Applied Psychology: Is Acap The Right Choice?

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The Australian College of Applied Psychology (ACAP) is a registered training organisation and higher education provider that offers undergraduate and postgraduate courses in psychology, counselling, social work, criminology, coaching, management, and law. ACAP has been delivering specialist courses in applied psychology since 1983 and is considered a leader in the field. While the college has received some positive testimonials, there are also numerous negative reviews online, with some students reporting issues with the quality of teaching, administrative support, and value for money.

Characteristics Values
Year of establishment 1983
Courses offered Psychology, Counselling, Social Work, Criminology, Coaching, Management, Law, Human Resources, Sports Performance Psychology, Communications, Leadership, Graduate Diploma of Legal Practice, Master of Business Administration
Number of campuses 6
Student population 3,500+
Number of international students 70
Student satisfaction Mixed reviews
Course fees Expensive

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Student satisfaction

Some students have praised the college for its practical and hands-on learning approach, small class sizes, and one-on-one time with teachers. They have also highlighted the convenience of fitting online courses around their lives and gaining valuable skill sets. ACAP University College consistently ranks highest for the overall quality of experience in student satisfaction surveys. The college also provides a range of support services, including academic skills development, information literacy, research skills, and study skills support through workshops, webinars, online resources, and individual appointments.

However, there are also several negative reviews from students. Common complaints include the high cost of tuition, with a full-time study load costing almost $9,000 per trimester, and the Psych Honours year costing approximately $35,000, which is significantly more expensive than similar programs at other universities. Some students have also reported issues with lecturer qualifications and feedback, administrative staff professionalism, bullying and discrimination, and a lack of support. There are also concerns about the college's response to serious issues, such as student mental health and allegations of bullying and ridicule by other students.

It is worth noting that while some students have had positive experiences with the college's support services, others have found the support lacking, with slow responses after enrolment. Additionally, some students have expressed doubts about the accuracy of grades received, questioning whether they truly reflect the quality of their work.

Overall, student satisfaction at the Australian College of Applied Psychology appears to be varied. While some students have benefited from the college's practical approach and hands-on learning, others have been disappointed by the high costs, administrative issues, and a lack of adequate support.

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Course quality and value

The Australian College of Applied Psychology (ACAP) has been delivering specialist courses in applied psychology since 1983 and is considered a leader in the field. The college offers a broad range of courses, including counselling, psychology, case management, coaching, social science, social work, criminology, and youth work. ACAP has campuses in six cities and caters to a diverse student population of over 3,500 students, including approximately 70 international students.

In terms of course quality and value, ACAP has received mixed reviews. Some students have praised the college for its practical skills-based approach, small class sizes, and one-on-one time with teachers. The college also provides a range of support services, including academic skills development, information literacy, research skills, and study skills support through workshops, webinars, online resources, and individual appointments. ACAP's counselling degrees are accredited by the Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia (PACFA), and its psychology degrees are accredited by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC). The Social Work courses have also been provisionally accredited by the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW).

However, there are also several negative reviews that raise concerns about the value and quality of the courses. Some students have criticised the college for being expensive, with a full-time study load costing almost $9,000 per trimester and the ACAP Psych Honours year costing approximately $35,000. There have also been complaints about inadequate lecturer qualifications and feedback, administrative issues, and a lack of support. Some students have reported experiences of bullying and discrimination, and there are concerns about the college's handling of these issues.

While ACAP consistently ranks highest in student satisfaction surveys for the all-round quality of experience, prospective students should carefully consider their priorities, financial situation, and expected outcomes before enrolling. It is essential to research the specific course, its accreditation, and potential career paths, as well as seek insights from current and former students to make an informed decision.

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Campus facilities

The Australian College of Applied Psychology (ACAP) offers a range of campus facilities to support students in their academic and professional development.

Firstly, ACAP provides a variety of accommodation options for students, including shared renting, hostels, guesthouses, homestays, and short-term accommodation. The college also offers student housing options near its campuses, such as ensuites and studios, with discounts available for early bookings.

The ACAP library is a key facility, offering extensive resources to support learning. In addition to book collections, the library provides access to thousands of ebooks, journal databases, and over 300 hours of counselling and therapy videos. Quiet study areas, PCs, printing and photocopying facilities, and Wi-Fi are also available.

In terms of academic support, ACAP offers academic skills development through on-campus workshops, online webinars, and individual learning support appointments. The college also provides assignment feedback services and resources for transitioning students. ACAP's Melbourne campus is designed for social learning, featuring technology-enabled facilities, contemporary learning hubs, and enhanced student facilities.

ACAP also includes student placements in many of its courses, allowing students to gain industry experience. The college offers professionally accredited courses and focuses on practical learning, providing students with the skills and confidence to excel in their chosen fields.

While there are some negative reviews regarding teaching standards and campus infrastructure, other students have praised the engaging and supportive nature of the staff and the practical, hands-on learning approach offered by ACAP.

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Lecturers and staff

The Australian College of Applied Psychology (ACAP) has received mixed reviews for its lecturers and staff. Some students have praised the college for its small class sizes and one-on-one time with teachers, allowing them to acquire practical skills and thrive in their courses. They also highlight the flexibility of online courses, which can be fitted around their lives.

However, there are also several negative reviews, with students reporting that lecturers provide minimal feedback, such as one- or two-word comments on assignments. There are also allegations that some lecturers lie about their qualifications and that the college does not adequately address these issues when students complain.

In terms of support staff, some students have reported positive experiences, mentioning that they are responsive and helpful. However, others have criticised the administrative staff for a lack of professionalism and training, stating that they felt welcomed at first but were later forgotten.

The college has been accused of prioritising profits over students' well-being and academic development, with students reporting a lack of support and slow responses from staff after enrolment and payment. There are also concerns about the cost of studying at ACAP, with a full-time study load costing approximately $9,000 per trimester, which is significantly higher than similar programs at other universities.

Some students have raised concerns about the quality of teaching, suggesting that professors and tutors seem out of their depth and struggle to understand the learning material and assessments. There are also reports of bullying and discrimination, with students feeling penalised for speaking up about their concerns.

Overall, while some students have had positive experiences with lecturers and staff at ACAP, there are also a significant number of negative reviews expressing concerns about the quality of teaching, feedback, qualifications, support, and cost.

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Student support

The Australian College of Applied Psychology (ACAP) offers a range of student support services to enhance the overall student experience. ACAP provides academic skills support, information literacy training, and research and study skills development through various activities and resources. This includes on-campus workshops, online webinars, and online resources via the Learning Support website. Students can also book individual learning support appointments for personalised assistance.

Furthermore, ACAP offers Peer Assisted Study Sessions (PASS), led by high-achieving students, which facilitate collaborative learning and provide an additional support network. The college also provides online assignment feedback services, delivering personalised feedback within 48 hours. Transition support is available for students new to the college or their course, helping them adjust to the ACAP environment.

ACAP's library services offer extensive resources to support learning, including book collections, ebooks, journal databases, and counselling and therapy videos. The library facilities provide quiet study areas, PCs, printing and photocopying services, and Wi-Fi access. A postal lending service is also available for remote learners.

In addition to academic support, ACAP provides a dedicated Student Administration team on each campus to assist students with various needs. The college offers a range of accommodation options, including shared renting, hostels, homestays, and short-term accommodation. While some students have praised the support staff, others have criticised the college for a lack of support, particularly in addressing concerns about grading and academic staff.

Overall, while ACAP provides a variety of student support services, individual experiences may vary, and some students have expressed dissatisfaction with certain aspects of support at the college.

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Frequently asked questions

The Australian College of Applied Psychology (ACAP) offers online courses, but there are mixed reviews of the quality of teaching. While some students have praised the practicality of online courses, others have complained about the lack of support from academic staff.

The Australian College of Applied Psychology (ACAP) has been delivering specialist courses in applied psychology since 1983 and is considered a leader in the field. ACAP offers a broad range of courses, including counselling, psychology, case management, coaching, social science, social work, criminology, human resources, leadership, management, and sports performance psychology.

The Australian College of Applied Psychology (ACAP) has received mixed reviews from students. While some students have praised the college for its small classes and practical skills, others have criticised the college for its high cost, poor teaching quality, and lack of support. Some students have also reported experiences of bullying and discrimination. However, in student satisfaction surveys, ACAP has consistently ranked highest for the overall quality of experience.

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