Psychology BSc (Hons)

At Level 4 study students will be introduced to the main disciplines in psychology: Biological, Cognitive, Developmental, Social and Individual Differences. Students will also be given an insight into the scientific methods and techniques used to conduct research in psychology, including the use of psychometric tests.

Tailored around the professional standards within psychology Level 5 study year will help students build on the insight gained during their first year and develop their skills in the practical workings of psychology and research. Modules studied include Introduction to Neuropsychology and Health Psychology. There will also be an opportunity for students to further their own individual interests through the Minor Research Project module, in which the student will determine their own research topic.

This personalised learning approach will be continued at Level 6 study, with students being able to choose between a number of optional modules, covering topics including Cyberpsychology and Counselling. The main focus of the final year of study is the student’s own independent research in the form of the Major Project. This offers students the chance to undertake an independent piece of primary research into an area of psychology of their own choosing.

At Level 4 you will study 8 modules in total. These have all been designed to help you develop the skills you’ll need for higher level study of Psychology. You will also develop an understanding of the requirements of degree level study and it will give you an opportunity to practise studying and taking part in University level assessments.

At Level 5, you will develop the knowledge gained at Level 4 and how it is applied to within practice. You will also further develop your research skills and undertake a piece of primary research. Year three will focus on the critical evaluation of psychological theory and practice.

At Level 6 the emphasis is on your own learning in an area of psychology which is of interest to you, together with some taught modules.

During the programme you will have the opportunity to take part in an academic conference focusing on the promotion of the students research in areas including Psychology, Counselling and Health.

If you study full-time you will attend sessions on two full days per week. Part-time study is two half day periods of study in College per week.

All students take a total of 120 credits per level.

Level 4 Modules (all modules are mandatory) include:

• History and Context
• Introduction to Social Psychology
• Introduction to Biological Psychology
• Introduction to Cognitive Psychology
• Introduction to Developmental Psychology
• Individual Differences
• Research Methods 1
• Psychometrics

Level 5 Modules (all modules are mandatory) include:

• Research Methods 2
• Minor Research Project
• Applied Psychology
• Psychology in Society
• Introduction to Neuropsychology
• Health Psychology

Level 6 Modules (there are 3 mandatory modules and 2 optional modules out of a choice of 10 as indicated by * and only one of these optional modules may be a negotiated learning module) include:

• Major Research Project
• Literature Review
• Clinical Psychology and Mental Health
• Psychology of Education*
• Forensic Psychology*
• Positive Psychology*
• Psychology of work*
• Cyberpsychology and New Media*
• Counselling Psychology*
• Psychology of Education (negotiated learning)*
• Positive Psychology (negotiated learning)*
• Psychology of Work (negotiated learning)*
• Cyberpsychology and New Media (negotiated learning)*
• Counselling Psychology (negotiated learning)*

Optional Modules

If we have insufficient numbers of students interested in an optional module, this may not be offered. If an optional module will not be run, we will advise you as soon as possible and help you choose an alternative module.

You will need a minimum 80 UCAS Tariff points. Applicants who do not meet the standard entry criteria but have relevant work / life experience will be considered on an individual basis.

In addition, for this programme, you will be required to have a GCSE (or equivalent level 2 qualification) at grade 4 (formerly grade C) or above in English and Mathematics.

All applicants must show that they have a good level of spoken or written English, and if English is not your first language you'll need to demonstrate the ability to study in English.

All applicants will have to interview successfully.

Care Leavers or Young Carers

We want students from all backgrounds to have the opportunity to go to University. If you have spent three months or more in local authority care OR are a young carer, you will be eligible for a contextual offer. This is a grade reduction of 1-A Level grade below our standard entry requirements. For example, a standard offer of CCC, would become CCD. MMM at Level 3 Extended Diploma would become MMP. To apply we advise that you tick the box on your UCAS application which identifies you have spent time in care and to help identify you as eligible for our contextual offer.

A variety of assessment methods are used on the course. At Level 4 all assessment will be by either Multiple Choice Test or coursework, including written work, seminars and presentations. Level 5 has similar coursework requirements and some modules are assessed by coursework and an examination. At level 6, 50% of the assessment is by coursework and examination - the remaining 50% comprising an individual literature review and an original research project.

Each module is formally assessed through, for example, examination, individual and group presentation, essay, assessment of course work e.g. written report and reflective practice. This formal assessment will count towards your module mark and feedback is usually given within 15 working days following the submission of your formal submission of work.

It should be noted that feedback is part of the ongoing learning cycle which is not limited to written feedback. Other forms of feedback include one-to-one meetings with a personal tutor, dissertation and project supervision meetings, a lecturer responding to learner questions or responses during topic or situation discussions. 

Feedback is intended to help you learn and you are encouraged to discuss it with your module tutor.

The learning environment and facilities could include lecture theatres, classrooms, technology suites, laboratories and workshops, library and skills labs, small group and quiet zones. Learning methods will vary according to the programme of study but will include lectures and group tutorials. In addition, seminars, field trips, work placements, laboratory and workshop practical, guest lectures, discussions and debates all contribute to the learning experience to support the acquisition of subject specific skills and knowledge and the development of transferable and employment related skills.

You should typically expect to have around 15 contact hours per week if you are studying full time.

In addition, you will have timetabled meetings with your personal tutor.  

You will be taught by an experienced teaching team whose expertise and knowledge are closely matched to the content of the modules on the course.  The team could include senior academics, professional practitioners with industry experience, demonstrators and technical officers.  You can learn more about our staff by visiting our staff profiles.

Timetables

We endeavour to make timetables available one month before you start your course.  Please note that while we make every effort to ensure that timetables are as student-friendly as possible, scheduled teaching can take place on any day of the week.  Part-time classes are normally scheduled on one or two days per week. 

On this course, students generally spend up to 2 days a week in College, if you choose to study the course full-time. As all course timetables are subject to change you should not make definite plans based on this information; this information is intended as a guide only. Please remember that you will be expected to carry out work in your own time in addition to the time you spend in College.

Overall Workload

You overall workload consists of class contact hours, around 15 hours of independent learning and assessment activity and any field trips which may take place.

Academic Support

We have a dedicated Student Engagement Team who will be able to provide support in the following areas;

• Study Skills (including reading, note-taking and presentation skills)
• Written English
• Academic Writing (including referencing)
• Research Skills

Graduates have gone on to further study at post-graduate level, including gaining PhD qualification. Other areas that graduates have gone on to work with/in:

• Working within the NHS and care sector, including;
• Youth Offending
• Teaching

• Rehabilitation services
• Intimate Partner Abuse services
• Substance abuse and cessation services
• Charity and non-profit organisations.
• Working within individuals on the Autism Spectrum
• Research positions

Some specific roles that previous graduates have gone on to gain include work as a lecturer on an undergraduate programme at Liverpool University, a Smoking Cessation Advisor, a Research Assistant at the University of Central Lancashire and a Mental Health Nurse.