Psychology

About the course

The BSc (Hons) in Psychology at Bolton is one of the oldest psychology courses in the UK. It is accredited by the British Psychological Society, which enables a graduate to progress to further professional qualifications and employment as a professional psychologist.

By studying psychology at Bolton University you will learn in a supportive environment with excellent teaching and laboratory facilities. You will be taught by experienced and highly qualified staff who have a wide range of research expertise and interests using a variety of methods including lectures, workshops and seminars.

Personal supervision from staff throughout the course will ensure you have the best possible opportunity to achieve your true potential and the course team is committed to developing your individual potential for future graduate level employability.

What you will learn

Studying on the course will give you a strong foundation in understanding the science of psychology. You will learn about the theories and concepts of psychology that apply to a wide range of human behaviour including language acquisition, learning, personality, relationships and gain an understanding of the philosophical, historical and social issues that have influenced the study and practice of psychology.

You will have the opportunity to learn about the practical relevance of psychology across the broad spectrum of human activity including abnormal psychology, mental health, criminal behaviour, the psychology of cyberspace, counselling and group and individual behaviours.

You will learn the methods of psychological research, for example collecting and analysing data and you will also be taught key skills such as accessing and evaluating information and effective communication skills.

The course includes an opportunity to carry out a work placement module in an approved setting and, in your second year, you may complete a period of study in the United States of America.

Throughout the course you will devise, implement and write up research projects that focus on psychological phenomena.

Special features

• The course is approved by the British Psychological Society as conferring eligibility for the Graduate Basis for Registration, the first step towards becoming a Chartered Psychologist, for Honours Psychology graduates studying in Single, Major or Joint modes.

• You will have the opportunity to undertake work placements.

• You will also have the opportunity to study in the USA.

Careers and professional development

There are numerous career paths available to psychology graduates with British Psychological Society (BPS) accreditation. The more traditional routes include clinical, occupational, educational psychology and counselling. In addition, there are broader career options including personnel management, research, teaching, social work and health. Past graduates have been successful in all these fields of work.

We have hosted an annual Careers Week for many years where specialist and chartered psychologists come to speak to students. Opportunities for volunteering and work placements give students an insight into specific careers.

To strengthen your CV further, you may undertake additional modules (accredited by the appropriate professional body) in counselling and occupational testing (subject to validation).

Professional recognition

Successful completion of the degree course is approved as conferring eligibility for the Graduate Basis for Registration (GBR) of the British Psychological Society provided the minimum standard of qualification of second class honours is achieved.

The British Psychological Society is the professional body of psychologists.

Mode of attendance: Full-time