Psychology, BSc (Hons)

Course summary

The BSc (Hons) Psychology degree aims to provide students with a strong foundation of knowledge and expertise within the subject. The degree is taught by research-active academics with specialist areas of expertise including cognitive neuropsychology, vision and attentional processing, infant cognition and language, mental health, forensic psychology and life span development. Students are encouraged to participate in original research projects with staff throughout the course, and may have the opportunity to publish and present findings. Students have the opportunity to learn through a combination of theoretical, lecture-based teaching, small group seminar discussion and practical experimentation. The course aims to enable students to develop their knowledge of psychology and their ability to design, conduct and assess independent research projects.

The course aims to offer students a high degree of choice in the range of option modules that complement the core topics. The options focus on areas of cutting-edge research, vocational areas and specialist topics. The specialist research areas within the department include cognitive neuropsychology, vision and attentional processing, infant cognition and language, mental health, forensic psychology, and life span development. The first year is designed to introduce students to key concepts in psychology, including cognition, development, social psychology, biological psychology and research skills. Students have the opportunity to explore current research issues, conceptual and historical issues, as well as psychology being applied to real world issues. In the second year, students have the opportunity to develop and refine their research skills and can begin to tailor their course to their interests by choosing two elective modules to examine topics in greater depth. During the final year, students may choose from a wide selection of optional modules and are expected to complete an extended independent study. At this stage, it is expected that the majority of students' studies will be determined by their interests and career aspirations. For the most up to date module information, please visit the course page for this programme on our website. Timetabling arrangements may limit the availability of some optional modules to some students. As the options often reflect staff research interests, they may alter over time due to staff availability.