University of Glasgow Psychology (conversion) MSc: Online distance learning

Hi everyone. I have submitted an application to UoG a few days ago. I looked at other courses but I do think that, while the course at Glasgow does take that bit longer, half a year isn't all that much in the grand scheme of things and they do seem to have put a lot of thought in the information provided to prospective students (the FAQ, the handbook etc) which, in my view, is potentially a positive indication of quality of teaching. I did my undergrad at Oxford and, in a way, I would like to have another academically rigorous environment to be a part of. I may be romanticising the idea of going back to studying but I am really looking forward to engaging in academia again! I have been in law for the past 7 years, so psychology (provided I get in) will make for a nice change! I was surprised the application did not require a personal statement to be submitted, just a reference.

Where else did everyone consider applying? I am on a posting abroad at the moment so cannot study in person; only online courses are an option. I also considered Leicester but haven't heard the best things about the course.

Hi everyone. I have submitted an application to UoG a few days ago. I looked at other courses but I do think that, while the course at Glasgow does take that bit longer, half a year isn't all that much in the grand scheme of things and they do seem to have put a lot of thought in the information provided to prospective students (the FAQ, the handbook etc) which, in my view, is potentially a positive indication of quality of teaching. I did my undergrad at Oxford and, in a way, I would like to have another academically rigorous environment to be a part of. I may be romanticising the idea of going back to studying but I am really looking forward to engaging in academia again! I have been in law for the past 7 years, so psychology (provided I get in) will make for a nice change! I was surprised the application did not require a personal statement to be submitted, just a reference.

Where else did everyone consider applying? I am on a posting abroad at the moment so cannot study in person; only online courses are an option. I also considered Leicester but haven't heard the best things about the course.

Hi,
Glad to hear you also applied to UoG. I was also surprised at how straightforward the application was.
I've been accepted, but now slightly concerned about balancing the potential 20 hours a week of studying plus my full time job in consulting (which I aim to slowly move of but will also be paying the course fees in the meantime).
Does anyone have any experience of taking on/balancing the full-time work/part-time studying work load?

Thanks
Emma

Hey, Good luck on your UoG application, I hope you get in! I just wanted to ask - what have you heard about Leicester? I ask because I'm considering it as well and I don't have the best grades in my bachelors program (low 2:1). I have dreams of somehow doing better in my conversion course so I can apply to the likes of KCL or Oxford for another, more in-depth masters program in psychology. From what I've read on this forum, the prestige of the conversion course doesn't matter as long as it is BPS accredited. Do you think this belief stands true for aspiring future applicants to Oxford and the likes?

Hi Emma,

Thanks and congrats on your acceptance. You're right - the application was really straightforward! I think the course looks really good and seriously thought out, which is promising. I hope I will get the news soon.

I am also a little concerned about part time study alongside a full time legal job. My hours are definitely not 9-5! However, I figured discipline and time management will be key - early mornings or late evenings will be the times when I will have to hit the books.

This is just pure hearsay but I heard that they can be slow to communicate and the workload isn't necessarily tailored to students who are just starting out in Psychology. Now, this may be entirely wrong! Leicester is a good university and I am sure the course is fine, barring some issues that people had with communication.

I really cannot say how much emphasis is placed on the rep of university in Psychology. I understand that, when it comes to applying for clinical psychology doctorate posts, your academic result and clinical experience is a lot more important than the ties with any given institution. That is, as long as you have done a BPS accredited course. When it comes to applying for MSc courses at other academic institutions, I am really not sure. The university rep matters for law, perhaps less so for Psychology but I would expect that, given the number of Psychology grads every year, whatever you can do to make your application stand out can only be a good thing. Sorry I couldn't be of more help.

I have received offer from Glasgow, Leicester, Northumbria, Brunel and Derby universities. I am leaning towards Glasgow. So hopefully we will be doing this together. I am from Ireland as well.

What offer did you get from uni of glasgow?

I finally went ahead and accepted UoG offer. Lets see how next 2-3 yr go!

Hi! I have received an offer from UoG as well. I understand you have accepted yours - congrats! I have also applied to Leicester and Coventry but definitely leaning towards UoG.

Hi everyone. I have submitted an application to UoG a few days ago. I looked at other courses but I do think that, while the course at Glasgow does take that bit longer, half a year isn't all that much in the grand scheme of things and they do seem to have put a lot of thought in the information provided to prospective students (the FAQ, the handbook etc) which, in my view, is potentially a positive indication of quality of teaching. I did my undergrad at Oxford and, in a way, I would like to have another academically rigorous environment to be a part of. I may be romanticising the idea of going back to studying but I am really looking forward to engaging in academia again! I have been in law for the past 7 years, so psychology (provided I get in) will make for a nice change! I was surprised the application did not require a personal statement to be submitted, just a reference.

Where else did everyone consider applying? I am on a posting abroad at the moment so cannot study in person; only online courses are an option. I also considered Leicester but haven't heard the best things about the course.

I finally went ahead and accepted UoG offer. Lets see how next 2-3 yr go!