BSc/BSc (Hons) Psychology

Originally evolving out of philosophy and biology, contemporary psychology attempts to understand, explain and predict behaviour using objective scientific methods. Psychologists are interested in diverse questions such as ‘are emotional memories better remembered?', 'How does prejudice arise?' and 'How do our abilities to perceive and act in the world develop?'

This course covers the core areas prescribed by the British Psychological Society including conceptual and historical issues, biological psychology, social psychology, individual differences, developmental psychology and cognitive psychology. You will understand how psychology is portrayed in the media, what chartered psychologists do in reality and explore how contemporary psychological approaches are continually evolving. The course will enable you to undertake further training as a chartered psychologist, but it also provides a gateway to a range of careers.

In Year One, you will explore how psychology is commonly conceptualised and consider how psychological knowledge evolves over time. You will be introduced to study and research skills, listening and communications skills, critical thinking, independent study, an understanding of the research process and the use of statistics. You will learn how to make presentations, produce written work in a variety of formats and carry out practical investigations. You will also study four sociology modules. In Year Two, you will acquire critical knowledge in the care areas of social, developmental, individual, cognitive and biological psychology and you will experience problem-based learning using case studies, undertake group-based research projects and explore how psychology is applied, for example in the fields of education and counselling. You will also study two further sociology modules.

In Year Three, you will explore the historical underpinnings and contemporary context of Psychology, undertake a critical review of the literature in an area of your choice and will progress your knowledge and critical awareness within the core areas. In Year Four you will chose modules according to your interests and carry out a research-based dissertation in an area of your choice.

Understanding research methods and statistical analysis is a requisite of any psychology degree and is taught at all levels. This is introduced gradually and opportunities are afforded for practical project work and workshops from an early stage.
Structure:You can opt to study for an Honours degree over four years or an Ordinary degree over three years. You will complete a range of modules as outlined, each year.

This course follows a modular structure. In Years One and Two students can study modules from one other subject area. In Years Three and Four only psychology modules are studied.

• Students will gain a range of transferable skills which are highly sought after by employers.
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• This course is accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS).
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• There is a great opportunity for self development through volunteering, individual dissertation topic choice of elective modules.
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  Professional Registration: Providing you gain a second class degree or higher, you are eligible to become a graduate member of the BPS with the Graduate basis for Chartership, this is the first step towards becoming a Chartered Psychologist