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!!

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

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

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.

One thing I like to comment and add is that Arden University payment plan for the MSc Psychology is by instalment. You could have paid the full amount way before you are half way full and if you decide to withdraw there is no refund.
I am overseas distance learning student and I did notice recently that some other distance learning university which is also BPS accredited allows payment by module. Maybe this offers one more consideration when you decide which institution to enrol in.

Hi there, I am currently studying MSc in Psychology with Arden. There are 6 modules and a final research project for you to pass the degree and get accredited for BPS which is great. The materials on line are pretty solid and the school also arranged several zoom sessions and you can arrange one one one with lecturers to ask any questions you have. The timetable normally is 2 months for one module between releasing the module and submit your final paper. Of course you can also study 2 modules in the same period. As a distance learning student with a full time job, while this allows flexibility for you to study on your own schedule, the time allowed is also very tight given that normally the assignment requires your to write a 3000 to 4000 words paper. One thing I like to highlight is the marking process involves formative feedback and summary submission. I did notice the feedback and comments could be very different between the two and what was good or fair in the formative feedback might become bad and insufficient in summary submission. This lack of transparency and inconsistency cause a lot of stress in the student when they fail the paper. Which is not uncommon and is also frequently mentioned in our own chat group or student discussion forum. Given the nature of assessment being subjectively assessed by the tutor or even some ‘marking assistant’, the result can be not what you expected after spending lots of time in the assignment. But overall I think their on line material is good.

Hey, thanks for the feedback, it's really helpful as I'm also thinking of applying for Arden, but haven't totally decided yet... Reading about your feedback, it made me worried a bit though, but I know I probably won't find the perfect place... thx.