Psychology BSc (Hons) - 2022/3

Awarding body

University of Surrey

Teaching institute

University of Surrey

Framework

FHEQ Level 6

Final award and programme/pathway title

BSc (Hons) Psychology

Subsidiary award(s)

Award Title
Ord Psychology
DipHE Psychology
CertHE Psychology

Professional recognition

British Psychological Society (BPS)
Accredited against the requirements for the Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (GBC) of the British Psychological Society (BPS).

Modes of study

Route code Credits and ECTS Credits
Full-time ULD10001 360 credits and 180 ECTS credits
Full-time with PTY ULD10001 480 credits and 240 ECTS credits

QAA Subject benchmark statement (if applicable)

Psychology

Other internal and / or external reference points

The programme complies with the British Psychological Society curriculum for undergraduate programmes in Psychology, in line with accreditation requirements

Faculty and Department / School

Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences - Psychology

Programme Leader

JAYES Lewis (Psychology)

Date of production/revision of spec

12/09/2023

Educational aims of the programme

  • To engage students with Higher Education in a way that fosters genuine scholarship and scientific inquiry.
  • To enable students to develop 'psychological literacy' which includes: A well-founded education in paradigms, perspectives, theories, principles and concepts of psychology and their application across all core substantive areas.
  • To enable students to develop 'psychological literacy' which includes: An ability to reflect on the historical, economic, cultural and political nature of the discipline which can affect the production of psychological knowledge about individuals and groups.
  • To enable students to develop 'psychological literacy' which includes: An ability to reflect on their own experiences and development as a student of psychology, with potential to pursue a wide range of professional applications of psychology through post-graduate study.
  • To enable students to use appropriately and defend the use of a range of analytical tools in order to evaluate and conduct psychological research across all core sub-disciplines in psychology.
  • To enable students to reflect on, develop and defend the ethical robustness and moral integrity of their own research designs, methods of data collection and analysis.
  • To enable students to develop sensitivity to the context in which they think with and apply psychology.
  • To develop students' understanding and skill in both quantitative and qualitative means of investigation, analysis and reporting of data, across a wide range of dissemination contexts.
  • To read original and secondary sources of psychological material.
  • To encourage critical, inquisitive and independent thought among students in their examination of psychological issues.
  • To develop in students a broad range of communicative, analytical and organisational skills, and the confidence and knowledge to apply these skills in their careers after graduation.
  • To develop an appreciation of the versatility of psychology in its potential to be used across an infinitely wide range of different jobs and job contexts, even if those are not directly or obviously psychology related.
  • To develop students who have mastered not only the foundations of the discipline but who have the confidence to innovate and be creative in the way they conduct and apply the science of psychology.
  • To develop students who can demonstrate competence in literacy (verbal, written) and numeracy at an advanced level.

Programme learning outcomes

Attributes Developed Awards Ref.
A critical understanding of all elements of psychology and an ability to assess their relevance to an understanding of the contemporary world. K BSc (Hons)
A reflective understanding of the main theoretical perspectives and debates of psychology and their relevance to a range of substantive areas. K BSc (Hons)
An ability to identify, summarise and apply key concepts in psychology to a range of substantive areas. K BSc (Hons)
An ability to distinguish between and evaluate different epistemological and methodological approaches to the study of psychology K BSc (Hons)
An ability to evaluate the range and role of research methods used to generate data in psychological research K BSc (Hons)
Have acquired sufficient basic knowledge of psychological concepts and theory to be able to read and understand standard psychological text books towards professional or other application. K CertHE
Have acquired sufficient knowledge of psychological concepts and theory to be able to challenge received opinion, evaluate their own work and report effectively. K DipHE
Have acquired an advanced knowledge of theoretical and methodological concepts in psychology K Ord
An ability to read psychological research to identify its key points. C BSc (Hons)
An ability to assemble data from a variety of sources, discern and establish connections, and draw grounded conclusions. C BSc (Hons)
An ability to evaluate the integrity of evidence and of `data' and to discern the difference between opinion and evidence C BSc (Hons)
An ability to design and execute psychological research studies, and be competent in the collection, management and analysis of research data and the derivation of appropriate conclusions. C BSc (Hons)
An ability to synthesise and evaluate data from a variety of sources, and evaluate the relationship between psychological arguments and evidence. C BSc (Hons)
An ability to form grounded and defensible interpretation C BSc (Hons)
An ability to produce a reasoned argument in relation to the evidence C BSc (Hons)
An ability to ask questions from a range of different angles with an appreciation that the questions we ask circumscribe the kinds of answers that are possible. C BSc (Hons)
An ability to challenge given views drawing on theory, evidence and critical insight. C BSc (Hons)
An ability to summarise and apply key concepts in psychology to a range of relevant substantive areas. C BSc (Hons)
An ability to distinguish between and evaluate different methodological approaches to the study of psychology C BSc (Hons)
An ability to critically compare and contrast different theoretical approaches within the discipline C BSc (Hons)
An ability to plan, conduct and report an individual psychological study. C BSc (Hons)
Have acquired a basic foundation of research skills in psychology to enable them, with limited autonomy and within strict guidelines, to perform simple research tasks C CertHE
Have acquired further research skills to enable them, with autonomy, to perform straightforward research tasks. C DipHE
Be able to assess, analyse and communicate empirical psychological information C Ord
Locate, organise and use appropriate theories and concepts in order to inform psychological research P BSc (Hons)
Design and carry out psychological research using a variety of methods P BSc (Hons)
Plan for, collect and analyse quantitative and qualitative data competently P BSc (Hons)
Work individually and as part of a group to elaborate upon key issues and debates relating to psychology and its relevant substantive areas of study P BSc (Hons)
Use information and computing technology to collect, analyse and report on psychology research. P BSc (Hons)
Collect, evaluate and utilise relevant primary and secondary sources in order to inform and resolve psychological questions. P BSc (Hons)
Produce a curriculum vitae P BSc (Hons)
Produce a research poster. P BSc (Hons)
Write research reports in accordance with guidelines. P BSc (Hons)
Write essays in accordance with guidelines P BSc (Hons)
Take responsibility for time management and personal organization. P BSc (Hons)
Learn and think independently. P BSc (Hons)
Demonstrate good time management and personal organization. P BSc (Hons)
Work as an individual and also as part of a team. P BSc (Hons)
Develop competence in the application of disciplinary styles and norms in the writing of essays and research reports. P CertHE
Show an ability to source primary materials in the process of completing assignment tasks, and to appropriately apply theory to the answering of psychological questions. P DipHE
Show an awareness of personal skills and qualities and use these to inform the production of a curriculum vitae P DipHE
Show initiative and independence in the planning, design, and execution of assessment tasks. P Ord
Show full independence in managing coursework tasks and in seeking relevant resources to inform study. P Ord
Communicate ideas, principles and theories by oral, written and visual means. T BSc (Hons)
Formulate and solve problems, both individually and as part of a team. T BSc (Hons)
Work towards targets and deadlines under pressure through discipline and careful organisation. T BSc (Hons)
Use information and communication technologies for a variety of generic and subject-specific purposes T BSc (Hons)
Apply and present data (numerical/statistical and qualitative) data in an appropriate way. T BSc (Hons)
Perform to a set of psychology-related responsibilities in an assessed work environment (for those who undertake a professional placement year only). T BSc (Hons)
Demonstrate personal organization and time management through meeting multiple deadlines. T BSc (Hons)
Acquire and demonstrate the skills of reading reflectively and `learning how to learn'. T BSc (Hons)
Acquire and demonstrate a research based orientation to real world and scientific problems. T BSc (Hons)
Execute research skills through the formulation of questions/hypotheses, designing studies that address these questions/hypotheses, collecting and managing `evidence' through various data management techniques, making sense of and disseminating findings. T BSc (Hons)
Have attained a reasonable level of computer literacy T CertHE
Be able to access learning materials from library and electronic resources T CertHE
Have demonstrated an ability to utilise library and electronic learning material in self-directed learning T DipHE
Be ready to develop professional working relationships T DipHE
Have developed a breadth of psychological knowledge and skills suitable for a range of careers T Ord

Attributes Developed

C - Cognitive/analytical

K - Subject knowledge

T - Transferable skills

P - Professional/Practical skills

Programme structure

Full-time

This Bachelor's Degree (Honours) programme is studied full-time over three academic years, consisting of 360 credits (120 credits at FHEQ levels 4, 5 and 6). All modules are semester based and worth 15 credits with the exception of project, practice based and dissertation modules.
Possible exit awards include:
- Bachelor's Degree (Ordinary) (300 credits)
- Diploma of Higher Education (240 credits)
- Certificate of Higher Education (120 credits)

Full-time with PTY

This Bachelor's Degree (Honours) programme is studied full-time over four academic years, consisting of 480 credits (120 credits at FHEQ levels 4, 5, 6 and the optional professional training year). All modules are semester based and worth 15 credits with the exception of project, practice based and dissertation modules.
Possible exit awards include:
- Bachelor's Degree (Ordinary) (300 credits)
- Diploma of Higher Education (240 credits)
- Certificate of Higher Education (120 credits)

Programme Adjustments (if applicable)

N/A

Modules

Year 1 - FHEQ Level 4

Module code Module title Status Credits Semester
PSY1016 BIOLOGICAL PSYCHOLOGY WITH RESEARCH METHODS 1 Compulsory 15 1
PSY1017 COGNITIVE PSYCHOLOGY WITH RESEARCH METHODS 1 Compulsory 15 2
PSY1018 DEVELOPMENTAL PSYCHOLOGY WITH RESEARCH METHODS 1 Compulsory 15 1
PSY1019 SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY WITH RESEARCH METHODS 1 Compulsory 15 2
PSY1020 INTRODUCTION TO STATISTICS AND DATA ANALYSIS Compulsory 15 1
PSY1023 CLASSICS IN PERSONALITY THEORY Compulsory 15 1
PSY1032 FURTHER STATISTICS AND CRITICAL THINKING Compulsory 15 2
PSY1033 THE PSYCHOLOGY OF GLOBAL CHALLENGES Compulsory 15 2

Module Selection for Year 1 - FHEQ Level 4

N/A

Year 2 - FHEQ Level 5

Module code Module title Status Credits Semester
PSY2013 BIOLOGICAL PSYCHOLOGY WITH RESEARCH METHODS 2 Core 15 1
PSY2014 COGNITIVE PSYCHOLOGY WITH RESEARCH METHODS 2 Core 15 2
PSY2015 DEVELOPMENTAL PSYCHOLOGY WITH RESEARCH METHODS 2 Core 15 2
PSY2016 SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY WITH RESEARCH METHODS 2 Core 15 1
PSY2017 ADVANCED STATISTICS AND DATA ANALYSIS Core 15 1
PSY2019 PROFESSIONAL SKILLS AND APPLIED PSYCHOLOGY Core 15 1
PSY2020 PERSONALITY, INTELLIGENCE AND PSYCHOPATHOLOGY Core 15 2
PSY2029 QUALITATIVE RESEARCH METHODS Core 15 2

Module Selection for Year 2 - FHEQ Level 5

N/A

Year 3 - FHEQ Level 6

Module code Module title Status Credits Semester
PSY3065 PSYCHOLOGY DISSERTATION Core 45 Year-long
PSY3072 KEY QUESTIONS IN ENVIRONMENTAL PSYCHOLOGY Optional 15 1
PSY3073 HEALTH PSYCHOLOGY Optional 15 2
PSY3082 PSYCHOLOGY AND EDUCATION Optional 15 1
PSY3095 GENERAL PSYCHOLOGY Core 15 1
PSY3107 NEURAL EFFECTS OF AGEING, BRAIN INJURY AND DEMENTIA Optional 15 1
PSY3117 SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY OF LANGUAGE AND COMMUNICATION Optional 15 1
PSY3081 THOUGHT AND LANGUAGE Optional 15 2
PSY3093 MORALITY AND EMOTIONS Optional 15 2
PSY3118 TREATMENT PROTOCOLS FOR NEUROLOGICAL CONDITIONS Optional 15 2
PSY3120 THE SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY OF GENDER Optional 15 2
PSY3125 RISK AND CHOICE Optional 15 2
PSY3102 THE SELF AND RELATIONSHIPS Optional 15 1
PSY3103 NEURODEVELOPMENTAL CONDITIONS Optional 15 1
PSY3104 APPLIED PSYCHOLOGY AND PUBLIC POLICY Optional 15 1
PSY3126 THE PSYCHOLOGY OF REAL-WORLD BEHAVIOUR CHANGE Optional 15 2
PSY3127 CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGY AND MENTAL HEALTH Optional 15 1

Module Selection for Year 3 - FHEQ Level 6

Two Level 6 modules are CORE to the BSc (Hons) Psychology programme: PSY3065 (Dissertation) and PSY3095 (General Psychology).

In addition, students select 4 optional modules (2 in each semester). Each year a range of optional modules from across the breadth of psychology, selected from the full catalogue listed in the programme diet, will be available. Please note that whereas some modules will run every year, other specialist modules from the catalogue will be rotated so that every year each area or 'stream' of psychology is represented, but the specific option within these areas may vary. The list of optional modules to be offered in a given year will be determined and available to students during the spring/early summer of the previous academic year. Please contact the programme leader if you require more details.

Note: Students who take temporary suspension should be aware that one or more of their chosen optional modules may not be available on their return in the following year. Students who take temporary suspension partway through the semester will have the choice to take a replacement module, or, if they have already completed an assessment for the original module, to attend classes from a new optional module within the same stream (area of psychology) and complete an alternative assessment based on this content that meets the learning outcomes of the original module.

Year 1 (with PTY) - FHEQ Level 4

Module code Module title Status Credits Semester
PSY1016 BIOLOGICAL PSYCHOLOGY WITH RESEARCH METHODS 1 Compulsory 15 1
PSY1017 COGNITIVE PSYCHOLOGY WITH RESEARCH METHODS 1 Compulsory 15 2
PSY1018 DEVELOPMENTAL PSYCHOLOGY WITH RESEARCH METHODS 1 Compulsory 15 1
PSY1019 SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY WITH RESEARCH METHODS 1 Compulsory 15 2
PSY1020 INTRODUCTION TO STATISTICS AND DATA ANALYSIS Compulsory 15 1
PSY1023 CLASSICS IN PERSONALITY THEORY Compulsory 15 1
PSY1032 FURTHER STATISTICS AND CRITICAL THINKING Compulsory 15 2
PSY1033 THE PSYCHOLOGY OF GLOBAL CHALLENGES Compulsory 15 2

Module Selection for Year 1 (with PTY) - FHEQ Level 4

N/A

Year 2 (with PTY) - FHEQ Level 5

Module code Module title Status Credits Semester
PSY2013 BIOLOGICAL PSYCHOLOGY WITH RESEARCH METHODS 2 Core 15 1
PSY2014 COGNITIVE PSYCHOLOGY WITH RESEARCH METHODS 2 Core 15 2
PSY2015 DEVELOPMENTAL PSYCHOLOGY WITH RESEARCH METHODS 2 Core 15 2
PSY2016 SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY WITH RESEARCH METHODS 2 Core 15 1
PSY2017 ADVANCED STATISTICS AND DATA ANALYSIS Core 15 1
PSY2019 PROFESSIONAL SKILLS AND APPLIED PSYCHOLOGY Core 15 1
PSY2020 PERSONALITY, INTELLIGENCE AND PSYCHOPATHOLOGY Core 15 2
PSY2029 QUALITATIVE RESEARCH METHODS Core 15 2

Module Selection for Year 2 (with PTY) - FHEQ Level 5

N/A

Year 3 (with PTY) - FHEQ Level 6

Module code Module title Status Credits Semester
PSY3065 PSYCHOLOGY DISSERTATION Core 45 Year-long
PSY3072 KEY QUESTIONS IN ENVIRONMENTAL PSYCHOLOGY Optional 15 1
PSY3073 HEALTH PSYCHOLOGY Optional 15 2
PSY3082 PSYCHOLOGY AND EDUCATION Optional 15 1
PSY3095 GENERAL PSYCHOLOGY Core 15 1
PSY3107 NEURAL EFFECTS OF AGEING, BRAIN INJURY AND DEMENTIA Optional 15 1
PSY3117 SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY OF LANGUAGE AND COMMUNICATION Optional 15 1
PSY3081 THOUGHT AND LANGUAGE Optional 15 2
PSY3093 MORALITY AND EMOTIONS Optional 15 2
PSY3118 TREATMENT PROTOCOLS FOR NEUROLOGICAL CONDITIONS Optional 15 2
PSY3120 THE SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY OF GENDER Optional 15 2
PSY3125 RISK AND CHOICE Optional 15 2
PSY3102 THE SELF AND RELATIONSHIPS Optional 15 1
PSY3103 NEURODEVELOPMENTAL CONDITIONS Optional 15 1
PSY3104 APPLIED PSYCHOLOGY AND PUBLIC POLICY Optional 15 1
PSY3126 THE PSYCHOLOGY OF REAL-WORLD BEHAVIOUR CHANGE Optional 15 2
PSY3127 CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGY AND MENTAL HEALTH Optional 15 1

Module Selection for Year 3 (with PTY) - FHEQ Level 6

Two Level 6 modules are CORE to the BSc (Hons) Psychology programme: PSY3065 (Dissertation) and PSY3095 (General Psychology).

In addition, students select 4 optional modules (2 in each semester). Each year a range of optional modules from across the breadth of psychology, selected from the full catalogue listed in the programme diet, will be available. Please note that whereas some modules will run every year, other specialist modules from the catalogue will be rotated so that every year each area or 'stream' of psychology is represented, but the specific option within these areas may vary. The list of optional modules to be offered in a given year will be determined and available to students during the spring/early summer of the previous academic year. Please contact the programme leader if you require more details.

Note: Students who take temporary suspension should be aware that one or more of their chosen optional modules may not be available on their return in the following year. Students who take temporary suspension partway through the semester will have the choice to take a replacement module, or, if they have already completed an assessment for the original module, to attend classes from a new optional module within the same stream (area of psychology) and complete an alternative assessment based on this content that meets the learning outcomes of the original module.

Professional Training Year (PTY) -

Module code Module title Status Credits Semester
PSYP005 PROFESSIONAL TRAINING YEAR MODULE (FULL-YEAR WORK) Core 120 Year-long

Module Selection for Professional Training Year (PTY) -

N/A

Opportunities for placements / work related learning / collaborative activity

Associate Tutor(s) / Guest Speakers / Visiting Academics Y
Professional Training Year (PTY) Y
Placement(s) (study or work that are not part of PTY) N
Clinical Placement(s) (that are not part of the PTY scheme) N
Study exchange (Level 5) Y
Dual degree N

Quality assurance

The Regulations and Codes of Practice for taught programmes can be found at:

https://www.surrey.ac.uk/quality-enhancement-standards

Please note that the information detailed within this record is accurate at the time of publishing and may be subject to change. This record contains information for the most up to date version of the programme / module for the 2022/3 academic year.