Program Overview

Introduction to the Psychology Program

The BSc (Hons) Psychology degree at Aston University is designed to equip students with a comprehensive understanding of psychology and the practical skills necessary to excel professionally. This program is accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS) and provides a solid foundation for those interested in pursuing a career in psychology or related fields.

Program Overview

The Psychology program at Aston University is a four-year course that includes a placement year, providing students with valuable work experience in a professional setting. The program covers a wide range of topics, including biological, cognitive, social, and developmental psychology. Students will learn about research methods, statistical analysis, and how to apply psychological principles to real-world problems.

Course Structure

The program is divided into four years, with the first two years focusing on core modules and the final two years offering more specialized and optional modules. The placement year provides students with the opportunity to apply their knowledge and skills in a professional setting, either in the UK or internationally.

Year 1 Modules

• Key Skills in Psychology I: Introduction to key skills vital for today's psychologists, including critical thinking, research methodologies, data analysis, and ethical considerations.
• Key Skills in Psychology II: Practical experience in various research scenarios, using innovative software for online questionnaires and experiments, and analyzing quantitative data.
• Introduction to Clinical Psychology: Examination of common mental health conditions and their causes and treatment from a biological, cognitive, and learning perspective.
• Developmental and Social Psychology: Introduction to the main theories of cognitive and perceptual development and attachment, as well as theories, findings, and methods in cognitive-experimental social psychology.
• Biological and Cognitive Psychology: Core topics in neuroscience and cognitive psychology, including brain development and function in health and disease.
• Foundations of Contemporary Psychology: Introduction to the fundamental philosophical themes that divide the main historical schools of thought in psychology.

Year 2 Modules

• Research Methods and Data Analysis: Hands-on experience in designing questionnaires and experiments, and learning advanced data analysis methods.
• Applied Psychology and Professional Skills: Development of transferable professional skills and knowledge, exploring how psychology is applied in various professions.
• Social Psychology: Exploration of different topics in social psychology, including stereotypes, norms, prejudice, relationships, and identity.
• Brain and Behaviour: Study of the principles by which human behavior can be understood through the function and structure of the brain.
• Lifespan Development: Psychological influences on developmental psychology across the lifespan, with a critical review of research methods.
• Individual Differences and Personality: Understanding of intelligence and personality measures, and how they are used to understand real-world behaviors.

Placement Year

The placement year is an integral part of the program, providing students with the opportunity to gain valuable career-boosting experience in a real-world context. This experience helps students develop new skills and abilities, making them more attractive to future employers.

Final Year Modules

• Final Year Project: Designing and conducting a study that adds new knowledge to psychological literature, with support from experienced academic staff.
• Optional Modules: A range of specialized topics, including the developing brain, addiction and impulsivity, families and wellbeing, living with long-term health conditions, clinical psychology of intellectual disability, psychotic and affective disorders, neurodiversity, eating behavior, language learning and loss, and perceiving people.

Entry Requirements

• A Levels: BBB in any three A Level subjects, or BBC in any three A Level subjects plus grade B in either Core Maths or Extended Project Qualification (EPQ), or BCC in any three A Level subjects for contextual offer students.
• BTEC: National Extended Diploma (RQF) / Extended Diploma (QCF) in any subject with DDD, or Diploma (QCF) / National Diploma (RQF) in any subject with DD + one A-Level at grade B.
• International Baccalaureate Diploma: 31 points overall, with grades 5, 5, 5 in three Higher Level subjects, and Standard Level grade 5 in both Maths and English Language.
• Access: Successful completion of the QAA-recognised Access Diploma with 45 credits at Level 3, obtaining a minimum of 15 distinctions and 30 merits.
• T Levels: Grade Distinction in any of the accepted subjects.
• GCSEs: Five GCSEs at grade C/4 or above, including Maths and English Language or English Literature.
• Transfers: Considered on a case-by-case basis, with requirements including 5 GCSEs at grade C/4 or above, CCC at A Level in any subject, and a satisfactory academic reference.

Fees and Scholarships

• UK students: Annual tuition fees of Ł9,535, with a reduced fee of Ł1,250 during the placement year.
• International students: Annual tuition fees of Ł22,575, with a reduced fee of Ł2,500 during the placement year.
• Scholarships: Available to support talented and hardworking students, with various schemes to help lower tuition and living costs.

Career Prospects

Graduates from the Psychology program at Aston University are highly employable, with many pursuing careers in psychology, human resources, organizational development, marketing, business, and the creative industries. The program's focus on practical skills, research methods, and real-world applications prepares students for a wide range of career paths.

Assessment

The program uses a range of assessment types, including class tests, essays, individual research reports, presentations, and statistics assignments. The assessment strategy reflects the national educational requirements in the Framework for Qualifications of Higher Education (FHEQ).

Conclusion

The BSc (Hons) Psychology degree at Aston University provides students with a comprehensive understanding of psychology and the practical skills necessary to excel professionally. With its strong focus on research methods, statistical analysis, and real-world applications, this program is an excellent choice for those interested in pursuing a career in psychology or related fields.