Psychology - BSc(Hons)

The first couple of years of the course cover the core BPS content areas in Psychology. These include social, developmental and cognitive psychology, individual differences, biological Psychology, conceptual and historical issues, statistical analysis and research design (qualitative and quantitative).

Year one

You will be introduced to applied psychology and professional skills and study the following compulsory modules:

• Introduction to Psychology
• Research Design and Analysis 1
• Psychology in Action
• Critical Thinking
• Interpersonal Psychology

Year two

To gain work experience and apply psychological principles in real-world settings, you will undertake a work-based learning project supervised by a member of academic staff.

You will study the following compulsory modules:

• Research Design and Analysis 2
• Identities in Psychology
• Mind, Brain and Development
• Developing Self and Society

Final year

You will have the opportunity to select from a wide range of specialist topic modules that suits your interests while undertaking an independent research project of their choice supervised by a member of the academic staff.

You will study the following compulsory module:

• Social Sciences Project and Placement

Plus six of the following optional modules:

• Advanced Developmental Psychology: Theory and Practice
• Applied Developmental Psychology
• Clinical Aspects of Mental Health
• Cognitive Neuropsychology
• Constructing Gender in Society
• Forensic Psychology
• Health Psychology in Practice
• Human Sexuality
• Methods in Neuroscience
• Neurodevelopmental Disorders
• Neurophysiology and Brain Imaging
• Principles of Counselling and Psychotherapy
• Psychological Perspectives on Political Violence
• Psychology and Social Justice
• Psychology in the Community*
• Psychology of Addiction
• Psychology of Appearance and Embodiment
• Psychology of Consciousness
• Psychology of Sport and Exercise
• Psychology of Work, Business and Organizations
• Psychopharmocology
• The Arts and Mental Health

*To be taken if you undertake a placement.

This structure is for the full-time course delivery only. For part-time delivery, the same modules will be studied. However, the structure will differ.

The University continually enhances our offer by responding to feedback from our students and other stakeholders, ensuring the curriculum is kept up to date and our graduates are equipped with the knowledge and skills they need for the real world. This may result in changes to the course. If changes to your course are approved, we will inform you.

The course uses a mixed model of instruction that includes traditional lectures and seminars, along with interaction through a virtual online learning environment, Blackboard. You are able to engage with learning materials, other students and members of staff through this system, in addition to using the various functionalities built into the system (e.g. online assignment submission, interactive quizzes, blogs, videos, podcasts and discussion boards). Instructors on the course form a collegiate academic community comprising around 40 permanent academic staff who are readily accessible to you for questions and support.

Throughout the course of study, you will have extensive opportunities to gain hands-on experience with psychological topics and approaches in practical-based sessions. Many of these are taught in our large undergraduate teaching laboratory, which features advanced computing systems, software and analytic instrumentation. Additionally, you will have the opportunity to participate in a range of undergraduate, postgraduate and staff research projects.

For more details, see our full glossary of learning and teaching terms.

The course makes use of a variety of formative and summative assessment methods across the three levels of study. Examples of coursework assessment include essays, journal articles and book reviews, research reports, literature reviews, computer based tests, personal reflective journals and group presentations. Controlled assessments can include unseen and seen examinations and timed assignments, along with group and individual presentations.

For more details, see our full glossary of assessment terms.