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Psychology BSc (C800)

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Find out more about our Psychology degree at Warwick

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C800

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Bachelor of Science (BSc)

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3 years full-time or 4 years full-time (with intercalated year)

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26 September 2022

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Department of Psychology

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University of Warwick

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This course is accredited by the [British Psychological Society (BPS) https://www.bps.org.uk/]

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Psychology is the scientific study of human behaviour and mental life - why people think, feel and act the way they do.

Warwick's Psychology degree course has a strong practical focus. It provides a scientific understanding of all aspects of human behaviour and underlying research methods. Our graduates go on to pursue rewarding careers in Psychology and beyond.

This course is accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS)

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Our Psychology degree is accredited by the British Psychological Society, with an emphasis on practical work. You will cover a broad range of topics that reflect our research strengths but allow you the choice to draw in relevant optional modules from across the University, for example in business, biology, economics, sociology, philosophy or a language.

We are widely recognised as one of the UK’s top research departments, and work closely with the NHS, the police and international bodies such as the United Nations. You will be taught by acclaimed academics whose enthusiasm for the subject is infectious and you will also have the opportunity to conduct a research project on an area of particular interest each year. Looking ahead, you will have access to a departmental careers consultant, who helps to organise events and practical sessions, and who can provide one-to-one guidance to help you decide what you want to do after graduation.

We give you the opportunity to apply for an intercalated year between your second and final year at Warwick. This will either be abroad at a partner institution or may be a work placement the student has sourced.

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Many modules in year one and two are core, in line with our BPS accreditation. Annual research projects give you freedom to explore particular areas of Psychology that interest you, and in your third year you can choose from a range of optional modules, as well as a more weighty research project focussing on your area of interest.

In Year One, you will study core modules that build the foundations of Psychology at Warwick. In addition, you will have the opportunity to take an optional module: This can be a Psychology option or you can choose from a wide range of first year modules across science, social science and arts departments.

In Year Two you will study eight modules. You will cover the core areas of Psychology and contemporary research with the opportunity to delve deeper into the areas that interest you. There is also the option to take modules from outside the department.

In Year Three you will conduct an individual project showcasing the full range of intellectual and practical skills you have developed throughout your degree and choose six optional modules that interest you.

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You will have a combination of lectures, seminars and practical classes. Lectures will introduce you to a particular topic.

During weekly seminars you will build on the knowledge theories and ideas from the lecture and readings, sharing your views about the topic and debating the issues. Seminars give you access to the tutor as well as the opportunity to voice your views in a smaller group.

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Lecture size will naturally vary, especially for optional modules. For the first and second year core modules you will be joined by all the students in your year.

For lectures this can be your whole year group – around 200, but seminar and practical groups will be smaller - typically 30-50 students in the first year.

For optional modules across all years, class sizes vary more - there may be between 10 and 100 students per Psychology module.

If you opt to take an outside module, e.g., a Warwick Business School module, you can expect to share lectures with up to 500 students from across social science and science.

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You will typically have between 7 to 8 hours of lectures, and 4 to 8 hours of seminars or practical sessions.

You will also have:

Academic support and feedback opportunities
Guest seminars
Tutorials
Year group meetings

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We typically assess modules through a mix of exams and essays, as well as online quizzes, group presentations, and research reports.

You must pass the first year to progress to the second year.

Your final award will be based on:

Second year modules (40%)
Third year modules (60%, with 25% accounted for by your third-year individual project)

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Study abroad

In an interconnected world, employers greatly value an international perspective. Studying abroad provides you with a first-hand opportunity to explore how culture influences psychological processes and develop a range of valuable skills that give you a competitive advantage in the graduate market.

Our Department is part of the University’s large global network of exchange partners, with long-standing agreements with prestigious universities around the world. A particularly popular Warwick option is with Monash University in Melbourne, Australia, acknowledged as one of the world’s top universities.

Our students have previously undertaken study abroad opportunities in Brazil, China, Germany, Indonesia, Japan, the Netherlands, Poland, Singapore, South Korea, Spain and the USA. Typically, when students choose to study abroad, they apply in their second year for a third year of study at a partner institution. Students then return to Warwick for their final year.

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Placements and work experience

Psychology students at Warwick can apply for a one-year or part-year intercalated work placement in the UK or abroad. This is to be taken between their second and final years. We provide our students with support and guidance to identify and apply for placements. Our students have undertaken work placements in organisations like Virgin Media, BMW, Microsoft, and other employers.

Our students can also take up a variety of work experience opportunities alongside their studies or during holidays. These have included, for example, mental health work placements abroad, Nightline counselling posts, and involvement in the Psychology student magazine Cognoscenti.

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A level typical offer

AAB.

A level additional information

You will also need grade B or 6 in GCSE Mathematics or Statistics. Applicants with no natural science subject at A level are normally expected to have a grade B or 6 in two science subjects or double science at GCSE.

If you are taking science A level, you must also achieve a pass in the science practical if this includes a separate practical assessment.

A level contextual offer

We welcome applications from candidates who meet the contextual eligibility criteria and whose predicted grades are close to, or slightly below, the contextual offer level. The typical contextual offer is ABB including a Natural Science if you do not have two science subjects or double science at GCSE. See if you're eligible.

General GCSE requirements

Unless specified differently above, you will also need a minimum of GCSE grade 4 or C (or an equivalent qualification) in English Language and either Mathematics or a Science subject. Find out more about our entry requirements and the qualifications we accept. We advise that you also check the English Language requirements for your course which may specify a higher GCSE English requirement. Please find the information about this below.

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IB typical offer

36 plus 5 in Higher Level Mathematics or 6 in Standard Level Mathematics.

IB additional information

A natural science subject at Higher Level is preferred, otherwise at least 5 in a natural science subject at Standard Level will be considered.

IB contextual offer

We welcome applications from candidates who meet the contextual eligibility criteria and whose predicted grades are close to, or slightly below, the contextual offer level. The typical contextual offer is 34. If you do not have GCSE Mathematics you will need grade 5 at Higher Level in Mathematics or 6 in Standard Level Mathematics. If you do not have GCSE Science or it is not offered at Higher Level, you will need a grade 5 in Standard Level Science. Applicants with Higher Level Mathematics (and no Science) will be considered. See if you're eligible.

General GCSE requirements

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We welcome applications from students studying BTEC qualifications alongside two A levels. Applicants studying a BTEC Extended Diploma on its own may also be considered.

Overlapping subjects at BTEC and A level will not be considered (for example, A level in PE alongside a BTEC in Sport and Exercise Science).

You will also need to have grade B or 6 in GCSE Mathematics or Statistics.

Applicants with no natural science subject at A level are normally expected to have a grade B or 6 in two science subjects or double science at GCSE.

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Year One

Brain and Behaviour

In this module you'll learn about the structure and function of the nervous system, how we detect and respond to stimulation and how behaviour changes with experience. After exploring memory, language, emotion and goal-directed action, you'll study contemporary and historical approaches to psychological disorders. This will give you a critical appreciation of psychology as a science.

Psychology in Context

This module introduces you to the history of psychology and core topics in social, developmental and cognitive psychology. You'll be able to discuss some of the classic studies, critically appreciate the main concepts and take a historical perspective on psychology as a science.

Statistical Methods in Psychology

This module will introduce you to the skills and knowledge needed to conduct investigations and statistical analysis of research data, covering both the principles of the techniques taught and their practical application. By the end, you will be expected to have a sound understanding of the properties and application of qualitative and quantitative data, measures of tendency, variability, probability and correlation, the principles of parametric and non-parametric hypothesis testing, regression, and the use of chi-square tests. Aiming to stand you in good stead for second- and third-year projects, this course will also see you designing and implementing factorial experiments, and analysing and presenting your findings with due regard to ethical considerations.

Research Methods in Psychology

You will acquire the skills and knowledge needed to understand the nature of empirical work in psychology, and to design, implement, analyse and report on your own investigations. In addition to preparing for second- and third-year projects, you will gain a solid grounding in research methods, including the properties and application of quantitative and qualitative data, measures of tendency, variability, probability and correlation, the principles of parametric and non-parametric hypothesis testing, regression, and the use of chi-square tests. You will compare observational and questionnaire methods and associated ethical considerations, and also gain valuable practical experience in using SPSS software for computing descriptive and inferential statistics.

Academic Skills for Psychologists

You will gain the basic study skills needed to succeed on a psychology degree course, covering both theoretical considerations, such as the nature of evidence, and practical applications in terms of conducting field and desk research. With an emphasis on developing a coherent skill set based on critical, logical thinking and a deeper understanding of empirical psychological science, you will also gain an appreciation of the nature of assessment in higher education, and learn to organise your study time. We will also cover the efficient use of the university’s study resources, and soft skills such as communication and engagement that are essential to academic success.

Year Two

Individual Differences

You'll examine contemporary research and theories in relation to personality, intelligence, and the methods used to study the intriguing and hotly contested area of individual differences. You'll gain insights into how this area of study has evolved, with conflicting and competing theories. By the end of the course, you'll have an appreciation of the psychodynamic, biological, cognitive, humanistic–existential–interpersonal, and social–constructionist theories of personality and individual difference, and be able to evaluate research in these areas. You'll also become familiar with the aims of techniques such as multiple regression, factorial experiments and Q-sort procedures, and able to articulate your view of the major controversies in this field, both in writing and through oral presentation.

Further methods in Psychology

You will cover both conceptual issues, such as knowing when and why to apply a particular research technique, and practical applications, such as conducting analysis using SPSS software. You will be encouraged to read academic articles with a critical eye as to the validity of their claims, and apply what you have learned in preparation for your second- and third-year projects. You will be expected to demonstrate that you can systematically test hypotheses using ANOVA, evaluate assumptions, pay due regard to ethical and methodological considerations, and present your results clearly and concisely in speech and in writing.

Second Year Project

You will develop your research skills further through the opportunity to work as part of a small team on a medium-scale project in an area of psychological enquiry of interest to you. You will apply and consolidate the research methods and analytical skills acquired in your first year to real data obtained by the study. You will demonstrate that you can plan and carry out research (including an appreciation of ethical considerations), analyse data, draw appropriate conclusions, and present a poster and formal report on your findings to a professional standard. You will also foster the essential soft skills of independent learning, communication, time management and collaboration with your peers.

Developmental Psychology

The module builds on the first-year developmental module of Psychology in Context by exploring current research in infancy, childhood and adolescence, linking to examples from atypical development and education and focusing primarily on cognitive and social development in childhood. You'll develop an understanding of how different influences interact in development, and be aware of links between cognitive and social growth, and the development of reasoning and language.

Psychobiology

You'll deepen the basic psychobiological knowledge you acquired in the first year to understand the complex functions and interactions of the nervous and endocrine systems. You'll learn to describe the functional architecture of the brain and macro- and microscopic levels, and understand the role of signal processing and the visual system in explaining complex behaviour. You'll also consider how psychobiology influences areas as complex as genetics, neurochemistry, sex differences, memory and homeostasis. We place emphasis on the complexities of contemporary psychobiological research, and its recent advances and limits, so you'll have plenty of opportunities to discuss challenging, up-to-date topics in psychobiology through group work, thereby developing your teamwork and communication skills.

Social Psychology

How do we attach meaning to the behaviour of others? When does a child gain a sense of themselves as an entity? Why does modesty differ between cultures? Does objectifying women lead to their mistreatment? Social psychology engages with these and other questions of human behaviour scientifically by examining how we are influenced by our social context. You'll become acquainted with central concepts, theories and research in social psychology and grow your understanding of the individual, the social context of behaviour and the relationship between the two. You'll gain a good grounding in research methods and look specifically at verbal/non-verbal communication, aggression, social judgement, attribution and inference, and behaviour within and between groups.

Optional Core Modules

You may choose one or both of these core modules. If you choose to study one module you can select a module from outside the department.

Language and Cognition

In this module, you'll investigate cognitive processes that underlie language, decision making and problem solving, in the context of investigating the evolution, biological mechanisms, and cognitive processes of language and communication. You'll master key findings and methods in psycholinguistics and cognitive science, and be able to critically evaluate theories of language and cognition.

Perception, Planning and Action

If you are curious about the psychology of perceiving, planning and acting, and the role of perception in controlling and guiding movement, this module is for you. You'll deepen your understanding of perception through the study of neuropsychological deficits, and understand how the study of neuropsychological impairments has helped to develop theories for intact perception, planning and action. You'll evaluate the classic theories of selective attention, and understand how perception and action are linked. We will also examine how visual and somatosensory systems are involved in governing and planning movement, and learn how complex movements are generated by simple mechanisms in the body.

Year Three

Individual Project

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Perspectives in Clinical and Counselling Psychology
Body Perception: Neurons to Experience
Psychology and the Law
Developmental Psychopathology
Psychology Across Cultures
Sleep and Health
Italian for Beginners (The Language Centre)
Organisational Analysis (Warwick Business School)

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Graduates from these courses have gone on to work for employers including:

NHS
Cancer Research UK
EY
Hewett Recruitment
IBM
John Lewis and Partners
Kuehne + Nagel
The Forward Trust

Teach First They have pursued roles such as:

Clinical psychologists
Counsellors
Teachers
Educational psychologists
Health psychologists
Business, research and administrative professionals
Financial and accounting technicians
Marketing professionals
Management consultants
Business analysts

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Our department has a dedicated professionally qualified Senior Careers Consultant who works within Student Careers and Skills to help you as an individual. Additionally your Senior Careers Consultant offers impartial advice and guidance together with workshops and events, tailored to our department, throughout the year. Previous examples of workshops and events include:

Psychology Finalists – next steps

Careers with Children and Young People

Warwick careers fairs throughout the year

Meet the Psychologist For further information, visit the Careers and Skills Services website

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