Psychology (Q07)

As psychology is the study of the mind, it touches every aspect of our lives. This degree explores key questions around why we do the things we do and how we interact with others. You’ll explore how psychologists use research evidence to contribute to debates on forensic science, mental health, relationships, child development, employment and much more. You’ll gain knowledge and understanding of different areas of psychology; develop valuable analytical and communication skills; and enhance your ability to work independently and collaboratively. This will put you in a strong position when it comes to employment opportunities.

Key features of the course

• Take your first step to becoming a psychologist with a BPS-accredited degree

• Explore key psychology concepts, theories, methods and debates, and their real-life applications

• Tailor your studies to focus on child, forensic, social or sports psychology, or counselling and mental health

• Develop in-demand problem-solving and analytical skills, while conducting your own research with expert support

Course Modules

This psychology degree has three stages, each comprising 120 credits.

In Stage 1, you’ll be introduced to some of the big topics in psychology and the academic skills needed for successful study. You’ll start with one of three options – a broad introduction to psychology and counselling, a wide-ranging social science module covering criminology, sociology, and other related areas, or interdisciplinary childhood studies. These will set the scene for your first core psychology module, which explores how psychologists investigate how we think and behave, and considers how academic research can be applied in real-life settings.

At Stage 2, you’ll begin to explore the areas of psychology that most interest you – choosing from options such as child and adolescent psychology, mental health and counselling, applied social and forensic psychology, or sports psychology. You’ll complete this stage with a module that draws on the four core areas of biological, cognitive, developmental and social psychology to investigate how we understand others and the world around us. You'll also learn about a wide variety of research methods used to explore these issues and undertake your own supervised research projects.

At Stage 3, you’ll choose from the psychology of sport and exercise, the relationship between counselling and forensic psychology, research methods with children and young people, and exploring social psychological issues such as gender, multiculturalism, immigration, global conflicts and work. In the final module, you'll further explore the questions that psychologists ask and the methods they choose to answer them, and you’ll complete your degree with an independent research project.