BSc (Hons) Psychology (Health Psychology) (Full Time)

Psychology is the scientific study of behaviour and mental processes, and of the inter-relation between the two. You will explore how people act and interact, both as individuals and in groups, and the thoughts and feelings that underlie behaviour.

Psychology contributes to an understanding of many of the day-to-day problems faced by people in the world today. It uses a wide variety of methodological techniques, including experiments, questionnaires and interviews, to investigate human behaviour and obtain reliable evidence which can form the basis for potential interventions and applications. Psychology, therefore, has a wide application to a range of careers, both in the psychology profession and in associated occupations.

The BSc (Hons) Psychology (Health Psychology) pathway is designed to provide students with an introduction to aspects of the psychology of health within the wider discipline, but does not provide any formal training in health psychology.

Industrial focus

The course emphasises the application of psychology, with real-world-focused assessments integrated throughout. Students also have the option to undertake work-based learning as part of their studies. (The course does not provide the work placements, and students should not necessarily expect to find health psychology-specific work-based learning.)

Course content

Year 1

Six core units:

• Foundations in Psychology
• Psychology Inquiry OR Psychology in the Workplace
• Methods and Analysis in Psychology
• Applied Psychology
• Psychological Investigations 1
• Investigations in Health Psychology.

Year 2

Six core units:

• Biological Psychology
• Real-World Cognition
• Social Psychology in Action
• Exploring Human Development
• Measurement in Health Psychology
• The Practice of Research in Health Psychology.

Year 3

Three core units and one option unit:

• Psychology Project
• Personality and Individual Differences.

And either/or:

• Health Psychology: Treatment Issues and Healthcare
• Health Psychology: Promoting Healthy Behaviour.

Options:

• Psychology of Crime
• Psychology and Mental Health
• Counselling: Application and Practice
• Psychology of Education
• Advanced Issues in Education
• Positive Psychology
• Occupational Psychology in the Workplace
• Career Decision Making and Employment Strategies
• Psychometrics and Workplace Assessment
• Psychology in Sport
• Debates in Psychology
• Advanced Statistical Analysis
• Team Skills Training and Facilitation
• The Extended Essay
• The Psychology of Intimate Relationships
• Environmental Psychology
• Cyber Psychology
• Health: Biopsychosocial Approaches
• Used or Abused? The Psychology of Drinking
• Applied Qualitative Research.

Why choose Solent?

Psychologists take a scientific approach to the understanding of human behaviour. Psychology is a popular subject because it has relevance to so many areas of everyday life, such as health, education, economics and crime. It is of interest to anyone who wants to understand why people behave in particular ways and in how that knowledge can be applied.
The skills acquired by a psychology graduate are valuable for a wide range of careers. In addition, the BSc (Hons) Psychology (Health Psychology) pathway provides an introduction to aspects of health psychology, which is concerned with the use of psychological knowledge to help address health behaviour problems.

• Accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS), giving students eligibility for graduate membership, the first step towards becoming a chartered health psychologist.
• Modern facilities including dedicated laboratories
• Dedicated, supportive and experienced staff team with a wide range of professional expertise and research experience
• Covers a wide range of areas, such as adherence to exercise, coping with pain, GP–patient relationships, alcohol use, smoking and eating behaviour
• Work-based learning opportunities (not necessarily health-specific)
• Integrated real-world-focused assessment on many modules.

Assessment

Coursework essays, practical written reports, group and individual presentations, time-limited assignments, examinations, poster presentations, case studies, final-year project.

Projects/work experience

A voluntary research assistance scheme is in place which provides opportunities for students to take part in research projects. Examples of projects include the impact of parenting styles on development, academic experiences and an exploration of the role that social networks play in maintaining health and wellbeing.

Key career skills

Analysis and research, presentation, project management, communication and problem solving.

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Key info from UNISTATS