Psychology (with Foundation Year)

The Foundation Year provides students with a solid foundation in academic skills and science-related disciplines, instilling knowledge and practical skills that will prepare them for the BSc (Hons) Psychology undergraduate degree. The course is structured such that all semester one modules are shared across all BSc with foundation year programmes in the School of Applied Sciences. Students who wish to change programme at the end of semester one can do so through consultation with the Course Director of both their parent programmes and the programme they wish to change to. This is subject to approval by both Course Directors and successfully passing all semester one modules.

The Foundation Year will develop academically confident “Level 4 ready” students through the provision of a supportive learning environment at Foundation Level that nurtures the development of the theoretical knowledge, academic, and practical skills necessary to successfully study the BSc (Hons) Psychology degree. It will introduce students to critical reflection and analytical, problem solving and strategic thinking in a broad context at Foundation Level.

It will also enhance student employability through the embedding of a cohesive blend of professional and academic skills while simultaneously providing career support and making available opportunities for problem-based learning, volunteering, and engaging in extra-curricular activities at university and beyond.

Course Modules

Foundation Level
• Introduction to Academic Skills for the Applied Sciences
• Foundation Maths for Science
• Foundations of Biology
• Foundations of Human Nutrition
• Foundations of Psychology
• Foundations of Psychological Research
Year 1
• Psychological research methods 1
• Introducing psychological approaches
• Introducing real world psychology
• Psychological research methods 2
• Exploring real world psychology
• Exploring psychological approaches
Year 2
• Psychological research methods 3
• The psychology of learning and memory
• The psychology of feelings
• Psychological research methods 4
• The psychology of behaviour with others
• The psychology of thinking and communication
Year 3
*New module in development: Psychology professional practice and project
Plus four options from:
Please note option modules may vary, and we cannot guarantee specific modules will be delivered.
• Psychology of mental health and distress
• Health psychology
• Development of brain and behaviour in infancy
• Psychology of inter- and intra- group processes
• Psychology of addictive behaviours
• Applied psychometrics
• Neuropsychology
• Counselling psychology and psychotherapy
• Psychopharmacology
• Thinking: Past, present and future
• Lifespan development
• Psychology in the workplace
• Psychology of the Performing Arts
• Sex gender relationships
• Psychology in the Criminal Justice system
• Psychology of Judgement and Decision Making
• Clinical Approaches in Forensic Psychology