Psychology BSc (Hons) - 2025/6
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 | ULD10004 | 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
21/11/2024
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. | |
| Acquire a critical understanding of all elements of psychology and an ability to assess and demonstrate their relevance to an understanding of the real world and scientific problems. | KT | BSc (Hons) | |
| Acquire a reflective understanding and ability to identify, summarise and apply the key concepts and main theoretical perspectives and debates of psychology and their relevance to a range of substantive areas, working both individual and as part of a group. | KP | BSc (Hons) | |
| An ability to distinguish between and evaluate different epistemological and methodological approaches to the study of psychology | 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 | |
| An ability to read psychological research to identify its key points and acquire and demonstrate the skills of reading reflectively and `learning how to learn¿. | KCT | BSc (Hons) | |
| An ability to collect, assemble and evaluate data from a variety of primary and secondary sources, discern and establish connections, and draw grounded conclusions to resolve psychological questions. | CP | BSc (Hons) | |
| An ability to evaluate the integrity of evidence and of `data', evaluating the range and role of research methods and to discern the difference between opinion and evidence | KC | BSc (Hons) | |
| An ability to design, execute and report psychological research studies, and be competent in the collection, management and analysis of research data, including individual psychological studies, suing a variety of methods and the derivation of appropriate conclusions. | KCP | 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 interpretations, in order to produce a reasoned argument in relation to the evidence | C | BSc (Hons) | |
| An ability to challenge and question a range of views from different angles, drawing on theory, evidence and critical insight. | C | BSc (Hons) | |
| An ability to communicate, summarise and apply key concepts, principles and theories in psychology to a range of relevant substantive areas, by oral, written and visual means | CPT | BSc (Hons) | |
| An ability to distinguish between, critically compare, contrast and evaluate different methodological and theoretical approaches to the study of psychology | KC | 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 | KC | CertHE | |
| Have acquired further research skills to enable them, with autonomy, to perform straightforward research tasks. | KC | DipHE |
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 Selection for Year 1 - FHEQ Level 4
N/A
Year 2 - FHEQ Level 5
Module Selection for Year 2 - FHEQ Level 5
N/A
Year 3 - FHEQ Level 6
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 may 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 Selection for Year 1 (with PTY) - FHEQ Level 4
N/A
Year 2 (with PTY) - FHEQ Level 5
Module Selection for Year 2 (with PTY) - FHEQ Level 5
N/A
Year 3 (with PTY) - FHEQ Level 6
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 may 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 |
| PSYP007 | PROFESSIONAL TRAINING YEAR MODULE (FULL-YEAR STUDY) | 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 | N | |
| Professional Training Year (PTY) | N | |
| 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) | N | |
| Dual degree | N |
Other information
The School of Psychology is committed to developing graduates with strengths in Employability, Digital Capabilities, Global and Cultural Capabilities, Sustainability, and Resourcefulness and Resilience. This module is designed to allow students to develop knowledge, skills, and capabilities in the following areas:
Employability: This program provides students with core and advances knowledge of all core areas of psychology and fundamentals of many different research methods. An understanding of scientific knowledge, critical thinking and engagement with empirical research can be applied across many fields and careers. During practical sessions students will be introduced to various equipment utilised in research and clinical settings. A range of written and verbal assessments help to develop written and verbal communication. The ability to express yourself succinctly and unambiguously is a key transferrable skill for employability. Group presentations also allow students to develop their ability to work as part of a team. The program structure is designed to foster reliance and effect self-management.
Digital Capabilities: Students are expected to engage with online material and resources via SurreyLearn, and other digital platforms. Students are encouraged to communicate with one another and work together in groups, utilising digital collaborative tools. Students will be encouraged to search for scientific articles in online databases and use powerpoint for the creation of scientific posters. Students also develop their statistical skills throughout the program, utilising open access statistical software to complete lab reports, statistical assignments and their dissertation.
Global and Cultural Capabilities: Students will engage critically with exemplars of empirical research and reflect on inclusivity of the methods employed and considerations of diversity and equality in the populations studied. Students will also consider research discussing effects of discrimination, racism and how psychology can influence the challenges we face globally. Students will develop an appreciation of how psychological knowledge and theory can be limited to a specific cultural context, and similarly that the changing nature of social attitudes and beliefs means that some knowledge is of its time, within a historical context.
Resourcefulness and Resilience: The learning, teaching and assessment strategy for this program has been designed to encourage active participation, peer support and reflective engagement. Workshops are provided throughout to allows students the opportunity to work in small groups. Coursework assignments help develop time-management and organisation skills. Students are encouraged to share ideas, appreciate potential barriers and challenges faced by others, and provide support and show empathy towards each other in working towards achieving successful outcomes. Formative assessments and feedback practices provide an opportunity for students to fail and learn from the experience, building confidence and self-efficacy.
Sustainability: Social issues are considered throughout the program, considering how to influence positive behaviour change and how psychology can address global challenges. The UN sustainability development goals serve as a framework for considering psychology at multiple times across the program. In-class discussions and activities will focus on these kinds of social issues and ways to address them., with various assignments allowing students to focus on topics related to social issues and psychological research aiming to understand such phenomena. Environmental questions can also be explored, considering how to take theories and evidence of behaviour change and evidence to influence behaviour change intervention (from many different perspectives, such as health, educational, gender equity, equity for marginalised groups and environmental). Students will be encouraged to address these topics from the perspective of diverse target audience.
Quality assurance
The Regulations and Codes of Practice for taught programmes can be found at:
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 2025/6 academic year.