Department of sociology and psychology
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- 2.1. Conformity of higher education programme to RSU objectives and tasks
- 6. Perspective evaluation of higher education programme
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- 11. Guarantee of studies in case of liquidation of study programme
- 2. 2. Functioning of internal quality mechanism of higher education programme
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Riga Stradins University Communication faculty DEPARTMENT OF SOCIOLOGY AND PSYCHOLOGY Professional Bachelor’s study programme „Psychology” (CodE 42310) Rīga 2009 Contents
Self-assessment of study programme 1. General characteristics of study programme 1.1 .Annotation of study programme Professional higher education Bachelor’s study programme in psychology has been developed in accordance with requirements of the Law on Education in Latvia, Law of Higher Educational Institutions, Regulations No. 481 of the Cabinet, RSU Senate and other normative documents on development of study programmes. The study programme is the first stage in professional education in psychology or basis for further studies for Master’s degree in study programme in health care “Art Therapy”. The study programme emphasizes knowledge, skills and attitudes necessary in clinical work. It has been developed in accordance with the state Standard of second level professional education and the Standard of profession of psychologist’s assistant. The study programme is realized in the form of full-time studies within 8 terms. Total amount of the programme is 160 credit points (CP). Having completed the study programme a student obtains Bachelor’s degree in social sciences in psychology and qualification of psychologist’s assistant. 1.2 .Objectives and tasks of higher education programme Aim of the professional higher education Bachelor’s study programme in psychology is to create possibility to acquire basic professional education in psychology, emphasizing work in health care, - to train students for professional work as psychologist’s assistants under supervision of a psychologist, in conformity with the state standard of second level professional education and the standard of the profession of psychologist’s assistant, and provide basis for further mastering of psychology or art therapy in Master’s degree study programmes both in Latvia and abroad. In order to implement the aim of the study programme the following tasks were set:
1.3. Justification of development of the study programme and assessment from the point of view Latvia state interests, RSU interests and international recognition Topicality of the professional Bachelor’s study programme in psychology is determined by trends of development of contemporary Europe, global changes in the local social environment as well as in all the continent, when new ways are looked for to increase population’s health and life quality. According to the definition of the World Health Organisation experts, health is a condition of complete physical, psychic and social well-being rather than lack of diseases and physical defects. Majority of contemporary scientists define notion of health as human’s ability to function optimally physiologically, psychologically and socially. Human’s health is related to almost all areas of life processes. Health is a harmonic combination of human’s biological and social qualities, which enables to adapt in macro- and micro-sphere, as well as to live socially and economically productive life. Human’s health is a life quality category, determined by physiological mechanisms, ability to adapt, self-organisation, self-development and self-preservation abilities. Health condition affects all areas of human’s life. It determines high potential of human’s physical, psychic and intellectual capacity and is a guarantee of full-fledged life. Human’s health has a tremendous effect on dynamics of public economic development, at the same time being a measure of socially- ethical maturity of society. Thus, issue on study programmes which could help to solve these tasks, is topical. This study programme offers possibility to acquire education on the level compliant with the requirements of Bachelor’s degree in psychology (See Table 4) and, at the same time, ensures mastering of basic skills necessary for qualification of psychologist’s assistant (See Table 5). As to specifics of RSU study programme, it should be emphasized that one of its tasks is to develop knowledge, skills and attitudes necessary in clinical work in compliance with directions of contemporary science, stressing both biological, sociological and humanistic orientation in psychology. In accordance with the aim of the study programme, comparatively wide range of study courses is aimed at work in health care environment. Thus, irrespective the fact that several professional Bachelor’s study programmes already exist in Latvia, and possibilities for further studies (for Master’s degree) are ensured as well, this study programme enables us to fulfil niche, so far free in Latvia, in psychology education emphasizing health care. Topicality and necessity of the study programme are clearly marked with the common direction of the time to integration, including cooperation of specialists from different branches. This study programme is devoted to training of specialists necessary for contemporary labour market, able to actively work in a team, to co-operate with health care specialists. Graduates, after completion of the study programme, will have possibilities either to start work as psychologist’s assistants or continue psychology studies in Latvia or abroad, or continue studies for Master’s degree in the professional study programme in health care “Art therapy”, or in other Master’s degree study programmes in social sciences, health care and social well-being. Essential is the fact that this programme has been coordinated not only with the professional standard, but also with programmes and experience of other higher educational institutions abroad (See Table 1). Taking into account above mentioned, professional Bachelor’s study programme in psychology, developed in RSU, should be evaluated positively from both the point of view of international recognition and from the point of view of Latvia state interests. This study programme should be evaluated as compliant with contemporary trends and as the one that ensures qualitative education and stresses acquiring of necessary skills and attitudes in training specialists able to work in health care and other areas. 1.4 Comparison of study programme to allied study programmes in Latvia and abroad To evaluate conformity of this professional Bachelor’s study programme in psychology to international recognition, study programmes of similar profile were analysed (see Table 1). Table 1 Conformity of content and form of the professional Bachelor’s study programme in psychology to other study programmes
One of the tasks of RSU study programme is to ensure possibility to acquire theoretical knowledge of basic branches of psychology and other areas, which are important in professional work of psychologist’s assistant, and develop skills in successful application of acquired knowledge in practical work. Comparison with LU and DU study programmes gives conclusion that in RSU programme this task is realized in conformity with experience in teaching of psychology in Latvia. Comparing these programmes, one can conclude that practically all obligatory courses, realized in LU and DU, are included in the RSU programme as well. It is a prerequisite for obtaining education, conformable with the level of Bachelor’s degree in psychology. However, the task of RSU programme is also to ensure obtaining of the basic skills necessary for qualification of a psychologist’s assistant, clearly emphasizing specifics of this programme, highlighting its orientation to development of the skills and attitudes necessary in professional work in health care. In order to implement this task content of study courses, firstly, according to the directions of contemporary science, is oriented to integration, which realizes in three dimensional updating of knowledge and attitudes – biological, social and humanistic. Secondly, direction of study courses towards work in health care should be mentioned. Thirdly, knowledge and skills given by the programme involve such psychology directions as existentially phenomenological psychology, psychoanalysis and depth psychology, social constructiveness. Focus on these directions is one of prerequisites for development of sensitivity and tolerance to different cultural contexts, which, undoubtedly, are significant qualities for contemporary professionals. As it can be seen the task of this study programme in the aspect of content is similar to characteristics of universities abroad, given in the Table 3. Thus, one can conclude that the study programme is compliant with the direction of psychology education both in Latvia and in the world, at the same time defining the free niche in training of specialists.
Implementation of higher education programme “Psychology” was started in academic year 2007/2008 and is realized in the form of full-time studies. The programme, applied for accreditation, has not been changed comparing to the accepted licence materials.
2.1. Conformity of higher education programme to RSU objectives and tasksHigher education Bachelor’s study programme “Psychology” is realized in Riga Stradins University – a state founded higher education and science institution with developed and stable traditions. In the law “On Riga Stradins Constitution” it is determined that RSU main objectives are, working in favour of the state, to offer and implement wide range of university academic and professional education and research work possibilities in the area of medicine, health and social care, social and natural sciences. The higher education programme “Psychology” ensures high level studies, integrating achievements of medicine, natural sciences, health and social care, social sciences and humanities. The higher education programme “Psychology” implements its aims in concordance with RSU strategic objectives, RSU Development strategy, Constitution, as well as with of objectives of Communication faculty. RSU Development conception for 2008 – 2012 is characterized by several key words: stability and well-considered development; quality; concord and co-operation; prestige of the University. The higher education programme coordinates its implementation with each of them. Objectives of RSU Communication faculty foresee: to ensure realisation of higher education programme concordant with needs of the state and recognized at international level; to stimulate research work and innovation, carried out by academics and students; cooperate with representatives of other professions in the area of health, social care, education, and social sciences; to consider quality of studies, as well as conformity of research work to international level as the main factors for faculty work and successful development; to join the integration processes of different branches of sciences. 2.2. Functioning of internal quality mechanism of higher education programmeStudy process in higher education programme “Psychology” is organised in concordance with Law of Higher Education Institutions and other normative documents, Constitution of Riga Stradins University, as well as with regulating documents accepted by RSU Senate: Internal regulations of studies (accepted by RSU Senate, 15.05.2007, Rec. No. 1-2/15.05.07) and Study Regulations I (accepted by RSU Senate, 12.06.2007., rec. No. 1-2/12.06.07). Riga Stradins University is the first higher education institution in Latvia which has acquired international certificate of Quality management system ISO 9001:2001. With it quality of management of the educational programme is ensured in accordance with management process determined by ISO standard. Ensuring of internal quality of the higher education programme “Psychology” is realized in different ways: by implementation of study process successfully, timely; before the beginning of an academic year, study plans are worked out and accepted by the Senate; within the academic year at the end of each semester realization of the study plan is analysed in a structural unit, detecting weak and strong sides, and, according to conclusions, solutions are found for perfection of quality of study process. The basis of quality of study process involves also analysis and assessment of content of the study programme, as well as highly qualified and experienced teaching staff. An important role in ensuring of internal quality is played by feedback between personnel of the department and students. At the end of a semester inquiry of the students is carried out to find out students’ viewpoint on the programme as well as study subjects. Assessing work of the Sociology and psychology department as a structural unit of RSU, methodological and research work of academics, perfection of academic qualification, work in professional organisations and international co-operation are evaluated. At the end of a study year self-assessment of the department and higher education programme is carried out. This planned and purposeful work ensures development of the management of internal quality and the programme. 3. Annotation of higher education programme 3.1. Structure (content, amount and length) of study programme Study programme is implemented in the form of full-time studies. Total length of studies – 8 semesters; total amount – 160 credit points. One credit point corresponds averagely to 16 instructional hours or 40 student’s working hours for mastering the course. Study courses are designed so that theoretical knowledge, practical skills and attitudes to be obtained would correspond to profession standard. Division of credit points is revealed in Table 2. Table 2 Division of credit points in the programme
In the general education study courses students acquire knowledge and skills in professional work of psychologist’s assistant in the most significant branches of humanities and social branches, perfect their social and organizer’s basic skills, as well as skills in project elaboration and implementation, develop communicative and quality management skills. In theoretical courses of the branch and information technology courses students acquire methodology of basic theories of psychology and research work, pilot the knowledge acquired in practical classes, perfect their skills in work with contemporary information technologies, as well as obtain skills in collection, selection and processing of information. It is the basis for mastering the applied courses of the branch. Courses of professional specialisation of the branch comprise both obligatory course of applied branches of psychology, in accordance with the profession standard, and elective courses in other branches of psychology. Elective courses in different branches of psychology enable students to extend their knowledge and skills in accordance with their professional interest. In these study courses practical skills are emphasized. To perfect professional skills in the framework of each course at least 50% of time are devoted to practical classes. Students obtain basic skills necessary in professional work, such as psychological counselling, assessment, facilitation of psychological adaptation, basics in rehabilitation, work with an individual and/or a group, so that after successful completion of the study programme they would be able to perform professional duties of psychologist’s assistant under supervision of a psychologist in accordance with the profession standard. Students are trained for co-operation with other employees of care and assisting professions in solution of people’s psychological problems. Basic skills in professional specialisation are strengthened in praxis outside the university in different establishments under supervision of the head of praxis. In free elective courses students, by their choice, can acquire knowledge, skills and attitudes, which can help later in their professional work. At the end of studies students work out and defend Bachelor’s work. Division of study courses by parts of the programme and academics who implement the corresponding study course is revealed in Table 3. Division of study courses by parts of the programme and semesters is revealed in Appendix 4. Table 3 Courses and academics of professional Bachelor’s study programme ‘Psychology’.
3.2. Regulations of matriculation LR citizens and permanent inhabitants, citizens of other countries and stateless persons whose living place is the Republic of Latvia, irrespective of their gender, social and economic conditions, race and nationality, political views, religion and occupation, provided that they have acquired secondary comprehensive education, may be admitted to the RSU Professional Bachelor’s degree study programme ‘Psychology’. Matriculation in the professional Bachelor’s study programme ‘Psychology’ is carried out in conformity with the requirements of normative documents and RSU matriculation regulations. Admission of applicants to full-time study programme is carried out on open and equal competitive basis, taking into account results of entrance tests and centralised examinations (evaluation in centralised examination not below level E), except the persons who have obtained secondary education till 2004, as well as the persons who have obtained secondary education abroad, or persons with specific needs (having corresponding document), according to Law of Higher Education Institutions Par. 46, ch. 3. Content of entrance test: covering letter and interview. Total score of entrance test is composed by evaluation of the covering letter, in which an applicant has to reveal their positive motivation in relation to mastering of the programme and evaluation of the interview. Overseas applicants need to have secondary education equal to that in Latvia. Conformity of Certificates is determined by expertise of Academic information centre. 4. Evaluation system Evaluation of knowledge, skills and attitudes is an integral part of study process, whose goal is to evaluate and analyze students’ knowledge, skills and attitudes in mastering the higher education programme. In evaluation system an important role is played by feedback, which enables teaching staff to evaluate not only development of students’ knowledge, skills and attitudes, but also quality of study process in general. In higher education programme, evaluation is carried out in accordance with amount of study work – in credit points, and in accordance with quality – by 10 point score accepted in the Republic of Latvia. Since academic year 2007/2008 evaluation in RSU is carried out in accordance with Senate decision on May 15, 2007 (rec. 1-2/15.05.07) on Study Regulations I. The basic form of evaluation is an examination, in some cases – a credit test, successfully completed course is considered to be evaluation 4 and higher. Evaluation system in each subject is revealed in a course description. The type of testing is determined by the academic of the study course. Each study course contains fixed requirements, which the academic defines to students in their first class, stating the form of the final testing, its ways of completion and terms. On completion of a study course students take examination. Examination requirements are different – depending on aim and specifics of a study course. (Descriptions of the courses included in the programme are revealed in Appendix 4.) 35 % of examinations are taken in written form. To evaluate students’ knowledge in written examinations academic tests with standard assessment criteria or set of 10 – 15 questions are used. Form of oral examination is preserved as well, especially in courses of professional specialisation, which enables academics to assess depth of students’ knowledge, practical skills, as well as skills in critical reasoning. 25% of examinations are carried out in two parts – in written form and then orally, when a student has possibility to discuss results of their work with an academic. Evaluation of different types of self-reports and protocols is an important evaluation instrument to check students’ practical skills. In some study courses as an additional evaluation form reports, essays and review on literature sources, as well as tests are used. Depending on course specifics both continuous assessment (e.g., in seminars, classes, tests, which gives possibility to follow if students master the study material systematically), and evaluation at the end of semester only. There are study courses in which 30%-50% of evaluation is comprised by work within a semester and mark in the test, the rest of evaluation is determined by results in examination. In some courses it is possible to get evaluation working regularly and systematically during the study process. Emphasis is also put on keeping to deadlines determined by academics, attendance of practical classes, which in some courses significantly affects the final evaluation. A desirable requirement in theoretical basic courses is mid-term tests. Within the academic year mastering of study material is checked, the time of submission of summaries, essays, reports and study works strictly is kept under control. Pre-defending of Bachelor’s works is organised. At the end of spring term defending of study works is organised for second- and third-year students, during which each student receives a mark for both elaborated work and review on work of their fellow-student. Evaluation of praxis is comprised by: student’s self-evaluation, mentor’s and supervisor’s evaluation of student’s practical work – performance of praxis tasks, perfection of professional skills, understanding and application of professional ethics. Results of praxis are evaluated in each subject separately. The higher education programme „Psychology” consistently strives for optimisation of types of student testing, which corresponds to conception of RSU development.
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