Psychology

About the course

The degree is very flexible with options for independent study to meet your needs, for example in regard to your interests, career development or personal circumstances.

The Department of Psychology at the University of Bolton has a long history of teaching the subject at undergraduate and postgraduate levels.

Teaching will be carried out in small groups to encourage interaction and in-depth discussion of ideas and specialist knowledge. There are many opportunities to develop key and transferable skills for example presentation, research and numeracy skills, critical thinking, personal development and self awareness.

A variety of innovative teaching and learning methods are employed throughout the degree to ensure the acquisition and development of appropriate concepts, knowledge and skills.

Tutors are active researchers within the areas of psychology that are taught and supervised on the degree and are always happy to speak with students and involve them in their research activities. The department operates an effective academic personal tuition system providing support to students at all levels to ensure they achieve at the highest level possible. Graduates are welcome to attend the research seminar programme and become active postgraduates within the University.

The department boasts a number of past students who have successfully gained places on clinical and educational psychology programmes or remained at the University to pursue MPhil and PhD research.

Graduates who know they can benefit from postgraduate study but do not feel ready to undertake a full postgraduate diploma or master of science degree are encouraged to apply and study for a postgraduate certificate.

What you will learn

You will develop and master a high level of complex specialist knowledge and skills in the field of psychology. You will have the opportunity to employ these skills to conduct research or advanced technical and professional activity.

You will be expected to take responsibility for all aspects of your studies and will apply your knowledge and understanding of appropriate ethical issues in the context of your research.

In addition to enhancing your specialist knowledge in the field of psychology, you will enhance your key and transferable skills such as leadership, teamwork, data handling and project management. These skills are developed and practiced using traditional learning and teaching methods including lectures, seminars, workshops and practicals.

Tutors may also introduce techniques which they view as especially suitable in aiding learning in their specialist area. Areas of study are regularly updated to reflect the research activity within the department.

What you will study

You will study six modules worth 20 credits each and submit a 60 credit dissertation, a total of 180 credits.

The degree is split into a tripartite hierarchy: the postgraduate certificate requires successful completion of three taught modules (totalling 60 credits); the postgraduate diploma requires the successful completion of a further three taught modules (totalling 120 credits); and the master of science award requires successful completion of an independent piece of research in addition to the six taught modules (totalling 180 credits).

Besides taught modules you will have the opportunity to study any module offered independently or to develop and study in an area of personal interest independently, for example in a job related field. Options for independent study will be discussed and agreed with your tutor. This unique feature will enable you to personalise your studies to reflect your personal circumstances or career aspirations.

Special features

• The department employs a clinical psychologist and a forensic psychologist offering you the opportunity to work with practising psychologists as well as academics.

• At the master of science stage students have the option of developing their research as part of a research team within the department.

• The course is very flexible with opportunities for independent study.

Careers and professional development

A postgraduate qualification in psychology will enhance your skills for a diverse range of careers, including human resources, retail management and professions allied to medicine.

Careers directly related to psychology such as clinical psychology, educational psychology and occupational psychology, require postgraduate study on accredited higher degrees and professional doctorates. As the number of graduates increases, past students have found that having a higher degree has improved their chances of securing a place on a specialist psychology-related higher degree or doctorate. It has also improved their chances of gaining employment within the graduate market because they can evidence their capability in postgraduate education.

Objectives

By studying on this course you will develop an advanced critical appreciation of contemporary methods, theories and issues in psychology and will build upon and enhance the skills you acquired from your undergraduate studies.

You will further develop your skills in research and analysis and apply them to a substantial piece of independent research, ensuring you apply your knowledge and understanding of appropriate ethical issues in this context. You will develop your intellectual and thinking skills to a very high academic standard, which will be reflected in your studies, in particular your dissertation.

Mode of attendance: Full-time