Psychology and Theology

BA Psychology and Theology

Interim award: Certificate of Higher Education in Psychology and Theology, Diploma of Higher Education in Psychology and Theology

Mode: full-time

Heythrop’s size and specialist character allow a high level of individual support for students, and opportunity to learn and to participate in discussion in small groups.

For graduates with this degree who decide to pursue further academic studies (or academic/professional training) in psychology, there are pathways to the Graduate Basis for Registration involving sitting the Society's Qualifying Examination, or taking a conversion course (typically a Graduate Diploma or Masters degree) of which there are currently 37 listed on the BPS website. . On at least some of these courses there is the possibility of APCL (Accreditation of Prior Certificated Learning).
The skills of analysis, communication and engagement with current issues developed through the programme are valued by employers in many fields.

Becoming a Psychologist

A BA in Psychology and Philosophy will equip students for many future career paths. However, for the psychological professions (principally clinical or educational psychology), special accreditation from the British Psychological Society (BPS) is also required. Heythrop will provide significant funding for students reading for these degrees who wish to proceed to a Masters degree in Psychology giving BPS accreditation provided they meet the entry standards for the MA and do not already hold a masters degree. Whether considered academically, or financially, this unique system represents exceptionally good value for students on this programme.

Programme of Study

Four modules are taken each year. In the first year, there are four compulsory, core modules. In the second year there is one full module (or two half modules) in each discipline and then two options.

In the third year, each student will undertake EITHER a research project OR a long essay. Working with one of the Heythrop academic staff, this will provide an opportunity to bring together, and to reflect on the studies undertaken in the first two years as well as to further develop the skills of analysis and intellectual and academic enquiry in a topic chosen by the student from a wide range of options.

Teaching and Assessment

Each module is taught by a two-hour session once a week over the 11-week term. These are group sessions, typically lectures and presentations and seminars, which are interactive with students. Directed reading and other tasks guide independent learning. Additionally, you will have regular tutorials, normally on a one-to-one basis, to discuss work completed or in progress, and meetings with a supervisor in relation to the dissertation. You will receive a Programme Handbook and module handbooks.

Each module is assessed by a combination of coursework tasks completed during or shortly after the period of module teaching, and an end-of-year essay.