We have provided a list of the most frequently asked questions about the PSA. We hope you will be able to find the answer you are looking for in the information below:
The PSA is available to all undergraduates at Birmingham; it is not currently available to postgraduates.
How do I enrol?You can enrol by visiting our enrolment pages and completing the enrolment forms.
What support will I get on the PSA?In addition to the support you will be receiving from your module tutors, you can email us at psa@contacts.bham.ac.uk to arrange an appointment with one of the PSA Team, to discuss any queries or issues you may be having.
Yes. If you are registering on the PSA (Modular) pathway, it is absolutely essential if you are taking a module for the PSA; you will not be able to take part in the PSA (Modular) without their permission. Please check our how to enrol pages for more information. If you are registering on the PSA (Activity) pathway, then you will not need to inform your Personal Tutor.
Why is ‘standing out’ from other graduates so important?When you graduate you will be in the company of at least 300,000 other students graduating, who will all be in the same position as you: job hunting or applying for further study. So, you may feel that you need that something ‘extra’ to give you the confidence to stand out. Employers are looking for students who have gone that ‘extra mile’ to improve their skills and abilities, and that is exactly what the PSA does for you.
What are the differences between the PSA (Modular) and the PSA (Activity) pathways?There is no difference between the two awards in terms of the final award that you receive. The learning outcomes of the two pathways are exactly the same, and no matter which pathway you complete, you will receive the Personal Skills Award. The only difference between the two pathways is the way that you achieve these learning outcomes either through the activities or modules. Neither PSA 'points' nor PSA modules will have any impact on your final degree result.
Where can I find a form I need for the PSA Team?
If you are registered on the PSA all of the forms you may need to complete for the PSA Team can be found in our WebCT Section. For enrolling on the PSA please go to our Enrol pages for registration forms.
Can I combine the two pathways?You cannot combine the two pathways in terms of exchanging PSA points for modules (i.e. claiming 50 PSA points instead of taking a module). The two pathways are completely separate and you cannot ‘swap’ modules for points and vice versa. However, if you are involved in extra-curricular activities and would also like to take PSA modules, then you may want to consider aiming for the PSA (Advanced), where you can combine taking PSA modules and claiming PSA points.
For further information on how to do this, please see the PSA (Advanced) page.
What can I do if something has gone wrong, or I have a problem?
If you have a problem, something has gone wrong or you're concerned about any aspect of the PSA, you should contact the team who will be happy to help you. The quickest way to contact us it to email the PSA Team to let us know what's going on. Alternatively, if you would prefer you can write to us or book an appointment to see them in person. Our details can be found on the contact page. Most importantly we are here to help you, and it is better to contact us as soon as you can to discuss your issues.
My question is not answered here, how can I find the answer?If you have any questions that have not been answered by our FAQ then please email us at: psa@contact.bham.ac.uk or see our contact us page for our office address.
I have only completed half the criteria for a particular activity; can I claim half the PSA points for the activity in question?
You will only be able to claim points for activities for which you have completed all the relevant criteria.
How long does it take to complete the PSA (Activity)?
The PSA (Activity) takes a minimum of one academic year to complete but you can use the entire length of your undergraduate degree to complete the programme, should you wish.
If I complete the PSA (Activity) before my final year, can I still complete the PSA (Advanced) in my final year?Yes, you can complete the PSA (Activity) and then in your third year, aim for the PSA (Advanced). The points that you have earned for the PSA (Activity) will count towards your PSA (Advanced). To complete the PSA (Advanced), you will need to fulfil all the relevant criteria.
Can I still complete the PSA (Activity) even though all my points have been earned through the same Activity Provider?You cannot complete the PSA (Activity) if all your points have been earned through the same Activity Provider. The PSA (Activity) criteria states that your points must come from a minimum of two different Activity Providers.
What happens if I fail the Completion Form stage of the PSA (Activity)?
If you fail the Completion Form of the PSA (Activity), you will be given one more chance to complete the form successfully. You will be given feedback on your form by the PSA team regarding areas in which you can improve upon. If you fail the Completion Form stage for a second time, then you will unable to complete the PSA (Activity) as a whole.
Do PSA points appear on my University transcript? Will PSA points count towards my degree?
PSA points will not appear on your University transcript in any form. PSA modules are the only items that will appear on your University transcript.
Neither PSA modules nor PSA points will count towards your degree in any form.
Can I claim points for work that I have done outside the University?You can claim points for any work or voluntary experience that you may have done through our External Work and Voluntary Experience points allocations. You can earn PSA points for these activities based on the number of hours that you have completed in a specific role.
How do I claim my PSA points?To claim your PSA points, you must submit a completed Points Declaration Form to the PSA team. This must be received by us before the Points Declaration deadline during the Spring term (Friday 3rd February 2012) Certain activities may require you to submit additional forms; these forms, and full information on how to claim your points will be available on the PSA WebCT section.
Under no circumstances do PSA module credits count towards your degree. PSA module results do appear on your University transcript but they are completely separate to your degree credits. PSA module credits do not count in any way towards your final degree result. PSA module credits cannot be substituted for failed degree modules.
How many modules can I take?You can take three PSA modules if you want to achieve the PSA (Modular). You may only take two modules in one academic year; and you must take the compulsory module (Employability and Professional Development Skills).
When do the modules take place?PSA modules run throughout the Autumn and the Spring terms. The modules will start from the beginning of November in the Autumn term. Once you have been allocated a PSA module, the dates, times and room locations will be emailed to your University (…….@bham.ac.uk) account.
Detailed information about module dates and times can be found on the Autumn term module timetable and the Spring term module timetable pages.
How are the modules marked?
The modules are marked on a scale of 0 - 100. For further information on how modules are assessed, please see the PSA WebCT section.
What happens if I hand a piece of assessment in late?If you hand a piece of coursework in late, you will be deducted five marks per day (excluding weekends, bank holidays, and University closed days) until a mark of zero is reached. If you reach below 40% you will be recorded as a fail for your first attempt. You will get one further chance to resubmit, however you can only be awarded 40% (in line with the University's Assessment Protocols)
Can I fail a module?Yes. The modules offered on the PSA are subject to the same Assessment Protocols, that modules on your degree programme are. If you do fail, you get one further attempt to pass. If you pass on your second attempt, you cannot receive more than 40%. If you fail your second attempt it will be recorded as a fail on your transcript.
What is a Transcript?As your modules are credit bearing, this means that they will appear on your academic transcript when you graduate. The university gives all graduates a copy of their academic transcript to show their results. The PSA doe not however contribute in any way to your programme of study. The PSA is not an MOMD. The modules appearing on your transcript allow employers to look at a breakdown of all the modules you have taken at University, and it will make it explicit to them that you have taken the time to increase your skills and employability.
Who delivers the modules?The module selections that you can choose from are delivered by: Careers and Employability Centre, English for International Students Unit, Media and Communications, and Public Policy.
How much do the modules cost?The modules on the PSA are free of charge. The only investment we ask for is your time and commitment. When signing up for the PSA you will need to be aware that each module is assessed; and you will have to give up your time accordingly.
What happens if I withdraw?If you withdraw from a PSA module you must inform both your module provider, and the PSA Administration Team; failure to do so will result in a fail as we will assume that you have not handed in your coursework.
I took a PSA module last year; do I need to re-register on the programme this year?
Yes, you do need to re-enrol on the PSA (Modular) for this academic year (by filling out a registration form and choosing the modules that you would like to take). This is because we will again require your Personal Tutor’s permission for you to take PSA modules – without their permission we are unable to enrol you on the award.
