Frequently Asked Questions – Psychology and Counseling

This degree is for anyone who is interested in studying Psychology.
Also, if you belong to any of the categories listed below, then you have come to the right place.

• You are interested in acquiring knowledge and basic skills of the discipline and its many subfields, through the Open & Distance Learning platform
• You are working full-time and find it near impossible to enrol for a study programme in Psychology
• You are considering a career change and do not have time to study in a traditional educational setting
• You are out of school and looking for a challenging study programme in Psychology
• You are simply intrigued by Psychology and want to learn more about the discipline at your own pace, without restricting yourself to a traditional university setting

You will need a minimum of
a) THREE passes in one sitting at G.C.E. A/L (Advanced Level)in any stream,
OR
b) C grades or equivalent in 60 credits at levels 1 and 2 from among the Foundation Courses of the OUSL in science/ social sciences,
OR
c) An equivalent or higher qualification acceptable to the Senate
And,
S Pass for English at the G.C.E O/L (Ordinary Level) Examination.

This degree is offered via the Open and Distance Learning mode

“Open and Distance Learning is a term used to describe courses flexibly designed to meet individual requirements. It is often applied to the provision which tries to remove barriers that prevent attendance at traditional courses, but it also suggests a learner-centred philosophy”
(Lewis and Spencer, 1987)

• LOCATION is chosen by the learner. You can learn from anywhere you have the opportunity and time to engage in learning the required material. Exceptions are compulsory exams and practical sessions where your presence is required
• AVAILABILITY of courses to suit priorities. You might choose few courses or the minimum level required per academic year depending on your workload at home or at work. There could be some restrictions. For example, some courses will have to be completed satisfactorily before you register for higher level courses
• LENGTH of the program to suit the learner (either complete during the minimum 4 year period or pace the learning to suit your circumstances)
• ACCESS– Increasing access to wider range of people for education through a network of Regional and Study Centres
• MODE-learning methods differ from printed material to online learning material to CD & DVDs

In an academic year, students of a regular program of study may register for courses within a minimum of 9 credits and a maximum of 30 credits

An academic program in Psychology will focus on the human mind and behavioural interaction in a comprehensive way. It will provide students with a knowledge, understanding and basic practical knowledge in all the fields of Psychology (Clinical, Health, Industrial/Organisational, Educational, Counselling)
Whereas, Counselling Psychology is one branch/speciality within Psychology Profession. It will focus on helping a person (client) in a pre determined setting about their concerns, difficulties and guiding them to resolve these in a non-directive manner

It is estimated at around Rs. 300,000/-. Please note that the OUSL is one of the national universities in Sri Lanka and governed by the UGC and tuition fees are thus subsidised by the State. Therefore, our tuition fees are affordable and relatively low. –>

Please look at the OUSL main website for funding options.

This BSc (Hons) in Psychology programme will be a four year (Full-time) degree delivered in the ODL mode. It will comprise 120 credits adhering to Sri Lanka Qualifications Framework (SLQF) as well as the International standards for undergraduate degrees in Psychology. We will specifically follow APA (American Psychological Association), BPS (British Psychological Society) and APS (Australian Psychological Society) accreditation standards and subject benchmark documents/models to provide you with a degree comparable to those offered around the globe

With a Psychology degree, you are well placed to pursue a career in most fields within the government and private sectors, depending on your other experiences and personal interests. There are many entry-level jobs for graduates with a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology.

For example:

• Psychosocial Worker (Government & Non Governmental organisations)
• Trainee Counsellor (Military, Health Institutes, Organizational and Industrial Sector Government Institutions such as Ministry of Women and Child Affairs Ministry and Child Protection Authority (NCPA), various Non Governmental Organisations (NGOs), and other private institutions
• Research officer
• Teaching in private and government institutions

You will learn about human behaviour and its interaction with the mind and all the complexities involved in our behavioural, emotional and thought processes. This knowledge will be very useful for you to develop your understanding, not only about yourself and your colleagues, but also with other people you interact in your day-to-day life.

Yes, we will offer such courses and programs in the future. Please check our website regularly. We will update all the information there.

We will consider exemptions for courses on a case-by-case basis on evaluation of the relevant qualifications you possess, but we require students to satisfactorily complete or obtain exemptions at Level 3 (Year1) & 4 (Year 2) to register for Level 5 and 6 (Year 3 & 4 respectively)

Please check our website regularly. We will update as we progress with developing new programmes

The minimum is 4 years and maximum number of years to finish this degree is 10 years (as stipulated in the OUSL by-laws)

This course will be offered only in the English medium.

This programme will only be offered as a 4 year degree in Psychology

You can follow only the first two years of this degree programme and obtain the qualification of ‘Higher Diploma in Psychology’

We are developing this study program adhering to the OUSL Curriculum Development Standards and Sri Lanka Qualification Framework (SLQF).The SLQF applies to all higher education institutions (HEIs) both public and private providing post-secondary education. The SLQF is approved and advocated by the University Grants Commission (UGC).

In addition, since this is a Psychology degree, we will comply with guidelines stipulated by International Authorities on Psychology Education and Profession such as the American Psychological Association (APA), British Psychology Association (BPA), Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC) and the UK Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education. We specifically referred to the following documents: Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF), UK subject benchmark statement for Psychology and UNESCO report on Higher Education in Asia (2014)

Open University offers students a flexible and accessible learning environment by utilizing contemporary technologies and online resources. The curriculum makes sure students obtain an in-depth knowledge of psychology by including interactive online tools, different views, and innovative research. The program is also created to satisfy changing trends and industry norms, equipping graduates with academic and practical abilities. Because of the program’s flexibility, education is now more accessible to a greater number of students despite their schedules. The psychology degree program at Open University is a competitive alternative to traditional programs since it offers students a modern and dynamic pathway to academic success in the subject of psychology while combining high-quality instruction with convenience.