Psychology Degree Course UK - BSc (Hons)

Program Overview

The BSc Psychology degree from the University of Roehampton explores the science behind human behavior and cognition. Students develop research and analytical skills through compulsory modules in psychological methods, and have flexibility in tailoring their studies with optional modules in areas like forensic, clinical, and developmental psychology. The degree is accredited by the British Psychological Society, providing a foundation for further study or a wide range of career options.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

Psychology sheds light on how people act, react, and interact.

• How can professionals improve their performance at work?
• How can we improve the mental health and wellbeing of society?
Learn how to apply scientific methods to measure, understand and explain; beliefs, decision-making and behaviour in a range of psychological settings. You’ll begin by studying the core areas of psychology – from the science of memory and language to the biological basis of our behaviours. You’ll also have the flexibility to tailor your studies to your interests as you progress. You could explore issues like forensic psychology, clinical psychology, child development or neuropsychology. Then, whatever your route, you’ll work on a research project in your final year. Open the doors to your professional future. It’s a psychology course shaped around the core syllabus of the professional body – the British Psychological Society (BPS). You could progress to a career as a Chartered Psychologist. Or explore other sectors such as business, communications, education or law enforcement.

Outline:

• Year 1:
• Compulsory Modules:
• Methods and practice of psychological inquiry:
Research underpins everything that you will learn on your degree. Developing an understanding of how to design, analyse and interpret research studies will provide you with the core skills needed throughout your course. You will learn to undertake research in a range of different areas and how to convey these findings to a range of different audiences.
• Introduction to Psychobiology and Cognition: Cognition concentrates on mental processes such as memory, thinking and language.
Your physiological systems underpin all of these behaviours. Together these two approaches allow you to understand a range of processes including memory, attention and perception.
• Being a Psychologist: The module introduces you to the ethical practice of psychology, and starts the process of planning your career either as a psychologist, or in another role where you will apply the knowledge and skills you develop from your psychology degree to a different domain.
• Topics in Psychology: Psychology is a fast developing subject area that can be applied to all aspects of human behaviour.
Familiarising yourself with a range of exciting new areas and developing an understanding the research conducted within the School, allows you to determine the applied areas of psychology that you might choose to specialise in during the remaining years of your degree.
• Year 2:
• Compulsory Modules:
• Psychological Research Methods 1: Design and Quantitative Analysis:
This module will introduce you to a variety of statistical and research techniques in both academic and commercial settings. You will have the opportunity to apply these techniques within a practical setting.
• Social and Developmental Psychology: This module explores social psychology and developmental psychology.
You will look into a range of topics to develop your understanding and knowledge of social psychology such as attribution, social cognition and aggression and developmental psychology such as language development, attachment and Theory of Mind. You will also be provided with an understanding of key areas within physiological psychology.
• Qualitative Psychological Research: Establish the skills to carry out, and write up, your own independent empirical studies using qualitative methods of data collection and analysis.
• Optional Modules:
The four key topics explored in this module are neurodevelopment, physical dysfunctions, language development & disorders and current theories of cognitive development.
• Clinical Psychology: You'll develop your knowledge and engagement with clinical and health psychology, and its application to areas of psychological and somatic health.
You'll learn all about the therapeutic process, from developing a theoretically driven biopsychosocial formulation to informing a therapeutic strategy. Topics covered may include, eye-witness testimony, expert witnesses, domestic and honour based violence, crime detection and treatment and a range of other areas.
• Topics & Techniques in Neuroscience: This module highlights the importance of adopting a multidisciplinary approach to the understanding of brain function and behaviour, with particular emphasis on covering some of the important topics and techniques involved in Biopsychology.
The module also provides a historical context in which to consider current brain research methods.
• Year 3:
• Compulsory Modules:
• Essential Issues in Psychology: History, Individual Differences and Ethics:
You will examine psychological theories of topics such as personality, intelligence, emotion, motivation and the self. This is achieved within a framework of discussion of concepts and debates within psychology. There is also a focus on the application of theories to individual differences and the ethical concerns which these can raise.
• Psychology Project: With this module you will complete an advanced piece of empirical investigation under supervision by an appropriate member of staff.
This may be in any psychological area in which you are interested, provided the topic is approved by a member of the psychology staff. You'll also study current issues specific to violent and sexual offenders.
• Crime: Impacts and Consequences: The aim of this module is to develop your critical understanding of topics relating to the impact and consequences of crime from both social psychological and forensic perspectives.
You will explore content on how impacts and consequences relate to both individual both victims and society in general.
• Neuropsychological Disorders and Techniques: The module examines individuals with brain damage or those suffering from brain dysfunction or trauma from a neuropsychological and cognitive perspective.
The module covers the use of techniques, such as neuroimaging, in developing the understanding of neuropsychological disorders.
• Brain, Treatments and Behaviour: The module introduces the field of psychopharmacology with a particular emphasis on examining "abused" drugs.
You'll also study chemical treatments used for psychiatric disorders. The module approaches these topics from historical, physiological, neurochemical, and psychological perspectives.
• Psychology in Education: The module covers a number of topic areas chosen both for their importance in educational practice and to reflect the application of psychological research to the area of education.
You will also learn the social and emotional aspects of psychopathology. This allows you to build confidence and experience ahead of post-study employment, to learn more about the application of your psychological skills to a new job or to experience new settings in which you might work.
• Application of Clinical Psychology Practice, Clinical Research, Service Delivery: You'll learn about the many different roles of a Clinical and Health Psychologist.
You'll explore how they apply skills in different professional arenas. You'll be able to communicate a clear and coherent explanation of the roles of a clinical or health psychologist. You'll also gain professional competence in clinical communication skills.
• Cognitive Behaviour Assessment and Treatment Planning in Clinical Psychology: In this module, you will develop your skills in applying cognitive behavioural theories within clinical and health psychology.
You will also develop your problem-solving skills in applying techniques to treatment plans.

Assessment:

• Around half of your assessments will be through coursework, while the other half will come from exams.
• This could be essays, multiple-choice tests or practical projects.

Teaching:

• You’ll learn from a team of academics that produces first-class research.
Much of it rated ‘internationally excellent’ and ‘world-leading’.
• You’ll hear from them in lectures, seminars, tutorials and practical sessions.
• You'll be expected to spend just as much time on independent study.

Careers:

• This course offers an ideal first step for a career in Psychology.
• Many graduates aiming to work as clinical professionals go onto postgraduate study.
• By studying psychology at university you won’t be limited to just one field or discipline.
With the skills that this degree provides, you’ll have a wide range of possibilities ahead of you including:
• Police
• Prison Service
• NHS
• Social and community services
• Health authorities
• The pharmaceutical industry
• Education and training

Other:

• You’ll make the most of exceptional psychology facilities.
• You can choose to take a sandwich year.
These opportunities help you develop workplace skills and experience. Offering Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (GBC). You'll have access to over 30 state-of-the-art laboratories and get the chance to undertake research in various settings. So you can adapt as your interests, expertise and career aspirations develop.

| --- | Most of these will be optional, but some courses have essential additional costs.