Psychology (Conversion)

You'll be taught the contemporary theories and core scientific principles that underpin the discipline, and you'll learn how people think, feel and behave. You will also benefit from in-depth training in a variety of research methods and statistical analysis.

The programme blends theory with applied examples, helping to develop an understanding of how psychological theory is applied in real-world settings.

You will also gain a strong set of transferable skills that are valued across many employment sectors. These include critical thinking, research design, quantitative and qualitative data analysis, scientific writing, and evidence evaluation and application. In addition, you'll develop skills for independent work, project management and effective communication.

The one year full-time programme is structured around three trimesters. In trimesters 1 and 2 you will study the core modules required for BPS accreditation, plus an optional module chosen from a wide range of subject areas. In trimester 3 you will focus exclusively on the dissertation project.

The two year part-time programme covers the same learning material and topics as the full-time programme, but spread over two years. In trimesters 1 and 2 you will study two of the core modules, plus one additional module. Trimester 3 will be focused on the dissertation project.

You'll be assessed based on essays, workbooks, research journals, portfolios, research reports, practical projects, individual and group presentations, and a dissertation project.

Our assessment methods are comprehensive and varied, facilitating the development of skills and knowledge that are applicable to the working environment.

Supporting formative and summative assessment applicable to the working environment, the programme does not include any unseen examinations.

You'll have approximately 12 contact hours per week, and will be taught through a mixture of lectures, workshops, seminars and practical sessions. This should be complemented by independent study equivalent to at least two hours for each contact hour.

To find out more about how we teach and how you'll learn, please read our information on Your Learning and Teaching at BSU.

BSU has established strong connections with various local organisations that provide students with optional opportunities to gain valuable work experience while studying. These partnerships are intended to enhance academic learning, although their availability may vary. 

By the time you graduate, you'll have a strong foundation for a wide range of careers that are person-centred. The programme allows progression to accredited training routes in clinical, counselling, education, occupational, health, forensic, business and sports psychology.

Beyond the chartered route, the programme equips you with skills that are valued across many sectors. For example, mental health support, human resources, organisational development, research, education and learning support, community and social care, public health, policy development and marketing. The focus on methods, data analysis and evidenced-based decision-making gives our graduates a competitive edge in professions that value these attributes.

You will have access to BSU’s Careers and Employability team, who offer one-to-one careers advice, including CV support, to help you achieve your career goals. The team also provides a range of support services for recent BSU graduates, guiding you through the next steps in your career post-degree.

Run by students, the Psychological Society offers a variety of academic and social activities throughout the year to enhance your journey in Psychology at BSU.

Previous opportunities have included talks and workshops from lecturing staff, drop-in study support sessions, and quiz and film nights.

For more information, visit the Psychological Society’s webpage or check out their Instagram page (@BSU_Psych_Soc) to see what they've been up to.

Psychology is taught at our Newton Park campus.

You'll have access to a wide range of excellent facilities including:

• Psychology labs
• Commons building
• Newton Park library
• Virtual Learning Environment
• Academic Skills (ASk)
• Specialist resources and subject librarian
• English Language Unit (if English isn’t your first language)

Teaching resources include access to psychology-specific journal articles through PsycINFO and PsycARTICLES, as well as EBSCO (online access to over 400 Psychology-related journals).

Various specialist software, such as SPSS (statistical computer software for analysing quantitative data) and NVivo for qualitative data analysis can be freely accessed by students, whilst Qualitrics and PsychoPy are available for use during dissertation research.

We also have a large battery of psychometric and neuropsychological tests for use.

You will have access to our newly refurbished Psychology laboratory spaces, equipped with specialist equipment for dissertations, staff research, and relevant modules.

These facilities include an eye-tracking lab with a Tobii eye-tracker, a Neuropsychology lab with EEG and tDCS equipment, an interview and observational room with a one-way mirror, and an experimental lab with individual testing cubicles for simultaneous computer-based experiments.

Our dedicated Psychology Technicians are available to support you in using the equipment and lab spaces, and students can also hire various equipment using SISO, Bath Spa University’s free equipment loan service.

All modules can be found on our Virtual Learning Environment, Ultra, providing unlimited online access to learning materials such as handbooks, lecture slides, assessment information, discussion boards and other resources.

You can also take advantage of the learning support provided across the wider University, such as:

• The Academic Skills service to develop your writing skills or learn how to use new techniques and technologies.
• Our Library gives you access to books, academic journals and DVDs and an extensive range of electronic services. It also provides a place for individual study and collaborative work.
• The Careers team run networking events and advisory workshops that explore your future options and the essentials of the job application process. They help you get experience by assisting with your search for work placements and paid part-time jobs while you're studying. When you're ready to progress into your chosen career, they can help you secure graduate-level employment, freelance opportunities, and funding for your own business ideas. Career support continues for years after you graduate with the dedicated Grad Support Unit.
• Our Student Wellbeing Services are also available to support you through your learning.