From OU to UCL?

Hi,

I am currently studying a Bsc degree in Psychology with the Open Uni. I would like to go into cognitive neuroscience for my Masters.

The programme I am interested in is the MRes at UCL in Developmental Neuroscience and Psychopathology (2 years programme with Yale). Am I being completely unrealistic? Does UCL accept OU degrees?

The course description also says you need research experience, any ideas on how to do this as an Undergrad?

I have already written to the Uni but got no response, so I'm not holding out much hope. Any help or experiences would be appreciated!

Thanks!

Original post by Ray0209

Hi,

I am currently studying a Bsc degree in Psychology with the Open Uni. I would like to go into cognitive neuroscience for my Masters.

The programme I am interested in is the MRes at UCL in Developmental Neuroscience and Psychopathology (2 years programme with Yale). Am I being completely unrealistic? Does UCL accept OU degrees?

The course description also says you need research experience, any ideas on how to do this as an Undergrad?

I have already written to the Uni but got no response, so I'm not holding out much hope. Any help or experiences would be appreciated!

Thanks!

@Ray0209
Hello! I am currently doing my MSc in Psychology. Typically tutors will advertise for research assistants through the University, I've volunteered on two projects on my course. People usually end up transcribing interviews. Have tutors encouraged you to connect with them on Research Gate? (It's a bit like Linkedin). It's best talking to the Psychology program leader at your University

Marc
Arden University Student Ambassador

Original post by Ray0209

Hi,

I am currently studying a Bsc degree in Psychology with the Open Uni. I would like to go into cognitive neuroscience for my Masters.

The programme I am interested in is the MRes at UCL in Developmental Neuroscience and Psychopathology (2 years programme with Yale). Am I being completely unrealistic? Does UCL accept OU degrees?

The course description also says you need research experience, any ideas on how to do this as an Undergrad?

I have already written to the Uni but got no response, so I'm not holding out much hope. Any help or experiences would be appreciated!

Thanks!

Everyone accepts an OU degree. If your grades, references etc are strong you will be competitive.

Reply 3

Ray0209

OP

6

Thank you both for your responses.

@Arden University: I had a look on our website but there are no undergrad research opportunities. The tutors haven't asked to connect, but it might be down to only having done my first year? Also not sure how it would work because I work full time, I don't mind putting the hours in if I get a good experience from it, but I am quite restricted with my ability to travel etc.

@threeportdrift: Yeah the degree itself is BPS accredited, but I'm more nervous about needing research experience. Also if people are applying from RG Unis surely they would get a preference. Do you think doing an Msc first would be worth it? What else could I do to make me stand out? I just feel like I'm a bit restricted because I have a (completely unrelated) full-time job.

Original post by Ray0209

Thank you both for your responses.

@Arden University: I had a look on our website but there are no undergrad research opportunities. The tutors haven't asked to connect, but it might be down to only having done my first year? Also not sure how it would work because I work full time, I don't mind putting the hours in if I get a good experience from it, but I am quite restricted with my ability to travel etc.

@threeportdrift: Yeah the degree itself is BPS accredited, but I'm more nervous about needing research experience. Also if people are applying from RG Unis surely they would get a preference. Do you think doing an Msc first would be worth it? What else could I do to make me stand out? I just feel like I'm a bit restricted because I have a (completely unrelated) full-time job.

You've got to put together a strong application for sure, but what the OU might lack in prestige v the RG and research, it tends to make up for in the dedication and effort of its students. OU students with high grades get a stronger 'stamp' for effort, focus, planning, commitment etc than pretty much any other students, and that is appealing for a university that is over-subscribed for places and wants to select people who will be successful on the course.

I don't think a prior Masters would help - generally there is likely to be a stronger reluctance to award a place to someone who is 'marking time' at the same level, but you might ask the course admissions that sort of thing directly.

If the course says it wants research experience, then of course you will make a stronger application if you have that. But the OU per se will not stand in your way with applications to anywhere, Oxbridge included.

Original post by Ray0209

Thank you both for your responses.

@Arden University: I had a look on our website but there are no undergrad research opportunities. The tutors haven't asked to connect, but it might be down to only having done my first year? Also not sure how it would work because I work full time, I don't mind putting the hours in if I get a good experience from it, but I am quite restricted with my ability to travel etc.

@threeportdrift: Yeah the degree itself is BPS accredited, but I'm more nervous about needing research experience. Also if people are applying from RG Unis surely they would get a preference. Do you think doing an Msc first would be worth it? What else could I do to make me stand out? I just feel like I'm a bit restricted because I have a (completely unrelated) full-time job.

@Ray0209
In terms of assisting on research projects, a lot of it is ad-hoc and you can work on it in your own time - there is of course a deadline. I transcribed interviews which gave me experience with qualitative data. I would think anything involving quantitative data (other than collection) would be done by tutors as if you know how to use programs like SPSS it can be done quickly. If you wanted to do an MSc in Psychology you could apply to Arden https://arden.ac.uk/our-courses/postgraduate/masters/msc-psychology-bps

I had no lab experience whatsoever to get onto the course, although I did have a 1st BA Hons Sociology degree

Marc
Arden University Student Ambassador

(edited 3 years ago)

Reply 6

annab1999

1

Original post by Ray0209

Hi,
I am currently studying a Bsc degree in Psychology with the Open Uni. I would like to go into cognitive neuroscience for my Masters.
The programme I am interested in is the MRes at UCL in Developmental Neuroscience and Psychopathology (2 years programme with Yale). Am I being completely unrealistic? Does UCL accept OU degrees?
The course description also says you need research experience, any ideas on how to do this as an Undergrad?
I have already written to the Uni but got no response, so I'm not holding out much hope. Any help or experiences would be appreciated!
Thanks!

Hi, just wondering how you got on with this. I'm looking to follow a similar pathway.

From OU to UCL?

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