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Philosophy and Ethics and Psychology

BA/BSc (Hons)

Undergraduate degree - combined honours

Award
BA/BSc (Hons) Philosophy and Ethics and Psychology
School/s
School of Writing, Publishing and the Humanities, School of Sciences
Campus or location
Newton Park
Course length
Three years full time, or four years full time with professional placement year. Part time available.
UCAS codes
Institution Code: B20
Course Code: VC58 or S156
Campus Code: A,BSU

Entry requirements

We accept a wide range of qualifications for entry to our undergraduate programmes. The main ones are listed under 'Typical offers' in the main column below. For combined courses, please check both subjects. If your qualification is not listed, please email admissions@bathspa.ac.uk with your specific details.

Passionate about ideas? Want to understand and apply different cultural perspectives?

  • Combine professional skills and opportunities with subject knowledge in an innovative Philosophy and Ethics degree.
  • Develop practical and professional skills and apply them to contemporary challenges, issues and debates.
  • Explore the next stage in your career - our graduates have gone on to work with leading employers in a wide range of roles.

Apply your knowledge of philosophy to contemporary challenges, issues and debates. Our innovative Philosophy and Ethics degree has been designed to enable you to acquire specialised subject knowledge alongside practical and professional skills.

The course explores the assumptions, beliefs and values which shape human behaviour and our responses to it. You’ll address the key questions which underpin all academic disciplines and concepts, and how they are fundamental to our study of history, literature, the arts and sciences.

Develop practical and professional skills

By working collaboratively across the Humanities, our Philosophers develop expertise in their own subject alongside the skills and approaches that will equip them for the next stage in their careers: learning to work with others, planning and implementing a project, making a pitch to a potential employer, and evaluating and acting on different options.

What you'll learn

Overview

Rather than teaching philosophy primarily as a history of ideas – although we do explore this – we focus on the application of current philosophical thinking in contemporary settings and circumstances. You’ll consider our responses to environmental crises, for example, or questions of identity, belonging, social justice and the interplay between the personal and the political.

We consider Western philosophical and ethical perspectives, and introduce you to the systems of thought of India and China. This mix of content and the inclusiveness of our approach make the Philosophy and Ethics course particularly distinctive, vital and compelling.

Course structure

Year one
Introductions and foundations: develop your skills in philosophical thinking, and follow a broad curriculum which allows you to ask questions, challenge your own assumptions, interrogate evidence, data and opinions.

Year two
Practical, applied, relevant: this year combines the academic study of Philosophy with the acquisition of professional skills and the application of your knowledge and understanding to a defined problem or idea.

Year three
Achievement, consolidation, creativity: your final project in the third year brings all this together. You’ll identify your own area of study, develop your proposal and put it into practice. This might be an extended piece of academic writing, an exhibition, community project, or the creation of digital resources.

How will I be assessed?

Assessment is mainly through coursework such as essays, projects, presentations, or online discussion.

How will I be taught?

Our focus is on ‘doing philosophy’ and developing your confidence and capacity for philosophical analysis and debate. We’ll support you through lectures and seminar work, as well as individual tutorials and support.

Special projects in years two and three and the dissertation in year three provide opportunities for independent work which builds on your own interests, adds new dimensions to your thinking, or relates to plans for future careers and personal development.

To find out more about how we teach and how you'll learn, please read our Learning and Teaching Delivery Statement.

Course modules

This course offers or includes the following modules. The modules you take will depend on your pathway or course combination (if applicable) as well as any optional or open modules chosen. Please check the programme document for more information.

Year one (Level 4) modules
  • Truth and Reality
  • Ethics and Values
  • Worlds of Ideas
  • Thinking Together – Humanities in the 21st Century
Year two (Level 5) modules
  • Ethics in the Contemporary World
  • Asian Philosophies (Level 5)
  • Ecology and Nature (Level 5)
  • Digital Humanities
  • Applying Philosophy
  • Reading Philosophy
  • Atheism and Unbelief
  • Working Together
  • Transformative Communities
  • Professional Placement Year
Year three (Level 6) modules
  • Philosophy Project
  • Asian Philosophies (Level 6)
  • Ecology and Nature (Level 6)
  • Utopia and Dystopia
  • Making Sex
  • Life and Meaning
  • Comparative Philosophy
  • God and Genes
  • Spiritual Revolution

Opportunities

Fieldwork

Fieldwork and visits are an integral part of the course. We visit religious communities, mosques, temples, gurdwaras and churches.

Work placements, industry links and internships

We have excellent links with third sector organisations, working with environmental and educational charities, as well as others. These links support your study, as we’ll explore how religious, philosophical and ethical perspectives can be applied to current issues.

Careers

Our graduates have careers in:

  • The police service
  • Health administration
  • Education
  • Social work
  • Journalism

The ability to combine this course with another subject makes it ideal for individuals considering a career in teaching. Many graduates go on to train as teachers – the course is widely respected as a foundation for a career in education.

Global Citizenship

If you’re a full-time undergraduate student starting your first year at Bath Spa University, you can apply for the Certificate in Global Citizenship, which you’ll study alongside your degree.

You’ll gain global awareness and add an international dimension to your student experience, and funding is available. On successful completion of the programme, you’ll be awarded a Certificate in Global Citizenship. This is in addition to your degree; it doesn’t change your degree title or results.

Professional placement year

Overview

This optional placement year provides you with the opportunity to identify, apply for and secure professional experience, normally comprising one to three placements over a minimum of nine months. Successful completion of this module will demonstrate your ability to secure and sustain graduate-level employment.

By completing the module, you'll be entitled to the addition of 'with Professional Placement Year' to your degree title.

Preparation

Before your Professional Placement Year, you'll work to secure your placement, constructing a development plan with your module leader and your placement coordinator from our Careers and Employability team.

How will I be assessed?

On your return to University for your final year, you'll submit your Placement Portfolio, detailing your development on your placement.

Facilities and resources

Where the subject is taught

The Philosophy and Ethics course is based at our Newton Park campus, which combines outstanding modern facilities with a beautiful setting.

Resources

The Library provides many core resources, both in print and online. We draw on a wide range of resources, and encourages the use – and creation – of different materials.

Fees

2024 entry
Student Annual tuition fee
UK full time £9,250
UK part time £4,625
International full time £16,675

Professional Placement Year

During the placement year, the fee is reduced to 20% of the full time fee. This applies to UK and EU/International students.

  • UK: £1,850
  • International: £3,335

Interested in applying?

What we look for in potential students

Our students come from a range of different backgrounds. We look for individuals with an enquiring mind and a willingness to explore new areas of thought and belief.

Typical offers

We accept a wide range of qualifications for entry to our undergraduate programmes. The main ones are listed below:

  • A Level – grades BBB-BCC preferred.
  • BTEC – Extended Diploma grades from Distinction Distinction Merit (DDM) to Distinction Merit Merit (DMM) accepted in any subject.
  • T Levels – grade Merit preferred.
  • International Baccalaureate – a minimum of 32 points are required.
  • Access to HE courses – typical offers for applicants with Access to HE will be the Access to HE Diploma or Access to HE Certificate (60 credits, 45 of which must be Level 3, at Merit or higher).

If you don’t meet the entry requirements above, we may be able to accept your prior learning or experience from outside of formal education. See our Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL) page to learn more.

English Language Requirements for International and EU Applicants

IELTS 6.0 - for visa nationals, with a minimum score of IELTS 5.5 in each element.

Course enquiries

For further information about the programme or entry requirements, please email us at admissions@bathspa.ac.uk.

How do I apply?

Ready to apply? Click the 'apply now' button in the centre of this page.

Need more guidance? Head to our how to apply pages.

Three year course
With placement year

Understand the mind and human behaviour from a range of perspectives and methodologies on our applied Psychology degree.

  • Tailor your studies to your future aspirations with optional modules and interdisciplinary learning.
  • Learn from passionate experts in biological, cognitive, developmental and social psychology.
  • Prepare yourself for a diverse range of careers and industries – Psychology is highly valued by employers.

Psychology is one of the most popular degrees in higher education. Whether the focus is neural mechanisms or complex human relationships, Psychology is an interconnected "hub Science" that allows students to contribute to the questions and challenges that face society.

Providing you with a variety of skills including communication, computing, numeracy, teamwork, independent learning and critical thinking, a degree in Psychology is highly valued by employers. Our course equips graduates for a range of careers and fields including education, health, civil service, private industry and commerce, as well as postgraduate study.

Our range of study options (single honours and combined) enables you to better tailor your studies to your future aspirations. You’ll be able to select optional modules and engage in interdisciplinary learning.

“The best thing about Bath Spa is that everyone really cares about you as an individual. The lecturers and tutors always go the extra mile to make sure that you get the most out of your degree, and the amount of contact time we had with them was brilliant.”

Madeleine Carter, Psychology graduate

Accreditation

Both our single and combined honours Psychology courses are accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS) providing Graduate Basis for Registration with the BPS to gain Chartered Psychologist status, provided you achieve a 2.2 overall and pass the final year dissertation.

The logo for a British Psychological Society accredited Psychology course

 

What you'll learn

Overview

You'll explore the five main psychological perspectives: biological, cognitive, developmental, individual differences and social. You'll learn about research methods, and you'll engage with the historical and conceptual underpinnings of psychology throughout the course. You’ll also learn to leverage science to the benefit of your fellow students, industry and for social good.

You'll cover the content and skills that define a Psychology graduate, and you'll have the opportunity to look at conceptual and career possibilities that you may not have previously considered.

Course structure

Year one
Begin by exploring the main areas of psychological science, the ways in which you can use psychology in your life, and controversial issues around race and gender. In addition, you’ll be introduced to the research and data analysis skills that you'll need to become a scientist in your own right.

Year two
Take on further depth and challenges as you advance your understanding of research design and analysis. You'll take a closer look at biological, cognitive, developmental and social psychology. Choose from optional modules based around the specialities of course staff.

Students on the single honours course (BSc (Hons) Psychology) also have the option to choose a work placement module, while all students, including those on our combined Psychology courses, can choose to take a professional placement year.

Year three
You'll embark upon your dissertation, working one-to-one with a member of staff on an original psychology research project. You'll also learn about creative enterprise with psychological science, completing a consultancy project of your own. In addition, you'll continue to enjoy the same opportunities to study specialist topics as in year two.

How will I be assessed?

Assessment varies and includes essays, debates, research reports, group presentations and examinations, as well as more authentic assessments (for example, policy briefs).

How will I be taught?

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

You’ll participate actively in seminars and tutorials; these are characterised by small-group work. Bookable tutorials enable you to have one-to-one discussions with staff.

To find out more about how we teach and how you'll learn, please read our Learning and Teaching Delivery Statement.

 

Course modules

This course offers or includes the following modules. The modules you take will depend on your pathway or course combination (if applicable) as well as any optional or open modules chosen. Please check the programme document for more information.

Year one (Level 4) modules
  • Introduction to Psychology (BPS)
  • Research Methods in Psychology 1 (BPS)
  • Individual differences - personality and intelligence (BPS)
  • Psychological Science for Student Success
  • Debates in Psychological and Critical Thinking
  • Worlds of Ideas
Year two (Level 5) modules
  • Research Methods in Psychology 2 (BPS)
  • Cognitive and Developmental Psychology (BPS)
  • Biological and Social Psychology (BPS)
  • Clinical Psychology
  • Counselling Psychology
  • Business Psychology
  • Psychology and Social Justice
  • Criminal and Forensic Psychology
  • Educational Psychology
  • Health Psychology
  • Work Placement
  • Health: Mind, Body, Society
  • Science and Journalism Publishing
  • Professional Placement Year
Year three (Level 6) modules
  • Dissertation 1 - Design and pre-registration (BPS)
  • Dissertation 2 - Research report (BPS)
  • Contemporary Application of Psychological Science (BPS)
  • Careers in Psychology
  • Special Topics in Psychology
  • Advanced Topics in Psychology
  • Communicating Psychological Science
  • Plants and People
  • Ethnicity and Society
  • Young People, Identities and Subcultures
  • Victims and Victimisation
  • Epidemiology and Public Health
  • Animal Behaviour
  • Learning in Science
  • Publishing Industry Project
  • Gender in Society

"I enjoyed the variety of subjects, specifically in the second and third year of the Psychology degree. The lecturers were fantastic and very friendly. They always had time for any questions or concerns."

Christelle Van Antwerpen, Psychology graduate

Opportunities

Work placements, industry links and internships

Our students have access to corporate-sponsored internship and placement opportunities. These offer experience in areas such as marketing, multimedia and product design, filming and editing, business management, HR, customer services, research and analysis, project management and events.

Students who take advantage of the Global Citizenship programme can use their scholarship to support an international placement.

Careers

Psychology degrees teach both scientific and people skills, and career paths for Bath Spa graduates are varied. While some students have worked towards becoming a professional psychologist, other graduates chose to train in counselling and education, or have gone into management, sales and advertising, probation work and human resources. Some of our graduates have also gone on to postgraduate education at the Master's and PhD levels.

Psychology prizes

At the end of the academic year, we award prizes to recognise achievements in academic success and reward effort and excellence. Prizes specific to Psychology are:

  • The British Psychological Society Graduate Award
  • Oxford University Press Prize for best dissertation.
Global Citizenship

If you’re a full-time undergraduate student starting your first year at Bath Spa University, you can apply for the Certificate in Global Citizenship, which you’ll study alongside your degree.

You’ll gain global awareness and add an international dimension to your student experience, and funding is available. On successful completion of the programme, you’ll be awarded a Certificate in Global Citizenship. This is in addition to your degree; it doesn’t change your degree title or results.

Professional placement year

Overview

This optional placement year provides you with the opportunity to identify, apply for and secure professional experience, normally comprising one to three placements over a minimum of nine months. Successful completion of this module will demonstrate your ability to secure and sustain graduate-level employment.

By completing the module, you'll be entitled to the addition of 'with Professional Placement Year' to your degree title.

Preparation

Before your Professional Placement Year, you'll work to secure your placement, constructing a development plan with your module leader and your placement coordinator from our Careers and Employability team.

How will I be assessed?

On your return to University for your final year, you'll submit your Placement Portfolio, detailing your development on your placement.

Facilities and resources

Where the subject is taught

Psychology is taught at our Newton Park campus. You'll have access to a wide range of excellent facilities including:

Resources

Teaching resources include EBSCO (online access to over 400 Psychology-related journals), statistical computer software for analysing quantitative data and NVivo for qualitative data analysis. We also have a biopsychology lab where we make use of "biopac" equipment (computerised biological measures such as EEG) for practicals and project work as well as other shared and dedicated laboratory spaces for research.

"I believe the broad theoretical and practical courses at Bath Spa University strongly helped me develop a comprehensive understanding of Psychology, which is now allowing me to go further into my studies."

Michele Garibbo, Psychology graduate

Fees

2024 entry
Student Annual tuition fee
UK full time £9,250
UK part time £4,625
International full time £16,675

Professional Placement Year

During the placement year, the fee is reduced to 20% of the full time fee. This applies to UK and EU/International students.

  • UK: £1,850
  • International: £3,335

Interested in applying?

What we look for in potential students

You'll be fascinated by human behaviour and the workings of the mind, and curious enough to ask questions that will help drive our science forward. You'll have explored some areas in psychology and be excited to understand the other facets that make up the discipline. You'll be passionate about science and the application of our field to industry and for social good to make people's lives better.

Typical offers

We accept a wide range of qualifications for entry to our undergraduate programmes. The main ones are listed below:

  • A Level - grades BBB-BCC preferred. If studying Psychology, then a Grade B or higher is required. If Psychology is not an option at your school or college, then another A Level subject will be accepted, but a keen interest in psychology will need to be described in your personal statement.
  • BTEC – Extended Diploma grades from Distinction Distinction Merit (DDM) to Distinction Merit Merit (DMM) in a related subject. Applicants will need to show a keen interest in psychology in the personal statement.
  • T Levels – grade Merit preferred in a relevant subject.
  • International Baccalaureate - a minimum of 32 points are required. Applicants will need to show a keen interest in psychology in the personal statement.
  • Access to HE courses – typical offers for applicants with Access to HE will be the Access to HE Diploma or Access to HE Certificate (60 credits, 45 of which must be Level 3, at Merit or higher). Applicants will need to show a keen interest in psychology in the personal statement.

If you don’t meet the entry requirements above, we may be able to accept your prior learning or experience from outside of formal education. See our Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL) page to learn more.

English Language Requirements for International and EU Applicants

IELTS 6.0 - for visa nationals, with a minimum score of IELTS 5.5 in each element.

Course enquiries

For further information about the programme or entry requirements, please email us at admissions@bathspa.ac.uk.

How do I apply?

Ready to apply? Click the "apply now" button in the centre of this page.

Need more guidance? Head to our how to apply pages.

Course leader: Dr Jennifer Kinloch
Email: j.kinloch@bathspa.ac.uk

Three year course
With placement year

Website feedback to web@bathspa.ac.uk