Minding the gap: Using online learning to develop confidence, knowledge and academic skills in applicants who are Preparing for Postgraduate study in Psychology

This talk will outline the rationale, development, and roll-out of an online, distance-learning package to ease student transition into postgraduate study in the School of Psychology. Whilst there is an emphasis in the literature on easing student transition into level 4 study, progression into level 7 is overlooked. Our experience suggests that there is often a ‘gap’ to be managed in terms of developing student confidence, readiness, and expectations for postgraduate study, particularly in those students who are returning to study after a break, or those who are ‘converting’ into a discipline having studied another subject previously. We therefore designed a self-study package that would allow engagement, pre-course entry, with an introduction to our discipline, but also with key study skills required for postgraduate study that are often perceived as challenging by students – specifically, principles of research design and statistics, and evidence-based learning (including how to work with academic sources, referencing requirements and developing criticality). Whilst this is a non-credit bearing, optional learning resource, formative activities were built into the package to enable students to self-check their knowledge and understanding, and to facilitate critical reflection on the skills required to engage successfully in learning at level 7. We present some preliminary evaluation from course users and discuss how the activities provide a platform for semester 1 teaching activities on the MSc Psychology.