BSc (Hons) Social and Therapeutic Interventions Top-up

Any one of the following:

• Foundation Degree in relevant subject field, such as psychology, sociology, criminology, counselling and education etc.
• Higher National Diploma: In relevant subject area, for example Diploma in Education and Training
• Other Qualifications: 120 credits at level four and 120 credits at level five that has not previously been counted towards a degree award.

APEL: Recognition of prior experiential learning can be considered where there is a shortfall in entry requirements. We will ask you to submit an APEL (Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning) form enclosing your original documents. If you gained your Diploma or equivalent more than five years ago, you may be asked to submit an APEL with additional evidence, which shows how you have applied and updated your professional learning since you qualified. If you do not have the full 120 points of certificated learning at Level 5, but believe you can show you have achieved the equivalent through your professional experience, you will be asked to provide evidence with support for your application prior to being offered a place on the programme.

Experience: Applicants would benefit from having relevant work experience through work-based learning embedded in the relevant foundation degree programme or experience in a social support, criminal justice, education or helping role and have the ability to study successfully at degree level.

UK and EU Entry: Equivalent international qualifications will be considered towards meeting the general entry requirements. Additionally, EU students, for whom English is not their first language, will be required to evidence an IELTS score or 6.0 or equivalent. Equivalences include:

• TOEFL written examination score of 550 plus a test of written English (at 4)
• TOEFL Computer Equivalent score of 230
• Proficiency in English (Cambridge) at Grade C or above

If English is not your first language, you will need an IELTS score of 7.0 with a minimum score of 6.5 in each component (Reading , Writing, Listening and Speaking or an equivalent English Language qualification).

Each module is worth a specified number of credits and modules are designed to enable you to cover key subject knowledge while developing your own interests. For full time students a total of 120 credits will be studied in each academic year. Modules for this programme are:

Year 1 Modules

• Research dissertation*
• Trauma, Victimology and Offending Behaviour
• Tackling Social Inequality*
• Wellbeing in a Modern World
• The Psychology of Social Interaction

*completed during your second year if you choose to study part time.

Timetables are normally available one month before the commencement of your studies. As a guide, this course is likely to run between 9.30am and 4.30pm on Thursdays and between 9.30am and 1pm on Fridays.

When studied part-time, the duration of the course depends on the speed at which you wish to progress through it. This is called the ‘intensity of study’. For example, studying half-time would be equivalent to 50 per cent intensity of study and would typically double the length of the course from three to six years. Please note that this does not necessarily mean that the modules you take in Year 1 will equate to 2.5 full days’ attendance. As part-time study will mean attendance of some modules that are on the full-time timetable, it may mean that you will be required to attend modules timetabled over five days of the week. You may be able to change the intensity of study during your course. Please note that the four-year version of the course is not currently available on a part-time basis. Not all intensities of study are available for all programmes

This programme will provide you with the opportunity to design and critically analyse interventions that could be implemented in work settings, organisations and in wider society. UCSD can also support you in locating work experience, however this course does not include a mandatory placement.

There are two formal or summative assessed pieces of work for each module. Assessment methods can include written examinations and a range of coursework assessments such as essays, reports, portfolios, performance, presentations and projects. The grades from formal assessments count towards your module mark. In addition to formal assessments throughout modules of study there will be developmental (formative) assessments to support you with developing greater understanding of your progress.

The balance of assessment by examination/test, coursework and practical depends to some extent on the optional modules you choose. The approximate percentage of the course assessed by coursework is as follows:

63% coursework, 37% practical

UCSD recognises feedback as an essential component of your learning and progression. It adopts a feed-forward approach whereby feedback is given in a developmental manner to support your continued progression. You will receive feedback on all assessments within 20 working days.

Our dedicated teaching teams will support with your application of theoretical and practical knowledge and will be invaluable to your development. Their passion and enthusiasm is exceptional, with dedicated support and tutorial time available so that you can make the most of your studies. This support has been crucial to the success of many past students who may not come from a traditional education pathway, and helps ensure your success.

You will be taught by an experienced teaching team whose expertise and knowledge are closely matched to the content of the modules on the course. The team includes academic staff, professional practitioners with industry experience, and where relevant, technicians. Postgraduate students undertaking teacher training may also contribute to the teaching of seminars under the supervision of the module leader. Our teaching is informed by research, professional practice and industry experience to provide you with the most up to date and relevant learning opportunities.

When not attending lectures, seminars or practicals you will be expected to continue learning independently through self-study. Typically, this will involve reading journal articles and books, working on individual and group projects, undertaking research in the library and preparing coursework assignments and presentations. Your independent learning is supported by a range of excellent facilities, including the library, the UCSD Research Centre, and our course specific environments.

Your overall workload at Level 6 consists of class contact hours, of approximately 8 hours’ per week, plus independent learning, and assessment activity. Together, this equates to approximately 36 hours per week. While your actual contact hours may depend on the modules you are studying, the following information gives an indication of how much time you will need to allocate to different activities at each level of the course.

Level 6: 43% of your time is spent in timetabled teaching and learning activity. 57% is spent on independent learning, work based learning and assessment related activity.

A key feature of our university level programmes is the exceptional support we provide for students. We are passionate about providing dedicated and bespoke support services to help you make the most of your time here and to maximise your potential. We have an experienced team who offer a range of services, and regular 1:1 contact time with your personal tutor guarantees your professional and personal development. We can provide help with study skills, written English, academic writing, research skills, critical thinking, and revision.

We hold the principles of equality and opportunity for all in the highest regard. That’s why our degrees are designed to be accessible for anyone, regardless of your personal circumstances. We endeavour to make reasonable adjustments and remove any barriers to your learning. We also offer more flexible timetables than other institutions to minimise the impact studying has on your personal life and responsibilities.

Upon successful completion of this degree you will be eligible to apply for level 7 qualifications, such as Masters programmes or Post Graduate Certificates in Education (PGCE). Please note that there is a deadline for progression applications and places may be subject to external entry requirements or availability.

Previous students in this area have gone on to study for their BPS accredited Masters in Psychology, and others work in the Criminal Justice System, the Drug and Alcohol Service, Family Support Services and Education.

Funding is available to help you with living costs during your studies via Student Finance England. We are committed to supporting our students with a number of bursary packages, which you will receive if you meet particular criteria, and does not need to be repaid. Bursaries are awarded in addition to any funding received from Student Finance England.

Course related costs included:

• Annual £10 printing allowance
• Access to e-books and e-journals relating to your programme of study
• Optional trips and residentials to witness or participate in real world interventions

Course related costs not included:

• Additional printing over the initial allowance
• Personal equipment related to practical modules
• Additional printing over the initial allowance
• Optional overseas and UK based field trips
• The cost of books you may wish to purchase
• An annual parking fee or bus pass for travel to UCSD