Psychology Distance Learning

DipDab93

Hi All,

I Have previous third level education and should amount to 60 credits.
However regular third level education is not for me so, Ive decided to try give distance learning a try.
The only problem is the cost .......
Does anyone know anywhere offering this degree at a reasonable cost, or do I have to try my hand at regular 3rd level college again
any help appreciated

DIEGOCON

Most degree courses now have a facility to complete the individual modules which means you can spread the cost over several years.

Tom Dunne

DipDab93 wrote: »

However regular third level education is not for me so, Ive decided to try give distance learning a try.

This raises a number of concerns for me. Learning online, on your own, in front of a computer screen is arguably a lot more difficult to learning in a classroom.

Aside from the discipline required, there is the sense of isolation and loneliness that can be difficult to overcome.


Have you looked at Access courses in Higher Education? These would ease you in and provide you with a comfortable, supportive environment.

rainemac

In January, I started a degree in Psychology with the open university. I've worked since I finished a plc course after I left school and did short courses part time courses regularly since. I don't feel I miss out on the social aspect, as I live rurally in the West of Ireland, doing a psychology degree wasn't going to be possible as my closest college an hour away doesn't offer it.
The OU sets out work you should be doing on a weekly basis online and you have books also, along with online activities. There's a tutor group and an online forum, I would like it there were more online tutorials but aside from that studying online suits me really well! I like learning from my couch, having the freedom to do it whenever I want and not having to attend lectures elsewhere. I've done a few small online distance learning courses so I've been able to fine tune my learning style and know what I have to do to keep my interests.
During this module I did 'fall behind' by a few weeks but it's easy to catch up and with assessments, which are mainly essays every 6-8 weeks it's easy to catch up. They do offer extensions on these if required, I didn't need to use this but it's there as an option. You can also work ahead if you know there's something coming up personally then you can work ahead to be prepared. I love it. It's been a great option for me.

DipDab93

Tom Dunne wrote: »

This raises a number of concerns for me. Learning online, on your own, in front of a computer screen is arguably a lot more difficult to learning in a classroom.

I do see your point however its not the discipline thats the issue. Its more about the irrelevant drama of the college experience that i could do without.
I have my own mix of friends to socialise with but id rather my learning be about the actual topic rather than the scandal of what "Peggy" did last weekend :rolleyes:

supermouse

rainemac wrote: »

In January, I started a degree in Psychology with the open university. I've worked since I finished a plc course after I left school and did short courses part time courses regularly since. I don't feel I miss out on the social aspect, as I live rurally in the West of Ireland, doing a psychology degree wasn't going to be possible as my closest college an hour away doesn't offer it.
The OU sets out work you should be doing on a weekly basis online and you have books also, along with online activities. There's a tutor group and an online forum, I would like it there were more online tutorials but aside from that studying online suits me really well! I like learning from my couch, having the freedom to do it whenever I want and not having to attend lectures elsewhere. I've done a few small online distance learning courses so I've been able to fine tune my learning style and know what I have to do to keep my interests.
During this module I did 'fall behind' by a few weeks but it's easy to catch up and with assessments, which are mainly essays every 6-8 weeks it's easy to catch up. They do offer extensions on these if required, I didn't need to use this but it's there as an option. You can also work ahead if you know there's something coming up personally then you can work ahead to be prepared. I love it. It's been a great option for me.

Hi rainemac,
I have a few questions about the OU degree, would you mind answering them for me please, if you have a few moments?
I am in two minds to study the same as you, or take a part time option with ICHAS or PCI who do Psychotherapy and Councelling degrees.
Can I ask you why you specifically chose Psychology and if it was for career, will you add on masters etc to be able to councel?
I ask because I really want to take your course but with the other 2 degrees you finish a 4 year part time course with accredation to councel. However, I am more interested in the modules on the OU.
Sorry if this is a rant!
Cheers,
SM

rainemac

Hi Supermouse,

I started this route as I absolutely could not commit to travelling for study, especially not as frequently as every week/every other weekend. The OU suits me and my circumstances and location. I have a career I work in currently so I'm not desperately seeking to rush the degree and I am planning to go into Theraplay work with children which will require further training which can be completed once I'm further along in the degree alongside it.

supermouse

rainemac wrote: »

Hi Supermouse,

I started this route as I absolutely could not commit to travelling for study, especially not as frequently as every week/every other weekend. The OU suits me and my circumstances and location. I have a career I work in currently so I'm not desperately seeking to rush the degree and I am planning to go into Theraplay work with children which will require further training which can be completed once I'm further along in the degree alongside it.

Oooohhhhhh, you have given me an entirely new thought perspective! I didn't even realize that was possible to study both side by side down the line. That is a wonderful avenue for me to investigate, thank you so very much.
Best of luck with the remainder of your study and thanks again, I really appreciate it!