Psychological and Behavioural Science, BSc (Hons)

The BSc in Psychological and Behavioural Science provides a British Psychological Society-accredited psychology education, integrated with advanced behavioural science. This interdisciplinary program applies psychological principles to address challenges in public, private, and third-sector organizations, emphasizing behavioural outcomes and interventions for change. Students learn cutting-edge research methods, theories, and applications for business, management, and policy, with options for a placement year or study abroad.In Year 1, foundational knowledge in cognitive, biological, developmental, and social psychology is established. Year 2 advances these areas, covering differential and clinical psychology, while Year 3 involves a dissertation and specialized modules like business psychology or behaviour change. Assessment includes exams, essays, reports, and presentations, delivered through lectures, tutorials, and practical classes to foster critical skills.

Year 1 Core modules: Introduction to Psychology 1: Cognitive and Biological Psychology introduces a broad foundation of knowledge of the core areas of cognitive psychology and biological psychology. Introduction to Psychology 2: Developmental and Social Psychology allows you to acquire a broad foundation of knowledge in core areas of psychology including developmental psychology, social psychology and individual differences. Introduction to Psychological Research introduces key research methods and statistical techniques used in psychology. Academic Skill Development for Psychology introduces students to the fundamental skills required for studying Psychology at degree level in a tutorial-based manner. The skills covered will include aspects of written and oral communication in line with psychological literacy skills, e.g. summarizing articles, critical evaluation, presentations. In recent years, optional modules have included: Careers in Psychology. Year 2 Core modules: Cognitive and Biological Psychology develops an understanding of theoretical, methodological and empirical approaches in cognitive and biological psychology, with particular emphasis on memory, decision making, learning, and perception Social and Developmental Psychology provides a broad knowledge and understanding of research and theory in some of the key areas of developmental psychology and examines the contribution that social psychology has made to an understanding of the relations between people and social structures involving people. Differential and Clinical Psychology develops knowledge and understanding of theory and research in differential psychology, the study of psychological differences and similarities between people and understanding of theory and research in atypical and clinical psychology. Contemporary and Conceptual Issues in Psychology develops skills in researching and communicating a range of contemporary and conceptual issues in psychology. It provides an opportunity to discuss psychological research in a tutorial context. Advanced Research Methods and Statistics provides experience of the practical application of a wide range of methods in psychological research and develops presentation skills necessary for communicating research aims and findings. You will also be equipped with the knowledge and understanding of the more advanced statistical methods used in psychological research, together with the practical ability to apply such methods to a variety of data sets. Year 3 (Year 4 if undertaking a placement year or year abroad) In your final year, you will design and carry out your own Dissertation on an area of behavioural science chosen in consultation with an academic advisor. The range of possible topics is extensive, and research can take place in settings such as schools or private sector organisations, as well as in research laboratories in the Department of Psychology. In recent years, optional modules have included: Business and Economic Psychology Behaviour Change Professional Skills Development Evaluating Evidence Learning and Animal Cognition Social Perception Clinical Neuropsychology Psychology in the Workplace.