Skip to main content
Apply now
Apply now
Entry Requirements icon

Entry Requirements

See below

Study Mode icon

Study Mode

Full time

 

 

Duration icon

Duration

4 years

 

Timetable icon

Timetable

Check with your tutor


Key Features & Benefits

  • Accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS)
  • Validated by UK Top 15 Lancaster University
  • Students take part in our Annual Psychology Research conference

Bps Logo (3)

Our BPS- accredited BSc (Hons) Psychology with Foundation Entry qualification is designed for students who want to study Psychology, but don’t have the necessary formal qualifications to start the Honours degree programme just yet.

  • Overview

    This four-year programme introduces the students to psychological theory and research and their application to human thoughts and behaviours. Covering a range of topics, the course will help students investigate an extensive array of phenomena including social interactions, cognitive processes, developmental stages and biological influences on human activities.

    In the first year students will develop the study skills necessary for studying at a higher education level, while also learning that about the foundations of psychology as an academic subject.

    In the second year, 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 conducted research in psychology, including the use of psychometric tests.

    Tailored around the professional standards within psychology the third 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 into the final year of study, with students being able to choose between a number of optional modules. 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.

  • What will I study?

    In the first year of this programme you will study 5 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. In short, you will acquire a firm grounding for the subject you want study at degree level before starting your Honours degree.

    Second year students will be introduced to the development of psychology from its philosophical roots to its modern day scientific basis. In year 3, you will develop the knowledge gained in year 2 and how it is applied to within practice. You will also further develop your research skills and undertake a piece of primary research. In the final year 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 two full days per week. Part time study is one day of study in college per week.

    First year (Level 3) modules (all modules are mandatory) include:

    • Introduction to the Person
    • Introduction to the Mind
    • Introduction to Brain and Behaviour
    • Introduction to Research and Psychology
    • Study Skills for Psychology

    You will then move on to study the following modules in the remaining 3 years of the programme:

    Second year (Level 4) modules (all modules are mandatory) include:

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

    Third Year (Level 5) modules (all modules are mandatory) include:

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

    Fourth Year (Level 6) modules include (* indicates optional modules from which students can choose four modules. These modules will be offered only when delivery is economically viable based on student numbers)

    You can only choose one of the negotiated modules in the year.

    • Literature Review
    • Clinical Psychology and Mental Health
    • Psychology of Education*
    • Cyberpsychology and New Media*
    • Positive Psychology*
    • Psychology of Work*
    • Counselling Psychology*
    • Negotiated Learning*
    • Major Research Project
  • Entry Requirements

    If you studied A-levels or other Level 3 qualifications (eg. BTEC course) 5 or less years ago you can enter this course based on the UCAS points you have achieved. You’ll need to have a minimum of 32 UCAS points to join this programme that are relevant to the study of Psychology or 32 UCAS points from a range of subjects that may not necessarily relate to Psychology.

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

    We welcome applications from mature students without formal qualifications for these courses or from mature students whose Level 3 qualifications were gained more than 5 years ago. If this applies to you will be invited to interview to determine your eligibility to study based on your previously gained skills and experience.

    Students will not be required to have GCSE (or equivalent qualifications) at level 2 in English and Mathematics, but must be willing to work towards gaining one while studying on the programme. 

    Applicants who do not meet the standard entry criteria but have relevant work/life experience will be considered on an individual basis and may be invited to interview. The interview will consider prior formal qualifications, and evidence of experience gained through employment or other verifiable sources. Students will be admitted when the interviews are confident that the student has demonstrated sufficient prior knowledge, skill, aptitude and interest to be equally able to succeed as a candidate offering the standard entry criteria.

     

    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.

  • How will I be assessed?

    A variety of assessment methods are used on the course. In your first year your assessment is designed to give you a flavour of how you will be assessed in the later stages of the programme. In the second year, all assessment will be by Multiple Choice Test or coursework, including written work, seminars and presentations. Year three has similar coursework requirements and some modules are assessed by coursework and an examination. In the final year, 50% of the assessment is by coursework and examination - the remaining 50% comprising an individual literature review and an original research project.

    Formative and summative assessments enable lecturers or tutors to monitor the learning that has/is taking place. Formative assessment is not always noticeable by the student as it is a continuous process; lecturers or assessors may observe participation and responses to class discussions and group work, a student’s response to question and answer sessions, participation in workshop practical and engagement with demonstrations. Each module is formally assessed through, for example, examination, individual and group presentation, essay, assessment of course work e.g. written report, reflective practice and portfolios of evidence.

    Students receive both formal and informal feedback. Formal feedback is through assessments, is usually in writing and given within 3 weeks following the submission date. 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.

  • Teaching and Learning

    The learning environment and facilities 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, role play or scenario activities, laboratory and workshop practical, demonstrations, 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.

  • What can I do next?

    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;
      • 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
    • Youth Offending
    • Teaching

    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.

  • Supplementary Information

    Supplementary Information

    Work Placements

    Work placements are subject to availability. You are also responsible for any costs in travelling to and from your work placements, for any accommodation costs and in some instances the cost of acquiring a satisfactory Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) report.

Large group of graduates throwing hats into the air