About this course
- Entry year: 2012/13
- Course code: C800
- Applications: UCAS
- Level: Undergraduate
- Tariff points: Normally 340 minimum
- Department: Psychology
- Campus: Frenchay
- Duration: Three years full-time
- Delivery: Full-time
- Study Abroad: No
- Programme leader: Mick Emerson
Introduction
The BSc (Hons) Psychology degree is a three year full-time course which can also be studied part-time. It has been designed to promote a thorough understanding of Psychology, its theories, applications and the wide variety of research approaches to the study of human thought, action and behaviour. The course has a strong focus on the development of academic and key transferable skills. Considerable emphasis is also placed on employability and career planning. From 2013, subject to validation, there will also be a four year sandwich option. This will enable students to extend their work-based learning experience to a full year placement between Levels 2 and 3.
The course is accredited by the British Psychological Society and the degree confers the Graduate Basis for Chartership with the Society.
Structure
Content
Years 1 and 2
The first two years (Levels 1 and 2) cover the core content areas required for BPS recognition. These include social, developmental and cognitive psychology, individual differences, biological psychology, conceptual and historical issues, research design and statistical analysis. Students also take modules in Applied Psychology and Professional Skills, and undertake a work experience placement which is supervised by a member of academic staff.
In addition to the lecture and seminar programmes for each module students also gain extensive first-hand experience of carrying out and participating in both quantitative and qualitative psychological research. This experience is gained through taught practical sessions delivered in our well-equipped undergraduate laboratory. All students also join the Psychology research participant pool and gain course credit for taking part in a number of undergraduate, post-graduate and staff research projects. A comprehensive series of computer-based workshops designed to help students learn the range of statistical analytic procedures necessary to support psychological research is also provided.
All first and second year students are supported by an academic tutor.
Years 1 and 2: Modular structure and credit weightings
Level 1: Introduction to Psychology (30); Research Design and Analysis 1 (30); Professional Skills for Psychologists (30); Psychology in Action (30).
Level 2: Developmental and Cognitive Psychology (20); Individual Differences and Biological Psychology (20); Theoretical and Social Psychology; Research Design and Analysis 2 (30), Psychology in Practice (work based learning module) (30).
Year 3
All students complete a research project in Psychology (40 credits). The focus of the project is your own choice and you receive extensive supervision from a member of academic staff who also acts as your personal tutor for the year. Four further 20-credit options are also taken. These reflect the wide range of research and scholarly interests of our Academic Staff. Module titles currently include: Atypical Development; Advanced Developmental Psychology; Contemporary Issues in Social Psychology; Genders, Sexualities and Society; Critical Psychology; Health Psychology; Psychology of Sport and Exercise; Psychological Issues in Mental Health; Learning Disabilities; Counselling Theory and Practice; Issues in the Psychology of Education; Issues in the Psychology of Work; Psychology of Consciousness; Psychology of Addiction; Cognitive Neuropsychology; Psychopharmacology; Language and Mind; Psychology of Ageing; Psychology of Humour; Parapsychology and Anomalous Experiences; Human Sexuality; Methods in Neuroscience;
Students can opt to follow named awards in Health Psychology, Social Psychology, Psychology and Mental Health, Applied Psychology or Biological Psychology. This involves selecting options which relate to one of the aforementioned areas and carrying out a research project in that field. The named awards are also accredited by the BPS.
Assessment
The programme makes use of a variety of assessment methods. On average, the weighting of coursework and controlled assessment is around 50 per cent although this varies from module to module. Coursework includes essays, journal article and book reviews, research reports, literature review, computer based tests, personal reflective journal and group presentations. Controlled assessment includes unseen and seen examinations, timed assignments, group and individual presentations.
Careers/further study
Right from the start, the issues of careers and employability are seen as a priority. Although, according to British Psychological Society (BPS) national figures, on average only around 15 per cent of graduates will go on to become professional psychologists, an honours degree in Psychology enables the acquisition of a strong blend of knowledge, skills and expertise which can potentially confer significant advantages in the job market.
All students take part in the UWE Graduate Development Programme which is an integral part of the degree course. This is intended to help you recognise and develop the key skills you will need for success in your studies and in your careers. In addition, the Department of Psychology works closely with the University's Career Development Unit to ensure that you get the best possible information, advice and support. For those students considering a future as a professional psychologist postgraduate study and further training will be necessary.
Students are strongly encouraged to get involved in volunteering and voluntary work experience in the first year and beyond. The work-based learning module studied at level 2, Psychology in Practice, offers the opportunity for students to achieve academic credit for work experience undertaken during the second year. Our strong focus on skills and careers has resulted in Psychology at UWE having a record for graduate destinations which is amongst best of the post-1992 Universities, and which compares favourably with the sector as a whole.
Graduate destinations
Find out what our graduates are doing six months after graduating - includes examples of careers, employers and further study. Download a PDF from graduate destinations.
Creating employable students
UWE places strong emphasis on employability and skills development at every level. Through work placements, volunteering, study abroad and UWE initiatives which nurture talent and encourage innovation, students gain valuable real world experience and graduate with diverse career opportunities and a competitive place in the job market.
See great graduate prospects for further information.
Be inspired
Read how Sue set herself up as a freelance chartered psychologist.
Useful links
UWE - careers in psychology
Guardian - what to do with a degree in psychology
The UWE careers service provides guidance and support throughout your studies in addition to useful resources, CV checks, career coaching and details of current job vacancies.
Entry
Typical offers
- Tariff points: Normally 340 minimum
- GCSE: English Language, Mathematics and Double Science or Biology at grade C or above.
- Specific subjects: None specified
- Access: Achievement of the Access to HE Diploma; achievement of 30 level 3 credits at merit; achievement of level 2 credits giving GCSE equivalence in English Language, Mathematics and Science.
Advice on typical offers
In addition to the 'typical offer' given here, please read the general information about entry requirements.
International Students will be requested to take part in a telephone interview.
How to apply
Please see the general information about applications.
For further information
Page last updated 14 December 2011