Will my course be well recognized?

biohaiid

Hi, I'm currently in my first year of Psychology and Sociology in UL.
One thing that has been bugging me a little since I started is the fact that my degree is a BA, not a Bsc like the straight Psychology program in UL.
I did have Psychology courses down in Dublin that I didn't get the points for, but I had Psych and Soc down before straight Psych in UL because it is accredited by the PSI whereas the other is not.
I had the points for the other course, and was seriously considering transferring over, but I actually care to really like sociology (once I stopped being a sore loser over not getting my first choices and gave it a chance).
My only worry is that an employer would choose someone with a Bsc over a BA, maybe?
To me, I think it's the masters I do that should be what employers really look at, but I'm still a bit concerned, with all the talk about how Arts courses are useless or not.
I know now in first year there is very little different between both courses, and I'm doing every Psych module the other class is doing, we essentially see ourselves as the same class, but an employer wouldnt know about that.
Should I have transferred? Should I transfer if I still have a chance to do so?

sambuka41

biohaiid wrote: »

My only worry is that an employer would choose someone with a Bsc over a BA, maybe?
To me, I think it's the masters I do that should be what employers really look at, but I'm still a bit concerned, with all the talk about how Arts courses are useless or not.

If you are talking about work as a Psychologist then it really will only be relevant to your postgraduate study, if that's a masters or PHD, as you can't work as a psychologist until post grad level. Most important is that your course is recognised by PSI, which you said your course is, so there should be no worries.

In my experience in getting work in social care, after my BA, no employer took any notice of it being BA as opposed to BSc, in fact half of them didn't even ask for the proof of qualifications. (I provided it anyway but I could have totally blagged it!!:p)

Icarus Wings

sambuka41 wrote: »

If you are talking about work as a Psychologist then it really will only be relevant to your postgraduate study, if that's a masters or PHD, as you can't work as a psychologist until post grad level. Most important is that your course is recognised by PSI, which you said your course is, so there should be no worries.

From my own experience, recognition of a psychology undergraduate course by the PSI seems to be the jewel in the crown for lecturers and college authorities. In the college I attend, a large amount of time was invested into adapting any newly proposed or reevaluated courses to meet the standards of the PSI in previous years. Since your own course has been accredited, there's no need to be stressing out about comparisons with other courses, biohaiid.

One of the things that stood out for me in your initial post was your interest in the Sociology element of your course. Personally, I think since you enjoy this aspect then you should consider remaining in your current course.

One of the benefits of doing a psychology-based bachelor degree is the wide range of postgraduate opportunities that are open to you after graduating. Remember that the bachelor degree is the foundation which can direct you to a more heavily weighted postgraduate course that suits you and your interests. As you progress through your bachelor course, you can research and decide what areas you wish to explore in the future.

Best of luck in your decision and in your studies!

biohaiid

That's very reassuring, Thank you guys

jamzy8989

I completed the course in Psychology and Sociology in UL prior to the BSc being available and your concern seems to be similar with most students in the BA.

First, I agree that the PSI accreditation is the most important thing if you aim to pursue a career area of Psychology.

Second, I am now doing a masters and I believe that Sociology was essential in developing my writing and really does give you a broad understanding of multiple perspectives which is an essential skill in the area of Psychology (and I just feel that sociology gives you broader contextual understanding).

Third, the QCA system is more favorable in the BA, for example a QCA of 3.3 and above is a first class honor and 3.4 in the BSc. that is the same when it comes to 2.1s and 2.2s etc. I personally would take the the Title BA with a first than a second in BSc.

Hope that helps.

biohaiid

jamzy8989 wrote: »

I completed the course in Psychology and Sociology in UL prior to the BSc being available and your concern seems to be similar with most students in the BA.

First, I agree that the PSI accreditation is the most important thing if you aim to pursue a career area of Psychology.

Second, I am now doing a masters and I believe that Sociology was essential in developing my writing and really does give you a broad understanding of multiple perspectives which is an essential skill in the area of Psychology (and I just feel that sociology gives you broader contextual understanding).

Third, the QCA system is more favorable in the BA, for example a QCA of 3.3 and above is a first class honor and 3.4 in the BSc. that is the same when it comes to 2.1s and 2.2s etc. I personally would take the the Title BA with a first than a second in BSc.

Hope that helps.

Thanks, it does.
The Bsc is now actually accredited, but I've decided to stick with the BA.