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UNDERGRADUATE
PROGRAMME SPECIFICATION
Programme Title:
University Certificate in
Psychology
Awarding Body:
Staffordshire University
Teaching Institution:
Staffordshire University
Final Awards:
University Certificate in
Psychology
Intermediate Awards:
N/A
Mode of Study
Distance Learning
UCAS Codes:
N/A
QAA Subject Benchmarks:
Psychology
Professional/Statutory Body:
N/A
Date of Production:
June 2011
Date of Revision:
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EDUCATIONAL AIMS OF THE PROGRAMME
To offer a well structured and coherent learning experience for students, which provides the opportunity to gain a basic foundation in the core areas of Psychology To facilitate the development of a range of skills, both discipline specific and more general, which will be required for future honours level study in psychology
To offer a stimulating and supportive learning environment which caters for a range of student needs, with the opportunity to engage with enthusiastic and well qualified staff
What is distinctive about this programme?
• Gives those who have not studied Psychology before the opportunity to study all the core areas of Psychology by distance learning.
• Successful completion will enable students to claim 60 credits in Psychology which can be used as the necessary entry requirement for a subsequent Graduate Diploma in Psychology conversion course.
• Content of this course is designed to feed directly into our own Graduate Diploma in Psychology Conversion degree, and is designed to be acceptable an entry qualification for Conversion degrees at other institutions
• Successful completion of the University Certificate in Psychology course
guarantees acceptance onto the Graduate Diploma programme at Staffordshire University.
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PROGRAMME OUTCOMES
What will this programme teach me to do? At the end of your studies you
should be able to:
Knowledge & Understanding
Demonstrate basic understanding of a range of psychological concepts and theories.
Learning
Demonstrate the acquisition of knowledge in core areas of psychology.
Enquiry
Demonstrate the ability to access relevant material from a range ofavailable sources.
Analysis
Demonstrate basic understanding of research design, research ethics, data analysis, and descriptive and inferential statistical testing.
Problem Solving
Demonstrate the ability to solve problems through the use of appropriate psychological models and research methodology.
Communication
Demonstrate discipline-specific skills in written communication e.g. citing research evidence and presenting arguments for and against particular psychological approaches or perspectives.
Application
Demonstrate the ability to apply psychological concepts and methods to real life issues.
Reflection
PROGRAMME STRUCTURE, MODULES AND CREDITS
Programme Title: University Certificate in Psychology
Potential award = University Certificate – University Certificate in Psychology (60 credits at L4)
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Teaching Block 1 Teaching Block 2Introductory Psychology (SHS85110-4) 30 Credits
Introductory Research Methods (SHS85109-4) 30 Credits
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HOW WILL I BE TAUGHT AND ASSESSED?
Teaching and Learning
The course consists of two compulsory modules which are followed sequentially (Introductory Psychology and Introductory Research Methods). The course material is designed to closely mirror some of the introductory topics covered on the majority of three year BSc Psychology awards, and to introduce you to some of the key areas in Psychology identified by the British Psychological Society. This ensures that all students are receiving an appropriate foundation in key aspects of Psychology, which will prepare you for further study in Psychology.
The course is fully distance learning. You will use Blackboard, the Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) adopted by the University and will, therefore, need regular access to a computer with an internet connection. Each module consists of course notes, directed reading, and activities that are designed to extend your knowledge, and to encourage application of this knowledge to everyday behaviour. You will access study materials, take part in learning activities, interact with other students on the course, and communicate with the course tutors via online discussion boards. Typically, the module content is divided into sections. You will be told the learning outcomes of each section and then will be required to read through on-line study notes and engage in a number of activities that relate to those notes. Feedback for these activities is provided. You may also be directed to their text books for readings. On completion of the sections, you will be directed to the on-line discussion boards where you are able to engage in discussions with your fellow students on topics that relate to the content you have covered.
This is a demanding course, and will require a considerable time commitment. You should anticipate spending an average of 15- 20 hours per week on your learning over a thirty two week period.
As this course is delivered by distance learning, you can choose to study each module to fit around your other commitments. However, specific deadlines are set for each module; therefore a calendar and suggested schedule of work are provided. The Programme delivery is supported by a team that has experience of innovative approaches to curriculum development, learning, teaching and assessment. The teaching strategy is designed to help you to become an independent and critical learner, equip you with the necessary skills to continue learning and develop in a professional context following completion of the course.
Assessment
Formal (summative) methods of assessment
Assessment incorporates a range of methods including online tests (multiple choice and concept tests), an essay, and a research report. Assessments are submitted online and online feedback is provided. These are moderated and validated in line
with standard procedures adopted by Staffordshire University.
Further details of specific assessments currently used are available on the current module descriptors. Please see http://www.staffs.ac.uk/current/student/modules/
Informal (formative) assessment
Formative methods of assessment are used to assist in preparation of summative assessments. Feedback is provided via online discussion with fellow students and course tutors.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Entry Requirements (including IELTS score)
What qualifications would I need to join this programme?
The entry requirements for the award are normally:
An honours degree in a discipline other than Psychology (minimum, lower second (2ii) classification).
Applicants with overseas qualifications will be assessed for suitability for the programme on the basis of whether their first degree held is from a
recognised institution as indicated by publications from the International Association of Universities.
Overseas applicants will also be asked to provide evidence that they are competent to study at this level in terms of English language usage if English is not their first language. At least IELTS 6.0/ TOEFL 550 (213 new scheme) or equivalent is required.
Disability Statement
Staffordshire University operates a policy of inclusive teaching and learning to
ensure that all students have an equal opportunity to fulfil their educational
potential. Details about how to apply to have your needs assessed can be
found at: http://www.staffs.ac.uk/study_here/disabled_students/index.jsp
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