Applied Psychology

Year 1

Completed via BA (Hons) Applied Social Sciences

The first year of this course is an opportunity to explore introductory social science theories and applications including elements of psychology, sociology, research methods and politics. Additionally you will develop generic academic skills such as writing reports, presenting and study skills.

Year 2

Completed via BA (Hons) Applied Social Sciences

You will build upon the skills developed in year one, by exploring the topics in greater depth and introducing specialist modules. Academic skills will also be developed further.

Year 3

In year three you can specialise in psychology-based modules. Through the completion of a number of core topics, you will advance your knowledge and experience of psychology, psychology-based research and how these can be applied to contemporary, real-world issues.

Year 4

In your final year, you will again be able to choose modules that reflect your interest in various areas of psychology. This year also includes a core Dissertation module, which will allow you to study, in-depth, an area of relevant interest.

Learning Methods

You will be taught through a wide-variety of teaching methods including formal lectures, seminar activities, group work, project work and directed reading.

In Years 1 and 2 everyone studies the same modules via the BA (Hons) Applied Social Sciences route, however in Years 3 and 4 you will specialise in psychology.

Activity Summary

The activity depends on the module and includes:

• Lectures
• Seminars
• e-Learning activities
• Directed and private study.
• Student led seminars.
• Practical work
• Class discussions

How long is a BA (Hons) Applied Psychology course?

The duration of an Applied Psychologydegree is 4 years.

Independent Study

We encourage you to be an independent learner from the start of your course. Each module involves two to three hours of timetabled teaching each week, but you will have considerably more follow-up work beyond this.

Staff Delivering on This Course

Our class sizes are small and this, along with a high level of contact time with staff, enables us to provide a friendly and supportive learning environment.

Our team of academic staff are actively engaged in applied research which underpins the teaching in areas such as drug abuse, homelessness, Alzheimer’s disease, attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder, forensic psychology, the body and political violence. Such research activity ensures that our course is kept current and relevant.

Assessment

Assessment is through a combination of exams and coursework which may be a mix of essays, reports and presentations including:

• Written coursework
• Portfolios
• Exams
• Essays
• Oral presentations
• Case Studies
• Dissertation

Feedback

We aim to provide you with feedback within 20 working days of hand-in for all written exams, coursework and practical exams.

Placements

While there is no formal placement opportunity on this course, one of the elective modules has a placement element. If this module is chosen, you will be able to either work for a local social sciences-based organisation or carry out relevant research for them.

Study Abroad

There will be the opportunity to study abroad for a semester in Year 2 of the course. We currently have study abroad links with Cyprus, Austria, Germany, Malta, Poland and Belgium. We also have the opportunity for a student exchange with Montana State University Billings.

Job Prospects

Psychology is useful for a number of careers in a variety of areas, such as education, the criminal justice system and social care. Throughout the course you will also be learning important transferable skills that will be needed in the changing workplace. There is also the opportunity to pursue a higher degree, such as a Masters or PhD.