The course covers the core areas of psychology and a wide range of optional modules, many of which deal with application of psychological theory and research.  The insights, approaches and the research skills gained from the degree will be relevant to many areas of your working life, whether or not you take up a career in psychology. The Department of Psychology is well known for its research and has an outstanding teaching reputation. It was awarded the maximum 24 points in the Quality Assurance Agency Subject Review of Psychology.

Course content

The course is structured to provide you with a strong psychology base right from the start of your studies. At Year 1 (Credit Level 4) you take a range of core psychology modules that introduce you to the main areas and methods of psychological study.

At Year 2 (Credit Level 5) you take core modules that cover areas central to the discipline of psychology, including social, cognitive and developmental psychology and the study of individual differences. Advanced Research Methods further develops your knowledge and skills in both quantitative and qualitative research methods and analysis.

At Year 3 (Credit Level 6) you are offered more choice in the modules you take. In the Research Project you select a research topic of particular interest to you, and devise, conduct and report on a research investigation relevant to this topic. The remainder of your study in this year is chosen from a wide range of option modules allowing you to follow up your interests in the field.

Option modules at Year 3 (Credit Level 6) include:

• Occupational Psychology
• Clinical Psychology
• Cognitive Disorders
  
• Critical Psychology
• Psychology of Education
  
• Forensic Psychology
• Health Psychology
• Music and the Mind
• Psychology and the Internet
• Psychology of Counselling
• Psychology of Language
• Psychology of Prejudice
• Psychology of Sport and Exercise
  
• Psychology of Women
• Psychophysiology
• Studies on Consciousness
• Advanced Developmental Psychology
• Advanced Social Psychology
• Issues in Cognition: Theory and Application
• Psychology Literature Project
  Psychology of Sustainability

A module offering Applied Work Experience in Psychology allows you to draw on your understanding of psychological research and theory to inform your work experience in a setting relevant to psychology.

At each of the credit levels you may take a non-psychology module, for example in social sciences, biological sciences or a language module.

Work placement year

You will also have the option of taking an additional work placement year between Year 2 and Year 3 (Credit Levels 5 and 6) (subject to availability) where you will gain experience working under supervision in a psychological setting and can be awarded a Certificate in Work- Based Learning in Psychology. You will not be charged tuition fees during your work placement year.

Length of course

Three-year, full-time;

five-year, part-time

UCAS code

C801

Location

Central London (Regent)

Professional recognition

This degree is accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS) as conferring eligibility for the Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership, for students gaining at least a Lower Second Class Honours degree.

Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership is the first step towards becoming a Chartered Psychologist.

Teaching and assessment

The course combines lectures, seminar-based activities and practical sessions. Assessment combines a range of methods including written assignments, practical reports and presentations as well as exams.

Associated careers

Graduates can use their eligibility for the Graduate Basis for Charted Membership with the BPS to begin to pursue a career in applied psychology. After further study and training, graduates have taken up careers in clinical psychology, counselling psychology, health psychology, business psychology and forensic psychology. Many use their psychology in related professions including social work, management, human resources, education, market research, and public relations.

Typical offer for September 2009

For further information about Psychology courses visit the School of Social Sciences, Humanities and Languages website at www.westminster.ac.uk/sshl