mature students psychology degree

edei

Hi

I was wondering if any mature student who is doing or has done the honours degree in psychology could share their experiences!

Thank you!

DM addict

What university/college are you looking at?

I'm doing the BSc in Psychology at the moment through the OU; finding it challenging but enjoyable. Are you looking at distance, part time, full time?

edei

Thank you for your answer!

I have applied to full time degrees in different universities and colleges, but if I don't get accepted in any, I have looked already to the option of doing it distance learning. The problem with the distance learning degrees is that from what I have heard, it takes much longer. Are you working at the same time? or are you just focused on the degree? do you find the modules accessible for mature students? Im just a bit concerned as well that they will be expecting me to have more previous knowledge in some areas that what I have such as in statistics or biology. What do you think?

DM addict

I am working at the same time. It does take longer, but it takes the edge of the financial burden. If you can afford to go back full time, then go for it, by all means. Can I ask, do you have an undergraduate degree already? If so, you could also apply for postgrad conversion courses, which only take a couple of years - I know TCD does one, but I'm not sure how many there are out there.

In terms of previous knowledge, that's one of the things I like about Open University - there's a lot of support for people who have been out of education for a long time. I find it very accessible - it's one of the things they're very good at. It doesn't mean that it's less demanding, and sometimes learning independently when doing something complex can make things more confusing. But there's tutorials and forum support. Again, it's hard to say. Although I think OU has some free materials to try, so you could take a look at those.

The statistics can be a bit of a struggle, but when you get your head around it all, it makes sense. I found the biology fine, but I suppose it depends on where your strengths are.

edei

I have never done a degree before. The highest I have done is a level 6 which I did it distance learning and although I was quite stress at first, after a few months I became more confident!

The problem is that I didn't do the leaving cert, so it worries me that I wont have enough knowledge (previous knowledge) when facing certain modules for the first time.

How do you manage doing work experiences? do you find hard to find places where they would accept you as you are not linked to an irish university? Im really interested in research, do you do any research doing the course distance learning?

Thank you for replying, Im giving a big step and Im a bit nervious, and full of questions!

DM addict

In terms of handling previous knowledge, I think the best thing to do is talk to the tutors/lecturers involved. They're best placed to give you an idea of what will be needed in terms of prior learning. If you get accepted (fingers crossed!) then perhaps contact the department with your concerns - they might be able to advise you on some preliminary reading that might be useful.

I am still part way through the course at the moment - it does involve some research, some of which is done collaboratively online, some in person at day schools and residential schools. I don't know how this compares to at brick-and-mortar universities, but I find it very interesting. Again, if you talk to the department where you're applying they should be able to tell you more about content in terms of research methods etc.

I'm not sure what you mean by work experiences. . . do you mean working while studying? That is not easy, but it is fun - I'm a nerd at heart and LOVE sitting down with my books, so distance learning really works for me.

Not being linked to an Irish university isn't something I'm too worried about - the OU has a presence in Ireland, and one of my tutors also lectures at TCD and did his undergrad with OU. It's a BPS accredited degree that's recognised by the PSI, so that's good enough for me!

It is a huge step - nerves are normal! I will answer any questions I know the answers to

bisset

B.I.F.E. in Bray offer a module of the OU degree.

edei

that's really good to know! thanks!

Have you done it? if you have or are, are the prices the same than directly from OU?