Psychology

Our BSc (Hons) Psychology programme introduces students to to a broad range of theories and research across the discipline with an aim to establish an understanding of their application to human thoughts and behaviours. Covering a range of topics, the course will help students investigate an array of phenomena across the core domains of psychology, including; social, cognitive, biological, developmental, and individual differences, with further insights into specialist areas including, forensic psychology, counselling, positive psychology, and cyberpsychology.

At Level Four, students will be introduced to the main disciplines in psychology: Biological, Cognitive, Developmental, Social and Individual Differences. Students will also be given an insight into the scientific methods and techniques used to conduct research in psychology, including the collection and analysis of primary data and the use of psychometric tests.

Tailored around the professional standards within psychology, study at level five will help students build on the insights gained during the previous year and develop their skills in the practical applications of psychological theories. Modules include an Introduction to Neuropsychology, Psychology in Society, and Health Psychology. There will also be an opportunity for students to further their own individual interests through the Minor Research Project module, in which the student will be guided in conducting primary research into an agreed topic.

This personalised learning approach will be continued at level six, with students being able to choose between a number of optional modules, covering topics including Forensic Psychology, Cyberpsychology, Educational Psychology, and Counselling. The main focus of the final year of study is the student’s own independent research in the form of the Major Research Project. This offers students the chance to undertake an independent piece of primary research into an area of psychology of their own choosing.

All students take a total of 120 credits per level.
Level 4 Modules (all modules are mandatory) include:
History and Context
Introduction to Social Psychology
Introduction to Biological Psychology
Introduction to Cognitive Psychology
Introduction to Developmental Psychology
Individual Differences
Research Methods 1
Psychometrics
Level 5 Modules (all modules are mandatory) include:
Research Methods 2
Minor Research Project
Applied Psychology
Psychology in Society
Introduction to Neuropsychology
Health Psychology
Level 6 Modules (there are 3 mandatory modules and 2 optional modules out of a choice of 6 as indicated by * and only one of these optional modules may be a negotiated learning module) include:
Major Research Project
Literature Review
Clinical Psychology and Mental Health
Forensic Psychology* (available as negotiated learning)
Counselling Psychology* (available as negotiated learning)
Cyberpsychology and New Media* (available as negotiated learning)
Psychology of Education* (available as negotiated learning)
Positive Psychology* (available as negotiated learning)
Optional Modules
Optional modules will only be available if a sufficient number of students select them and if there's suitable staffing expertise available. If an optional module was unavailable, then students would be advised on a suitable alternative module.

Each module is formally assessed and these submissions will count towards your module mark with feedback usually given within 15 working days following the submission of the work. A variety of assessment methods are used on the course.

At Level Four all assessment is predominantly coursework based, including academic essays, presentations, laboratory reports, and reflective reports. There are also multiple-choice class tests in several modules.

Level Five has similar coursework requirements with the majority of assignments focusing on the application of psychological theory to real world practices and situations. There is a single formal examination at this level.

At Level Six, a large part of the assessed work is focused on independent research conducted by the students through the Major Research Project and the Literature Review. It is a requirement of the BPS accreditation that the Major Research Project module is passed.

The remaining modules are assessed through a combination of examinations and coursework. It should be noted that feedback is part of the ongoing learning cycle which is not limited to written feedback.

Other forms of feedback include draft feedback opportunities on all assignments, one-to-one meetings with module or personal tutors, project supervision meetings, and workshop discussions within the timetabled sessions.

Feedback is intended to help you learn and you are encouraged to discuss it with your module tutor.

To work as a teacher at a state school in England or Wales, you will need to achieve qualified teacher status (QTS). This is offered on this course for the following level:

• Course does not award QTS