Charles Sturt University offer a Bachelor of Arts majoring in Psychology and it can be studied by distance. Their online learning and distance education program is one of the best in Australia due to the high number of overseas students.
I've done a bit more research today and I've found two distance courses that sound great - one at Charles Sturt - Bachelor of Social Science (Psychology), and one at Monash - Bachelor of Arts (Psychology).
I'm leaning towards Charles Sturt because they have a student campus here in Sydney.
I've printed out the enrolment forms, going to go through the requirements for each course again once I get home (I'm at work) and then I think I'm going to apply - eeeeeep!
I also need to have another look at the financial aspects, something I haven't thought about too much LOL!
Thank you sooooo much for all your help and advice. I'll keep you updated!
You're a quick operator!
As for fees, you will likely be able to go on Fee-Help, which is full fees, but deferred payment (like HECS).
It is handy to have a physical uni to go into when you need hard copy books to look through, but especially to use SPSS packages that are up to date and have all the features you need for stats (the student version are a bit limited for certain types of analysis...all in good time for this to even be relevant to you, though!!) on the faculty computers. Also, for weekend schools, if you got into Monash, you'd need to fly down to Melbourne each semester, so can be a bit of a PITA as an interstate or overseas distance student. So, good luck with your applications - I hope you get your first choice!!
I just wanted to say something about the age thing. Please don't think that you're too old or are starting behind the eight ball. My DP is 45 and thinking about doing his VCE (Year 12 certificate) ... not for any particular reason other than self-satisfaction. He's happy in his job because he's pursuing his childhood dream of train driving, just regrets stuffing around at school.
Willow I am studying Psychology through a Bachelor of Arts at Monash and the only downside IMO is the statistics component! It is such a great course and if it's where your interests lie then go for it. I always doubted myself knowing that honors is very competitive to get into but then I realised if it's something you actually enjoy learning and reading about and are committed to and not something you just force yourself to rote learn and memorise then you will do well. First year Psych is pretty average as you're just doing the core units (including the maths/stats) but come second year you get to start choosing your units and specialising in what you want to learn about and it's really interesting! I can highly recommend studying through Monash. They are very helpful with any questions you have and we have online discussion boards/forums where you can contact staff and other students to get help/advice so even if you are doing it by distance ed there is so much help and feedback with no need to attend campus.
In reply to Mayaness, I too would have delayed study if I knew bub's would make be making a suprise early appearance! Not too sure what's going to happen now!
Anyway Willow, all the best and I hope you choose Psych! LOL I'm only a bit biased...
Thanks so much guys. I printed off a whole heap of info on each course to read on the train on the way home yesterday. The whole major/minor thing has me a bit confused
I think for now I've ruled out Monash - it would be a real hurdle when I have to attend on campus, so Charles Sturt is looking like the better option.
I need to look into the financial side more but I really think I'm going to apply - nothing ventured, nothing gained right?!
I'm glad your confidence is back and you're looking at applying. The girls here have been super supportive and have given great advice. I think often our first (and biggest) hurdle is our own self confidence.
I was 37 when I started this degree, and I've only done one unit, then took a leave of absence for 6 months because of work commitments. Next semester, I'm doing 2 units, which will be a heavy load considering I work full time and have a toddler and a teenager at home. And yet at this rate, I'll never finish my degree either! Lol!
But it's already paying dividends. I have put on my resume that I'm an undergrad Psych student. I mention that my assignments are always handed in on time, and my average mark is in the mid 90%. I add that I was in the top 3% for my STAT test. And after years of being stagnant in my employment, I've had 3 promotions in less than 12 months, and in one case, it was specifically because I was at uni and the other candidate wasn't.
And the funniest thing is? I had NO IDEA I'd do so well when I started out. I didn't know I'd achieve such good results in my STAT test, or for my first unit. I was worried about whether I'd even get in! You just won't know until you try. So try!
The other fortunate thing is that psych has turned out to be a really interesting, really pertinent course for me. Even if I don't end up finishing it, I won't regret doing the course. I'm loving how it's teaching me more about myself and the rest of the world - and I can see me using what I've learnt in IVF advocacy in years to come.
Yes, I wish I didn't have to hand over $80 a fortnight in HECs for the pleasure, but I guess in the end, I'm getting a great deal out of it, so I guess I will have to wear the cost of it. :P
Last edited by sushee; October 25th, 2008 at 10:20 AM.
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