Psychology, BSc (Hons)

Durham’s Psychology Department excels in research and teaching, spanning areas from child development and perception to cognitive neuroscience and behavioural science. This breadth allows for a diverse range of final-year optional courses, taught by leading experts, with opportunities expanding as the department grows.The BSc (Hons) in Psychology follows British Psychological Society guidelines, offering modules in social, developmental, cognitive, and applied psychology, including neurorehabilitation and health. Students access excellent facilities like virtual reality suites and EEG labs, and are encouraged to participate in experiments for hands-on learning. The program explores mental processes, biological mechanisms, and social contexts, developing subject-specific and transferable skills.

You will take modules to the value of 120 credits each year. 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 or year abroad) In your final year, you will design and carry out your own 7,000-word Dissertation. You will formulate the research question, employing appropriate methods of investigation and analysis, and interpret the results in light of relevant empirical work and psychological theory. In recent years, optional modules have included: Learning and Animal Cognition Emotion and Social Perception Clinical Neuropsychology Neuropsychology of Amnesia Fetal Development Sport and Exercise Psychology The Ever Adapting Brain – Sensory Neuroplasticity Face Recognition.