Online Students Travel Thousands Of Miles To Derby
31 May 2012
University of Derby Online Psychology students visiting the University for a weeks residential.
We're delighted that so many of our students made the journey, some from thousands of miles away, to take part in the residential week, and that they got so much out of it
”Julie Stone, Head of the University of Derby Online.
Students studying through the University of Derby Online swapped virtual for real life learning last week when they attended 'Psychology in Practice', a Derby based residential week organised by the University.
Some travelled from as far afield as Mauritius, India, Sri Lanka and Australia to attend the week, which was designed to develop their skills in the study of Psychology by providing practical experience in conducting psychological investigations.
Despite being familiar with each other's online avatars, the students had never actually met each other or their lecturers, so in addition to developing their knowledge they were also able to share experiences and best practice in a face-to- face environment.
Tom Workman, 28, a Knowledge Management Consultant from Adelaide, Australia, said: "It's been really good to connect with the module leaders and students I've been communicating with over the last few years."
When asked why he picked a University of Derby Online course he explained: "We've got a lot of great courses in Australia but there was nothing offered as a pure Psychology degree with honours, so after doing some research I discovered that this one was accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS) and ticked all of the boxes.
"I have friends who've done courses by correspondence and online that have had a negative experience so I had some apprehension originally, but it's been amazing. The online support is fantastic and engaging."
Another student who found the residential week particularly beneficial was Angelika Kaier, 30, from Austria. She now lives in Hong Kong and works as a teacher.
She said: "I was interested in doing a Psychology course because I'd like to go into educational psychology. Derby's was the only course accredited by the BPS. It was so flexible and meant that I could stay where I was with my husband in Hong Kong whilst remaining in work as a teacher.
"I've enjoyed the residential week very much. The best thing was getting to know the lecturers and fellow students, and exchanging ideas and experiences. You can get the knowledge from books and online but having the interaction in the real world was really good."
Julie Stone, Head of the University of Derby Online, added: "The University of Derby Online provides anyone in the world keen to develop their knowledge and skills with the opportunity to study for a highly regarded UK degree, whilst remaining at home and in employment.
"We're delighted that so many of our students made the journey, some from thousands of miles away, to take part in the residential week, and that they got so much out of it."
For further information on the University of Derby Online and the online courses available visit: www.derby.ac.uk/online
For more information please contact Deputy Head of Corporate Relations Rosie Marshalsay on 01332 591942 or 07920 235 586, or email R.Marshalsay@derby.ac.uk
