Open University for Psychology Degree

beadygirl

Hello

I am thinking of going back to college to study psychology, I'm considering the open university as with small kids going in and out of college doesn't really suit. I'm just wondering in reality, when finishing this degree, and maybe embarking on a postgrad e,g Doctoral Degree in clinical Psychology,
would this degree have the same standing as those from Trinity, UCD etc.
I know that this course is accredited with the PSI, but still wondering..
I'm also wondering if any one has actually studied psychology with the Open University and how they found it in general,
any advice at all would be very welcome!

mc-panda

If it's accredited by the PSI, then there's no problem. As long as you get a 2.1 (minimum) in your undergrad then you would have no problem being selected for a postgrad of any description.

I did my degree in Maynooth. It was three years. Full time. I'm currently doing an MA in Cork in Forensic Psychology. There are people on the course from Trinity. Their degree took four years. Full time. Basically, as long as you achieve the grades and your course is accredited by the PSI, you're fine.

But make sure you know what you're getting into. Even with a good standard degree, there exists a plethora of obstacles in the selection process to many postgrads. In particular, I'm referring to the DPsych Sc Clinical courses. You have to have a certain amount of clinically relevant work experience, demonstrate excellent research skills etc.

The very best of luck though, whatever your decision.

Mc-panda.

beadygirl

Hi
Thanks for coming back to me, much appreciated
I know where you're coming from, I've heard the competition for places is fierce, if I didn't want to go down this route very very badly, I would definitely think twice. As regards some experience I was thinking of joining the samaritans/cura/ispcc as a volunteer, do you or anyone else know ways of getting good experience without being qualified yet?

many thanks
Beadygirl

mc-panda

I worked in a residential care home for young people in care throughout my degree. Following that, I worked in a secure environment, which was very challenging. Others I know have become ABA tutors, worked with schizophrenia Ireland, taken up posts as research assistants etc.

It's always a good bet to do voluntary work with agencies like the Samaritans. They provide training also, which is another thing to sing about on a CV.

When researching jobs, try to capture as many of the core areas as possible:
*Working directly with clients
*Working in a capacity that offers regular contact/supervision with a Clinical Psychologist.
*Working in a clinically relevant area
*Gaining experience in research methods.

The last one is quite important and I have so far failed to get it. I'm sure there are more core areas: the list is far from exhaustive. However, do your undergrad thesis in a clinically relevant area and do it to a very high standard. Try to get it published in a peer reviewed journal. Publications boost applications.

For relevant jobs in your area, keep an eye on the "Community Exchange" part of www.activelink.ie

beadygirl

Thanks mc-panda you've been very helpful,
Looks like I have a lot of work to do, LOL!
The best of luck with your own studies and thanks again.

spinandscribble

you wont be able to do a phd in clinical until after doing a MA and work experience.

beadygirl

Hi spinandscribble

I was looking at the course in UCD, just as way of example
while it states that you need an honours degree in psychology(2.1 at least - I read this to be BA/Bsc) and clinical experience, it doesn't mention needing to have an MA to apply to the programme, but as your saying, I always thought myself that you could only do a doctoral degree after having an MA,
am I reading this correcting, is the honours degree that they are referring to a masters? heres the link to UCDs course,

http://www.ucd.ie/psychology/pgcourses/dpsychsc.html

many thanks
Beadygirl

spinandscribble

just going on what my careers office said.

plus it does mention experience and suggests further studies in a field appliable to clinical would help an application. i did hear the likeihood of getting a phd in clinical without MAs or experience is increased if you apply to the uk. the head of our careers office held a lecture on this and said they look for a few years of committment through work experience to be successful in ireland. plus you'll be competing against these people who have.

sorry if i seemed blunt, its just the fact it requires further work has been droned into me in lectures that anyone interested should realise its a longish road in most cases there are exceptions though that get in straight. you might have care work experience ect or volunteer work, it all helps.

tbh though after doing your primary degree you might end up in a different area then clinical, theres loads of other interesting options. i had friends who wanted to do clinical and now want something completely different and vice versa. my familys keen for me to do clinical but at the moment i havnt a notion, i'd like to be an art therapist.

eth0_

It's unlikely you'd get straight into a clinical psych phd in Ireland without a masters and clinical experience - however, it's not laid out as a requirement and some people do manage to get in straight after their degrees.

OP - be prepared to do postgrad training outside Ireland. There simply aren't enough places in Irish phd programs.

Mito

For anyone who is or who has done the Degree in Psychology via the Open University (OU) what has been your experience of the OU system of study and in particular your experience of the Psychology Degree ?Thank you.

am23843

Hi I finished my degree in Oct with the OU. It took me 5 years to complete although I know you can do it quicker than that if you have the time and money. I found it a great experience with lots of support and guidance. I found the computer element difficult when I started as I am not very computer literate but had to learn the basics very quickly. It is accrediated to BPS so that is also a plus. Overall I am delighted I did it and actually miss the books now !!!!

Mito

Thanks for your message. As regards face to face sessions, did these occur regularly throughout the degree study and did these sessions occur during the week or weekends ?

Having attained a psychological degree what is the next most likely step, is it trying to find appropriate employment or is it additional study ?

Wondering if you have any experience yet of the value or how such a degree is rated outside of the world of study or academia ?

Thanks again for your comments.

DustyMan

Can anyone tell me what is the actual cost of the Psychology degree from OU? Would it be possible to complete same in 2 years? Is that realistic? I have a BSc in Nursing Studies already. Thanks in advance....