Programme And Module Handbook
 
Programme Specification


Date Specification Approved 15/11/2020
College College Life and Env Sci
School School of Psychology
Department School of Psychology
Partner College and School
Collaborative Organisation and Form of Collaboration
Qualification and Programme Title B.Sc. Psychology Full-time
Programme Code 0231
Delivery Location Campus
Language of Study English
Length of Programme 3 Year(s)
Accreditations British Psychological Society
Aims of the Programme The psychology component of the programme aims to provide a broad, fundamental and practical education in the discipline of psychology which is informed by staff research interests. This is achieved by i) covering approaches to the study of psychology which range from the observations of basic neural mechanisms to the analysis of complex human relationships including those in an applied setting, and ii) interpreting contemporary empirical findings from a series of different theoretically grounded perspectives.The programme involves:i) coverage of the core areas of psychology, that is biological, cognitive, developmental, personality and individual differences, and social psychology.Ii) training in research methods leading to competence in research design, data collection, analysis, statistics, interpretation and report writing,iii) in depth study of optional specialised topics which are at the cutting edge of research. Students are thus equipped with discipline-specific knowledge to appreciate and critically evaluate theory, research findings and their applications; to undertake independent, supervised research and to acquire transferable, employment related skills.On completion of the programme students have the skills and necessary preparation for both professional training, the degree being recognised by the British Psychological Society as conferring the Graduate Basis for Registration, and further academic study.
Programme Outcomes
Students are expected to have Knowledge and Understanding of: Which will be gained through the following Teaching and Learning methods: and assessed using the following methods:
The principal, theoretical underpinnings and approaches to the modern, empirically based study of psychology.
The existing scholarship in psychology and how to relate it to pure and applied problems within the discipline.
The range of influences on psychological functioning and how they are conceptualised across the core areas.
The key issues dealt with by the five core areas of psychology, that is, in biological, cognitive, developmental, social psychology and individual differences.
The different methodologies of psychological investigation including the use of both quantitative and qualitative methods.
How to carry out an extensive piece of independent empirical research including how to: define a research problem, formulate testable hypotheses, choose appropriate methodologies, plan and carry out a study efficiently, discuss findings in terms of previous research, evaluate limitations of methodologies and analyses employed.
The theoretical and practical use of a variety of psychological tools including specialist software, laboratory equipment and psychometric instruments.
For Diploma of Higher Education (at least 240 credits of which 100 must be at level 2 or above) 1,2,3,4,5, apply
For certificate of Higher Education (at least 120 credits at Level 1 or above) 1,2,3 apply.
A more limited number of specialised areas of psychology at a deeper level which are at the cutting edge of research.
Tutorials, lectures, private directed study embedded in all parts of the course, workshops, research methods classes in statistics and practicals, experimental project, classes in statistics and practicals, lectures and private directed study at level 3
Essays, examinations, coursework at level 3, embedded in most forms of assessment, class tests, practical reports, experimental project, written report and oral presentation, examination (open and closed book) and course work including, slide and poster presentation preparation, research proposal, media report, class tests, essay.
Students are expected to have attained the following Skills and other Attributes: Which will be gained through the following Teaching and Learning methods: and assessed using the following methods:
To be able to communicate effectively with psychologists and non-psychologists in written reports, seminar presentations and informal discussion.
Use of computers for word processing, data management, and statistical analysis and use the internet as a learning, research and communication tool.
To retrieve and organise primary source material, viewing it analytically and subjecting it to critical evaluation, integrating different perspective on issues and problems, prior to drawing conclusions.
To undertake self directed study and project management in order to meet desired objectives
To work productively with others on tasks involving psychology while also developing the necessary skills to work independently.
To be able to demonstrate mastery of the knowledge and understanding obtained in the learning on the programme by being able to retain, recall, explain, apply and critically evaluate body of knowledge without access to external materials.
Preparation of project report and deliver of project talk, oral and poster presentations in research methods classes, course work in level 3 module. Research methods classes for statistics and for developing IT skills, private direct study at level 3 which requires extensive use of Web resources such as E-journals, research project which requires data management and statistical analysis. Embedded within all aspects of teaching and learning in the programme. Embedded in most aspects of the programme but most apparent in level 3 modules which have substantial defined private directed study components and in research project. The development of skills to work independently are embedded in most aspects of the programme but note that practical classes and some tutorial tasks in research methods requires group work.
Project report and project talk, oral and poster presentations in research methods classes, course work in level 3 modules including assessment of media report, research proposal and slide presentation. Class tests for statistics, course work assessments at level 3, research project. Embedded in all assessments within the programme. Embedded in most aspects of the programme but most apparent in level 3 modules which have substantial defined private directed study components and in research project. The development of skills to work independently are rewarded in most aspects of assessment and are not specifically assessed. The group work undertaken in practical classes in research methods requires assessed group oral and poster presentation. Unseen examinations.