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Introduction
Psychology continues to be one of the most popular subjects in higher education in the UK. Our degree in Applied Psychology provides the psychological theories needed to understand the human mind and how this impacts behaviour and provides you with knowledge of, and practice in, the ways in which psychologists apply theory to improve mental health and well-being through the various phases of human development.
The Applied Psychology programme provides a unique opportunity for you to learn to put the theories and principles of psychology to practical and tangible use.
This programme responds to the crucial need for professionals working with groups and individuals in clinical, social, educational and administrative settings to have a broad knowledge and understanding of the psychological processes of typical and atypical behaviours present today.
With the continuation of specific applied modules,emphasis on empirical research skills and a placement module, it is expected that as a graduate of this programme you will have the opportunity to make a significant contribution to societies’ economic and social future.
The programme covers the core knowledge domains within psychology outlined by the QAA and BPS, as well as including specialist applied psychology modules.
Why choose this course?
It will help you...
1. understand yourself and others
2. make sense of the world
3. develop sound analytical skills by applying scientific methods
4. gain access to excellent job prospects in a variety of careers
5. prepare for a career as a psychologist
Overview
Psychology is a fascinating discipline to study. Human beings, for the most part, are intrigued by other human beings; their thoughts and their behaviour. Our daily lives involve countless questions - Why? How? What? When? While anecdotal snippets, folklore and proverbs appear to throw some light upon why people do what they do, psychology seeks to use the rigours of science to explain human behaviour.
Psychologists and psychological research have an impact on all aspects of public life, particularly in areas such as education, health, the economy, industry and social justice. During your three years, you will explore psychological issues from multiple perspectives, recognising that psychology involves a range of research methods, theories, evidence and applications. There will be opportunities to carry out empirical studies involving a variety of methods including experiments, observation, questionnaires, and interviews.
Due to the wide range of generic skills, and the rigour with which they are taught, training in psychology is widely accepted as providing excellent preparation for many careers. In addition to subject skills and knowledge, graduates also develop skills in communication, numeracy, teamwork, critical thinking, computing, independent learning and many others, all of which are highly valued by employers.
Modules
Year One – Level 4 (Cert HE, Dip HE & BSc)
• Research Methods I (20 credits; core)
• Children’s Mental Health and Development (20 credits; compulsory)
• Introduction to Biological and Cognitive Psychology (20 credits; compulsory)
• Learning in the Digital Era (20 credits; compulsory; Graduate Attributes Framework module)
• Media Psychology (20 credits; compulsory)
• Psychological Approaches and Perspectives (20 credits; compulsory).
Year Two – Level 5 (Dip HE & BSc)
• Adolescent Mental Health and Development (20 credits; compulsory)
• Individual Differences: Theory and Practice (20 credits; compulsory)
• Organisational Psychology (20 credits; compulsory)
• Research Methods II (20 credits; core)
• Social Psychology (20 credits; compulsory)
• Sport and Health Psychology (20 credits; compulsory).
Year Three – Level 6 (BSc)
• Biological and Cognitive Neuroscience (20 credits; compulsory)
• CBT and New Cognitive Therapies (20 credits; optional)
• Cognition in Action (20 credits; optional)
• Ecopsychology (20 credits; optional)
• Ethics, Values and the Professional Self (20 credits; optional)
• Forensic Psychology and the Criminal Mind (20 credits; optional)
• Mental Health in Children and Young People (20 credits; optional)
• Psychology Empirical Project (20 credits; core)
• Psychology, Health and Illness (20 credits; optional)
• Psychopathology and Mental Health (20 credits; optional)
• Social Knowledge and Identity (20 credits; optional)
• The Psychology of Education and Ageing (20 credits; optional)
• The Psychology of Prejudice and Discrimination (20 credits; optional)
Entry Criteria
Typical offers are made for 96 tariff points for the BSc Applied Psychology programme. This programme is aimed at A-Level school-leavers, Access to HE qualification-holders and those who have left education and now wish to return.
There is no expectation that A-Level candidates will have studied Psychology at A-Level. We are keen to assess each application on its own merit, and will also consider non-traditional routes, although admission may be subject to an interview.
Additional study skills support is available for any student needing more intensive tuition, and the nature of assessments and feedback in the first year provides ample opportunity for students who may be lacking in academic experience or confidence to develop their academic style.
ENTRY REQUIRED DOCUMENTS
Home Office Share Code
For EU students only.
IF no Qualification
Please provide CV with at least 2 years of work experience, and employee reference letter.
Assessment
ASSESSMENT METHODS
1. INTERNAL ENGLISH TEST if you don't have an English accredited certificate
2. Academic Interview
Assessment
The programme will offer a range of different assessment methods to provide students with the opportunity to extend their practical and academic skills and encourage independent learning.
These will include traditional assessments such as academic essays and exams in addition to more innovative assessment methods such as academic posters, online assessments, group presentations, report writing, discussions, short answer or multiple choice questions and campaign/promotional leaflets.
Your overall degree classification marks will be calculated from Years Two and Three of your studies. This classification will be calculated as 33% at Level 5 and 67% at Level 6.
Career Opportunities
Students who graduate with a minimum lower second-class honours classification (2:2) are eligible for the Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (GBC) of the British Psychological Society.
This indicates that students have met the curriculum requirements derived from the Quality Assurance Agency’s (2007) subject benchmark statement for Psychology and is often an important prerequisite for students wishing to go on to further postgraduate study or training in psychology.
Over the last four years, a number of our students have progressed onto BPS stage II postgraduate training programmes (popular routes being Masters programmes in Clinical/Abnormal Psychology, Occupational Psychology and Health Psychology), as well as our own MSc in Applied Psychology, offered at UWTSD.
For those not wishing to pursue a career in psychology, graduates of our BSc Applied psychology programme have long been recognised as being of value to a range of organisations beyond Psychology such as :
• Teaching*
• Social work
• Human resources*
• Health care/NHS
• Politics and Civil Service
• Media and advertising
• Policy officer
• Care industry professional
• Playleader
• Work with adults with learning difficulties
• Police Service
• Probation Service
• Education Officers
• Postgraduate study/research
• Social Work*
• Psychologist
*with additional qualification
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