Psychology

Course Content (including module information)

The first two years are spent covering the core syllabus approved by the BPS and include the following topics:

• Cognitive Psychology
• Conceptual and Historical Issues
• Developmental Psychology
• Experimental Design, Statistics and Research Methods
• Individual Differences
• Psychobiology
• Social Psychology

A wide range of transferable skills - for example in personal development planning, time management, report writing, and presentation skills - is integrated into the syllabus at all levels.

Level 1

The equivalent of four core Psychology modules is taken by all students. These involve lectures, tutorials, statistics classes and practical laboratory work. Students also choose two additional Psychology modules or two modules from other areas.

Level 2

Students normally take six Psychology modules. These involve a mix of lectures, tutorials, practical laboratory work and statistics, and working on a group project.

Level 3

Final year modules allow students a choice of specialised topics to suit their interests and career intentions; see the School website for details. Most students will also undertake a substantial empirical study resulting in a thesis.

Assessment (general): The way in which you are assessed will vary according to the Learning objectives of each module. Some modules are assessed solely through project work or written assignments. Others are assessed through a combination of coursework and end of semester examinations. Details of how each module is assessed are shown in the Student Handbook which is provided to all students during their first year induction.

Feedback: As students progress through their course at Queen’s they will receive general and specific feedback about their work from a variety of sources including lecturers, module co-ordinators, personal tutors, advisers of study and peers. University students are expected to engage with reflective practice and to use this approach to improve the quality of their work. Feedback may be provided in a variety of forms including:

• Feedback provided via formal written comments and marks relating to work that you, as an individual or as part of a group, have submitted.
• Face to face comment. This may include occasions when you make use of the lecturers’ advertised “office hours” to help you to address a specific query.
• Online or emailed comment.
• General comments or question and answer opportunities at the end of a lecture, seminar or tutorial.
• Pre-submission advice regarding the standards you should aim for and common pitfalls to avoid. In some instances, this may be provided in the form of model answers or exemplars which you can review in your own time.
• Feedback and outcomes from practical classes.
• Comment and guidance provided by staff from specialist support services such as, Careers, Employability and Skills or the Learning Development Service.

Once you have reviewed your feedback, you will be encouraged to identify and implement further improvements to the quality of your work.

On the BSc in Psychology, we deliver a high quality learning environment by providing a range of learning experiences which enable our students to engage with subject experts, develop attributes and perspectives that will equip them for life and work in a global society and make use of innovative technologies and a world class library that enhances their development as independent, lifelong learners. Examples of the opportunities provided for learning on this course are:

• Lectures : Lectures will provide you with core concepts and information about specific topics and will outline theoretical issues and debates. You should not count on lectures to be your sole source of information on any topic or issue as you will be expected to read around the lecture content using the resources provided to accompany the lecture. You should not think that the copy of any PowerPoint presentation used in the lecture provides sufficient information and you can therefore miss the lecture. They do not; they provide a guide to focus your note-taking and understanding.
• Practicals:You will undertake weekly laboratory practical classes throughout first and second year. These will develop your research methods and design skills and provide you with training in analytical methods and statistics. You will collect data during the classes from class mates or other set tasks. This will provide you with the background to undertake a group project in Level 2 and an individual large piece of research in Level 3. Due to timetabling constraints, and the fact the University considers you should attend the University 5 days per week, we are unable to change your allocated laboratory day, unless in the most exceptional circumstances.
• PDP tutorial sessions: In Levels 1 and 2 you will meet in small groups to discuss critical aspects of psychology and personal development planning. These are an important part of your educational experience allowing you to develop oral and written presentational skills and to plan for your future career. The sessions will review your exam performance, on a one-to-one basis, with your tutor. In Level 3 this review will be undertaken with your thesis supervisor.
• Group Projects:In Level 2 you will undertake a group project with other students. This will develop team working skills, often so crucial in your future career. You will also make a group presentation at the conclusion of the project. Your will be guided through the process by your supervisor but key to success is your effective working as a team, with all students contributing.
• E-Learning technologies: Information associated with lectures and assignments is often communicated via a Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) called Queen’s Online. A range of e-learning experiences are also embedded in the degree through, for example: interactive group workshops in a flexible learning space; IT and statistics modules; podcasts and interactive web-based learning activities; opportunities to use IT programmes associated with design in practicals and project- based work etc.
• Seminars/tutorials: Significant amounts of teaching are carried out in small groups (typically 10-20 students). These provide an opportunity for students to engage with academic staff who have specialist knowledge of the topic, to ask questions of them and to assess their own progress and understanding with the support of peers. You should also expect to make presentations and other contributions to these groups.
• Self-directed study: This is an essential part of life as a Queen’s student when important private reading, engagement with e-learning resources, reflection on feedback to date and assignment research and preparation work is carried out.