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.
You can enrol by visiting our enrolment pages and completing the enrolment forms..
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.
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.
You can take three PSA modules if you want to achieve the PSA . You may only take two modules in one academic year; and you must take the compulsory module.
The modules are marked on a scale of 0 - 100. For further information on how modules are assessed, please view the Assessment Criteria for Students document, available in Word format (40kb - opens new window) or as a PDF (94kb - opens new window).
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.
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)
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.
As your modules are credit bearing, this means that they will appear on your academic transcript when you graduate. They do 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.
Yes. This is absolutely essential if you are taking a module for the PSA; you will not be able to take part in the PSA with out their permission. Please check our how to enrol pages for more information.
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.
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.
When you graduate you will be in the company of at least 270,000 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.
All of the forms you may need to complete for the PSA Team can be found in our Form Bank. All forms are available in both MSWord and PDF format.
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.
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.
