Child Psychology Final award Intermediate awards available UCAS code Details of professional body accreditation BSc (Hons) Cert. HE, DipHE, BSc C823 British Psychological Society Relevant QAA Benchmark statements Psychology, Early Childhood Studies, Counselling Date specification last up-dated May 2014 The summary - UCAS programme profile BANNER BOX: The BSc (Hons) Child Psychology offers excellent study and employment opportunities. The programme is accredited by the British Psychological Society as conferring the Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (provided a Lower Second Class Honours or above is achieved). This is the first step towards becoming a Chartered Psychologist.. ENTRY REQUIREMENTS For admission to the BSc (Hons) Child Psychology, candidates need 240 tariff points, with at least 120 points obtained from A2 qualifications or new GNVQ equivalent. We also accept Access, NVQ and a variety of other pre-university level qualifications including International and European Baccalaureate. Students may be admitted through Accreditation of Experiential Learning (AEL) or Accreditation of Certificated Learning (ACL) processes. In the case of applicants whose first language is not English, the University s English Language requirements as detailed on the website at time of application must be met see http://www.uel.ac.uk/international/application/english-language-requirements/ In the case of applicants whose first language is not English, we require IELTS 6.0 (or recognised equivalent), including a minimum of 6.0 in writing and speaking and a minimum of 5.5 in reading and listening.
For further information, please contact the Psychology Administration Team at psychology@uel.ac.uk or telephone 0208 223 4609. At UEL we are committed to working together to build a learning community founded on equality of opportunity - a learning community which celebrates the rich diversity of our student and staff populations. Discriminatory behaviour has no place in our community and will not be tolerated. Within a spirit of respecting difference, our equality and diversity policies promise fair treatment and equality of opportunity for all. In pursuing this aim, we want people applying for a place at UEL to feel valued and know that the process and experience will be transparent and fair and no one will be refused access on the grounds of any protected characteristic stated in the Equality Act 2010 ABOUT THE PROGRAMME What is Child Psychology? The BSc (Hons) Child Psychology combines developmental psychology, counselling and early childhood studies to provide a programme with a strong academic core as well as an introduction to related areas of study with links to applied work with children. The programme includes all the core material required for accreditation by the British Psychology Society through modules shared with our other BSc psychology programmes. The BSc (Hons) Child Psychology has a particular focus on developmental psychology which is the empirical study of changes in thinking and behaviour through the lifespan. Students are also introduced to theories and their applications for counselling children, young people and adults through the lifecycle on a module shared with the BSc (Hons) Counselling. In addition, at each level of study, students can develop their knowledge and understanding of the needs and experiences of children from an educational and cultural perspective, through modules shared with the BA (Hons) Early Childhood Studies, based in the CASS School of Education and Communities. Child Psychology at UEL: We have successfully run undergraduate and postgraduate programmes in Psychology for over fifty years. The BSc (Hons) Child Psychology is accredited by the British Psychological Society as conferring the Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership, an essential pre-requisite for professional psychology training (for those achieving a Lower Second Class Honours or above). (Please note that many professional training programmes now require Upper Second Class Honours or above). The BSc (Hons) Child Psychology programme has been designed to include an option element at level 5 and a placement at level 6. UEL s School of Psychology is one of the largest providers of Psychology education and training in the UK.
We have a history and experience of delivering programmes that cross different subject areas and Schools. The programme provides opportunities to develop study, research and employability skills needed by professionals in current careers and fields across the globe. Over 80% of our BSc graduates have found jobs or postgraduate training places within 6 months of graduating. BSc students come from a wide range of ethnic and cultural backgrounds with a significant proportion of international students; approximately 50% are mature students. Programme structure The BSc (Hons) Child Psychology is a three-year full-time programme, with full-time students completing 120 credits per year. On the BSc (Hons) Child Psychology, all modules carry a 30-credit value except at level 6 where there is a 45-credit research project module and 15-credit employability module. There are two terms of taught sessions and one assessment term in each year. Modules of 30 credits or more are taught across both teaching terms At level 4, BSc (Hons) Child Psychology students take three core psychology modules and one core education module. At level 5 students take three core psychology modules and one option module which can be in early childhood studies or counselling. At level 6, students complete their research project and employability modules in psychology, a core specialist developmental psychology module including a placement in a child-related setting and one further module in early childhood studies. An honours degree is awarded when a minimum of 360 credits have been completed (or up to two thirds given prior accreditation for). This must comprise of 120 credits at Level 4, 120 at level 5 and 120 at Level 6. The research project at Level 6 must be passed in order to achieve an Honours degree. A student studying part-time would take up to a maximum of 90 credits per year and would, therefore, normally take a minimum of four to five years to complete the programme (depending on any accredited previous qualifications and experience). Learning environment The learning experience offered by the BSc (Hons) Child Psychology is strong and distinctive in that this programme offers students access to a broad pool of knowledge and expertise from three subject areas. Students benefit from having a home base in the School of Psychology as well as being taught by staff with expertise in education and counselling research and practice. Students also learn through working with children and school/nursery staff in the level 6 placement. Teaching methods vary from module to module but include lectures, seminars, tutorials, practical classes, demonstrations and individual supervision. Student learning is supported by lecture notes, module handbooks and recommended readings. Direct class contact is
supplemented by on-line interactive programme materials, individual reading, completion of set exercises and preparation for assignments. Learning resources include IT, general and specialised psychology laboratories and equipment, access to electronic databases and specialist library facilities. Assessment Assessment is by a mix of formative and summative work, including both coursework and examination. Coursework typically includes essays, research reports, posters and presentations and a level 6 research project. The majority of assessment at Level 4 is by coursework, to provide maximum formative feedback to students. Formative assessment is used to allow students to monitor their own understanding and teaching staff to monitor understanding and engagement at that point in the student s learning. At level 6, 50% of the assessment takes place via the research project and employability portfolio. Students with disabilities and /or particular learning needs should discuss assessments with the Programme Leader to ensure they are able to fully engage with all assessment on the programme. Work experience/placement opportunities The BSc (Hons) Child Psychology includes a core level 6 module that incorporates a 30 hour work-based placement in a child-related setting. There are also opportunities to apply for research placements in the Institute for Research in Child Development, based in the School of Psychology. Students are encouraged to undertake additional relevant voluntary work with local organisations and opportunities for this are displayed at the Psychology Student Support Centre. Project work Project work is an essential part of an Honours degree programme and one that most students enjoy. Small projects and group exercises feature throughout the programme. At level 6, there is a compulsory research project that contributes approximately one third of the marks for that level of study. Students conduct a literature review on an area of research that they choose from the wide range offered by supervisors of developmental psychology projects. Under supervision they design, carry out, analyse and interpret an original empirical investigation in that area. Students are supported by regular contact with their supervisor via one-one meetings, small group work, email and feedback. Postgraduate professional training staff are also available as supervisors if appropriate. Added value
Eligibility for Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership with the British Psychological Society and for applying for postgraduate professional training (for those achieving a second class honours degree or above) which is the first step towards being a Chartered Psychologist Extensive personal support throughout the programme Teaching by staff who are experienced in working with students from a wide range of backgrounds Benefits from studying alongside fellow students from, and being taught by staff with expertise in, three different subject areas Introduction to academic fields which link to areas of applied work with children A degree with a strong academic core and opportunities to develop many transferable skills IS THIS THE PROGRAMME FOR ME? If you are interested in... The causes of, and factors that influence, thinking and behaviour through the lifespan Developing your knowledge and understanding of children from a psychological, cultural, educational and counselling perspective Working with people in a range of professional settings Gaining good, flexible, employment-related skills If you enjoy... Thinking about why babies, children, adolescents and adults behave the way they do Designing and carrying out studies to explore the factors that influence developmental processes Learning how psychologists can use their knowledge to understand individuals and help bring about positive developmental outcomes If you want... A professionally accredited degree in psychology The opportunity to study three complementary academic subjects Knowledge and skills that can be used in a wide range of career settings, working with a variety of age groups To study in a friendly, informal and reputable School Your future career A degree in Child Psychology is the first step towards becoming a professional psychologist, whether in the field of educational, counselling, clinical, health, forensic or occupational
psychology. Those wishing to specialise in these areas undertake further postgraduate training at Masters or Doctorate level. As well as providing a route into professional psychology, the BSc (Hons) Child Psychology can strengthen your profile if you decide to pursue a career in a range of related areas of work, particularly those involving children, babies, adolescents and other age groups. Examples of these are counselling, social work, youth work, nursery management, speech and language therapy and a wide variety of careers in the field of education. In addition to covering specific areas of psychology, counselling and early childhood studies, the BSc (Hons) Child Psychology provides training in data collection and analysis, communication skills and report writing, IT skills and interpersonal awareness. It therefore provides an excellent basis for developing a career in areas not directly related to psychology. How we support you Students joining the programme are provided with induction sessions in the week before classes begin. Returning students also receive induction to the next year of their programme. Students are allocated a personal and academic tutor. Additional academic support is available from those teaching on modules and the programme leader. The School of Psychology has a well-established mentoring scheme in which volunteers from the second and third years of the programme act as mentors to first year students. Level four students are supported by materials and sessions designed to help develop study skills, including covering IT skills, library use, report and essay writing, the ethics of study and research, and working in groups. Research methods teaching is supplemented by on-line interactive programme materials and discussion groups. Level 6 research project supervisors also provide personal support and help with career choice, job applications and preparation of CVs. Specialist support (for example, for financial advice, careers advice, counselling and learning support) is available from central University services. Bonus factors The programme benefits from close association with the Institute for Research in Child Development, located in the School of Psychology. Students have the chance to participate in and help with real-life research. The best student projects have been accepted for publication in professional journals. Our Psychology Student Support Centre offers a one-stop source of information and advice, a centre for booking equipment and rooms and assistance with IT problems. Central London is only 20 minutes away by underground and there are extensive transport links to all parts of London.
Programme aims and learning outcomes What is this programme designed to achieve? This programme is designed to give you the opportunity to: progress to postgraduate study/professional training, by providing the necessary specialised knowledge and skills to gain you the Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership of the British Psychological Society shape your study towards your career aspirations and interests by providing a specialist child psychology module with a built-in work placement equip you with skills that will enable you to pursue successful, responsible and useful careers in a number of areas of employment gain experience of postgraduate practice in psychology by links with the professional programmes in the School match your mode of study to your needs and responsibilities through our flexibility in programme provision What will you learn? Knowledge Good knowledge of the influences on and factors involved in human functioning in all the core areas of psychology (biological foundations, cognitive psychology, social psychology, developmental psychology, individual differences, emotion and motivation, conceptual and historical issues in psychology, research methods) Detailed knowledge of several specialised areas in developmental psychology Foundational knowledge of early childhood studies and counselling theories Knowledge of a range of research paradigms, scientific methods and measurement techniques, suitable for use with different age groups Knowledge of real life applications of theory and research relating to behaviour, experience and development Thinking skills Analysis and interpretation of evidence Scientific reasoning Critical thinking Appreciation of multiple perspectives and approaches Subject-Based Practical skills
Ability to design and conduct research Ability to analyse and interpret quantitative and qualitative data Awareness of ethical issues and principles in research on human development Ability to communicate effectively about your academic subject Skills for life and work (general skills) Oral and written communication skills Computer literacy (word-processing, electronic communication, electronic databases, statistical software, internet searching) Interpersonal and group skills Numeracy and statistical competence Self-knowledge and reflexivity Planning and time-management The programme structure Introduction All programmes are credit-rated to help you to understand the amount and level of study that is needed. One credit is equal to 10 hours of directed study time (which is everything you do including lectures, seminars and private study). Credits are assigned to one of 5 levels: 3 equivalent in standard to GCE 'A' level and is intended to prepare students for year one of an undergraduate degree programme 4 equivalent in standard to the first year of a full-time undergraduate degree programme 5 equivalent in standard to the second year of a full-time undergraduate degree programme 6 equivalent in standard to the third year of a full-time undergraduate degree programme 7 equivalent in standard to a Masters degree Credit rating The overall credit-rating of this programme is 360 credits. Typical duration
The expected duration of this programme is three years full-time (or four to five years parttime). It is possible to move from full-time to part-time study and vice versa to accommodate external factors such as financial constraints or domestic commitments. Many of our students make use of this flexibility and this may impact on the overall duration of their study period. A student cannot normally continue study on a programme after four years of study in fulltime mode unless exceptional circumstances apply and extenuation has been granted. The limit for completion of a programme in part-time mode is eight years from first enrolment. How the teaching year is divided The teaching year begins in September and ends in June. What you will study when A typical student, in full-time attendance mode, will register for 120 credits in an academic year. This will be comprised of four 30 credit modules except at level 6 where there is a 45 credit module, a 15 credit module and two 30 credit modules. A student in part-time attendance mode may register for up to 90 credits in any academic year. Module Level Code Module Title Distance learning Credits Status* Y/N 4 PY4101 Researching Psychological Worlds N 30 Core 4 Perspectives on Behaviour: Biological, Social and PY4102 Differential N 30 Core 4 Introduction to Cognitive and Developmental PY4103 Psychology N 30 Core 4 ED4034 Pedagogy: Supporting Development in the Early Years N 30 Core 5 PY5201 Researching Psychological Worlds 2 N 30 Core 5 Applications of Psychobiology, Individual Differences PY5202 and Social Psychology N 30 Core 5 PY5203 Topics in Cognitive and Developmental Psychology N 30 Core 5 GC5xx Counselling and Development through the Lifespan N 30 Option 5 Advocating for Children: National and International ED5005 Contexts N 30 Option 6 Psychological Research Project for Developmental PY6322 Psychology N 45 Core 6 Employability and developing your graduate career PY6302 pathway N 15 Core
6 PY6310 Applied Child Psychology with Placement N 30 Core 6 ED6014 Children, Culture and Globalisation N 30 Core **Please Note: A core module for a programme is a module which a student must have passed (i.e. been awarded credit) in order to achieve the relevant named award. An optional module for a programme is a module selected from a range of modules available on the programme. Requirements for gaining an award In order to gain an honours degree you will need to obtain 360 credits including: A minimum of 120 credits at level four or higher A minimum of 120 credits at level five or higher A minimum of 120 credits at level six or higher In order to gain an ordinary degree you will need to obtain 300 credits including: A minimum of 120 credits at level four or higher A minimum of 120 credits at level five or higher A minimum of 60 credits at level six or higher In order to gain a Diploma of Higher Education you will need to obtain 240 credits including a minimum of 120 credits at level four or higher and 120 credits at level five or higher. In order to gain a Certificate of Higher Education you will need to obtain 120 credits at level four or higher. Degree Classification Where a student is eligible for an Honours degree by completing a valid combination of modules to comprise an award and has gained the minimum of 240 UEL credits at level 5 or level 6 on the current enrolment for the programme, including a minimum of 120 UEL credits at level 6, the award classification is determined by calculating: The arithmetic mean of the best 90 credits at level 6 The arithmetic mean of the next x 0.8 + best 90 credits at levels 5 and/or 6 x 0.2 and applying the mark obtained as a percentage, with decimals points rounded up to the nearest whole number, to the following classification: 70% - 100% First Class Honours 60% - 69% Second Class Honours, First Division 50% - 59% Second Class Honours, Second Division 40% - 49% Third Class Honours 0% - 39% Not passed
Teaching, learning and assessment Teaching and learning Knowledge is developed through: Lectures Seminars Tutorials Workshops Work-based placement Guided reading Moodle and computer aided learning Thinking skills are developed through: Lectures Seminars Tutorials Practical classes Computer aided learning Independent reading Practical skills are developed through: Practical classes and workshops IT workshops and exercises Project supervision Skills for life and work (general skills) are developed through: IT workshops and exercises Course work assignments and feedback Employability portfolio work Work-based placement Project work Group/team work Time management Assessment Knowledge is assessed by: Coursework Examinations
Thinking skills are assessed by: Coursework Examinations Project work Practical skills are assessed by: Practical reports IT exercises Statistical examinations Project work Skills for life and work (general skills) are assessed by: Project work Tutorial assignments IT exercises How we assure the quality of this programme Before this programme started Before this programme started, the following were checked: there would be enough qualified staff to teach the programme adequate resources would be in place the overall aims and objectives were appropriate the content of the programme met national benchmark requirements the programme met any professional/statutory body requirements the proposal met other internal quality criteria covering a range of issues such as admissions policy, teaching, learning and assessment strategy and student support mechanisms This was done through a process of programme approval which involves consulting academic experts including subject specialists from other institutions. How we monitor the quality of this programme The quality of this programme is monitored each year through evaluating: external examiner reports (considering quality and standards) statistical information (considering issues such as the pass rate) student feedback
Drawing on this and other information, programme teams undertake the annual Review and Enhancement Process which is co-ordinated at School level and includes student participation. The process is monitored by the Quality and Standards Committee. Once every six years an in-depth review of the whole subject area is undertaken by a panel that includes at least two external subject specialists. The panel considers documents, looks at student work, speaks to current and former students and speaks to staff before drawing its conclusions. The result is a report highlighting good practice and identifying areas where action is needed. The role of the programme committee This programme has a programme committee comprising all relevant teaching staff, student representatives and others who make a contribution towards the effective operation of the programme (e.g. library/technician staff). The committee has responsibilities for the quality of the programme. It provides input into the operation of the Review and Enhancement Process and proposes changes to improve quality. The programme committee plays a critical role in the quality assurance procedures. The role of external examiners The standard of this programme is monitored by at least one external examiner. External examiners have two primary responsibilities: To ensure the standard of the programme To ensure that justice is done to individual students External examiners fulfil these responsibilities in a variety of ways including: Approving exam papers/ assignments Attending assessment boards Reviewing samples of student work and moderating marks Ensuring that regulations are followed Providing feedback through an annual report that enables us to make improvements for the future The external examiner reports for this programme are located on the UEL virtual learning environment (Moodle) on the school notice board under the section entitled External Examiner Reports and Responses. You can also view a list of the external examiners for each UEL School via the link below. http://www.uel.ac.uk/qa/externalexaminersystem/currentexaminers/
Listening to the views of students The following methods for gaining student feedback are used on this programme: End of module student feedback Student representation on the Programme Committee (meeting twice a year) Student representation on School Board (meeting twice a year) Annual Questionnaire to graduates Students are notified of the action taken through: Minutes of Programme Committee Feedback from student representatives Minutes of School Board Notices on the Psychology Student Support Centre notice boards Notices on the Psychology Moodle pages Listening to the views of others The following methods are used for gaining the views of other interested parties: Feedback from External Examiners Links with professional training programmes Links with British Psychological Society Where you can find further information Further information about this programme is available from: The UEL web site (http://www.uel.ac.uk) Module study guides (on Moodle) UEL Manual of General Regulations (http://www.uel.ac.uk/qa/policies/manual/) UEL Quality Manual (http://www.uel.ac.uk/qa/policies/qualitymanual/) UEL Guide to Undergraduate Programmes in Psychology http://www.uel.ac.uk/study/courses/psychology-bsc.htm School web pages http://www.uel.ac.uk/psychology British Psychological Society web-pages http://www.bps.org.uk