Psychology, BSc (Hons)

Our British Psychological Society (BPS) accredited course explores the way humans think, feel and act. Our students benefit from over 60 academic experts, weekly research seminars and have access to first–class laboratory suites. 97% of our students said that they were satisfied with the BSc (Hons) psychology course (National Student Survey, 2013). Why choose this course?

If you are interested in understanding why people behave in the ways that they do then our psychology course is for you.

You will not only learn about the mind, the brain and behaviour but also about:

• child development
• social processes
• personality and individual differences
• the application of psychology to real world issues.

In Years One and Two the course is designed to provide you with a strong foundation in core psychological topics. Throughout the course you will have training in the theory and practice of research methods. This will provide you with the necessary skills to carry out your own research project in your final year.

This course provides a range of optional modules that will allow you to pursue your own interests and begin to tailor your learning towards further study and / or a particular career. As part of this course you will have the chance to specialise in a particular area of Psychology such as:

• Forensic Psychology
• Mental Health
• Educational and Developmental.

Accreditation

This course is accredited by the BPS and you will receive the Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership, provided the minimum standard of lower second class (2.2) honours is achieved.

What our students say

"The best part of the BSc (Hons) Psychology course is the Professional Practice module which offers the opportunity to speak at a conference in front of industry professionals. This is great practical experience and is something which few universities offer."

Jennifer Maddox
Bsc (Hons) Psychology

Want to know more?

For more details about our BA (Hons) Psychology course you can request a course brochure. Open days are also a great way to find out more about our courses and experience NTU for yourself. Find out when our Open Days are taking place and book your place. If you can't make it in person why not take a virtual tour.

When does the course start?

Please see the academic calendar for term dates.

What will I study?

Year One Core modules:

• Psychologyical Research in Context
• Cognitive and Biological Psychology One
• Social and Development Psychology One
• Research Methods
• Statistics.

Year Two Core modules:

• Critical Thinking in Psychology
• Cognitive and Biological Psychology Two
• Social and Development Psychology Two
• Research Methods Two
• Statistics Two
• Individual Differences and Conceptual and Historical Issues in Psychology.

Year Three Core modules:

• Professional Practice in Psychology
• Psychology Research Project.

Optional modules
Choose optional modules from a range that currently includes:

• Language and Literacy Development in Children
• Biological Perspectives on Psychiatric Disorders
• Psychology, Educational Support Needs and Inclusion
• Evolutionary Psychology
• Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for Trauma
• Criminological Psychology
• Infant Development
• Cognitive Neuroscience
• Work-Based Psychology Practice.

How will I be assessed?

We use a variety of assessment practices that extend beyond the familiar essay and exams. These include:

• research projects
• laboratory reports
• oral and poster presentations.

Assessments in your final year will focus around your dissertation / independent study as well as coursework and exams.

The range of assessment tools has been acknowledged as one of the strengths of the course by the BPS Accreditation Committee and External Examiners.

In response to student feedback the university have introduced a policy ensuring marked work is returned to you electronically within three weeks of submission.

Contact hours

To provide you with a first-class learning experience and to guarantee you have an opportunity to make the most of your time at university you will receive contact time through a diverse range of delivery methods.

Structured teaching will be delivered through a combination of traditional lectures, seminars and workshops. The smaller group seminars and workshops provide opportunities to develop:

• problem solving skills
• group working
• analysis
• debating skills
• presentation skills
• the ability to discuss a wide range of views.

Tutorials with staff

As the relationship between students and tutors is an important one you can expect to have lots of direct contact and support through seminars and one-to-one tutorials. At these sessions you'll have the opportunity to:

• Discuss and gain feedback about your work.
• Ask questions about the projects you're working on.
• Raise any difficulties you are experiencing relating to your work, personal circumstances or your university experience.

Independent study

Independent study is an important part of this course. Throughout the three years of your course the scheduled contact hours you receive will gradually decrease as you develop the skills required to undertake an independent study or dissertation in your final year. You will still have regular contact with your tutors and if necessary ad hoc tutorials can be arranged.

Learning from industry experts

In addition to the traditional lectures, tutorials and independent study you'll also hear and learn from renowned industry experts and professionals in related fields who are regularly invited to come and talk to our students providing you with an insight into their specialist knowledge and experiences.

Psychology seminar series

You will get the opportunity to attend the Division of Psychology seminar series which takes place throughout the academic year. The seminars invite experts and professional to present their publications and research findings. This is an integral part of the research culture in the Psychology Division and stimulates Psychological thinking and debate.

Virtual learning environment

You'll also use our virtual learning environment, NOW which is a flexible web-based system that allows you to have 24-hour access to module learning materials and reading lists. It allows you to discuss work with tutors and other students, and submit coursework electronically from anywhere in the world.

Learn from expert staff

You'll be taught by enthusiastic, engaged and expert staff. The course draws upon the multi-disciplinary nature of the team through their expertise, research interests and industry experience and many have also published textbooks in their specialist area of interest. Our NTUshell video series highlights just some of the staff expertise within the School of Social Sciences.

Where will I study?

As a member of the School of Social Sciences' community, you will study on our vibrant City site. You will typically be based in the Chaucer building although you will also learn in the recently regenerated Newton and Arkwright buildings. All of our teaching rooms and learning resources are within a short distance of each other.

Welcoming students from all over the world

The University is proud of its multicultural community. We provide specialist staff, services and facilities that you need to help you through all the stages of being a student. Find out more about the University's dedicated services for international students

View the full course specification
Please note that course specifications may be subject to change

We have made a significant financial investment in the Psychology Division over recent years. This has included upgrading our facilities and equipment that are used exclusively for the provision of our psychology courses. You will benefit from a modern undergraduate teaching laboratory suite. You will also have access to five specialist suites dedicated to:

• social interaction
• group work and interviewing
• eye-tracking
• cognitive modelling
• visual analysis.

You will also have access to EEG and other psycho-biological measures to record the brain's electrical activity. Alongside these are new flexible cubicles for your project work, a psychometric test bank library and a technical workshop.

You'll have easy access to a great combination of facilities that include:

• the £13 million Boots Library that has a wide range of both print and online resources, as well as 24 / 7 IT facilities, group and individual study spaces
• the redeveloped Newton and Arkwright buildings which will provide you with an inspiring place to learn
• our virtual learning environment (NOW) which allows you to learn online at any time
• 3,000 student open access PC's and 300 secure wireless access points
• a new City site Students' Union building will open in 2013 giving you an exceptional array of social, leisure and well-being facilities.

The prime location of the City site gives you easy access to a great combination of facilities and activities including:

• sports facilities
• student accommodation
• music venues
• cafes.