PY0550 - Psychology Study Abroad Year

What will I learn on this module?

The Study Abroad Year module is a full year 120 credit module which is available on degree courses which include a study abroad year which is taken as an additional year of study between levels 5 and 6. You will undertake a year abroad at a partner university equivalent to 120 UK credits. This gives you access to modules from your discipline taught in a different learning culture and so broadens your overall experience of learning. The course of study abroad will be dependent on the partner and will be recorded for an individual student on the learning agreement signed by the host University, the student, and the home University (Northumbria). Your study abroad year will be assessed on a pass/fail basis. It will not count towards your final degree classification but, if you pass, it is recognised in your transcript as a 120 credit Study Abroad Module and on your degree certificate in the following format – e.g. “BSc (Hon) Psychology (with Study Abroad Year)”.

How will I learn on this module?

Varies according to partner University/programme of study.

How will I be supported academically on this module?

Pre-departure: You will be required attend relevant presentations and meet with Study Abroad Tutor / Placement Tutor / Personal Tutor / Faculty staff to satisfy your specific study abroad requirements.
On Study Abroad placement: Support will be provided by the host University. Additionally the Personal Tutor/Placement Tutor/Faculty staff will maintain contact with you throughout the study abroad placement.

What will I be expected to read on this module?

All modules at Northumbria include a range of reading materials that students are expected to engage with. Online reading lists (provided after enrolment) give you access to your reading material for your modules. The Library works in partnership with your module tutors to ensure you have access to the material that you need.

What will I be expected to achieve?

Knowledge & Understanding:
• KU1: To acquire a broader, international and culturally informed understanding of their subject discipline

Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:
• IPSA1: To experience different cultural approaches to learning, study and academic development
• IPSA2: To acquire intercultural competence, cross-cultural literacy, and (where relevant) to practice foreign-language skills

Personal Values Attributes (Global / Cultural awareness, Ethics, Curiosity) (PVA):
• PVA1: To develop enhanced, culturally sensitive communication and interpersonal skills

How will I be assessed?

1. Formative Assessment process: Varies according to host University

2. Summative Assessment process: Transcript of Results
The module assesses your academic performance on modules studied at the host University and is graded on a pass/fail basis. In order to pass the module, you have to take and pass the equivalent of 120 Northumbria credits at the host institution (as documented by the transcript). This satisfies all learning outcomes.

The Study Abroad Year does not contribute to classification. When taken and passed, the Year is recognised on the degree certificate in the format – Degree title (with Study Abroad Year).

3. Feedback process: Varies according to host University

Additional formative assessment
Learning contract
Prior to commencing your Study Abroad Year, you will complete a learning contract which is made up of a self-assessment questionnaire, identification of personal objectives and a schedule (with brief details) of the modules chosen for study. This is to encourage you to plan your Study Abroad Year in a structured manner, ensure active involvement in the learning experience and provide the teaching team with an overview of the study abroad year and intended outcomes.

Study Log
During the Study Abroad Year, students will be encouraged to maintain a Study Log which details the title, duration and level (year) of each subject studied, all assessment marks awarded and a commentary on the learning experience for each module.

Pre-requisite(s)

• Attend pre-departure briefings and training workshops as required.
• Successful completion of Levels 4/5

Co-requisite(s)

None

Module abstract

The module aims to introduce you to the experience of psychology and more broadly, academic study, in a different country. It aims to challenge preconceptions and assumptions about higher education teaching through exposure to different academic approaches. You will be expected to develop resilience and flexibility as they adapt to different teaching styles and different administrative procedures, and to living in a new country. You are expected to develop your communication skills and gain a perspective by comparing your experience in the UK and abroad. You will be encouraged to critically engage with the academic practices and various modes of study within the host university, and to reflect on your educational development in the context of the challenges posed by everyday life in an unfamiliar social and economic environment.

Course info

UCAS Code C800

Credits 120

Level of Study Undergraduate

Mode of Study 3 years Full Time or 4 years with optional study abroad year

School Psychology

Location City Campus, Northumbria University

City Newcastle

Start September 2027

Fee Information

Module Information

Accuracy of information

All information is accurate at the time of sharing.

 

How your course is delivered

Full time Courses are primarily delivered via on-campus face to face learning but could include elements of online learning.

 

Changes to your course

Most courses run as described on our website and in our marketing materials. Occasionally we may need to make changes, for example due to a change in the law or regulatory requirements, requirements of a Professional, Statutory or Regulatory Body, or our quality assurance processes. Where a change is significant (in line with the Competition and Markets Authority's guidance on "substantial changes"), we will consult with affected students in advance where the change is being decided, and will explain the reason for the change and inform you at the earliest opportunity.

If we make a significant variation to your programme, you are entitled to: request a transfer to an alternative, appropriate programme; withdraw and have your tuition fees adjusted; or raise a complaint through the Student Complaints Procedure.

Optional modules listed on course pages may be subject to change depending on uptake numbers each year. Where a module you selected is withdrawn, the options above apply.

 

Contact time

Contact time is subject to increase or decrease in line with possible restrictions imposed by the government or the University in the interest of maintaining the health and safety and wellbeing of students, staff, and visitors if this is deemed necessary in future.

 

Images and video

The photography and video on this page are used for illustration. They may have been taken at different times and in different parts of the University, and may show facilities, equipment, staff, students or activities that are not part of this course. They are not a guarantee of the specific facilities or equipment you will use.

The course content, entry requirements and fees sections of this page, together with the Programme Specification, set out what this course includes. Our facilities are updated over time and may change during your studies. 

 

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