Arden Psychology MSc Conversion online part-time

I’m am trying to decide whether to choose Arden or Brunel for this course. Brunel is £3000 more expensive but it seems like assignments will fall during times when I am off from work which I would prefer to try and spread out the work throughout the year. For Arden, assignments are due during my busy times at work. Any advice on which to choose?

Hi @thatsmighty3479
Great to hear you're considering Brunel London as an option for studying your MSc in Psychological Science (Conversion).
As this is an online based course you can earn your conversion master’s from wherever you live and work. Studying online, you’ll still benefit from connecting to fellow students, professionals and academics worldwide, through our innovative online learning platform.
Our online modules can be accessed 24/7 and consist of studio-quality video tutorials, industry case studies, class forums, tutor-led discussion groups, podcasts and more. This highly collaborative study environment offers a globalised perspective, which is valuable to many employers.
In terms of future career your BPS accredited Psychological Sciences (Conversion) MSc degree is your first step to becoming a chartered psychologist. In addition to clinical psychology, you’ll gain the skills, knowledge and expertise attractive to employers in a wide variety of sectors such as media, marketing, HR, law enforcement, finance, government, health and education as well as government and non-governmental agencies, and healthcare organisations.
If you want to hear from graduates who have studied the online MSc check out this page full of student testimonials
If you have any more questions - please don't hesitate to reach out,
Sophie
Brunel London University Student Rep.

I just finished the Brunel course and regret choosing it. The additional fees are completely unjustified, particularly for an online course. They charge the same as more reputable universities offering on campus courses, but you get none of the perks. There were very few opportunities for interaction with staff and other students, I didn't receive much support with my final research project, and the staff were often unhelpful and unresponsive.
In terms of the workload though, it's very manageable. You'll have two essays due around every 8 weeks and they're typically 1500 words each. You get the assignment briefs well in advance so should be able to handle it alongside working. The empirical research project is 5000 words, so again, quite manageable.

I did the course full-time, so I'm not 100% sure how the part-time course is structured. I think maybe you'd only have to complete one module at a time rather than two. Each module runs for 6-7 weeks and then you get a week off in between, so you can catch up on any missed reading then. It didn't take that long to get through all the course materials though.
The final module involves doing your own research project. You pick your own topic, submit a proposal, and then get assigned a supervisor. You then apply for ethical approval, collect and analyse your data, etc. The final assignments are a poster (worth 10%) and the 5000 word report. The module's 16 weeks long for the full-time course.

Thanks again!

Hi there, I was wondering whether you ended up choosing Brunel and, if so, how it's going so far? Thanks

@thatsmighty3479
Hello! I did my MSc conversion at Arden University and I had a great time - I did have the benefit of working 10 years in education and also having done 2 years post graduate study, I went in with a lot of confidence and experience already. With Arden there is the option of doing the course 100% online or doing it blended learning. What might benefit you is that you have a certain amount of freedom in when you activate the individual units- with permission you can work on two at once too, as long as you finish the course within the deadline dictated by the final exam board.
For an unbiased view, check out any universities rating on the Teaching Excellence Framework - the report is readily available online
Marc
Arden University Student Ambassador

Hi,
I just wanted to enquire about the blended learning option. Is this available to part time students? If it is, how does it work?
I'm wanting to pursue a Pyschology conversion course, but feel as though 100% online I'll miss that in education feel, if that makes sense. I currently work full time, but I believe my company would be willing to reduce my days for this.
Thanks!