBC as an entry requirement. So I'd stay away from anything non-accredited if I were you. Even if you're not sure about what you want to do after the conversion, it's always good to have the option of accreditation.
(edited 3 years ago)
Original post by BM905
Hi
I have decided to apply to do the MSc Psychology conversion course, but I need to do it online due to family commitments. My question is whether I should do it with Arden University (where I have been offered a place), or whether I am better doing it online through a ‘traditional’ university? The course at Arden is BPS accredited, whereas the Open Uni version isn’t accredited, so that’s not an option. I like the look of the Arden course and what they have said, but I don’t really know much about them. The other alternative is to apply to a range of traditional unis around the country which also do accredited conversion courses - e.g Derby, Birmingham City, Northumbria? Would their courses be any better? I wouldn’t be located close to most of these, so wouldn’t be able to access their campus libraries etc.
Are Arden better online because they are specialists in online learning? Would I be at a disadvantage to campus students at a regular uni, only being able to access support online?
The course must be decent for BPS to accredit it surely- would it ring any alarm bells for future study/employment opportunities?
Any advice or experience welcome.
Many thanks!!
I have decided to apply to do the MSc Psychology conversion course, but I need to do it online due to family commitments. My question is whether I should do it with Arden University (where I have been offered a place), or whether I am better doing it online through a ‘traditional’ university? The course at Arden is BPS accredited, whereas the Open Uni version isn’t accredited, so that’s not an option. I like the look of the Arden course and what they have said, but I don’t really know much about them. The other alternative is to apply to a range of traditional unis around the country which also do accredited conversion courses - e.g Derby, Birmingham City, Northumbria? Would their courses be any better? I wouldn’t be located close to most of these, so wouldn’t be able to access their campus libraries etc.
Are Arden better online because they are specialists in online learning? Would I be at a disadvantage to campus students at a regular uni, only being able to access support online?
The course must be decent for BPS to accredit it surely- would it ring any alarm bells for future study/employment opportunities?
Any advice or experience welcome.
Many thanks!!
I haven’t studied an online MSc Conversion course, however I am studying towards a BSc Psychology via. distance learning (as my second degree). I did a lot of research into the MSc Conversion courses on offer though, so as an opinion, I think it’s always best to study for the online course that has modules you would enjoy. I don’t think you’d miss out on anything through online learning so to speak. Yes, you’d miss in-person lectures etc. but you can study in a manner that best suits your learning and life in comparison to shaping your life around someone else.
Online universities such as Arden also have long-term experience in delivering their content online and have built up resources to best facilitate this style of learning. For the most part, I personally feel brick unis treat their distance learning programmes as an alternative to studying in person, rather than focusing on the online course as it’s own distinct area.
With everything going on right now, there are a lot of universities saying they’ll move to online/distance learning but they’re lacking experience in comparison to long standing competitors such as Arden or the OU (although, I appreciate the OU course isn’t accredited).
What I would highlight though is maybe you should look into the assessment strategy at Arden. I’m studying with OU right now and their marking system is dramatically different to the method my brick uni used. I personally find it much harder to achieve the same grade, and that’s coming from someone who got a distinction at Masters level. I did consider hopping over to UELs online distance course simply because I think I would score better under a brick unis assessment system as this is what I have previous experience in.
Hope someone who has studied at Arden for this course gets in touch and shares their experience. I’d love to know!
Hi I am not studying the same course you are asking about but I am studying a BA honours degree in psychology and sociology at Arden university as a distance learner so I thought I could share my experiences with you about Arden and answer any of your questions you might have about distance learning with Arden .
I am currently half way through my third year now and I can honestly say I have really enjoyed it and found the whole process very easy. I have gained good grades, the tutors are very responsive and helpful and the work is very understandable. Im happy to answer any of your questions
I am currently half way through my third year now and I can honestly say I have really enjoyed it and found the whole process very easy. I have gained good grades, the tutors are very responsive and helpful and the work is very understandable. Im happy to answer any of your questions
Hey I am studying MSc Psychology at Arden, currently just over half way through and I love the fact I can still work full time and study, the flexibility is really good and suits anyone with a busy lifestyle. There are 6 modules plus a dissertation module and if you are self funded have the opportunity to take up to 5 years to complete it, otherwise with student finance it is 2 years and it is BPS accredited. As it is a conversion course it does not matter what you took your undergrad degree in either.
Each module consists of a number of lessons to complete online, with discussions forums, quizzes and videos and a number of live sessions with your cohort and tutor which explain further key aspects of the module and assignments. These are recorded so if you cannot make one you can watch it back when you are free, these sessions are spread out throughout the day to try and help students catch as many as they can. There is an online library for accessing resources and you become a student member of the BPS which also gives you a lot of resources too.
I love that you can pick areas of interests for some of the assignments and that it has helped me make a decision about what I want to do next. You also feel very much part of a university even though you do not physically sit in a lecture room with other students because there are study groups, forums discussions and your tutors are just an email away.
Hope that helps!
Abigail
Each module consists of a number of lessons to complete online, with discussions forums, quizzes and videos and a number of live sessions with your cohort and tutor which explain further key aspects of the module and assignments. These are recorded so if you cannot make one you can watch it back when you are free, these sessions are spread out throughout the day to try and help students catch as many as they can. There is an online library for accessing resources and you become a student member of the BPS which also gives you a lot of resources too.
I love that you can pick areas of interests for some of the assignments and that it has helped me make a decision about what I want to do next. You also feel very much part of a university even though you do not physically sit in a lecture room with other students because there are study groups, forums discussions and your tutors are just an email away.
Hope that helps!
Abigail
Original post by Abigail R Brown
Hey I am studying MSc Psychology at Arden, currently just over half way through and I love the fact I can still work full time and study, the flexibility is really good and suits anyone with a busy lifestyle. There are 6 modules plus a dissertation module and if you are self funded have the opportunity to take up to 5 years to complete it, otherwise with student finance it is 2 years and it is BPS accredited. As it is a conversion course it does not matter what you took your undergrad degree in either.
Each module consists of a number of lessons to complete online, with discussions forums, quizzes and videos and a number of live sessions with your cohort and tutor which explain further key aspects of the module and assignments. These are recorded so if you cannot make one you can watch it back when you are free, these sessions are spread out throughout the day to try and help students catch as many as they can. There is an online library for accessing resources and you become a student member of the BPS which also gives you a lot of resources too.
I love that you can pick areas of interests for some of the assignments and that it has helped me make a decision about what I want to do next. You also feel very much part of a university even though you do not physically sit in a lecture room with other students because there are study groups, forums discussions and your tutors are just an email away.
Hope that helps!
Abigail
Each module consists of a number of lessons to complete online, with discussions forums, quizzes and videos and a number of live sessions with your cohort and tutor which explain further key aspects of the module and assignments. These are recorded so if you cannot make one you can watch it back when you are free, these sessions are spread out throughout the day to try and help students catch as many as they can. There is an online library for accessing resources and you become a student member of the BPS which also gives you a lot of resources too.
I love that you can pick areas of interests for some of the assignments and that it has helped me make a decision about what I want to do next. You also feel very much part of a university even though you do not physically sit in a lecture room with other students because there are study groups, forums discussions and your tutors are just an email away.
Hope that helps!
Abigail
Hi Abigail, that's a great review! One additional question - how good do yo think the Arden course is considered when applying for Doctorate Programmes compared to traditional universities?
To be fair there shouldn't be any difference to a traditional university. Work experience has a lot to do with it. There are lots of opportunities to take part in research work and general university stuff like webinars, talks etc. The lecturers are great at giving advice for further study because they have done it themselves.
I think it should not matter if it’s Arden or a ‘traditional university. What is important is to go for the course that is accredited.
Hi BM905
I am currently studying for my MBA at Arden University as a distance learning student. As a mum of two young children, we knew distance learning was the best option. As busy as my current life I have completed all my modules successfully and now working on my project. Arden Uni is known for its reputation to deliver excellence in all its programmes both online and blended learning. personally, since the start of my course until now there isnt any much difference with studying online or going to class every week, as I get the same support in my comfort location and time flexibility.
I will be happy to answer more questions if you have any for me.
Goodluck
Rach @Arden University student Ambassador
I am currently studying for my MBA at Arden University as a distance learning student. As a mum of two young children, we knew distance learning was the best option. As busy as my current life I have completed all my modules successfully and now working on my project. Arden Uni is known for its reputation to deliver excellence in all its programmes both online and blended learning. personally, since the start of my course until now there isnt any much difference with studying online or going to class every week, as I get the same support in my comfort location and time flexibility.
I will be happy to answer more questions if you have any for me.
Goodluck
Rach @Arden University student Ambassador
Hi I just came accross this thread and an looking at this coarse did you go ahead with it? If so how did you find it? I'm currently doing a part time psychotherapy degree and was considering doing this also to boost employment opportunities in the future as I already hold a undergraduate degree in another area.
Original post by Abigail R Brown
Hey I am studying MSc Psychology at Arden, currently just over half way through and I love the fact I can still work full time and study, the flexibility is really good and suits anyone with a busy lifestyle. There are 6 modules plus a dissertation module and if you are self funded have the opportunity to take up to 5 years to complete it, otherwise with student finance it is 2 years and it is BPS accredited. As it is a conversion course it does not matter what you took your undergrad degree in either.
Each module consists of a number of lessons to complete online, with discussions forums, quizzes and videos and a number of live sessions with your cohort and tutor which explain further key aspects of the module and assignments. These are recorded so if you cannot make one you can watch it back when you are free, these sessions are spread out throughout the day to try and help students catch as many as they can. There is an online library for accessing resources and you become a student member of the BPS which also gives you a lot of resources too.
I love that you can pick areas of interests for some of the assignments and that it has helped me make a decision about what I want to do next. You also feel very much part of a university even though you do not physically sit in a lecture room with other students because there are study groups, forums discussions and your tutors are just an email away.
Hope that helps!
Abigail
Each module consists of a number of lessons to complete online, with discussions forums, quizzes and videos and a number of live sessions with your cohort and tutor which explain further key aspects of the module and assignments. These are recorded so if you cannot make one you can watch it back when you are free, these sessions are spread out throughout the day to try and help students catch as many as they can. There is an online library for accessing resources and you become a student member of the BPS which also gives you a lot of resources too.
I love that you can pick areas of interests for some of the assignments and that it has helped me make a decision about what I want to do next. You also feel very much part of a university even though you do not physically sit in a lecture room with other students because there are study groups, forums discussions and your tutors are just an email away.
Hope that helps!
Abigail
Hi Abigail.
Have you completed the course now? I am applying to complete a 2 year MSc Psychology with Arden University. I am hoping that they have a March cohort. Just been accepted for a student loan and can start ASAP.
I am looking for a course which is geared towards online learning, I need to work full-time and have a dog to care/walk so attending university isn't an option.
I hope to hear from you soon!
Andrea.
@Andrea4141
Hi
I'm not sure if Abighail is still one of the course reps, but I believe she has completed her studies now - I think she was in the cohort who started 3 months before me.
I've finished the MSc Psychology conversion via distance learning whilst teaching full time in an FE college. The key strengths of Arden were the strong Virtual Learning Enviroment which is the best I have seen working in education for 10 years, and also many different ways to contact the tutors. There was a respectful understanding that I couldn't attend every online lecture and would often catch up on them on a saturday morning.
Good luck with the course, it is so much fun! The first few unit's which are research methods feel a little more 'dry' than the others but I still enjoyed them
Marc
Arden University Student Ambassador
Hi
I'm not sure if Abighail is still one of the course reps, but I believe she has completed her studies now - I think she was in the cohort who started 3 months before me.
I've finished the MSc Psychology conversion via distance learning whilst teaching full time in an FE college. The key strengths of Arden were the strong Virtual Learning Enviroment which is the best I have seen working in education for 10 years, and also many different ways to contact the tutors. There was a respectful understanding that I couldn't attend every online lecture and would often catch up on them on a saturday morning.
Good luck with the course, it is so much fun! The first few unit's which are research methods feel a little more 'dry' than the others but I still enjoyed them
Marc
Arden University Student Ambassador
Original post by Andrea4141
Hi Abigail.
Have you completed the course now? I am applying to complete a 2 year MSc Psychology with Arden University. I am hoping that they have a March cohort. Just been accepted for a student loan and can start ASAP.
I am looking for a course which is geared towards online learning, I need to work full-time and have a dog to care/walk so attending university isn't an option.
I hope to hear from you soon!
Andrea.
Have you completed the course now? I am applying to complete a 2 year MSc Psychology with Arden University. I am hoping that they have a March cohort. Just been accepted for a student loan and can start ASAP.
I am looking for a course which is geared towards online learning, I need to work full-time and have a dog to care/walk so attending university isn't an option.
I hope to hear from you soon!
Andrea.
Could you please tell me a little more about the available research opportunities on your course? I'm contemplating between pursuing a BSc in Psychology or opting for the MSc psychology conversion, given my existing degree. As well as my BA (hons) I also hold qualifications in psychotherapy and counselling and have aspirations for a Ph.D. in the US. Recognising the importance of experience within research, I'm curious about securing a course with substantial opportunities so I have a strong program admission. Thanks Pamela
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