About the BSc (Hons) Psychology
Our BSc (Hons) Psychology degree covers a range of approaches to psychology, with an emphasis on understanding human behaviour; you will not only learn about the mind, the brain and behaviour but also about child development, social processes, personality and individual differences and the application of psychology to real world issues.
Why choose this course?
- This British Psychological Society accredited degree provides you with the first step towards becoming a professional psychologist.
- You will have the opportunity to explore the secrets of what makes us human, what it means to be alive and why we behave in the ways we do.
- Be part of the active research culture of the Division by attending weekly research seminars led by experts from NTU and other universities.
- Compete for paid work as a research assistant in the summer vacation between your second and third year. This is invaluable experience for those who are successful.
- Design and carry out your own research. You will learn the skills in the first two years and put them into practice in your final year with a research project of your choice.
- Study in a friendly supportive and diverse learning environment. Our students rate us highly with 95% saying they would recommend their course to others.*
- In your final year you will take part in the innovative Professional Practice Conference that gives you an experience similar to that of a consultant psychologist.
- Problem-based learning is used on several modules to help you develop practical skills.
*National Student Satisfaction Survey 2010
Accreditation from the British Psychological Society (BPS)
This course is accredited by the BPS and confers Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership of the Society, provided the minimum standard of lower second class (2:2) honours is achieved.
Please note the following information for applicants
BSc (Hons) Psychology course content
Year One
Core modules:
- Schools of Thought in Psychology
- Cognitive Psychology One
- Biological Psychology One
- Social Psychology One
- Developmental Psychology One
- Research Methods
- Statistics.
Year Two
Core modules:
- Cognitive Psychology Two
- Biological Psychology Two
- Social Psychology Two
- Developmental Psychology Two
- Quantitative Research Methods
- Qualitative Research Methods
- Integrative Perspectives in Psychology
- Statistics
- Individual Differences.
Year Three
Core modules:
- Professional Practice in Psychology
- Psychology Research Project.
Optional modules:
Choose optional modules from a range that currently includes:
- Language and Literacy Development in Children
- Biological Perspectives on Psychiatric Disorders
- Psychology, Educational Support Needs and Inclusion
- Psychology and the Emergency Services
- Evolutionary Psychology
- Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for Trauma
- Criminological Psychology
- Occupational Psychology
- Advances in Infant Development
- Cognitive Neuroscience.
You will study core psychological topics over the first two years which provide a strong foundation in the disciplines and their methods. By your final year you will have gained the research skills and expertise required to carry out your own research project, developed from a research question of your choice. In your final year you will select from a portfolio of specialist module options that build upon the research and other specialist interests of staff. The degree of choice available to you is unusual and the unique portfolio of options we offer allows you to create a final year of study that is tailored to your specific needs, interests and future career plans.
Assessment
We employ an imaginative range of assessment techniques that extends beyond the familiar essay and exam allowing you to demonstrate your abilities across a number of different domains and giving every student the opportunity to excel.
How do you study?
You will experience a variety of teaching methods, including small group tutorials, workshops and laboratory studies sessions as well as the traditional large formal lectures provided by enthusiastic, engaged and expert staff.
We pride ourselves on allowing you plenty of opportunities to talk, both formally and informally, to staff and your peers about your ideas and we will encourage and support your active involvement in your own learning and understanding.
There is a very high quality of both learning and pastoral support available in the Psychology Division in addition to that provided by Nottingham Trent University's Student Support Services. We are committed to our students' success.
Special features of the BSc (Hons) Psychology
The University has made significant financial investment in the Psychology Division over recent years, upgrading facilities and equipment that are used exclusively for the provision of our psychology courses. You will benefit from a state-of-the-art undergraduate teaching laboratory suite including ten hexagonal adaptable pods which each comfortably seat six students. Pods can be used as a flat desk surface for research group meetings and activities or, at the touch of a button, the pods transform into six separate computer workstations with specialist software.
There are also laboratories specifically for postgraduate students. Undergraduate students also have access to five specialist suites dedicated to:
- social interaction
- group work and interviewing
- eye-tracking
- cognitive modelling and visual analysis
- EEG and other psycho-biological measures.
Alongside these are new flexible cubicles for student project work, a psychometric test bank library and a technical workshop. The whole laboratory area is designed to be comfortable and user-friendly with break out space available for meetings with fellow students and staff and using wireless internet facilities.
Your future career in Psychology
We've got an excellent employability record. 94% of our graduates* from full-time undergraduate courses are employed or engaged in further study six months after leaving.
(*of those available for work, HESA survey 2009 / 10)
Our recent Psychology (including combined subjects) graduates have gone on to careers including:
- assistant psychologist
- childrens residential support worker
- data analyst
- mental health support worker
- occupational therapy assistant
- police constable
- primary care mental health worker
- prison officer
- probation service officer
- psychology lecturer
- psychiatric support worker
- research assistant
- senior clinical support worker
- teenage pregnancy sexual health project worker
- trainee clinical neurophysiologist.
Taken from the Graduate Destinations Database 2006 - 2010.
Further postgraduate study or training may be required for some careers in psychology.
Other professional careers, such as marketing, journalism and human resources would benefit from the transferable skills you acquire during your psychology degree.
This course does not currently offer placements.
Full entry requirement details
- 320 minimum UCAS Tariff points achieved from a maximum of three A-levels or equivalent qualification.
- No more than one A-level should be in a performance, artistic or creative subject *
- Five GCSEs grade C or above
- GCSE English Language and Maths grade C or above
* Performance, artistic or creative subjects include the following:
- Art and Design
- Dance
- Design and Technology – Food Technology
- Design and Technology - Product Design
- Design and Technology – Systems and Control
- Drama
- Theatre Studies
- Fine Art
- Graphic Design
- Leisure Studies
- Music
- Music Technology
- Performance Studies
- Performing Arts
- Photography
- Textiles
- Three Dimensional Design or similar type
- Applied Art and Design
- Applied Art and Design (Double Award)
- Applied Leisure Studies
- Applied Leisure Studies (Double Award).
This list is subject to change. For further information or if you have any queries please contact us.
English language entry requirements
See the English language entry requirements for courses at the School of Social Sciences and a full list of all English language qualifications accepted by the University.
Application and selection
Selection is based on the application form. All applicants and potential applicants are encouraged to attend one of our open days. Applications are made through UCAS where you can apply directly online. Mature or international students can find out more about applying by calling +44 (0)115 848 4460. We have a strong commitment to maintaining access for all to higher education. We recognise the need to invest financially in the future of our students, so we have introduced a system of bursaries aimed at enabling home students from lower income families to undertake a degree course. For information about Nottingham Trent University bursaries please visit the Fees and funding pages.
Contact us
Email
Telephone: +44 (0)115 848 4460
School of Social Sciences website
