Psychology C800

What is psychology?

Psychology is the scientific study of human experience. It examines the ways in which we act, react and interact.

What will I learn and how is it structured?

Our course gives you a good understanding of the core areas of psychology. We give you an excellent opportunity to learn about contemporary research into the social, developmental, cognitive, individual differences and biological dimensions of behaviour. You’ll study the applications of psychology in a wide range of areas, including specific social problems in relation to crime, the workplace and mental health. In the final year, you’ll select from a wide range of specialist modules, and design, execute and analyse some original research.

In summary, you’ll gain a detailed and balanced knowledge of this fascinating subject. Your analytical and evaluative skills will also grow. Through our assessments you’ll gain key skills such as team work, how to give engaging presentations, writing concise reports, and analysing data effectively.

This psychology programme is accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS), your final year project will be an empirical study in psychology and successful completion of the BSc (Hons) will confer the graduate basis for registration of the British Psychological Society (providing you achieve a 2:2 or above).

Course content

In the first two years of the programme you will take compulsory modules which give you a foundation in all of the core BPS areas. In the final year of study you will be able to choose from a range of applied and theoretical modules.

Both qualitative and quantitative methods of research and analysis are important, so you will be expected to develop and demonstrate your competence with these throughout the course.

Example of course content

Year one
• Introduction to Psychology
• Themes and Issues in Psychology
• Psychological Research Methods
• Understanding Society.

Year two
• Personality and Individual Differences
• Cognitive Psychology and Historical and Conceptual Issues
• Social and Developmental Psychology
• Empirical Psychology.

Year three
Core:
• Empirical Dissertation Project.
Plus two options from:
• Critical, Cultural and Positive Psychology
• Health and Occupational Psychology
• Counselling and Abnormal Psychology
• Legal and Forensic Psychology
• Developmental and Educational Psychology or Teaching Practice and Educational Psychology
• Evolutionary and Cognitive Neuropsychology.

On completion of the course, you’ll be eligible for postgraduate training as a professional psychologist. You’ll also have good communication, IT skills and a sound understanding of behavioural research – a superb combination for a variety of exciting careers. As our psychology team maintains strong links with the careers department and our student volunteering team, they’ll promote your employability throughout your course.

The teaching team

Our superb teaching team has achieved an international reputation for its excellent research and publications. They will be on hand to provide both academic and personal support when you undertake research of your own.

A relatively small yet very friendly department, we really get to know our students and support them as best we can. As all our first year students are allocated an academic tutor, we’ll ensure your transition into higher education is both smooth and enjoyable.

What are my career prospects?

A degree in psychology is the first step to becoming a professional psychologist in a range of different applied areas, for example, clinical, educational, occupational and forensic. In addition, many graduates go on to rewarding, exciting careers in the human service sector, without pursuing the title psychologist, in areas such as special education, drugs rehabilitation, probation, National Health Service and the police service (scenes of crime officer, witness care officer etc).

Furthermore, many graduates choose to use their psychology degree to gain access to the full range of graduate opportunities available in the world of business.

Entry requirements for 2010

240-280 standard UCAS points or equivalent qualification. Mature students without formal qualifications are welcome to apply.

In addition, students will be required to have a minimum of a C grade in mathematics at GCSE.

How to apply

Applications are made through UCAS. Visit the UCAS website ucas.com for details.

When are your open days?

We run an annual criminal justice experience day aimed at psychology, criminology, law and police studies students or alternatively we also run faculty, general and applicant open days all year round – call 0800 0565 660 or visit bucks.ac.uk to reserve your place.

Student profile

Noshin Emamiannaeini
Psychology graduate, 2006

Noshin Emamiannaeini graduated with a BSc (Hons) in Psychology in 2006. Following her degree she went on to study a Master's in Clinical and Abnormal Psychology. She’s currently working within the NHS as a programme assistant.

“I chose this course because I’d heard that the psychology department was outstanding and I wasn’t disappointed. I loved the lectures - they were so informative and interesting and the tutors were amazing. The support they offered me was second to none - it was above and beyond what I was expecting. This course has given me the foundation to pursue my career in psychology as well as many transferable skills that I use on a day-to-day basis.”

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