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Description

Programme Specification for the 2023/4 academic year

Cert HE International Year One in Psychology

1. Programme Details

Programme nameCert HE International Year One in Psychology Programme codeLDC1INTINT10
Study mode(s)Full Time
Modular
Academic year2023/4
Campus(es)Streatham (Exeter)
NQF Level of the Final Award4 (Certificate)

2. Description of the Programme

The International Year One programme at INTO University of Exeter is designed to help you meet the linguistic and academic requirements for direct entry into a second-year psychology degree in a School of Psychology in a UK university. The course starts in September. 

 

The programme mirrors the first year of psychology studies in the School of Psychology. You will explore the discipline of psychology through studying the subjects in different branches of psychology by following the core modules taught to all 1st year psychology students. In addition, you will follow an Academic English for Psychology course with INTO University of Exeter. 

 

You will develop the technical and communication skills required for a psychology degree.  

 

You will experience a favourable learning environment designed to meet your specific needs, both from the point of view of English language and study skills development and in the delivery of academic subject teaching, which is appropriately paced and supported with a generous allocation of teaching time (approximately 20 hours per week). All content modules are taught by psychology teaching staff from the School of Psychology. This will give you the experience of being a first-year university student and allow you to take part in all aspects of university life. Our learner-centred provision aims to enable you to realise your potential for academic study within the context of higher education in the UK. 

 

Entry to the second year at Exeter is through UCAS application and dependent on your achieving the required academic standards (average of 50% in academic modules together with 65% in Academic English for Psychology, a pass of 40% in the Statistics module) and meeting the general entry requirements for the University of Exeter. 

 

The Certificate of Higher Education is dependent on your achieving an average of at least 40% across all modules and a pass of 40% in the Academic English for Psychology module.

3. Educational Aims of the Programme

1. to enable you to study the stage 1 modules of the BSc Psychology, with additional support.
2. to help you meet the linguistic and academic requirements for entry into the second year of your degree course at Exeter.
3. to develop the necessary statistical and research skills required to undertake a degree in Psychology.
4. to allow you to become familiar with the facilities in the Psychology department, meet staff and other students who you will join in your second year.
5. to provide you with the technical, communication and personal skills that you will need both in your further studies and throughout your professional career.

This programme is designed specifically to prepare you for entry into the second year of the BSc Psychology degree programme at the University of Exeter (although the Certificate in Higher Education (Psychology) may meet the entry requirements for other universities). 

4. Programme Structure

The International Year One in Psychology programme is a one-year full-time programme of study at Regular Qualifications Framework (RQF) level 4 (as confirmed against the FHEQ). This programme consists of a single stage. The programme is divided into units of study called modules which are assigned a number of credits. The credit rating of a module is proportional to the total workload, with 1 credit being nominally equivalent to 10 hours of work. 

 

Academic modules are based on semesters (12 weeks), with an assessment period at the end of each semester. Academic English for Psychology is taken over a period of 24 weeks with staged assessment at the midpoint as well as at the end of the period. 

 

The programme comprises 120 credits, divided into units of study (modules), which have credit ratings of either 15 or 30 credits. All modules are compulsory. 

 

Interim awards: None 

5. Programme Modules

The following tables describe the programme and constituent modules. Constituent modules may be updated, deleted or replaced as a consequence of the annual programme review of this programme.

The following tables describe the programme and constituent modules. Constituent modules may be updated, deleted or replaced as a consequence of the annual programme review of this programme. Details of the modules currently offered may be obtained from the Faculty website: 

 

 

 

 

 

The programme is run in tandem with the School of Psychology. Most psychology content is taught through the 1st year core modules and further supported by the INTO based study skills module (online and/or face to face). This module teaches language and study skills and also introduces international students to some key concepts in western psychology academic thinking they may be unaware of but will need in order to effectively manage the work required of them throughout their BSC Psychology course.

Stage 1


Compulsory Modules

CodeModule Credits Non-condonable?
INT0205 Academic English for Psychology Academic English for Psychology30Yes
PSY1202 Introduction to Biological Psychology Introduction to Biological Psychology15No
PSY1203 Introduction to Social Psychology Introduction to Social Psychology15No
PSY1204 Introduction to Clinical Psychology Introduction to Clinical Psychology15No
PSY1205 Introduction to Statistics Introduction to Statistics15No
PSY1206 Introduction to Research Methods Introduction to Research Methods15No
PSY1207 Cognition, Emotion and Development Cognition, Emotion and Development15No

6. Programme Outcomes Linked to Teaching, Learning and Assessment Methods

Intended Learning Outcomes
A: Specialised Subject Skills and Knowledge

Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)
On successfully completing this programme you will be able to:
Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) will be...
...accommodated and facilitated by the following learning and teaching activities (in/out of class):...and evidenced by the following assessment methods:

1. Demonstrate some critical understanding of a range of core subject areas in psychology
2. Show understanding of a limited range of methodological skills, including a variety of statistical and research techniques that are used to carry out empirical research
3. Apply skills of scientific writing in psychology, through a range of methods, at a level equivalent to a first year degree course
4. Demonstrate proficiency in spoken and written English language in the context of the study of psychology.

ILO 1 is developed through lectures and tutorials.

ILOs 2 and 3 are developed throughout the programme, via practical classes and lectures. Independent study also forms a major part of the programme’s teaching and learning methods.

ILO4. English language and study skills classes employ a variety of learning activities and teaching methods. These include teacher-led groups, student presentations, seminars, set tasks and web-based resources.

ILOs 1 and 3 are assessed by a combination of written examinations, and continuous assessment essays.

ILOs 2 and 3 are assessed via practical reports.

ILO4. English language assessment is explicitly assessed in exams and continuous assessment in all aspects of the programme.

Intended Learning Outcomes
B: Academic Discipline Core Skills and Knowledge

Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)
On successfully completing this programme you will be able to:
Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) will be...
...accommodated and facilitated by the following learning and teaching activities (in/out of class):...and evidenced by the following assessment methods:

5. Apply skills of scientific writing and the presentation of results.
6. Review and critically evaluate empirical evidence using a limited range of defined techniques
7. Illustrate an awareness of the wider ethical issues relating to the subject and its application.
8. Review and critically evaluate published work as well as your own work and that of your peers.

ILOs 5-8 are developed through  all Psychology module lectures, tutorials and practicals, and the Academic English for Psychology module. 

ILOs 5 and 8 are assessed by a combination of written examinations, and continuous assessment essays.

 ILOs 6 and 7 are assessed via written examinations and practical reports.

Intended Learning Outcomes
C: Personal/Transferable/Employment Skills and Knowledge

Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)
On successfully completing this programme you will be able to:
Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) will be...
...accommodated and facilitated by the following learning and teaching activities (in/out of class):...and evidenced by the following assessment methods:

9. Think independently, critically and creatively.
10. Identify and analyse complex intellectual problems with some confidence and flexibility
11. Use electronic information retrieval and management tools effectively; access information from a variety of sources
12. Interact effectively within a group of peers to design and carry out team-based tasks.
13. Manage yourself effectively including autonomy, time management, self-teaching, self-reflection, seeking and using feedback, personal responsibility, and constructive self-criticism.
14. Communicate effectively in both spoken and written forms.

ILOs 9, 10 and 11 are developed through the process of acquiring subject knowledge and core academic skills (see A and B above).

ILO 12 is developed through group discussions in academic tutorials, through working in groups in practicals and through the summative assessment of a team-based presentation in term 1

ILO 13 is developed through students progressing through a teaching programme that is gradually more self-managed, and the personal tutorial and Personal Development Planning system. Independent study and practice also forms a major part of our teaching and learning methods.

ILO 14 is incorporated into the English Language and Study Skills module.

ILOs 9, 10 and 11 are assessed primarily through continuous assessment essays and practical reports.

ILOs 12 and 13 are indirectly assessed – in the sense that where modules require development of these skills, it would be very difficult to achieve a good mark in the assessments without having developed such skills.

ILO14 is explicitly assessed in the English Language and Study Skills module and implicitly in the continuous part of many other module assessments

7. Programme Regulations

This programme leads to the award of the Certificate of Higher Education in Psychology. The Certificate can be awarded when the student has achieved an average of 40% in Psychology modules and 40% in the Academic English for Psychology module. 

 

Admission (or ‘progression’) to Year 2 at the University of Exeter is dependent on students meeting the requirements given to them in their conditional offer from the University of Exeter. These conditions have been approved by the University of Exeter’s Admissions Policy Group (APG) and can be found for the current admissions cycle: http://www.exeter.ac.uk/international/into/progression/ 

 

Students who achieve an average of 50% in the Psychology modules in the International Year One in Psychology, including a pass in Statistics and with at least 65% in Academic English for Psychology, may apply via UCAS for entry to the second year of a psychology degree programme offered by the Faculty of Health and Life Sciences (FHLS) at the University of Exeter. Application to the degree programme will be through UCAS only and candidates must also satisfy the general admissions requirements of the University of Exeter. 

 

Full details of assessment regulations for all taught programmes can be found in the TQA Manual, specifically in the Credit and Qualifications Framework, and the Assessment, Progression and Awarding: Taught Programmes Handbook 

 

Additional information, including Generic Marking Criteria, can be found in the Learning and Teaching Support Handbook 

Classification

Full details of assessment regulations for all taught programmes can be found in the TQA Manual, specifically in the Credit and Qualifications Framework, and the Assessment, Progression and Awarding: Taught Programmes Handbook. Additional information, including Generic Marking Criteria, can be found in the Learning and Teaching Support Handbook.

8. College Support for Students and Students' Learning

All INTO pathway students will be allocated a personal tutor and will normally retain the same tutor throughout their time at INTO. You will have a formal meeting with your personal tutor on a regular basis (at least once per semester). Personal tutors liaise with the?Programme?Manager, who takes responsibility for the?programme?as a whole and provides a second line of support to students.? 

? 

Learning Resources? 

In addition to the?centrally provided services detailed below, INTO University of Exeter also provides? 

  • Its own computer suites, and printing facilities??

  • Students with specific physical and learning needs will have?a support package put in place. We also liaise with Access Ability, who can provide further information and resources.?However, for International Students there may be cost implications for some support elements.?

  • Dedicated support for applications for further study.?? 

  • Dedicated online resources on ELE for each programme and module? 

? 

Each student will be issued with a?Programme?Handbook?which contains information on:? 

? 

Programme?staff? 

Programme?dates? 

Programme?structure and modules? 

Attendance? 

Assessment, including submission and marking? 

Sickness, absence and mitigation procedures? 

Other general, important information? 

? 

The Programme Handbook can be found here:?http://www.exeter.ac.uk/international/into/current_students/? 

? 

Other resources for the programme are published on Exeter?Learning?Environment (ELE)?http://vle.exeter.ac.uk/??where there are separate areas for each of the programme modules. Resources include:? 

? 

Timetables? 

Course programmes / schedules? 

Coursework tasks, schedules and marking criteria? 

Past exam papers? 

Extra academic resources to support your studies? 

Links to useful web sites? 

?Student/Staff Liaison Committee?enables students and staff to jointly participate in the management and review of the teaching and learning provision.? 

The following units at Exeter between them provide a wide range of student support services:? 

? 

Learning Resources?At Exeter, the University Library maintains its principal collections in the main library buildings on the?Streatham?and St Luke's campuses, together with?a number of?specialist collections in certain Colleges. The total Library collection comprises over a million volumes and 3000 current periodical subscriptions.?? 

? 

IT?Services?provide a wide range of services throughout the Exeter campuses including open access computer rooms, some of which are available 24 hours, 7 days a week. Helpdesks are maintained on the?Streatham?and St Luke's campuses, while most study bedrooms in halls and flats are linked to the University's campus network.? 

  • University Wellbeing Service?- available free of charge, to provide confidential help and support.?? 

  • Student Health Centre?-?We are a Primary Health Care Centre, primarily funded by the National Health Service, providing care for all acute and long-term health problems for students on the Streatham Campus.? 

  • Student Services Centre?-?in the Forum is your first port of call for free, impartial and confidential advice on a range of 12 student services from Accommodation to Finance, Wellbeing to International Student Support, IT to AccessAbility. You can access the SID team 12 hours per day during term time between 8am – 8pm plus 10am – 3pm on Saturdays. Out of term time we are open 9am – 6pm Monday – Friday.? 

  • The?Student Engagement and Skills?- team offer support for all students who wish to improve their personal, professional and academic skills, through lectures, workshops, individual appointments and peer support programmes in colleges and interactive online resources on Exeter’s Learning Environment (ELE).?? 

  • Family Centre (Streatham campus)?provides high quality care and education for early-years children of students and staff.??? 

  • Student Advice Centre?-?:?(the Forum) is your first port of call for free, impartial and confidential advice on a range of issues: housing, finance, and academic matters.?? 

  • The?Students’ Guild?is the students’ union of the University of Exeter providing representation, advice, activities, social events, dining outlets and?more.??? 

  • Student complaints?procedure.?? 

  • Chaplaincy?offers confidential support, advice and pastoral listening for all students.?? 

  • The International Student Support Office?supports?non UK?students across all University of Exeter campuses.????? 

  • INTO University of Exeter?partnership provides English Language and other preparatory courses for international students.?? 

  • AccessAbility?offers advice and support?to students with specific learning disabilities (eg.?dyslexia) and physical disabilities/health conditions. Support includes helping students access learning and teaching opportunities and make the most of university life.?? 

  • Employability and Graduate Development?the Career Zone has over 40 staff working to help you improve your chances of getting a great job after you graduate. They?provide expert advice to enable you to plan your future?through:?guidance interviews, psychometric testing, employer presentations, skills events, practice job interviews and CV preparation.

9. University Support for Students and Students' Learning

Please refer to the University Academic Policy and Standards guidelines regarding support for students and students' learning.

10. Admissions Criteria

Undergraduate applicants must satisfy the Undergraduate Admissions Policy of the University of Exeter.

Postgraduate applicants must satisfy the Postgraduate Admissions Policy of the University of Exeter.

Specific requirements required to enrol on this programme are available at the respective Undergraduate or Postgraduate Study Site webpages.

 

Undergraduate applicants must satisfy the Undergraduate Admissions Policy of the University of Exeter.  

 

 

 

Specific requirements required to enrol on this programme are available at General Admissions RequirementsUndergraduate Postgraduate 

 

Pre-requisites:  

 

 

 

- Maths - GCSE C, or IB SL 4/HL3, A level E or AS level D 

 

- A second hard science must be studied at A or AS level 

 

11. Regulation of Assessment and Academic Standards

Each academic programme in the University is subject to an agreed College assessment and marking strategy, underpinned by institution-wide assessment procedures.

The security of assessment and academic standards is further supported through the appointment of External Examiners for each programme. External Examiners have access to draft papers, course work and examination scripts. They are required to attend the Board of Examiners and to provide an annual report. Annual External Examiner reports are monitored at both College and University level. Their responsibilities are described in the University's code of practice. See the University's TQA Manual for details.

(The Faculty of Health and Life Sciences ensures that students studying on the International Year One in Psychology (leading to the Certificate of Higher Education (Psychology)) meet the accreditation standards required by the psychology institutions for direct entry of students into the second year of a psychology degree programme through representation at Examination Boards. All modules on this programme are monitored by external examiners and their reports are acted upon. 

13. Methods for Evaluating and Improving Quality and Standards

The University and its constituent Colleges review the quality and standard of teaching and learning in all taught programmes against a range of criteria through the procedures outlined in the Teaching Quality Assurance (TQA) Manual Quality Review Framework.

14. Awarding Institution

University of Exeter

15. Lead College / Teaching Institution

INTO

16. Partner College / Institution

Partner College(s)

Not applicable to this programme

Partner Institution

Not applicable to this programme.

17. Programme Accredited / Validated by

0

18. Final Award

Cert HE International Year One in Psychology

19. UCAS Code

N/A

20. NQF Level of Final Award

4 (Certificate)

21. Credit

CATS credits ECTS credits

22. QAA Subject Benchmarking Group

23. Dates

Origin Date

17/09/2014

Date of last revision

20/07/2023