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BSc (Hons)Psychology

More information

liverpool.ac.uk/..hology-bsc-hons/overview 

Overview

Interested? To learn more about this study programme, entry requirements and application process, please contact one of our consultants in a country nearest to you.

Programme structure

Programme Year One

Students take eight modules that provide an introduction to the principal topic areas and basic methods of research in Psychology. You will be required to pass all modules (120 CAT points) to progress into Year Two. The curriculum is delivered in a range of formats and supported by online resources through the University’s virtual interactive teaching environment (VITAL). In addition to lectures there are also class based practical sessions and other types of small group work. From the beginning of Year One a member of the academic staff is appointed as the students’ Academic Advisor. You will have regular fortnightly tutorials with them during term time covering general skills along with academic topics linked to the curriculum and postgraduate careers. In Year One you will have your first opportunity to begin developing a specialist portfolio. Psychology modules on offer include: Social and Abnormal Psychology; Development, Personality and Intelligence; Cognitive Psychology; Biological Psychology; Methods, Statistics and Computing; Professional Skills in Psychology; International Psychology; Transferable Skills.

Programme Year Two

Students undertake eight modules that revisit in depth the core topics of Psychology (e.g. Social Psychology, Behavioural Neuroscience, Developmental, etc). All modules must be passed in order to progress to Year Three and assessments contribute 30% to the overall degree classification. The majority of modules are compulsory to ensure the students achieve the basic curriculum necessary for accreditation by the British Psychological Society. Students evolving specialism is enhanced in Year Two through the ‘Field Placement’ where they are encouraged to undertake a two-week placement in a professional context relating to their evolving career choice. The Field Placement, which is assessed by an oral presentation to a group of peers, provides an invaluable opportunity to investigate psychology-related careers. There are also a further two modules (15 CATS points each) which are focused upon developing the students’ research skills to complete the training in psychological methods necessary for the third year research project. The second of these research skills modules is a small group project under the supervision of the Academic Advisor and provides an opportunity to undertake a pilot study for the individual project in Year Three. During year two students also have the opportunity to apply for ‘internships’ within some of the Faculty’s research laboratories.

Programme Year Three

Students take eight modules (120 CATS points) in areas relating to Psychology and assessments contribute the remaining 70% to the overall degree classification. Central to the year is the ‘Research Project’ (two of the eight modules or 30 CAT points). This is a piece of empirical work designed as a platform for students to display the application of their prior learning to a research topic that can be related to their chosen specialisation. The project can act as an important precursor to careers or postgraduate study. The topic is chosen in collaboration with a member of the academic staff and students often work closely with a research group of postgraduates and research assistants. Given their close links to research expertise in the various Institutes data from projects are sometimes published in scientific journals providing additional contributions to a graduate’s curriculum vitae. In addition, students are free to choose six optional modules (15 CATS points each) from various ‘pathways’ to complete their chosen specialism portfolios. At this level all modules are taught by a member of staff from the Research Institutes who are actively researching the area under discussion and are often world leaders in their respective fields. This ensures that study in Year Three will provide an unparalleled opportunity to take the students to the cutting edge of research on a variety of topics. Also the high level of choice available allows students to tailor their module choice toward their chosen careers or taught programme of postgraduate study.

Career opportunities

A degree from Psychology is valuable in many sectors such as public relations, personnel, advertising, marketing, retail, teaching, social work, finance, politics and sports. Importantly, our degrees are accredited by the British Psychological Society as conferring eligibility for Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership, providing a minimum standard of qualification of Second Class (Honours) is achieved. A Psychology degree from the University of Liverpool can therefore be the necessary steppingstone towards becoming a professional or chartered psychologist working as a counsellor or as a clinical, occupational or educational psychologist, and large numbers of our graduates have used it as the foundation for further postgraduate research and practice.

Around 60% of our graduates are involved in health related, social, public service, commercial, retail or financial employment within six months following graduation. About 25% of our graduates go on to postgraduate study and training – many within other leading research institutes as well here at Liverpool.

Apply now! Fall semester 2023/24
Application period has ended
Notes
Please see the university profile or contact us for the deadlines that apply to you
Apply now! Fall semester 2023/24
Application period has ended
Notes
Please see the university profile or contact us for the deadlines that apply to you