Leeds Beckett University - City Campus,
Woodhouse Lane,
LS1 3HE
Master of Science Psychology (Conversion Award) Distance Learning Mode, Level 7, 2023/24 - Course Handbook
Welcome to the Course
This handbook provides you with information that you will need on your course. You should find this information helpful when you first start, when you are preparing for assessment and at any time that you need help or advice in connection with your studies here.
You will also receive a Module Handbook for each module you study on your course. Please read each one and remember to refer to all these handbooks throughout your studies. Your module handbooks will give you information about the delivery, content and assessments of each of your specific modules, e.g. "Developmental Psychology".
The course team is looking forward to working with you this year and we hope that your time studying with us at Leeds Beckett University is both enjoyable and successful. On behalf of our University and the whole course team, I would like to wish you well in your studies.
Best wishes
Dr Lydia Windisch
Course Director.
Whether you are joining us for the first time, or returning to your course, we welcome you at the start of what we are sure will be a stimulating, challenging and rewarding year of study with us.
Our aim is to provide all our students with a research- informed, innovative and relevant curriculum that informs understandings of the world we live in. Our courses are highly valued by employers, and our approach to student learning and support places you at the heart of everything we do. In addition to offering a diverse range of teaching approaches and a variety of different methods of assessment, we attach the greatest importance to providing you with constructive feedback on your work so you can develop your future learning.
Our learning environment is student-centred, and we value your opinions. We want to know about the things you enjoy and think we do well, and also to hear about ways in which you believe we can improve your experience with us. You can share your views with us through course representatives, evaluation of modules, or constructive comments to staff. Whichever route you choose, we are always interested in what you have to say.
Staff across the School of Humanities and Social Sciences will provide you with all the support we can to help you succeed on your chosen course, and we look forward to working with you as you achieve your academic ambitions. I hope you have an enjoyable and rewarding year.
Professor Andrew Cooper, Dean of School
LBSU is a not-for-profit organisation, and it's our mission to make students' lives better! We're here to support, connect and represent you and we act upon your feedback to ensure your academic experience is up to scratch. You can submit your thoughts through your Course Rep, or if you'd like to influence the Students' Union's policy stance on particular issues or our priorities for improving the student experience across the University, submit your ideas on our Have Your Say platform, which is designed to make change happen! Below you'll find information on a few of our services but if you've any questions on what we do and how we can support you, please feel free to get in touch.
Silas Ozoya, your Academic Experience Officer, also wanted to say a few words to introduce himself: "Hey There! I'm Silas, your Academic Experience Officer. It's my job to ensure your academic experience at Leeds Beckett is the best it can be! We're a friendly and open-minded bunch at LBSU, so don't hesitate to get in touch with us! I'm looking forward to meeting you very soon!"
Contact LBSU at:
Email: lbsu-welcome@leedsbeckett.ac.uk
Phone: 0113 812 8400
- Following the lifting of all pandemic restrictions and advice from the Department for Education, we currently anticipate that no social distancing measures will be in place on campus during the 2023/24 academic year, enabling a normal on-campus experience. Our aim is to ensure that our students experience Leeds Beckett University, our courses, campuses, facilities and services to the fullest extent possible, while maintaining an environment where students and staff feel safe.
- In all cases, the health and safety of students and staff is our priority and we will continue to follow guidance from the UK Health Security Agency, the Department for Education and all other recognised government agencies (such as the Office for Students) in full and keep matters under close review at all times. The advice and restrictions may change before and/or during the academic year, either nationally or in response to local conditions and rates of infection and include the need for social distancing measures and other restrictions. Our flexible delivery model allows us to revert to a blended and/or remote delivery model if this becomes necessary. In a worst case scenario it is possible our campuses may need to close.
- In the event that delivery is restricted as a consequence of pandemic restrictions, we will keep you informed of planned changes as they arise, to ensure you are provided with accurate information.
Key Contacts & Keeping in Touch
You will be allocated to an Academic Advisor who is your first point of contact for advice and support for career development and for personal problems that may affect your academic work. If your Academic Advisor is unable to advise you on a specific issue, she or he will be able to point you in the right direction for further help. This can include giving you information about the University's support services.
To meet with your Academic Advisor, sign-up to her or his office hours posted through booking system links posted online on the MSc Psychology Course page on the MyBeckett site. If you need to see your Academic Advisor quickly, you can send an email or contact by phone directly to your Academic Advisor. Please note the Psychology group operates on a policy of aiming for first response to emails within five working days.
psychologyadmin@leedsbeckett.ac.uk
0113 8125778
The Course Administration Team can be found in room 315, on the third floor of the Portland Building at City Campus.
The School of Humanities and Social Sciences Admin Office Opening Times and Dates Calendar can be found in the appendices section at the end of this handbook.
Course Representatives are student volunteers who represent your views at course level, in formal and informal meetings with academic and support staff and at School Forums. Details about being a Course Representative are available at Course representatives | student information | Leeds Beckett University
The Students' Union oversees Course Representatives and more information is available at Course Reps (leedsbeckettsu.co.uk)
Your Academic Librarian team can be contacted on HSSLibrary@leedsbeckett.ac.uk.
To find out the key resources for your subject and to book an appointment with the Library's Academic Support Team, see your Subject Guides: https://libguides.leedsbeckett.ac.uk/schools/humanities_and_social_sciences
Course Director: Dr Lydia Windisch l.e.windisch@leedsbeckett.ac.uk
Course Manager Student Experience Lead: Dr Mirko Demasi mirko.demasi@leedsbeckett.ac.uk
Course Manager Assessments Lead: Dr Neil Dugdale n.dugdale@leedsbeckett.ac.uk
The contact details of other key services, such as Student Advice, Disability Advice, Student Wellbeing, the Library, Student Money, Careers, Students' Union Advice Service and Students' Union Student Voice Team can be found on the Students web page.
MS Teams is part of the Office 365 suite used by staff and students for communication and collaboration:
- Access via MyBeckett on University devices as well as on personal mobiles via a free downloadable app.
- Participate in online meetings and video conferencing in groups or one-to-one.
- Work on shared content, ideas, projects and online learning.
- Utilise breakout rooms to create more dynamic sessions
Further information is available on the Library's MS Teams FAQ web page.
Timetable Information
Although your course does not require attendance in a physical classroom, and a number of the lectures may be pre-recorded allowing you to study at times that suit you, you are advised to follow the structure of sessions, often denoted as teaching weeks or topic, outlined in your course handbook. In addition to these pre-recorded lectures, there will also be teaching and learning activities which may include some live seminar groups or support sessions. Details about the structure of these learning activities and key assessment dates will be provided in the Virtual Learning Environment (MyBeckett) at the beginning of teaching via:
- The Student Portal (MyBeckett)
- The Leeds Beckett app
You should discuss any difficulties relating to your engagement with timetabled sessions with your Course Administrator.
Course Overview
Psychology degrees in the UK are sought-after as the starting point for a diverse array of careers. While employers from a range of sectors value the skills and competencies that psychology students develop, many students seek a career in a Chartered area of Psychology such as Health Psychology, Clinical Psychology, Counselling Psychology, Educational Psychology, Occupational Psychology Sports Psychology, Neuropsychology, or Forensic Psychology. To gain entrance onto the specialised training programmes for these Chartered pathways, students need a psychology qualification offering the Graduate Basis for Chartership (GBC) from the British Psychological Society (BPS).
The MSc Psychology (Conversion Award) Distance Learning provides the opportunity to qualify for the GBC via a condensed programme of study for people who have not studied Psychology previously or who have completed an undergraduate degree with a psychology component not accredited by the BPS.
The programme aims to:
- Provide students with a thorough knowledge and understanding of theories, concepts and frameworks in the BPS core curriculum areas of psychology.
- Equip students with detailed knowledge and skills in both quantitative and qualitative research methods.
- Provide students with skills in critically evaluating psychological theories, concepts, and research, with a consideration of different theoretical, epistemological, ethical, cultural, and global perspectives.
- Explore understandings of the diversity of psychological functioning and the global and sociocultural context of human mind, brain, behaviour, and experiences.
- Enable students to communicate research findings to others in a variety of formats, both academic and non-academic, written and verbal.
- Develop independence and employability through increasing evaluative and reflective skills.
- Prepare students for a career in psychology or cognate areas.
At the end of the course, students will be able to:
1. Critically and systematically evaluate current research, practice and advanced scholarship in the core areas of psychology, namely cognitive, social, developmental, biological, individual differences, research methods and conceptual & historical issues.
2. Demonstrate originality and creativity in the application of knowledge including an understanding of how new knowledge is created and synthesised across core psychology areas, and culminating in an extensive piece of independent empirical research.
3. Show competency in the analysis and interpretation of statistical and other forms of data, including employment of digital literacy skills in accessing, processing and evaluating information, ideas and evidence from a wide range of psychological sources.
4. Critically evaluate and apply, with due regard to ethical considerations, a range of methodological techniques applicable to research in psychology and make a reasoned judgement regarding the implications of that critique for assessing the validity of research findings.
5. Demonstrate effective collaboration with others in academic settings and communicate complex issues and ideas in ways appropriate to specialists and non-specialists in diverse settings.
6. Engage in employability activities and accept responsibility for subsequent career and continuing professional development.
Assessment & Feedback
Please note the exam/assessment periods in the academic calendar and make sure that you are available during those periods. Further details of your schedule of examinations can be found on your Course Group on MyBeckett once the examination schedule is released. Coursework submission deadlines can normally be found on MyBeckett, on course noticeboards or in individual Module Handbooks/other module guides. You will be provided with an Academic Assessment Calendar that shows when you will submit your work and when you will receive your grades and feedback. Please use this calendar to plan your work schedule over each semester.
Disabled students requiring adjustments to assessments/examinations should contact Disability Advice as soon as possible. We can only guarantee that adjustments can be put in place if students have contacted us by the following deadlines:
Semester 1 - 10th November 2023
Semester 2 - 8th March 2024
Contact us:
Email: disabilityadvice@leedsbeckett.ac.uk
Tel: 0113 812 5831
Website: https://www.leedsbeckett.ac.uk/student-information/disability-advice/
It is important for your progression and achievement that you submit all work for all assignments in a timely manner. It is also important that you keep copies of all work submitted until after you have graduated. You should also keep any receipts confirming the submission of assignments. In the event of your submitted work being lost you may be required to produce a copy of the work and submission receipt. If you are unable to do so, your work will not be marked.
Coursework
Within Psychology at Leeds Beckett University we aim to be transparent and informative with the feedback we offer students on assessed work. For each piece of marked work that is globally graded, the work will be assigned a grade that is "anchored" at a clear point, ending in either -2, -5 or -8. These anchors each depict a clear grade that is typical of a low, mid or high standard within each classification.
For other assessments, your grade may be an accumulation of smaller components. In these instances, your grade will be the sum (or average) of these components. In addition, the MSc Psychology course utilises a Masters Assessment Criteria framework that provides consistency in expectations across assessed coursework. The general framework is available on the MyBeckett portal and students will have the opportunity to explore this framework in the Induction information before Semester 1. This general framework is adapted for coursework assessments as appropriate to each assessment type.
Submission of assignments
The assignments that you submit will need to be referenced according to the APA guidelines. A copy of the most recent (7th edition) of the APA Referencing Guide is available at the library. Assignments will also need to be prepared in accordance with the guidance on required length.
Word limits
Assignments that exceed the required length will be penalised in accordance with the extent of the deviation from the word limit. The main body of your essay or report (including citations and quotes in the text but excluding your reference list) should not exceed the stated word limit.
Part of the skill of academic writing is to write concisely as well as with clarity, and this reflects the world of employment where reports, articles and other publications will have to be produced within strict guidelines. In assessment terms, writing more content will often give a student an unfair advantage over those who adhere to the word limit. As a result, assessments of excessive length will be penalised as follows:
- Up to 10% over the word limit (e.g., 300 words over a 3000 word limit) will be penalised at 5% of the total marks available (i.e., you will lose 5 marks out 100).
- A further 5% will be deducted from the total mark available for each additional 10% over the word limit (e.g., up to 600 words over a 3000 word limit, you would lose 10 marks in total etc.).
Late submissions
It is important to note that submitting all assignments is a requirement of your course. Should you experience extenuating circumstances which prevent you from submitting on time please make yourself aware of the Mitigation and Extenuating Circumstances process. Without any form of extenuating circumstances, standard penalties apply for late submission of assessed work. Full details of the penalties for late submission of course work are available in section 3 of the Academic Regulations at https://www.leedsbeckett.ac.uk/our-university/public-information/academic-regulations/.
Please check the penalties that apply to this course as some Professional, Statutory and Regulatory Body requirements may mean that different penalties apply.
If you have been recommended 'flexibility around deadlines' as a reasonable adjustment in a Reasonable Adjustment Plan, your Course Administrator will be able to advise you of the process.
Submission facilities
All assignments will need to be submitted electronically, using Turnitin or Assignments links, via your modules within the MyBeckett site. You will be given instructions (including the date and time) on how to submit your assignments electronically from your module leaders.
Assignments submitted electronically or via MyBeckett will be the responsibility of the module leader arranging the hand-in via that method. All submissions online will be due at a specific UK time (GMT or GMT Summertime depending on the time of year) deadline on the day of submission. Work submitted after that time, even if still on the day of submission, is considered a late submission and your mark will be penalised. Please be aware of that time deadline and make adjustments accordingly for the equivalent time in your location.
Please do not write your name on any piece of work, or its coversheet, when you submit it. Instead of your name please write your student number on your work. Make sure that you write this clearly and accurately. It is important to note that submitting all assignments is a requirement of your course.
You will be expected to declare that the work submitted is your own. Submitting work through Turnitin or Assignments requires you to accept the following declaration:
"I understand that by submitting my work online I agree and am stating that: 1. This work is my own 2. This work has been completed within the University regulations"
Please note, for group assessments (where more than one student is responsible for the submission) the whole group has editorial rights over the submission. Thus, the whole group is considered responsible for the work that has been submitted. If a portion of that submitted work is suspected to be plagiarised, all group members will be held accountable. Module tutors place Turnitin links in MyBeckett modules to help you with your academic work.
When you submit your work through Turnitin it will 'match' your work with a massive global database of books, e-books, journals, websites and other students' work. You can see if parts of your work 'match' work in the database and you can see if you have attributed this to the source. Turnitin can only help you if you submit drafts of your work a reasonable length of time before the submission deadline.
Please be aware that Turnitin guarantees to 'match' your work and return the result to you within 48 hours. Sometimes it may be quicker than this, but there is no guarantee. The second time you submit a draft of this work Turnitin guarantees that it will 'match' and return your work within 24 hours. Again it may be quicker, but do not rely on this. If you submit a third draft of the work through Turnitin it will again only guarantee a 'match' and return within 24 hours. Therefore, if you want to use Turnitin to help you check your work you must start to submit drafts for matching at least four days before the deadline. Turnitin cannot detect plagiarism, it can only 'match' text. If you are not sure how to interpret the 'originality report' which Turnitin makes available to you please ask your module tutor.
Further information on Turnitin is available here: https://libguides.leedsbeckett.ac.uk/it_support/mybeckett/turnitin
Assessed work will normally be returned with appropriate feedback within four weeks of your submission. Each Module Handbook will provide you with specific guidelines on how and when you will receive feedback on your assessments.
Results from module assessments, decisions on progression to the next level of study and awards (if you are in the final level) are available on the Results Online system: https://www.leedsbeckett.ac.uk/student-information/exams-assessments-and-awards/results-online/.
Results will appear in Results Online within five working days of the Progression and Award Board meeting (the meeting where your end of level outcome will be decided) or the Module Board meeting (the meeting where modular outcomes are decided).
If you are unsure about when you might receive your results or have queries relating to your results, you should contact your Course Administrator.
The University recognises that, from time to time, students may encounter issues which may prevent them from being able to submit or take assessment. Where this is the case, students may be able to submit their 'extenuating circumstances' for consideration. Please see the Mitigation and Extenuating Circumstances web page for further information.
If you have not passed a module at the first attempt you will be eligible for re-assessment. See your Module Handbook for details of the relevant re-assessment process (e.g., whether it is coursework, an examination, a presentation or other form of assessment/when it will take place/what the deadline is). You will be advised via Results Online of your options for re-assessment. You are advised to contact your Course Director, Course Administrator or Academic Advisor for any necessary clarification.
Details about our Appeals process can be found on the appeals web page.
Academic integrity means intellectual honesty and is part of good academic practice. Further information can be found on our academic integrity web page.
Teaching & Learning
The MSc Psychology (Conversion Award) Distance Learning utilises a range of teaching methods and learning activities to disseminate knowledge and facilitate students' learning. The emphasis is on students to engage with these support activities and take responsibility for gaining the knowledge needed to successfully complete the course.
Students receive an on-line course handbook detailing the course and assessment structure, expectations of students, and links to relevant University information (such as regulations and policies). Prior to the commencement of the course, students undertake a non-credit bearing pre-course module with details for how the modules will be delivered, types of teaching elements, a walk-through of module site layouts, how assessments will be undertaken, and other material relevant to the modules.
Each module scaffolds students through each topic, with all readings, voiced lecture slides, videos, and discussion platforms integrated into a continuous flow. Assessments, both individual and group, are embedded alongside the learning content. The MSc Psychology, in accordance with Leeds Beckett University policy, uses Turn-it-in for students to audit their work and submit assignments prior to formal submission to avoid plagiarism and to learn improved referencing and citation skills.
The Summer School is a practical and research-intensive face-to-face experience that is contextualised with knowledge gained within modules. Attendance at the Summer School is one of the requirements to gain GBC eligibility.
All members of staff are aware of the need for all teaching and learning contexts to be:
i) non-discriminatory and appropriate for each student;
ii) respectful and valuing the perspectives and experiences everyone can offer;
iii) promoting the values and practices associated with inclusive attitudes and behaviours in others.
We expect students to also be aware of these needs. Further information can be found on the MSc Psychology course site on MyBeckett.
The course makes also makes extensive use of the VLE to disseminate information about the course, the professional body (BPS), the discipline of Psychology, and Leeds Beckett University. Communications from the VLE will include information about students' studies and any changes to practice, changes to the timing of the return of coursework etc.
As a distance learner all your studying will be done online. At the beginning of your course it is a good idea to set aside dedicated time and study space to ensure you are able to engage effectively with the online teaching content on a regular basis. A typical module offers a lot of flexibility as to when you study, but it is also designed to follow a defined structure of lecture presentations, activities and community discussions broken down into topics and teaching weeks. Keeping on track with this, and engaging with your module tutors and fellow students, will help you get the best out of the course. Tutors will be in regular contact with you and there will be many ways to communicate with both your module tutors and fellow students, for example via the Virtual Learning Environment (MyBeckett) and MS Teams.
To get a better idea of how a module will look, please visit our Induction for Distance Learners web pages.
It is also essential you check you have suitable computer equipment and broadband speed (at least 5 Mbps) to ensure you can access and engage with the online course content. Details are available on our Technical Requirements web page. This gives minimum and recommended specifications, how to check your internet speed (as our servers are UK based), the MyBeckett mobile app and other useful information, as well as access to technical support. We strongly suggest you ensure your equipment covers the recommended requirements.
Correct for students progressing through the programme within standard timescales. Students who are required to undertake repeat study may be taught alternate modules which meet the overall course learning outcomes.
Full-time
Semester One
Research Methods and Analysis A (20 credits)
Developmental Psychology (20 credits)
Applying Psychology (20 credits)
Neuroscience of Behaviour (20 credits)
Semester Two
Research Methods and Analysis B (20 credits)
Social Psychology (20 credits)
Cognitive Psychology (20 credits)
Dissertation for Masters (40 credits)
Part-time
Year One - Semester One
Developmental Psychology (20 credits)
Research Methods and Analysis A (20 credits)
Year One - Semester Two
Social Psychology (20 credits)
Research Methods and Analysis B (20 credits)
Year Two - Semester One
Applying Psychology (20 credits)
Neuroscience of Behaviour (20 credits)
Year Two - Semester Two
Cognitive Psychology (20 credits)
Dissertation for Masters (40 credits)
Overall Workload | Level 7 |
Teaching, Learning And Assessment | 35 |
Independent Study | 1765 |
Details of School academic staff can be found on the School of Humanities and Social Sciences Website.
Attendance & Absence
The University expects you to complete and fully contribute to all mandatory sessions outlined as set out in your student contract. Engagement in your online learning activities, study activities, tutorials, seminars, discussions and other activities is an important part of your learning - contributing both to the University community and the learning experience of your fellow students on the course.
We monitor your engagement, participation and presence on the course as these and academic achievement are closely linked. Moreover, by monitoring your engagement, participation and presence we can identify students who may need our guidance or support at an early stage to help them progress in their studies. This is part of our commitment to ensuring an excellent education and experience and supporting your success at Leeds Beckett.
The University does understand that from time to time there is good reason why you cannot attend a class, and in this instance you must contact your School office to let them know.
Please note that any reports covering engagement, participation and presence can be shared with you and your Course team. You might be asked to contact your School office so that appropriate academic or pastoral support can be offered, should your engagement record give cause for concern.
Our most important aim is to support your studies, but we are also required to report attendance to various external bodies such as the Student Loan Company and the Home Office. There are measures in place for students who seek to falsely register either their own or fellow students' attendance.Our Attendance Policy is available under 'Student Contract' on the Student Regulations web page.
Please note that if your course carries professional accreditation or recognition, there may be additional course-specific attendance requirements detailed elsewhere in this handbook.
Distance learning courses are designed to be flexible but there may be circumstances where your studies might be interrupted which stop you from studying (for example for an interview, emergency unforeseen circumstances, or for compassionate leave). If you are going to apply for mitigation you will need to provide written evidence of the reason for your absence.
If you are unable to study because of illness for more than 14 consecutive days (including weekends), you must provide us with a Fit Note.
You can send a digital copy of your Fit Note to your Course Administrator, and then send the original by post.
If you are absent through illness on the day of an examination or assignment deadline and you intend to apply for mitigation, you must also provide us with details as possible. Your submission for mitigation may be made online and the circumstances surrounding it may be self-certified unless your period of absence is prolonged. Generally, all absences of 2 weeks or more will require the submission of verifiable documentary evidence.
For more information on 'fit to sit' and mitigation please visit our Mitigation web page.
Please note that if your course carries professional accreditation or recognition, there may be additional course-specific absence reporting requirements detailed elsewhere in this handbook.
For guidance on what to do if you have symptoms of Covid-19 (coronavirus), please visit our Covid-19 web page.
If you are thinking about changing course or withdrawing from your course, further information can be found on our Student web pages.
International Students
If you are completing your studies by distance learning overseas, immigration permission to study is not required and reporting to UKVI is not relevant. However, there may be times when you may need to travel to the university for a short visit or study block to assist with your studies. Please email the Student Immigration Advice and Compliance Team (siac@leedsbeckett.ac.uk) who can provide information and advice for short term visa requirements.
For up to date information about visas, immigration issues and other matters relating to international students, please visit the International Students' web pages on the Students website or email the Student Immigration Advice and Compliance Team on siac@leedsbeckett.ac.uk.
Professional Accreditation or Recognition Associated with the Course
To be eligible for the British Psychological Society's (BPS) Graduate Basis for Chartership (GBC), students must pass the empirical psychology project (Dissertation) and gain at least an overall pass mark of at least 50% across the entire course. In addition, all distance learning students must physically attend the Summer School held at Leeds Beckett University in the summer following completion of Semester one and Semester two (for full time students) and between the first and second year of study for part-time students.
Skills, Employability & Graduate Opportunities
All of the skills listed below are addressed during the MSc Psychology (Conversion) Award course and are reflected in the philosophy, aims and objectives of the course.
Technical Skills
The technical skills involved in the study of psychology include the ability to use IT to word-process assignments, to access electronic information sources including databases and electronic journals, and the ability to access and use information provided on MyBeckett - the University's virtual learning environment (VLE). Specific to Psychology, you will also develop technical skills in the use of SPSS, one of the main statistical analysis programmes used in the discipline of Psychology worldwide. You may also utilise Qualtrics for your data collection which will enhance your technical survey development skills.
Organisation and Planning
Organisation and planning are intrinsic to any study at a higher level, and particularly at Masters level if you are also working and/or managing a family. You will be required to organise your own time and develop effective time-management skills to allow you to prioritise work, meet deadlines and develop the skills you already have as an autonomous learner.
Communication
Written and oral communication skills form the basis of most assessment in psychology at Masters level. You will be required to produce written assignments and to produce and deliver oral presentations. On a more general level, you will also be required to develop the skills of communicating clearly with peers as a component of group and interpersonal skills.
Group and Interpersonal
The ability to function effectively and constructively in groups is a major component of psychology. It is an essential skill to develop if you wish to work as a psychologist - most professionals need to demonstrate an ability to work in multi-disciplinary teams. You will work (and sometimes be assessed) in groups to produce oral or poster presentations, to design and conduct small-scale pieces of research, and to discuss information in workshops and seminars.
Data Collection and Interpretation
Data collection and interpretation are skills that are central to psychology. You will receive training in data collection and interpretation techniques in the Research Methods modules, and will demonstrate your competency in the execution of these skills in the Dissertation. The interpretation of evidence is the lifeblood of psychology and you will develop interpretation skills in all modules. Specific attention is paid to the development of appropriate numerical skills and to the collection and interpretation of qualitative data.
Intellectual Capabilities
In addition to these transferable skills, more specific intellectual capabilities are addressed during the course:
- Use of Theory and Principles
- Analysis and Reflection
- Application of Knowledge and Theory
- Synthesis and Evaluation
- Creativity
The understanding of theories and principles and their application to a range of questions is at the very heart of psychology. Consequently, these capabilities will be developed in students in all psychology modules. There will, however, be cases in which specific modules may provide a particularly strong basis for the development of certain skills. The key skills addressed within each module are indicated in the module handbooks, along with a clear indication of how these skills are assessed.
You will have opportunities to gain recognition during your time at Leeds Beckett University for the extra activities you do in addition to your studies, including volunteering, student societies, playing in our University sports teams and being a Course Representative.
By joining a society with Leeds Beckett Students' Union, you can make new friends, have fun, try something new and enhance your CV - societies provide a great opportunity to learn new skills and improve your existing ones. It can be difficult to get to know new people at university but don't worry, everyone is in the same boat! Our Leeds Beckett Students' Union believe that joining a student-led society is the best way to meet new people and make lifelong friends. There are so many societies out there - from course-based to hobby-based to religious to political and campaigning. Whether you're just starting out at Leeds Beckett or working on your last year of study, it is never too late to find the right society for you - or start one yourself!
Course-based societies are a great way to meet people on your course, expand your networks and celebrate your achievements together such as end of year Society Balls. If you have a great idea for a society, we can help you get it up and running. There are resources and support available for all societies - including funding to help make your society goals a reality. For more information on starting your own society, visit: leedsbeckettsu.co.uk/societies/create.
Learning Support
If you have a question or a problem relating to your course, your Course Administrator is there to help you. Course Administrators work closely with academic staff and can make referrals to teaching staff or to specialist professional services as appropriate. They can give you a confirmation of attendance letter, and a transcript. You may also like to contact your Course Rep or the Students' Union Advice team for additional support with course-related questions.
Your Academic Advisor will be an academic member of staff who teaches you on your course. Your Course Director will make sure that you are given the contact details of your Academic Advisor at the beginning of each year, usually in your course induction. Further details on the role of your Academic Advisor are available on the Academic Advisor web page.
If you need support, but you're not sure where to go, your Student Advice Team are here to help. The team are an essential part of your Student Support Network and are dedicated to ensuring you can access the advice and support you need, when you need it most.
Student Advice can also help in the practical elements of university. The team will produce your first campus card and assist you in replacing your campus card if needed throughout your time at Leeds Beckett. They can provide Confirmation of Enrolment and Bank Letters for our current students and full or partial transcripts for our graduates and fully enrolled students.
If you need help with more complex queries or concerns, our trained Student Life Advisers offer 1-1 appointments, providing a safe, confidential, and non-judgemental space to talk about your circumstances and identify support that you can access both within and outside of the university.
To contact the team, or to arrange an appointment, visit The Student Advice webpage for full details.
The Student Voice & Insight team at LBSU works alongside the elected Academic Experience Officer to effectively represent students' academic interests.
We provide support, training and ongoing development to over 1,000 Course Representatives, Postgraduate Research Reps, Student Community Leaders and Global Majority Student Ambassadors who represent you whilst you study at Leeds Beckett; and facilitate the collection of student feedback on your academic experience.
Unsure who your Course Rep is? Maybe you're interested in becoming a Course Rep or have feedback about your academic experience? Get in touch at:
- Email: studentvoice@leedsbeckett.ac.uk
- Telephone: 0113 812 8400
- Website: leedsbeckettsu.co.uk/your-voice
You can find information and resources online through the Support and Opportunities tabs in MyBeckett. In the Support tab, you can find details of a range of services that provide academic and personal support. These include Student Advice, Library Services, the Students' Union, Student Money, Disability Advice, Student Wellbeing, Student Immigration Advice and Compliance and Accommodation. There is also an A-Z of Support Services, and access to online appointments/registration.
In the Opportunities tab, you can explore the options you have for jobs, work placements, volunteering, and a wide range of other opportunities. For example, you can find out here how to get help with your CV, prepare for an interview, get a part-time job or a voluntary role, take part in an international project, or join societies closer to home.
If you have a disability, long-term physical or mental health condition, or a specific learning difference, we believe this should never be a barrier to studying at our University.
Please get in touch with us as soon as possible so we can ensure everything is in place before your course starts.
What should I do next?
- We will ask you to provide evidence of your disability, usually from a health professional or educational psychologist. Don't worry if you haven't got any, we can support you with this.
- Usually, we will arrange an appointment with your Disability Adviser to discuss any adjustments you might need and support you in applying for Disabled Students' Allowances (DSA).
- We will work with you to ensure any adjustments you need are available so you can fully participate on your course.
Please watch this short video about how the Disability Advice Team can work with you.
Disabled students can also access the Disability Resource Areas in each library and the support provided by the Library Learning Support Officer. More information is available on the Library website.
What is Disabled Students' Allowance (DSA)?
DSA is government funding to help with the cost of any additional support you might need while studying, such as: one-to-one support, specialist equipment (including useful software) and travel. For more information visit our website.
Contact Us:
Email: disabilityadvice@leedsbeckett.ac.uk
Tel: 0113 812 5831
Website: https://www.leedsbeckett.ac.uk/student-information/disability-advice/
Your Distance Learning course will use content that is available online including journal articles and books, other than in very exceptional circumstances.
The Library
The Library offers 24/7 support for your studies. You can access thousands of resources via MyBeckett or the Library website which also provides full details of all our services.
Library Academic Support
The Library Academic Support Team can help you develop your academic skills such as critical thinking, academic writing and analysing data, and research skills such as how to find, use and evaluate information for your studies. The team liaises with your lecturers to provide the information resources you need for your subject and to arrange academic skills sessions to support you in your studies.
The team maintains a number of websites and modules to support your learning:
- In your Subject guide, you'll find a variety of information resources which have been selected as a good starting point for research in that area. These are available on the Skills and Subject Support web page or via My Beckett.
- On the Skills for Learning website, you'll find online resources covering topics such as essay writing, research and time management, English Language and academic English plus information to help you reference and avoid plagiarism, alongside details of workshops that are designed to help you succeed in your assessments. The Skills for Learning website can be found on the Library website or via My Beckett.
- LBU Study Smart is a module in MyBeckett which introduces you to the key skills and services you'll need to study successfully at Leeds Beckett. There are also additional modules you can take as you move through your course to help you transition between study levels. The Academic Integrity Tutorial is a module in MyBeckett which introduces you to academic integrity at LBU and will help you develop the skills you need to attain good academic practice, including avoiding plagiarism and academic referencing.
Library and Student IT Advice Service
The Library and Student IT Advice Service team can answer your queries on borrowing, finding information, passwords, multi-factor authentication (MFA) , Office 365, online meetings, saving your work, MyBeckett and more:
- online (including 24/7 chat) via the Contact Us web page
- by phone - 0113 812 1000 (24/7 IT support)
- face-to-face in either of our Libraries, check Library opening times for details of when staff are available
They also have a wide range of short tutorials available on the Library's YouTube channel.
There may be occasions when you wish to access physical books and journals at Leeds Beckett or use other University libraries. In all respects you have the same rights as other students. For more information please contact the Offsite Library Service who support distance learners and students not based on campus.
As a distance learner, you have the same right to use University's campus IT facilities as other students. If you visit campus, Wi-Fi on the University campus is provided by eduroam, a secure wireless network, which also allows you Wi-Fi access if you visit other universities. To connect:
- Select eduroam from available Wi-Fi
- Your login details are:
Username followed by @leedsbeckett: e.g. c1234567@leedsbeckett.ac.uk
Password: your normal university password
*Android Users: Select under Phase 2 Authentication - MS-CHAPv2
Help is available on the Library's Wi-Fi web page.
Microsoft Office 365
You are provided with free access to Office 365 and the latest version of Office can be downloaded from the IT tab in MyBeckett or from office.com. All students who are registered for a qualification at Leeds Beckett University are eligible and you can use the subscription for the duration of your course. For instructions and more information, please see the Office 365 support page.
OneDrive
OneDrive Leeds Beckett is your individual file storage with 1TB of storage space. With OneDrive you can access and share your files across your devices. This is accessible on University PCs and off-campus through Office 365 portal. See the Saving your Work pages on the Library website for more information.
Leeds Beckett RemoteApp
The Leeds Beckett RemoteApp gives you access to a range of specialist software for your course on your personal devices. See the RemoteApp page on the Library website for more information.
Media Equipment - free loans
You can borrow high-end Media Equipment for free. Browse, reserve and collect equipment ranging from GoPros to Remote Presenters from the ground floor of the Shelia Silver and Headingley Libraries. Further information is available on the Media Equipment web page.
University life can have its ups and downs, and occasionally you may find yourself in need of advice. That's where we come in. Here at the SU we have a free advice service that is here just for you, the students at Leeds Beckett University.
The Advice Service at LBSU is a confidential, non-judgmental service run by professional advisers.
The service is independent from the University, so if you are having any problems with your course you can talk confidentially with us - although we do work with the University to find the best solutions, we would only contact them with your permission. We can advise on a range of topics including all aspects of the University Regulations and Procedures, housing issues and finance issues. We can guide you through any processes or procedures.
We're here to help you with any questions or problems you might have while you are studying at Leeds Beckett.
Get more information at www.leedsbeckettsu.co.uk/advice.
Resources
The MyBeckett portal is the Virtual Learning Environment and the gateway to engaging with your course, the university as a whole, the support services we offer, your tutors and other students in your learning community.
MyBeckett will provide access to:
- your module content including topic by topic activities over the semester, and links to required and recommended reading
- assessment details and links to submit your work
- your student community and the means to communicate, collaborate and engage with them
- library resources and people to help you
- academic and personal support and student advice
- your student email account which we strongly recommend you use, as we will use it to communicate with you
- your personal cloud file storage via MS OneDrive
Further information and support for using MyBeckett can be found on the MyBeckett Support Pages.
The assessment balance and overall workload associated with this course are calculated from core modules and typical option module choices undertaken by students on the course. They have been reviewed and confirmed as representative by the Course Director.
A standard module equates to 200 notional learning hours, which may be comprised of teaching, learning and assessment, any embedded placement activities and independent study. Modules may have more than one component of assessment.
On this course students will be assessed by coursework predominately, with some examinations. The summer school includes practical sessions.
Student Voice
We are committed to working in partnership with you and the Students' Union to provide you with an inclusive, safe and engaging learning environment which is conducive to study for all our students and our staff. An important element of your time studying with us is your engagement in developing your learning. Your engagement and attendance on your course enables you to further your learning and supports your achievement, course completion and aspirations for the future. There is an expectation that students will attend, engage in their learning and submit on time for assessment. We provide support for you to maximise your time studying with us and to develop your learning, skills and abilities to support you in your chosen career path.
We seek active participation by all our students in the continuous enhancement of our courses and through our monitoring, annual review and enhancement processes. These are formal processes used by our University for assuring the academic standards and quality of your course and its continuous improvement. These processes utilise your feedback, External Examiners' reports, feedback from staff and others, data relating to student outcomes on the course and student surveys to reflect on areas of good practice and areas for further enhancement. We invite all students to participate in a range of opportunities to provide us with feedback on your course and modules. This may include discussions with staff, focus groups, and meetings (e.g. with Course Representatives or with staff) and formalised student surveys e.g. mid module reviews, end of module evaluations and specific course or other surveys such as the Student Barometer, National Student Survey and Graduate Outcomes Survey. We utilise the outcomes of these surveys to benchmark our courses nationally and to inform annual course enhancements.
Informal feedback is also welcome at any time either via your Academic Advisor or module tutor or via your Course Representative. Our partnership with you enables us together to make the most of your learning experience with us and to enhance the quality and reputation of your course. You can find out what actions have been taken in response to your feedback through your Course Representative, the Students' Union, your tutors or through the Library.
Course Representatives (Reps) at undergraduate and postgraduate taught levels are student volunteers who represent you in formal and informal meetings with the University, and follow up on actions that have occurred because of student feedback. You can become a Course Rep, volunteering to represent the views of your peers in order to improve students' academic experience.
In the first few weeks of your time at Leeds Beckett, your Course Director will facilitate an opportunity to appoint Course Reps on your course.
LBSU provides support, training and ongoing development for Course Reps and supports their engagement in enhancement activities throughout the academic year.
Being a Course Rep provides you with an opportunity to enhance your own learning and the development of relevant professional and employability skills alongside your studies. As a Course Rep you would play an important role in:
- Acting as a point of contact and advocate for students on your course and in supporting their active engagement.
- Gathering feedback from students on your course to inform enhancements to the quality of your course and the student experience.
- Facilitating good communication between students and staff on the course.
- Working with the Course Director, members of the course team and the Students' Union to enhance your course.
- Facilitating and engaging in meetings about your course; and
- Being an ambassador for your course.
Further information about being a Course Representative is available at:
We invite all students to participate in a range of opportunities to provide us with feedback on your course and modules. This may include discussions with staff, focus groups, and meetings (e.g. with Course Representatives or with staff) and formalised student surveys e.g. mid module reviews, end of module evaluations and specific course or other surveys such as the Student Barometer, National Student Survey and the Graduate Outcomes Survey.
We are committed to providing a high quality experience for all our students. We welcome comments and compliments from students, and find them valuable for on-going improvements to our provision. Comments and compliments about your course can be raised with your Course Representative or directly with your Course Director or Academic Advisor.
If you have a specific complaint about an act or omission of our University, you may be able to make a complaint under the Student Complaints Procedure. In the first instance, you should raise the matter as soon as possible with the member of staff most directly concerned, or with the person who can best resolve it. If this does not resolve the matter, or if the complaint is too serious to be addressed in this way, then you should make a formal complaint in writing. Information about how to make a complaint, including the student complaints procedure and a complaints form, is available on the Students web pages.
General Information
PG Cert Psychology Level 7
Leeds Beckett University
Part-time delivery is usually at half the intensity of the full-time equivalent course, although there may be flexibility to increase your pace of study to shorten the overall course duration. Some modules may be delivered in a different sequence to that defined within this information set, but the modules offered within each level are consistent.
Course fees and additional course costs are confirmed in your offer letter. Course fees are presented to you annually through the online enrolment process. Please visit our Course and Tuition Fees Payment web pages for further information. Ongoing queries relating to additional course costs may be discussed with your Course Administrator.
Alternatively, you can contact any of the following teams:
For Student Finance related fee queries: studentfunding@leedsbeckett.ac.uk
Other fee related queries: fees@leedsbeckett.ac.uk
Payments: incomes@leedsbeckett.ac.uk
Policies, Standards & Regulations
Key University regulations and policies can be accessed on the following web pages:
- Academic Regulations (including assessment regulations) are available on our Academic Regulations web page
- The Student Contract is available on our Student Regulations web page
- The Student Charter is available on our Academic Regulations web page (Section 20)
Other Student regulations and University policies, including Safety, Health and Wellbeing policies, are available on our Student Regulations web page
You should also familiarise yourself with Support Report Respect where students and colleagues who are victims of any form of bullying, harassment or sexual misconduct, can access support, advice and guidance.
For advice on University regulations and policies, students should contact the Students' Union Advice Service.
To be eligible for the British Psychological Society's (BPS) Graduate Basis for Chartership (GBC), students must pass the empirical psychology project (Dissertation) and gain at least an overall pass mark of at least 50% across the entire course. In addition, all distance learning students must physically attend the Summer School held at Leeds Beckett University in the summer following completion of semester 1 and semester 2 (for full time students) and between the first and second year of study for part-time students.
The External Examiner assures that you are assessed fairly in relation to other students on the same course and also that the standard of your own award is comparable to similar courses taken by students in other higher education institutions within the UK. The External Examiner(s) provide an annual report for your course. External Examiner reports are available on our External Examiner Reports web page, which is accessible via the Course Information link on the Students home page.
The details of the External Examiner for this course are as follows:
Dr Martin Jüttner
Senior Lecturer, School of Psychology
Aston University
Appendices
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