Psychology

At a glance

Course Details

Overview

The degrees taught within the Division of Psychology are accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS) conferring eligibility for the Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (GBC). GBC is necessary if you wish to undertake further training in professional psychology, for example: clinical psychology, forensic psychology, educational psychology, etc. Two full-time undergraduate accredited programmes are currently delivered by the Division: BSc (Hons) Psychology and BSc (Hons) Psychology with Counselling.

Running alongside your academic studies, the Division has also developed a series of schemes that will enhance your undergraduate studies enabling you to develop additional skills and knowledge, for example: a voluntary work opportunities scheme, delivered in collaboration with Bradford District Care Trust Psychological Services, gives students the experience of working alongside psychological practitioners, and the Undergraduate Research Studentship Scheme allows undergraduates to gain experience of undertaking research. There is also a Study Abroad Scheme which enables students to undertake a period of study at one of our international partner institutions.

Special Features

• Our accredited Psychology degrees confer eligibility for the Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (GBC), which is necessary for a future career in professional psychology
• Our staff are committed to excellence in both teaching and research

Aims

At Bradford we offer a single Honours BSc Psychology degree. This programme is accredited by the British Psychological Society as conferring eligibility for the Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership, provided the minimum standard qualification of second-class Honours is achieved. This is the first step towards becoming a Chartered Psychologist.

Teaching on the course includes lectures, small group seminars and laboratory-based practicals where you will have the opportunity to participate in and organise psychological research.

In the first year you will be given a foundation in a number of 'core' subjects such as social psychology, research methods, cognitive psychology, psychobiology and perception, lifespan development and personality. Practical classes will give you training in quantitative, laboratory-based and experimental methodology in psychology. Alongside these core areas a Psychology of Learning and Study module will ensure that you develop your abilities to evaluate and manage your own learning.

In the second year, you will study new topics such as developmental psychology, and personality and individual differences. There is greater emphasis on original practical work, and you will start to design and carry out your own investigations in the Psychology Laboratories. You will continue to develop experimental skills but you will also study and use qualitative methods; observational techniques, interviewing and more critical modes of inquiry such as discourse analysis.

In Year Three we offer a wide choice of options which may include: Forensic Psychology, Psychological Health and Treatment Interventions, Occupational and Business Psychology, Advanced Neuroscience, Advanced Problems in Visual Perception, and the Psychology of Health and Eating Behaviour. You will also complete a dissertation under the direction of an academic staff member with relevant expertise, which will comprise half of the work for the final year.

Career Outcome

We have an excellent graduate employment record, with 89% of our 2009 BPS-accredited graduates in Psychology in employment or further study six months after graduating.

An ability to examine issues in depth and to make constructive judgements on them is required in any number of careers, as is the capacity to work in groups to resolve problems, or research issues.  Both are important aspects of our courses, and both are highly valued by employers.

There are a wide range of opportunities available in local authorities, social service departments, voluntary sector organisations, advice centres, health and housing, the civil and public services and private organisations, as well as graduates going on to further study, teaching and research.

Entrance Requirements

Our typical offers are:

Psychology, and Psychology with Counselling

260 points (e.g. B,C,C).  to include two full GCE A levels or equivalent qualification. No specific subjects are required.  All candidates must demonstrate an adequate level of English and Mathematics (this would normally be GCSE grade C or equivalent).

Placements Available?

There are opportunities to gain experience during your study, either through a voluntary work opportunities scheme, delivered in collaboration with Bradford District Care Trust Psychological Services, or the Undergraduate Research Studentship Scheme.

Professional Training

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

Full-time Study

All applications, including Foundation Degrees, must be submitted via UCAS's (Universities and Colleges Admissions Service) online facility.

Your school or college will be able to advise you about making your application. Alternatively, full instructions can be found at: www.ucas.com

UCAS also provides a comprehensive guide called Applying Online which can be downloaded from the same web address.

If you are not currently at school or college, or have difficulty obtaining relevant literature, UCAS can be contacted directly:

• Tel: 0871 468 0468
• Email: enquiries@ucas.ac.uk
• Website: www.ucas.com