Students Gather From Four Corners Of The World
31 May 2011
The 53 students from 22 countries gather at the University of Derby
I chose Derby's course because of its interesting and varied content; there's nothing like it available elsewhere online or in South Africa.
”Clinton Bruigom, 31, who travelled from Johannesburg, South Africa.
Online students Clinton Bruigom and Emma Prior during the week-long study
The University of Derby held a lecture series with a difference recently when online psychology students from 22 countries around the world met each other and their lecturers in person for the very first time.
The 53 students travelled to Derby for the Psychology in Practice residential week from May 23 - 27 as part of the second year of their online Psychology degree. During the week they learned elements of psychology difficult to learn online including experimental design, running practical exercises in labs, group data collection and statistics; knowledge required to gain the British Psychological Society accredited degree.
Dr Christopher Barnes, Acting Online Programme Leader in Psychology, said: "The residential week was an important experience for our online students. As well as gaining vital experimental skills they also had the opportunity to meet lecturers and form a community; which will allow them to give each other support and share ideas through online discussion throughout the remainder of their degrees."
Students hailed from countries including Hong Kong, Singapore, Qatar, South Africa, Finland, the Czech Republic, USA, Turkey, Cyprus, Hungary, Germany, China, Japan, Pakistan, Latvia and Thailand as well as home countries England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales.
Clinton Bruigom, 31, who travelled from Johannesburg, South Africa, to attend the week, said: "I chose Derby's course because of its interesting and varied content; there was nothing like it available elsewhere online or in South Africa. It's great that the programme is accredited by the British Psychological Society as I'm hoping to forge a career in psychology."
Ender Eruslu, 33, from Turkey chose to study online with the University of Derby as he wanted the flexibility of independent study, but also wanted to study a psychology degree accredited by the British Psychological Society. Ender said: "The week has been intense, with lots of design and data collection and a lot to learn, but it's been fantastic."
Lou Vai U, 30, from Macau, Hong Kong, wanted to study for a degree while working full time in marketing. "I chose to study Psychology online as I love the subject, and wanted to further my knowledge without leaving my job. I've had a wonderful week, and it's been great meeting everyone."
Emma Prior, 24, from slightly closer to home, studies online from Essex while working full time as a nanny. Emma said: "This week has been fantastic, a great opportunity to discuss and debate, and asking questions as they arise, things that aren't that easy to do online."
For more information on the University of Derby's BSc (Hons) Psychology (Online) , visit www.derby.ac.uk/psychology-online-bsc-hons.
