BSc (Hons) Psychology (Full Time)

Taught by a highly experienced staff team, this degree offers an in-depth study of a challenging subject that can lead to a wide range of rewarding careers.

Course overview

Psychology is the scientific study of behaviour and mental processes and the interrelation 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 wide range of careers, both in the psychology profession and in associated occupations. 

Industrial focus

Throughout your studies you will consider both theory and empirical evidence. The emphasis is on real world applications of psychological theory and research, particularly in Year 3. 

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Course content

Year 1

Six core units:

• Introduction to Cognitive, Developmental and Social Psychology
• Introduction to Abnormal, Biological and Personality Psychology 
• Research Methods and Statistics
• Integrating Psychology: Skills and Applications
• Psychological Investigations 1 and 2 (practical courses). 

Year 2

Six core units:

• Cognitive Psychology
• Social Psychology
• Developmental Psychology
• Psychobiology
• Psychological Measurement 1 and 2 (practical courses). 

Year 3

Three core units (including a dissertation), one applied option unit and two specialist option units:

Core units:

• Dissertation
• Personality and Individual Differences
• Psychological Debates: Conceptual and Historical Issues.

Applied option units: 

• Applied Social Psychology
• Applied Developmental Psychology
• Applied Cognitive Psychology
• Psychological Assessment with Psychometrics.

Specialist options currently on offer include:

• Advanced Statistical Analysis
• Careers: Decision Making and Development
• Health Psychology
• Neuropsychology
• Personal Relationships in Adulthood
• Psychology and Mental Health
• The Psychology of Crime
• Visual Perception
• Work and Occupational Psychology
• Community Volunteering
• Language Programme
• Sports Coaching in the Community
• Work-based Learning. 

Why choose this course?

• Accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS), giving students eligibility for graduate membership, the first step towards becoming a chartered psychologist.
• Modern facilities include dedicated observation, cognitive, psychophysiology and computer laboratories.
• Major psychological teaching/research software includes MEL LAB, SuperLab, and apparatus for psychophysiological work such as Biopac.
• A dedicated and supportive staff team with a wide range of professional expertise and research experience.
• Option units include specialist areas such as health psychology, visual perception and the psychology of crime.
• Regular journal clubs and departmental seminars presented by both staff and students.

Assessment

Coursework essays, practical group-based written reports, group and individual presentations, time-limited assignments, examinations, poster presentations and final-year dissertation. 

Key career skills

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

Projects/work experience

A voluntary research assistance scheme is in place which provides opportunities to participate in research projects currently undertaken by members of staff. Examples of projects students are currently engaged in include parenting styles, academic experiences, an exploration of social networks, and cognitive abilities such as table and graph comprehension. There will also be opportunities to work with community based services on locally relevant projects which will form part of some final year specialist units.