MSc Psychology (conversion course) distance learning - advice please

[Brummum905]

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!!

I don't know Arden, but I would go with the accredited course if BPS membership will matter to you in the future.

Yes definitely. All of the above courses mentioned are accredited (apart from the OU one).

I really woouldn't do Arden. Lots of more respected places do online. They've recently had a massive online campaign, hteir status as a university was settled by a government department, not HEFCE at the time, I would judge as an HE recruiter.

I had very good luck experience with OU, is there a reason you don’t want to study towards their BSc Psych? It is also BPS accredited.

Oops good experience

I can’t really do a BSc as I already have a degree, and I would need to take out a student loan for further study, so I’m only eligible for a masters loan

Look at BPP conversation to psychology. I am starting that one soon.

OU BSc Psychology is eligible for second degree loan. I am currently considering it x

With lack of international students this year lots of unis are doing online Masters and Bsc degrees. Try Russell Group Unis. Or those not quite so prestigious but are desperate for students that do online degrees.

Here's a link for you good luck!

www.distancelearningportal.com/articles/294/10-top-uk-universities-ideal-for-distance-learning.html

I did mine as a distance learner at LeedsBeckett. Good course, lovely, supportive tutors, accredited, and a fair bit cheaper than the others. There is a scheme called SCONUL which gives access and borrowing-rights to any university library in the country, and you can use the eduroam wifi network in any institution. If you have one reasonably close than it can be a god-send. I resourced and completed most of my assessments in my local uni, and only went up to Leeds for one week of lab work.

May I ask what are you planning to do after the course please?
I too am interested in Msc Psychology conversion and I'm awaiting an email about job prospects following the completion of the course.

My Dgd is hoping to go to Kings College London to do neuroscience and psychology Msc

I teach psychology at an RG university. Normally we don't do distance learning, but all our courses for the next year have the option of online only. This means you can take the course from anywhere. I suspect many other unis are in the same position.

So this year, you have a lot more choice than you think. Look for the strongest university you can get into, and look for a course that will give you experience that is relevant to the career you want next. Most MSc courses have some kind of research project, and if you can get a project relevant to your future career goals, that is often very helpful.

I know this thread is old. But I'm looking into these course too. Does anyone have any recommendations? I'm looking at the wolverhampton online msc psychology course.

Hi, what did you do in the end? I'm looking at the arden vs wolverhampton conversion msc psychology too. I'd appreciate any feed back you have. I'm worried in case it's not good.

Just saw this. Pretty sure OU is accredited. Just checked on BPS website for the benefits of others who might come across this thread. What am I missing?

"Institution
Open University
Accreditation Status*
Accredited*
Date Accredited*
2022/23*
Pathways
This programme is accredited for all intakes from 2022/2023 and confers eligibility for the Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership.
Structure*
Conversion*
Distance/Blended Learning*
Online*
Institution Website
http://www.open.ac.uk//*
Institution Address*
The Open University Walton Hall Milton Keynes Buckinghamshire MK7 6AA United Kingdom*"

Beautiful 3, what did you decide to do? How is the study going? Which Uni?

@Flippin the post you presumably referred to was from 2020, so is it possible that at the time, the OU course wasn't BPS accredited, but became so for the first time from the 2022/2023 intake?