London South Bank University - 2 year FT PgDip

Hey. I am nearing the end of my first year at London South Bank University, where I am doing the PG (dip) 2 year full time programme. So I thought I'd briefly outline my experience! Having completed a BSc (hons) in Sociology and worked in social care as a OT/Social Work assistant, my work offered the chance for me to do the course as a secondment! It was perefect really as I found myself having a degree but being frustrated at the prospect of having to do the 3 yr OT course and seemingly waste my first degree. I was warned at the interview that the 2yr at LSBU is tough and it leaves little time for a life outside!! Well having just about got through the first year, I can reflect on the pros and cons. So here goes:

Pros are:
It's 2 years, which is good because it's fast and you are using your first degree as a foundation, in terms of knowledge and academic/life skills.

The course uses lectures, practice placements, skills sessions and PBL to help you learn, whcih is a good mix and caters for most learning styles.

It's heavily focused on evidence based practice and models, which I like as the profession needs to be more robust in these areas, if its going to justify its exsistence.

It's well delivered and I think the university instills high standards both academic and practical.

There are five short placements, which give you a broad range of experiences.

You get two days off during uni time! But you will be at home studying due to a heavy work load (see cons)

Cons:

They use PBL-problem based learning, where basically you are put in a group with about ten others and you thrash out triggers (case studies). I am all for self directed learning and taking the initiative and responsiblity for your learning but I personally feel that we are left a little to much to our own devices. This may be a pro though depending on your learning style.

It is hard and it is an academic course, marking is pretty harsh and the pace of work never lets up! This means that it does dominate your life..and currently my occupational balance is out of kilter!

It's in London and for me this is a con - I hate the commute! But if your from London Im sure you'll find it a breeze.

The university lacks pastoral care, and I feel that some students are let down in this area.

So there you go, I hope this helpful for any prospective students.I'd be interested to hear from any other LSBU students or comments about this method of qualification.