Psychology

Students will be provided with a comprehensive grounding in the subject of psychology and the ability to understand and conduct relevant research. As well as subject specific knowledge, students will develop general academic and personal skills such as critical thinking, time management, teamwork and presenting to an audience

The course is delivered on campus and requires students to attend two days per week. Delivery of the course is through a range of methods including lectures, seminars, discussions, and workshops.

The first year of the course is designed to ensure a foundational knowledge of core topics in psychology to be built upon during the remainder of the degree. In the third year, students will be provided the opportunity to explore a subject area in more depth and apply their understanding of research methods and data analysis as they complete their dissertation research

Following this degree some may wish to seek further education, accreditation, and training to pursue a career as a practitioner psychologist (e.g., clinical psychologist). However, a psychology degree is applicable in many different careers as it equips you with a range of skills and knowledge relevant to a variety of roles. Some students on similar courses have pursued postgraduate education in a range of subjects, including teaching qualifications. Others have begun employment with a wide variety of organisations, including the NHS and HM Prison Service

Course Modules

Year 1

Introduction to Psychological Perspectives

Introduction to Research Methods

Skills for Learning and Earning

Environmental Psychology

Psychology in the Digital World

Year 2

Research Methods

Social and Developmental Psychology

Forensic Psychology

Biological and Cognitive Psychology

Educational Psychology

Positive Psychology

Year 3

Dissertation

Personality and Intelligence

Health Psychology

Psychology of Mental Health

The Psychology of Persuasion

A range of assessment methodologies are utilised and designed to enable you to explore your discipline and personal interests.

Assessment methods include both formative and summative submissions.

Formative assessments are designed to develop your critical thinking and subject skills in a regular and directed manner. The tasks also enable you to develop safely, freely and creatively without the pressure of a formal assessment. You will participate in group discussions, give presentations and jointly explore themes and arguments. Group discussions and debates are aimed at improving your understanding and skills sets rather than the acquisition of knowledge per se and are structured in such a way as to maximise effective participation and engagement. They are normally preceded by a prescribed course of reading and preparatory exercises. These formative assessments will deepen your understanding of the theme or subject and develop communication skills; encourage a critical (but tolerant) self-critical approach to discussions and build self-confidence to think quickly on your feet, to communicate articulately and persuasively with others, and to recognise the value of close collaboration and exchange of ideas.

Summative assessments include written assignments in the form of essays and reports; psychological reports, document analysis; individual presentations as well as timed constrained exams both seen and unseen.