Psychology BSc (Hons)

About the course

The psychology degree focuses across key areas in psychology with an opportunity to achieve a deeper understanding in specialised areas. The first and second years focus upon providing a foundation in what the British Psychological Society| recognises as the core areas of psychology.

Additional focus is given to exploring psychology as an applied subject, where the impact of psychology in our everyday lives is made more explicit. You will also be given an introduction to the current research methods being used, and have scope to explore this in a practical context.

The final year involves an individual Research Project and Conceptual Issues and Critical Debates in Psychology. In addition we offer a wide choice of optional modules to suit your interests and aspirations.

Reasons why you should choose to study a Psychology Degree at DMU

• Professionally accredited by the British Psychological Society, successful completion of this course enables eligibility for the Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership; the first step towards becoming a Chartered Psychologist
• Enhance your range of scientific knowledge, transferable and analytical skills across a broad range of optional modules
• Our Psychology student volunteer scheme is being developed and will provide exciting opportunities to become actively involved in cutting - edge research projects and work with organisations
• Wide range of optional modules allow you to tailor your learning to your interests and career aspirations
• 94 per cent of our psychology students express satisfaction with the course (National Student Survey 2012)

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Key facts

UCAS course code: C800

Duration: Three years full-time, six years part-time

Institution code: D26

Entry and admission criteria

2013/2014 UCAS Points Minimum of 300 points GCSEs

• 5 GCSEs at grade C or above including Maths and English. Plus one of the following:

Alevels

• Normally with at least 200 points from 2 A levels with a specified subject at grade B or above

BTEC

• BTEC National Diploma - BTEC with Distinction/Distinction/Merit (320) points
• BTEC National Certificate - only in combination with other accepted qualifications
• BTEC National Award - only in combination with other accepted qualifications
• BTEC Extended Diploma (3 A2s) - BTEC with Distinction/Distinction/Merit (320) points
• BTEC Diploma (2 A2s) - only in combination with other accepted qualifications
• BTEC 90 credit Diploma - only in combination with other accepted qualifications
• BTEC Subsidiary Diploma (1 A2) - only in combination with other accepted qualifications
• BTEC certificate (1 A1) - only in combination with other accepted qualifications

Access Course Pass. English and Maths GCSE equivalency required, 12 level 2 credits in each subject

Interview: No

Work Experience: No

International Baccalaureate: 30+
If you are unsure about the amount of UCAS points your qualifications may attract you can use our UCAS Tariff Chart|.

International Students:
If English is not your first language, we require an English language level of IELTS 6.5 or equivalent. English language tuition is available at DMU both before and during the course if required.

Personal Statement selection criteria

• Clear communication skills, including good grammar and spelling

• Information relevant to the course applied for

• Interest in the course demonstrated with explanation and evidence

• If relevant for the course - work and life experience

Teaching and assessment

Our teaching is informed by the research activity of staff at national and international levels. We offer lectures, seminars, tutorials, laboratory work and experimental workshops, involving both directed and independent study. Assessment combines essays and exams with more innovative methods.

Typical contact time for any one week is approximately 12–14 hours, and includes seminars, lectures and workshops. Additionally you are expected to engage in 24–26 hours of self-directed study, including library research, group work and report/essay writing.

The course is managed by enthusiastic, well-qualified and experienced staff with established research profiles across psychological perspectives.

Course modules

In the first and second years, the focus is upon providing a good foundation in what the British Psychological Society recognises as the core areas of Psychology.

First year

• Introductory Research Methods for Psychologists
• Core Areas of Psychology
• Theories and Historical Perspectives in Psychology
• Psychology in Context
• Empirical Psychology

Second year

• Further Research Methods for Psychologists
• Abnormal Psychology
• Biological Psychology
• Cognitive Psychology
• Developmental Psychology
• Personality and Intelligence
• Social Psychology

The final year involves an individual Research Project and Conceptual Issues and Critical Debates in Psychology, as well as a wide choice of optional modules to suit your personal interests and career aspirations.

Third year

Core:

• Psychology Project
• Library - based project (joint Honours only)
• Plus optional modules from a choice of up to 15

Academic expertise

This course is designed and managed by enthusiastic, well-qualified and experienced staff with established research profiles across psychological perspectives; ensuring you gain the highest standard of learning.

Industry links and professional accreditation

The high quality teaching has been recognised by the British Psychological Society. The course content, delivery and teaching meets the high standards set by this body.

Work experience and placements

As many of the professional positions open to psychologists require additional qualifications beyond undergraduate study there are no formal opportunities for work experience placements.

However, you will experience real life research alongside professionals and there are a variety of opportunities in our dedicated Psychology student volunteer scheme, providing you with exciting opportunities to become actively involved in cutting- edge research projects and work with organisations.

Graduate careers

A degree in psychology is well respected in a range of other sectors and can open up a variety of career opportunities. Careers in police services, teaching, social work, human resources, healthcare, research and advertising are typical of areas where such a degree is useful.

Once you have graduated and gained practical experience, you may choose to enhance your professional development with a postgraduate degree; including Health Psychology MSc| and Psychological Well-being MSc|.

Learn more about graduate employability and careers|

Fees and funding

UK/EU Full-time £9000 Part Time 2013/14 4 Year Course £5925 6 Year Course £3950 Per Module (15 Credits) £988 International
Full-time Band 1 £10,750 Band 2 £11,250

Learn more about fees and funding information|.

Scholarships

Learn more about our Undergraduate scholarships| and awards information.

Facilities

The department has two dedicated computer laboratories used for both teaching and self-directed learning, along with the facilities to produce high quality research in modern, well-equipped surroundings.

There are six individual research cubicles specifically designed for flexibility and comfort when conducting your research.

In addition, there are a number of interview rooms for use in non-experimental research, as well as a fully equipped observation suite complete with a two-way mirror and recording equipment.

Learn more about our first-class study facilities|