Psychosocial Studies with Professional Practice

Transcription

1 Psychosocial Studies with Professional Practice Final award Intermediate awards available Mode of delivery UCAS code Details of professional body accreditation Relevant QAA Benchmark statements BA (Hons) Cert HE, Dip HE, BA UEL on campus C882 N/A UEL Academic School Social Sciences Date specification last July 2014 up-dated There are no specific subject area benchmarks for Psychosocial Studies, although aspects of Sociology and Psychology Benchmarks do inform content. The summary - UCAS programme profile- BANNER BOX: Psychosocial Studies helps you to make sense of yourself and the world around you. The Psychosocial Studies with Professional Practice programme allows you to apply psychosocial thinking whilst you also focus on gaining work experience. ENTRY REQUIREMENTS The minimum requirement for Level 4 entry is 240 UCAS tariff points from: A/AS level (Including 2 A2 passes), GNVQ, AVCE, Scottish Highers, International Baccalaureate. European Baccalaureate, BTEC / SCOTEC Diploma, Relevant Access Course or successful completion of Level 3. Other qualifications, including overseas, may be considered Applicants who do not fulfil the admission requirements for Level 4 may be considered for entry into Level 3. We welcome applications from mature students who do not have formal qualifications but may have relevant experience. Students applying to this programme will be expected to demonstrate a specific interest in this area of study and should have a commitment to engaging with the subject. Applicants may be invited for interview 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

2 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 Overseas Qualifications The number of overseas qualifications which are accepted for entry are too numerous to list, but you can get advice from the British Council or our admissions unit. You must be able to understand and express yourself in both written and spoken English and some evidence e.g. For level 4 entry a TOEFL score of 550 or an IELTS score of 6.0 (no skill level below 5) and for Level 3 entry an IELTS score of 5.5 (no skill level below 5) would be required. 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 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 ABOUT THE PROGRAMME What is Psychosocial Studies with Professional Practice? The Psychosocial Studies with Professional Practice BA programme offers new ways of exploring the relationships between individuals and their society. It encompasses both the individual focus of psychology and the broader concerns of the social sciences with society, history and culture. It provides a unique opportunity to study a socially-aware psychology alongside an individual-sensitive sociology in an interdisciplinary framework. The Psychosocial studies with Professional Practice programme will provide students with the opportunity to gain work experience and to reflect and learn through that experience on accompanying placement modules which will give students a strong understanding of the social, political and cultural issues shaping contemporary communities. In common with the Social Work BA programme at UEL we seek to promote a psychosocial perspective on issues of poverty, inequality and discrimination and in relation to the rights and duties of citizenship in a democratic society. Psychosocial Studies with Professional Practice at UEL Psychosocial Studies has been a distinct area of teaching at UEL since It emerged in response to growing student demand for programmes that addressed both individual experience, and larger-scale social processes. The Psychosocial Studies undergraduate programmes at UEL are the only ones of their kind within the UK

3 Students take a range of interdisciplinary programmes, or 'modules', that span psychology, sociology, cultural studies and psychoanalysis. The modular degree means that students are part of a wide academic community, and at level 6 option modules may take related modules in other subject areas. In teaching, emphasis is placed on discussion, the relation of students' experiences to academic material, and students' own workshop and project work. Students undertake a placement module, which enhances employability. Psychosocial Studies students come from a wide range of social, national and educational backgrounds; a diversity that we view positively as enriching the degree experience. Psychosocial Studies staff are strongly involved in research and policy, and this cutting-edge work feeds into many modules. Staff in Psychosocial Studies contributed to the very successful RAE submissions to the Sociology and the Social Policy and Social Work panels. Programme structure The programme typically has a three year duration when taken full-time or 4 years in parttime mode The programme consists of 4 core (30 credit) modules at level 4 and at level 5 (years 1 & 2). An average mark of 55% at level 4 is required for students to progress onto level 5. At level 6 all students take a 45 credit dissertation module and a series of option modules. The programme may be taken full-time (120 credits per academic year) or part-time (90 credits per academic year). It can also be taken mixed-mode, spending part of the programme as a full-time student and some as part-time. This is especially useful for students, who for one reason or another, fall behind with their work and need to catch up. Students who do not pass a module will be required to re-sit that modules the following year. Any student who fails more than 1 module may not be allowed to continue, or may be required to re-sit the level of study. Students who do not wish to, or are unable to, complete the whole programme can be awarded qualifications for the standard they have achieved. Students with 120 credits may be awarded the Certificate of Higher Education (CertHE) and those with 240 credits the Diploma of Higher Education (DipHE). Students with a total of 320 credits may be awarded an ordinary (unclassified) degree. Learning environment Most Psychosocial Studies modules are taught by a combination of lectures and small group seminars. Typically, for one module, students attend two hours of lectures and a one-hour seminar each week, but some modules include workshops, field trips or lab work. We also make extensive use of specially prepared resources to assist with private study. These include module handbooks, computerised materials, and library and on-line resources. Assessment

4 Modules may be assessed by coursework alone, or coursework combined with examinations and/or presentations. The different kinds of coursework include essays, projects, case studies, reports, and book reviews. Credit from level 4 modules counts towards the qualification but the marks do not count to the assessment of the final degree classification. Instead marks from levels 5 and 6 count directly to the degree classification. Level 5 for 1/3 and level 6 for 2/3 of the final degree. An average mark of 55% at level 4 is required for students to progress onto level 5. Work experience/placement opportunities Placement work and preparation for placement are a significant element of this programme particularly at levels 5 and 6. The Psychosocial Studies area has links with a number of organisations offering placements. Project work At level six, many Psychosocial Studies students choose to do some supervised research of their own dissertation. Dissertations may be theoretical or library-based but must represent a substantial review of a topic of the student's own choice. Empirical work is greatly encouraged as this gives the student the opportunity to develop specialised research skills in a supported environment. Professional placements also involve student research projects, as do some other taught modules on the degree. Added value Psychosocial Studies with Professional Practice is a degree programme which helps students to develop skills and ways of thinking about problems in the real world. Psychosocial Studies graduates often find employment in the welfare field and the voluntary sector, and a number have entered teaching or local government. Others have gone into fields such as market research and publishing, or have gone on to further study (MA, PhD). IS THIS THE PROGRAMME FOR ME? If you are interested in... What makes people tick The relationships between individuals and their society How factors such as race, ethnicity, national background, religion, class, gender, age and sexuality affect our life experiences How people develop throughout their lives, from birth to old age How popular media impacts our lives Unconscious aspects of human experience, that influence and shape our daily lives Why we experience certain emotions - such as love, envy and jealousy Then Psychosocial Studies might be the degree for you. If you enjoy... Understanding the mysteries of human behaviour

5 Thinking about the world around you and your place in it Having animated discussions about human experience and the social world Learning about varying perspectives on an issue Working with people from many different backgrounds then a Psychosocial Studies degree will give you new and exciting ways of thinking about yourself, others and the social world. If you want... To see the world differently, Psychosocial Studies is a degree programme that is engaging, exciting, informative and challenging. It offers new perspectives and opens up new horizons. A wide range of modules is offered, catering for a broad spectrum of interest that can be expanded through a range of option modules. Your future career A degree in Psychosocial Studies with Professional Practice offers a solid foundation for a wide range of careers. Many of our graduates go on to work in the welfare sector (especially with agencies in areas such as mental illness, learning difficulties, drug abuse and homelessness). Others have entered teaching or local government, and some have entered the research, communications and marketing spheres. Some students have gone on to benefit from the range of postgraduate opportunities at UEL and our linked programmes at the Tavistock Clinic. Career opportunities include Counsellor, research, PR and marketing, Psychotherapist, welfare worker, university administration, IT, Family Therapist, Educational Psychologist and Youth Worker. The placement element in the Psychosocial Studies with Professional Practice will greatly enhance individuals work experience. How we support you Our students come from a wide range of backgrounds, and we aim to help each student reach their own unique potential. On arrival, students are allocated a personal tutor who will be their first point of call for academic guidance and pastoral care throughout their time with us. Students should normally meet weekly with their personal tutor throughout the first year. Personal tutors may be consulted during their office hours, or contacted by phone or . Students may also consult the year tutors on matters relating to their level or programme of study. The year tutors also run regular sessions, such as Year Meetings, Careers Days and Module Choices days. Bonus factors Students on the Psychosocial Studies with Professional Practice degree are introduced to a range of psychosocial theories and skills such as counselling, learning to listen empathically and understanding the dynamics of group processes, which provide an excellent foundation from which to pursue further professional qualifications and career training in the areas of mental health, psychotherapy, child development and PhD research Students on the degree will also have undertaken a placement of not less than 50 working days, and this will have been evaluated through a reference and supporting assessment on specially-designed placement modules. These train students in developing their ability to use

6 the work discussion method used to train clinicians in psychodynamic individual or group practice. Students will either be presenting, or discussing, weekly detailed observations of an hourlong slice of time in a placement organisation. They will also be regularly keeping a placement journal. Through habitually articulating and illustrating aspects of their work experience to themselves, to other students and to their supervisors and other members of their team, students should be able to further their own personal and professional development. In developing observational skills, students will be able to develop the following abilities: Enhanced memory for key interactions and better record-keeping - the regular practice of observation leads to an enhanced capacity to remember what has been seen Greater perceptiveness - the experience of finding more significance in material than seemed apparent at first leads to students becoming more attentive Process recording regularly writing a coherent account in detail for an audience improves accurate and clear written communication skills Presentation - presenting material to a group in an articulate way improves verbal communication skills Reflection - the capacity to think about, and see connections between, complex events and experiences leads to increased confidence and effectiveness in the work setting Students will be encouraged to consider the various work in progress practice scenarios they will be hearing about from a problem-based perspective and to critically reflect on some of the key issues facing professionals working with people in the statutory and voluntary or tertiary sectors, this time, drawing on each other s personal experiences in the workplace. These skills and capacities, founded in direct work experience, provide students with a particular advantage in seeking graduate employment and / or professional postgraduate training. The course will also enable students to gain an understanding of key aspects of people work : the different needs of different service-user groups or clients how to appreciate diversity and promote anti-discriminatory and anti-oppressive practice how to advocate for, or represent, or work alongside, service users or clients, and how to support their rights to social justice and (emotional or economic) well-being A willingness to consider the particular issues, research and knowledge relevant to the service user or client group of the placement the value and purpose of maintaining clear and accurate records of information obtained, work planned and outcomes The emotional impact of working with people who may have suffered disadvantage, oppression, loss and lack of choice the importance of supervision to process feelings aroused by the work productively Students will use psychosocial perspectives learned so far on the degree (developmental and social psychological, sociological, psychoanalytic, psychocultural, critical psychological) in order to apply these to problem-based and

7 practice-based scenarios, through the use of reflection on the student s own placement practice. They will use group psychoanalytic, systemic and narrative perspectives on groups and organisations in order to demonstrate a psychosocial understanding of their practice setting. They will be encouraged to give consideration to relevant current social policies and contemporary political debates that generate guidelines and interventions in relation to particular service user groups and placement settings. They will be required to review their own personal development self-development. On completion of the programme, students will be very well prepared for work with people in the public, private or tertiary sectors Programme aims and learning outcomes What is this programme designed to achieve? This programme is designed to give you the opportunity to: Explore the relationships between individuals and their society Enable the student to acquire a range of specific skills as well as key and transferable skills for life and work Encourage reflection, self-reflection and critical analysis To provide study a distinctive interdisciplinary curriculum, organised around key issues in contemporary society; To equip students with knowledge and skills applicable in a variety of career paths, including the welfare professions, research, marketing and the 'culture industries'. What will you learn? Knowledge All learning outcomes are covered in the programme s single honours route. On graduating with an honours degree in Psychosocial Studies with Professional Practice, students should be able to: Describe and examine a range of key concepts in psychosocial studies theory including, and combining where relevant, psychological, psychoanalytical and sociological understandings of the self and society To evaluate and compare critically psychoanalytic and psychological theories of the self To place psychoanalytic and psychological theories of the self in a social and cultural context To understand the shaping of identities in different cultural contexts and social settings Have knowledge of how to plan, carry out and write up a research project Have a knowledge of theories of the unconscious Understand the qualitative research methods and theories of qualities research Have an understanding of the different psychosocial stages of stages of human development

8 Apply psychosocial understandings to the study of social and cultural modes of difference, including gender and sexualities, race and ethnicities. Demonstrate a written and verbal understanding of a placement organisation s work, particularly its policies, objectives, aims and outcomes Critically reflect, through their own work experience, on the nature of the limits or constraints placed upon organisations Thinking skills On graduating with an honours degree in Psychosocial Studies with Professional Practice, students should be able to: Assess the merits of competing explanations of human behaviour Draw on evidence to evaluate competing explanations Recognise contrasting explanations of events and evaluate those contrasts in a critical way Contrast points of view and discuss them Understand the ethical dimensions of research Have an awareness of group processes and interaction Demonstrate a capacity to critically evaluate theoretical perspectives as applied in practice and present the evidence used to support them. Subject-Based Practical skills On graduating with an honours degree in Psychosocial Studies, students should be able to: Carry out a small research project Be able to interpret qualitative research data Obtain qualitative data Have a critical awareness of qualitative research methods such a drawing up a questionnaire, interview techniques, library research methods and textual analysis Have IT skills Know how to present reports and convey information through visual aids such as PowerPoint, through the spoken and written word and through communication. Reflect regularly and in a self-critical way about their own conduct and learning experience whilst in a work experience setting, utilising an understanding of the nature of relationship-based practice, and of reflective use of self Understand and utilise effectively a psychosocial observational research methodology to research aspects of the student s professional role and task in the placement setting. Skills for life and work (general skills) On graduating with an honours degree in Psychosocial Studies, students should be able to: Have good communication skills in spoken, written and visual forms. Construct a CV and covering letter Understand the processes of job hunting and career development in a relevant field.

9 To develop an awareness of the underlying dynamics of communication processes in one-to-one and group contexts. Problem solve and present solutions in a clear and effective manner Have an understanding of the different psychosocial stages of stages of human development and feeling, and apply this knowledge in different social and cultural settings Have acquired research skills that can be applied in a range of practice contexts Have acquired the capacity to think in a reflective and reflexive manner Have acquired a social and cultural awareness of psychosocial issues and the capacity to reflect upon those issues in a critical and reasoned manner Critically reflect upon their own personal and professional skills, experience and aspirations Critically assess and demonstrate the skills needed in employment, including the theory and practice of working in teams Research and apply appropriate verbal and non-verbal communication skills to meet employer expectations. 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 (this includes everything you do e.g. lecture, seminar 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 3 years when attended in full-time mode or 4 years in part-time mode. It is possible to move from a full-time mode of study to a part-time

10 mode of study and vice-versa, to accommodate any 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 4 years of study in full time mode unless exceptional circumstances apply and extenuation has been granted. The limit for completion of a programme in part time mode is 8 years from first enrolment. How the teaching year is divided The teaching year begins in September and ends in June. A typical student, in full-time attendance mode of study, will register for 120 credits in an academic year. A student in a part-time mode of study may register for up to 90 credits in any academic year. What you will study when This programme is part of a modular degree scheme. A student registered in a full-time attendance mode will typically take 4 x 30 credit modules at levels 4 and 5; and at level 6 a 45 credit dissertation module and a 30 credit module that supports the placement. There are then a number of 15 credit option modules available. An honours degree student will complete modules totalling 120 credits at level 4, modules totalling 120 credits at level 5 and modules totalling 120 credits at level 6. Modules are defined as: Core: Must be taken Option: Select from a range of identified modules within the field University Wide Option: Select from a wide range of university wide options The following are the core and optional requirements for this programme Module Level Code Module Title Distance learning Credits Status* Y/N 4 PS4001 Knowledge Skills & Experience* N 30 Core 4 PS4002 Psychosocial Perspectives on Psychology N 30 Core 4 PS4003 Introduction to Psychosocial Studies N 30 Core 4 PS4004 Sociology and the Individual in Psychosocial Studies N 30 Core 5 PS5001 Research and Reflective Practice** N 30 Core 5 PS5002 Self Culture and Society N 30 Core 5 PS5004 Psychosocial Work Reflection N 30 Option 5 Psychosocial Approaches to Constructions of Difference N 30 Option

11 PS PS6000 Dissertation*** N 45 Core 6 PS6001 Psychosocial Work Reflection (Placement) N 30 Core 6 PS6010 N 15 Option Psychoanalysis, Culture and Society 6 PS6011 Psychosocial Perspectives on Criminal Behaviour N 15 Option 6 PS6012 HIV in the World N 15 Option 6 PS6013 Space N 15 Option 6 PS6014 Intro to Counselling N 15 Option 6 PS6015 Family Studies N 15 Option 6 PS6016 Exploring Emotion Psychosocially N 15 Option 6 PS6017 Race and Difference in Context N 15 Option *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. Skills Curriculum: The Learning Outcomes associated with the University Skills curriculum are contained within in the indicated modules. (*) Learning Skills (**) Professional Skills (***) Research Skills 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

12 In order to gain an ordinary degree you will need to obtain a minimum of 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 at least 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 In order to gain an Associate Certificate you will need to obtain a minimum if 20 credits at level four or higher Teaching, learning and assessment Teaching and learning Knowledge is developed through A range of paper and electronic resources, including monographs, journals and newspapers Lectures, seminars, workshops and E-learning Field trips Interaction with academic staff who carry out research, write books and articles about their work. Thinking skills are developed through Lectures, seminars and workshop activity Interactive learning through E-learning Tutorials Reading and research Practical skills are developed through IT workshops Library training Qualitative research methods training Study skills lectures and workshops Individual and group projects Skills for life and work (general skills) are developed through Engaging with academic staff and students in workshops, seminar and E-learning contexts The ability to present information and ideas is developed throughout the programme

13 IT skills are taught at the beginning of the programme Research methods training workshops Lectures containing employability training (e.g. CV and job application training) Training in communication skills including PowerPoint skills, , word processing Lectures and workshops on group processes Lectures and workshops on psychosocial understandings on human development Lectures and workshops on the psychosocial capacity to tolerate differences Assessment Knowledge is assessed by: Essays Group and individual presentations Examinations Library research exercises Interactive E-learning exercises Dissertation Written reflection on placement Thinking skills are assessed by: Critical analytical essays Examinations Individual and group presentations Case-study based assignments Dissertation and dissertation proposal Constructing a dissertation proposal and thinking through ethical considerations and seeking ethical approval Practical skills are assessed by: Carrying out a research project in the form of a dissertation Carrying out a presentation to an audience of academic staff and students using PowerPoint and /or other visual and presentation aids Word processing assignments in a professional manner Citing academic research and presenting citations in a bibliography Construction of a dissertation proposal form Construction of an ethical clearance form for dissertation research Meeting appropriate workplace demands on placement Skills for life and work (general skills) are assessed by: Coursework assignments that test your ability to present information and ideas Individual and group presentations to fellow students and academic staff Carrying out a research project using qualitative research methods Writing a CV and covering letter Tasks that require you to research, evaluate and present material to others How we assure the quality of this programme

14 Before this programme started Before this programme started we checked that: 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 is done through a process of programme approval which involves convening a panel of academic experts including some subject specialists from other institutions. Each panel member scrutinises key documents and talks to the staff who will deliver the programme before deciding whether it should be approved. 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 our Quality and Standards Committee. Once every six years we undertake an in-depth review of the whole field. This 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 University's 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:

15 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 to the University 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 & Responses. You can also view a list of the external examiners for the UEL School by clicking on the link below. Listening to the views of students The following methods for gaining student feedback are used on this programme: Module evaluations Student representation on programme committees (meeting 2 times year) Student/Staff consultative committee (meeting 3 times a year Students are notified of the action taken through: Individual responses to students as required Postings on our online discussion forums Listening to the views of others The following methods are used for gaining the views of other interested parties: Annual student satisfaction questionnaire Questionnaires to former students Student involvement in programme committee meetings Where you can find further information Further information about this programme is available from: The UEL web site ( The programme handbook Module study guides UEL Manual of General Regulations UEL Quality Manual Regulations for the Academic Framework UEL Guide to Undergraduate Programmes

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