Arden University College, University in Coventry

Reviews

1. I7275 75 ★★☆☆☆

   I’ll start by stating that I got from this course what I set out to achieve and now have an MSc in Psychology. However, after almost two years with Arden, I do not feel able to recommend this course to others unfortunately. The course did not feel structured for part time learners despite it being advertised as such. I felt that the course actually required far more hours per week than the 20 hours suggested in the course material. Realistically, each module required you to start on the assignment within the first three weeks. This then required me to work on the assignment whilst simultaneously studying the course material and attempting wider reading. In later modules, I only studied those elements of the modules which directly related to the assignment. This was a self-preservation exercise as I could not possibly find the time to do both. This strategy actually provided me with the highest mark I would receive for a module. The initial module is called Research Methods and I can only describe that module as both extremely poorly structured and delivered. I imagine some students will encounter it and have such a negative experience that they will withdraw from the course. I barely scraped through it. It is a module with a highly statistical focus which is very difficult for learners who will have come to the course without having recent mathematical experience. I recall at one point I was working on a Saturday afternoon and attempting to navigate a programme called SPSS (Statistical Package for the Social Sciences) by following a ‘step by step’ guide in the course materials. I reached a point where the material didn’t make sense and I couldn’t complete the calculation. I spent to the next THREE HOURS trying to detect my error. Later that week I found out that the instructional video in the module had been edited incorrectly, omitting the vital step which had caused me so much confusion. It was unbelievably frustrating to have my very limited time wasted in such a way. Often, I found other universities online lectures or tutorial videos seemed far more in depth than those available in the Arden materials. It was always repeated by staff that, when studying for a Masters, students are expected to develop their own learning. However, this often seemed an excuse for the limitations of the course which required far more work to be put in by students. I expected to lead my own learning from the base I would be given by the course. Rather, I felt that too often I had to create a foundation by filling in the gaps in much of the course material myself instead of independently developing higher level learning from a sound base. Further, I felt the assignment feedback was highly subjective. In each module you are encouraged to submit a full or partial draft of your assignment prior to the deadline. This enables module tutors to provide feedback which you can use to develop your work. I ensured I submitted for formative feedback in every module. However, this seemed to have little to no impact upon the final grade. Often, the assignment was critiqued by the marker raising a number of points that were not highlighted at all in the formative feedback process. Likewise, often no mention was made of the developments to the work from the formative feedback process as being positive aspects of a submission. Each time I received feedback from the final submission I attempted to use that advice to develop my performance in the subsequent module. Again, this seemed to have little to no impact upon grades. I expected my MSc with Arden to be hard work but an interesting and enjoyable process as well. Unfortunately, it seemed more like an ordeal to be survived when I hoped it would be much more.

   almost 9 months ago
2. Amra Azeem ★☆☆☆☆

   This is for Arden University’s online distance learning service. I’ve had one of the most frustrating and disappointing experiences ever. I made my payment months ago, and since then it’s been nothing but vague, repetitive responses like “we can’t allocate your payment” — even after I’ve sent the remittance advice and every document they’ve asked for, multiple times. No one takes responsibility. Emails take forever to get a proper reply, and when you try calling, nobody answers. Because of their delays and lack of communication, I’ve already missed one intake and now risk missing another — all because they can’t handle their own payment system properly. It’s mentally exhausting and feels careless toward students who are paying full fees and trusting them with their education. I wouldn’t recommend this university’s online service to anyone. Save yourself the stress.

   almost 10 months ago
3. Ife Tobin ★☆☆☆☆

   I am currently studying at Arden! And all I can say is the administration side of the university is a joke They are creating invoices that are incorrect. When you try to reach them via phone or email, you will not get any response. It is so bad that my account has been suspended due to the Student Finance and Credit Control Department. It's a shame as the teacher and support hubs are amazing and so supportive where they can. I would advise you to look at other universities as the administration department will discourage your learning.

   almost 10 months ago

1. Valera Karpenko ★★★★★

   Hi! I really decided to share a review when I saw many negative reviews. For some reason they are mostly on Google Maps, and when I first applied, I was disappointed a bit, but it seems everything is fine. I am a distant graphic design learner; I do not know about other subjects, so I am reviewing it as someone who completed the first year. So if we're talking about downsides—for me as an Eastern European, the price is a little bit high, but it's manageable. The online platform also could be improved; I will say refreshed. It feels outdated, but overall it is working. I always thought that learning is more about diving into the topic deeper and asking for help if needed. I can't say I am a good student, as I am working full-time as a motion designer, and I usually regret this because I wanted to spend more time on some topics. But the university provides lecture support, feedback, and 1-to-1 meetings. It's all possible by contacting your lecturer. Don't think that you will be treated like in kindergarten here, especially with distance learning. The university provides a lot of good literature in digital form (I wish I would have time to read it as much as I want). Each lesson is supported with literature. In design studies there is so much practical work each week; if you do it, you totally will understand the topic. Again, this isn't Harvard, but they provide a structured program that keeps you motivated to manage your time and deadlines, and you will probably have skills to work on some freelance tasks after a few modules.

   almost 10 months ago
2. ZHIVKO DOBREV ★☆☆☆☆

   Avoid this university at all costs. Since April I have had an open complaint and their own policy says 90 days maximum. Today is 4 October – almost 6 months – and still nothing. The whole process has been a disgrace: • Staff lied in emails. • Constant misleading information. • Zero knowledge of their own rules. • No respect for students, no accountability. This is not just delay – it’s discrimination, abuse, and obstruction. Arden University treats students like garbage and hides behind empty policies. Legally they must provide the Stage 3 outcome but instead they waste time, lie, and drag people through months of stress. Truly awful, degrading, and shameful experience.

   almost 11 months ago
3. Aj Onez ★★★★★

   Graduated In the Year 2022 (Business Management , Tower Hill), Amazing Experience, So Long As Your Willing to Push Yourself, Learn & Go The Distance, Arden University is The Place To Be If You Have Other Commitments & Still Aim To Gain Knowledge As Well As A Degree. Ps. The University Performed Positively To Assist Students During The Pandemic. Thank You Very Much For The Great Three Years Arden University, Especially Tower Hill.

   almost 3 years ago

1. Karyn Pitcher ★★★★★

   I have just completed my BA (Hons) Psychology and Sociology degree through Arden University and really enjoyed it. I received support when I needed it and had a great experience overall. My module tutors were responsive and helpful and I found the systems that are in place to be well-structured but flexible enough to accommodate unforeseen circumstances. Thank you Arden :)

   almost 3 years ago
2. Rosetta Crawford ★☆☆☆☆

   Please Advise. I was contacted by Helen Evans at Aden University. She said I would no longer have access to 4 prepaid modules until I pay for the remaining 2 in the payment plan attached. They said in emails that I could pay per module and study per module so I prepaid for 4 modules. They were released as promised. However, Helen has now frozen them until I give her the money for the remaining modules below. This was not the agreement. I was led to believe that like other students I could pay as I studied for each one. I have emails where, as I paid for each one it was released for me to study. I made the decision to prepay based on the trust I would have access to them since they were there for me to start studying when I was ready. Now I have no access to my education and no way to sign this payment plan she gave me. I told her I can't sign since I have no money now to meet these dates. She said well then you wouldn't be able to start school. They lied to me. I feel scammed. They said so much nice things for me to sell my assets and pay. There is no refund and no access to start my studies until her demand is met. Why didn't she give me this agreement before taking my money? I paid 2800 pounds for level 5 she wants the rest 1200 pounds by July this year. I don't even plan to start studying those prepaid modules until 2024, since I am still completing level 4. This is level 5 that I started paying for in advance.

   almost 3 years ago
3. Emily Beech ★☆☆☆☆

   Overall attending this university was a stressful and enraging experience. The student support and guidance was very poor. I ended up getting what I wanted out of it through lots and lots of chasing, without which I'm not even sure I'd have a degree. I'm proud of myself for graduating and that day itself was wonderful, apart from that it was a really bad experience in getting to that day. I was told multiple times that my graduation was in different months, different time and different days and it was a very stressful experience. I was convinced I was going to turn up on the day and be told I wasn't on the list. The tutors were often confused and didn't know what they were talking about, and lots of them would leave part way through a module. I also had my dissertation supervisor change half way through the process, which I understand isn't necessarily the uni's fault, but it was extremely distressing after everything else that I had gone through to even get to that point. Would not recommend enrolling here.

   almost 3 years ago

1. Kamal M-Rezabeik ★★★★★

   This is definitely a great place if you are working, and you want to get your degree as a distance student. I started the JD Law program, and I am enjoying every minute of it. I am originally from Canada and this program is not offered online in Canada, and this is a fantastic opportunity for me to complete my education. I highly recommend Arden University.

   almost 3 years ago

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