Psychology

Psychology at Bath Spa examines the science behind what makes people tick. This involves developing a critical understanding of the various theories that have been applied to our species (and where appropriate to other species). In order to do this students will learn how we observe people, how we conduct surveys and experiments and how we apply statistical procedures to the evidence that we have gathered.

BSc Single Hons Psychology is a British Psychology Society (BPS) accredited course

Why study Psychology?

Not only is the course content fascinating, but a Psychology qualification prepares you for a wide range of work after graduation.

Ratio of applications to places

No. of applicants (2012): 605

No. of places (2012): 61 (additional places are available as part of a Combined Award)

Course structure

Psychology at Bath Spa examines the science behind what makes people tick. This science involves developing a critical understanding of the various theories that have been applied to our species (and where appropriate to other species). In order to do this students will learn how we observe people, how we conduct surveys and experiments and how we apply statistical procedures to the evidence that we have gathered.

BSc Single Hons Psychology at Bath Spa is a British Psychology Society (BPS) accredited course.

In the first year you will take a module that introduces you to the main psychological approaches – social, cognitive, developmental, individual differences and biological psychology (PS4001-40 Introduction to Psychology). You will also take a module in research methods including survey work and experimentation (PS4002-20 Research methods and Statistics). When you progress to Year 2 these main areas are studied in greater depth since individual modules are devoted to them. For those taking Major or Single Hons Psychology there will be further, more advanced courses in research methods. In Year 3 the emphasis shifts to the scholarly specialities of individual members of staff. This means that for each of the modules your tutor will have specific expertise and will be engaged in scholarly activity in that area. For those taking Psychology as a Major or Single Hons course, there will also be a dissertation involving working one-to-one with a member of staff on an original research project in psychology.

Modules

Year 1

• Introduction to Psychology;
• Research Methods in Psychology (1);

Year 2

• Research Methods in Psychology (2);
• Developmental Psychology;
• Cognitive Psychology;
• Social Psychology;
• Biological and Cognitive Psychology;

Year 3

• Psychology Project;
• Psychology of Health;
• Abnormal Psychology;
• Neuropsychology;
• Evolutionary Psychology;
• Criminological and Investigative Psychology;
• Social Psychology of Peace and Conflict;
• Counseling Psychology;
• Individual Differences.

Course assessment

Assessment varies and includes essays, research reports, group presentations, class deabtes and examinations.