Bath Spa University

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Psychology

This course introduces you to the scientific study of human behaviour and experience, with an emphasis on applications to the 'real world'.

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Psychology has a part to play in many aspects of our everyday lives, and will be of relevance to students from all kinds of academic backgrounds.

Psychology is taught by a small, dedicated team, and one of our aims is to instil a sense of enthusiasm for the subject. As far as possible we try to adopt a practical approach, applying psychological theories to the real world, so written assignments may involve you carrying out interviews and conducting experiments.

By the end of the course you will be aware of important issues and controversies in contemporary psychology, and you will have developed an understanding of the applications of theoretical issues and research practices.

Course Structure and Content

Year 1

• Introduction to Psychology*;
• Research Methods in Psychology (1);

Year 2

• Research Methods in Psychology (2);
• Developmental Psychology;
• Social Psychology;
• Biological and Cognitive Psychology;

Year 3

• Psychology Project;
• Psychology of Health;
• Abnormal Psychology;
• Neuropsychology;
• Evolutionary Psychology;
• Criminological and Investigative Psychology;
• Individual Differences.

Teaching Methods and Resources

Most modules involve a mixture of lectures and follow-up seminars. In the case of research methods, however, much of the teaching is conducted via practical classes.

You will participate actively in seminars, and these are characterised by small-group work. Tutorials enable you to have one-to-one discussions with staff.

Teaching resources include EBSCO (online access to over 400 psychology-related journals) and SPSS (statistical computer software for analysing quantitative data).

Assessment Methods

Assessment varies and includes essays, research reports, group presentations and examinations.

Entry Requirements

240-280 UCAS Tariff points (eg BCC; BB+AS a)

Alternative qualifications welcome.