Arden University: Debating a Switch to BSc Psychology and/or Moving
Hello everyone,
I’m currently in my foundation year studying BA (Hons) Criminology and Psychology at Arden University. I’m now on my final modules, and for some time I’ve been seriously considering making a change.
Although I’ve been achieving strong grades, I’m beginning to question whether this degree is the right fit for my long‑term goals. The programme is not BPS‑accredited and is a BA rather than a BSc, which makes me uncertain about its value for the career paths I’m interested in. Another concern is that I haven’t found the university particularly challenging or academically stimulating. I understand that this is only the foundation year, but I still expected more depth - many lectures feel repetitive and don’t provide enough information for me. Looking ahead at the upcoming modules has only reinforced these doubts.
My main career interests lie in intelligence analysis and related analytical fields. I’m already working on the technical skills required for that direction, but I’m concerned that continuing with Criminology & Psychology won’t give me the same core psychological and research foundations that a full Psychology degree would provide. I’m interested in several psychology related roles, and I know I’ll need to specialise at master’s level, and this is something I’m fully prepared for. I’m also completing online psychology related internships to catch up on concepts I may have missed. They’re not with major companies and they’re not in person, but I do get my work published and receive certificates for each project, so even if they’re small scale, I’m putting in a lot of effort to build experience.
Overall, I feel that Psychology opens more doors, whereas I’m less confident about the long term flexibility of Criminology. The Psychology programme also includes optional modules such as Forensic Psychology and Cyberpsychology, both of which interest me, so I wouldn’t be losing the criminology aspect entirely. Because of this, I’m seriously considering switching to BSc Psychology. From what I’ve seen, the psychology modules seem to cover more in depth and genuinely relevant psychological topics. That said, I’m still confused about how realistic credit transfer is in practice, especially given how competitive nearby universities are.
For additional context, I’m a very theory driven person who enjoys the technical side of learning and genuinely likes research. I’ve also completed internships in editorial work, which I really enjoyed, and I’m excited to eventually work with both qualitative and quantitative methods. I would love to move to a larger, more established university one day, but relocation is difficult for me at the moment.
My biggest concern is the transfer process. The universities near me are highly competitive, and based on my research, I’m worried that my credits may not be accepted and I absolutely cannot afford to repeat a year. For context, I’m from the EU, and my diploma is equivalent to AAA at A levels, and I passed all my exams with maximum scores. I also have a Duolingo English Exam with a score that translates to C1 English. I’m flexible career wise, but I know I’d enjoy a role where I can apply knowledge, think critically, and work in a more formal analytical environment. Relocation isn’t possible right now due to several issues, though perhaps in a year or so it might be - but not far, which limits my options. I’ve also read concerns online about employability, and I’m worried that my current degree might be disregarded. It took a lot for me to get here, so I want to make the best possible choice.
I can’t shake the feeling that I need to make a change. Any advice or experiences would be greatly appreciated.
Should I switch programmes?
Move after the foundation year?
Complete one year and then transfer?
Or stay where I am?
Thank you in advance to anyone who reads this and decides to give me advice.
I’m currently in my foundation year studying BA (Hons) Criminology and Psychology at Arden University. I’m now on my final modules, and for some time I’ve been seriously considering making a change.
Although I’ve been achieving strong grades, I’m beginning to question whether this degree is the right fit for my long‑term goals. The programme is not BPS‑accredited and is a BA rather than a BSc, which makes me uncertain about its value for the career paths I’m interested in. Another concern is that I haven’t found the university particularly challenging or academically stimulating. I understand that this is only the foundation year, but I still expected more depth - many lectures feel repetitive and don’t provide enough information for me. Looking ahead at the upcoming modules has only reinforced these doubts.
My main career interests lie in intelligence analysis and related analytical fields. I’m already working on the technical skills required for that direction, but I’m concerned that continuing with Criminology & Psychology won’t give me the same core psychological and research foundations that a full Psychology degree would provide. I’m interested in several psychology related roles, and I know I’ll need to specialise at master’s level, and this is something I’m fully prepared for. I’m also completing online psychology related internships to catch up on concepts I may have missed. They’re not with major companies and they’re not in person, but I do get my work published and receive certificates for each project, so even if they’re small scale, I’m putting in a lot of effort to build experience.
Overall, I feel that Psychology opens more doors, whereas I’m less confident about the long term flexibility of Criminology. The Psychology programme also includes optional modules such as Forensic Psychology and Cyberpsychology, both of which interest me, so I wouldn’t be losing the criminology aspect entirely. Because of this, I’m seriously considering switching to BSc Psychology. From what I’ve seen, the psychology modules seem to cover more in depth and genuinely relevant psychological topics. That said, I’m still confused about how realistic credit transfer is in practice, especially given how competitive nearby universities are.
For additional context, I’m a very theory driven person who enjoys the technical side of learning and genuinely likes research. I’ve also completed internships in editorial work, which I really enjoyed, and I’m excited to eventually work with both qualitative and quantitative methods. I would love to move to a larger, more established university one day, but relocation is difficult for me at the moment.
My biggest concern is the transfer process. The universities near me are highly competitive, and based on my research, I’m worried that my credits may not be accepted and I absolutely cannot afford to repeat a year. For context, I’m from the EU, and my diploma is equivalent to AAA at A levels, and I passed all my exams with maximum scores. I also have a Duolingo English Exam with a score that translates to C1 English. I’m flexible career wise, but I know I’d enjoy a role where I can apply knowledge, think critically, and work in a more formal analytical environment. Relocation isn’t possible right now due to several issues, though perhaps in a year or so it might be - but not far, which limits my options. I’ve also read concerns online about employability, and I’m worried that my current degree might be disregarded. It took a lot for me to get here, so I want to make the best possible choice.
I can’t shake the feeling that I need to make a change. Any advice or experiences would be greatly appreciated.
Should I switch programmes?
Move after the foundation year?
Complete one year and then transfer?
Or stay where I am?
Thank you in advance to anyone who reads this and decides to give me advice.
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