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Summary 2010/11

• Everything you wanted to know about the science of mind and behaviour;
• Explore the differences that make each one of us unique;
• Study on a programme with a 95% satisfaction score in the latest National Student Survey, equal best for a psychology degree in the UK.

Following re-validation, this programme is subject to an application for continuation of its accreditation with the British Psychological Society.

Psychology is the study of human behaviour. This course teaches you to investigate the mechanisms and processes that underpin how we perceive, think, attend, learn, remember, use and understand language as well as how we function in the wider world.

2010 Entry Requirements

220 - 260 points overall, plus GCSE Mathematics at grade C or equivalent. Each application is assessed on its own merits.

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Who is this course for?

This BSc (Hons) Psychology is for those with an interest in all aspects of human thought and behaviour. There are a number of influential theoretical approaches to the subject and this programme will allow you to explore them thoroughly - giving you the opportunity to learn something about yourself as well as others.

What will I gain from this programme?

Our students gain a broad, general understanding of the different, yet interrelated approaches towards the psychological study of human behaviour.

What will I study?

Year 1 modules include ‘Introduction to Psychology’, introducing you to all the basic areas in psychology, including social psychology and personality and individual differences. The module then progresses into cognitive, developmental and biological psychology, exploring topics such as the relationship between brain and behaviour, perception, memory, intelligence and cognitive development. In two other modules you will look at research methods and data analysis and undertake associated practical work. You will also study a module to support your personal and academic development and an experiential module on career development and management.

Year 2 builds on the core areas introduced in year 1, exploring the unique contribution of social psychology to the understanding of human behaviour in a social context. Developmental Psychology is concerned with understanding the factors that promote healthy psychological development. Aspects of biological development, child rearing and social context are examined in relation to their effects on the subsequent development of the child. More advanced research methods will be introduced and you will work in groups to conduct qualitative and quantitative research. There is an emphasis on the use of computers when applying statistical analysis to quantitative data. You will also study biological psychology examining the underpinning of behaviour and cognition and cognitive psychology examining human memory and perceptions.

Using the methods mastered in year 2, the year 3 dissertation module allows you to conduct your own primary research in an area of psychology that is of interest to you. You will identify a research question, write up your findings and discuss their implications.

Other modules in year 3 include a choice of 6 options from at least 12. These options are in professional areas of psychology, such as educational psychology, work psychology, and health psychology, or in reflecting major research interests of staff, such as addiction, personal relationships, and memory.

As third year modules reflect the academic and professional interests of staff, they are subject to change and are run subject to staff availability and student numbers.

How will I study?

Our teaching methods follow a variety of formats from traditional style lectures to tutorials, seminars and workshops. There is a well-equipped laboratory facility consisting of a teaching lab, audio-visual suite and soundproof cubicles for conducting experiments. We have a wide range of IT facilities, including spreadsheet and statistical packages, Internet access, a web based Virtual Learning Environment, electronic journals and abstract databases.

Who will be teaching me?

The Psychology team is a rapidly growing one, currently with ten members of staff. Our staff are all research active, particularly in the areas of thinking and reasoning, work psychology, psychological aspects of substance abuse, counselling, close relationships and the functioning of working memory.

Members of the team have been published in major national and international peer reviewed journals such as the British Journal of Psychology, Counselling Psychology Quarterly, the Quarterly Journal of Experimental Psychology, The Journal of Experimental Psychology and The Journal of Experimental Child Psychology.

How will I be assessed?

Assessment in the first year is designed to determine whether or not you have reached the necessary standard to proceed to years 2 and 3. Most modules are assessed by a mixture of examination and coursework though some are assessed solely by coursework. Coursework assignments might be essays, research project reports, group presentations or the critical analysis of research papers. In addition, in year 3 you complete a dissertation module.

What are my career prospects?

There are two clearly identifiable career routes. Firstly, successful completion of this programme will open up a number of postgraduate training and career opportunities, notably educational psychology, clinical psychology, work psychology, health psychology and teaching and research in further and higher education.

Secondly, you will be well qualified to enter a wide range of professions from advertising and the caring professions, through to personnel or teaching (plus many other diversified occupations). The Psychology Unit at Edge Hill has a strong record of research and encourages new graduates to register for higher degrees such as MPhil and PhD.

Professional Accreditation

Following re-validation, the programme is subject to an application for continuation of its accreditation by the British Psychological Society (BPS). Completing a BPS-accredited programme confers eligibility for the Graduate Basis of Registration, provided the minimum standard of a Lower Second Class Honours is achieved. This is the first step towards becoming a Chartered Psychologist.

Students must recognise that training in Psychology is acquired through postgraduate education and supervised practice, not through an undergraduate degree. On completion of this programme students are not qualified to practice as a psychologist without further training.

Related Programmes

• BSc (Hons) Educational Psychology
• BSc (Hons) Health Psychology
• BSc (Hons) Sport and Exercise Psychology
• This programme will also be available as a BA Joint Honours with Sociology, Early Childhood Studies, and Childhood and Youth Studies. Please note, these Joint Honours programmes will not confer the Graduate Basis for Registration of the British Psychological Society

A Great Study Environment

Based in 75 acres of spacious, landscaped grounds, our Ormskirk Campus combines original buildings and gardens from the 1930s with £60 million of modern resources and 25 acres of sporting leisure facilities. The Learning Resource Centre offers everything from spacious and well-stocked libraries to extensive PC and media provision. Cutting edge systems and technology, interlinked with learner support, make for a flexible and highly advanced learning environment.

How do I apply?

Apply online through UCAS for the full-time programme. For flexible study apply directly to Edge Hill.

See our How to Apply pages for more information on the application process and our Admissions criteria.

Fees and Finance

The Edge Hill tuition fee for full-time undergraduate degree students is £3,290pa for academic year 2010/11. However, you will not have to pay this fee while you are studying. Instead you will be able to take out a tuition fee loan to cover the cost, which is not repayable until you have completed your course and are earning at least £15,000pa.

For more information about grants, loans, bursaries and scholarships, see our Fees and Bursaries pages. Please note, the above information is for UK and EU students only.

Not got the entry requirements?

Students returning to education may present their previous experience in work (paid or unpaid) to support their application.

Students with relevant study through either a professional body or appropriate academic course can apply to join the programme at an advanced stage.

If you do not have the required Mathematics GCSE, you can sit an Edge Hill equivalency test to gain the equivalent qualification.

For personalised advice based on your circumstances, please contact us or come to an event.

Where can I find out more?

If you would like to receive a copy of our prospectus, or be kept updated about forthcoming events, then complete our course enquiry form or contact the Course Enquiries Unit on freephone 0800 195 5063.

You can also register to attend one of the open days and evenings we run throughout the year. These are held at our main campus and at other venues across the region. You’ll also find University staff at many national careers fairs and UCAS events.

Still want more?

If the information on this website doesn't answer all your questions, please contact:

• Pat Hornby-Atkinson, Programme Leader
• Tel. 01695 650972
• Email: atkinsop@edgehill.ac.uk
• Department of Social and Psychological Sciences, Faculty of Arts and Sciences, Edge Hill University, St Helens Road, Ormskirk, Lancashire, L39 4QP

Overseas students should visit www.edgehill.ac.uk/international or email international@edgehill.ac.uk for further information.

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Modules

Year 1

PSY1101 Introduction Psychology: This module introduces you to basic theories and concepts in psychology. You will gain a broad, general understanding of the different, yet interrelated approaches towards the psychological study of human behaviour, focusing on the study of social psychology, personality and individual differences. The module then progresses into cognitive, developmental and biological psychology, exploring topics such as the relationship between brain and behaviour, perception, memory, intelligence and cognitive development. You will develop scientific ways of thinking about behaviour and analysing mental processes.

PSY1102 Psychology Focus: The purpose of this module is to provide a focused approach to a range of psychological perspectives, theories, and debates raised in PSY1101.

PSY1103 Research Methods 1: Basic research methods and data analysis introduces you to the methods of conducting psychological research. No prior knowledge is assumed, and the emphasis is upon practical exercises in data collection and analysis, often working in groups to conduct experiments and surveys.

PSY1104 Practical Psychology: Complementing PSY1103, this module provides training in a range of psychological approaches to research methods, both qualitative and quantitative.

PSY1107 Personal and Academic Development: Introducing you to a range of personal and academic skills required in higher education, topics covered in this module include essay writing and using the library and IT facilities. The module also aims to increase your knowledge and skills relating to communication and group processes and dynamics.

Year 2

PSY2101 Personality, Social and Developmental Psychology: This module provides a good general background in three major, interrelated areas of psychology.

In social psychology, you will develop critical awareness, improve interpersonal and social skills and learn more about the unique contribution of social psychology to the understanding of human behaviour in a social context. You will further develop skills in applying social psychological explanations to current real world scenarios.

Developmental psychology is concerned with understanding the factors that promote healthy psychological development. Aspects of biological development, child rearing and social context, are examined in relation to their effects on the subsequent development of the child. Major theories of development such as those of Piaget and Vygotsky will be critically evaluated. Factors affecting psychological development from infancy to adolescence will also be explored.

One of the most obvious things we notice in our everyday lives is that not everybody behaves the same way. The part of this course that deals with personality and individual differences covers the main personality theories, intelligence, the ways psychologists measure individual differences and abnormal behaviour.

PSY2102 Research Methods 2: This module builds on and develops the understanding of quantitative and qualitative research methods introduced in the first year of the course.

Analysis of variance and related techniques continues the coverage of commonly used quantitative research methods in psychology. You will spend much of your time working in groups to conduct experiments with an additional emphasis on the use of computers for the analysis of data, becoming proficient in the use of relevant software.

In contrast, qualitative methods are grounded in a philosophical position that is broadly interpretivist, concerned with how the social world is interpreted, understood, experienced and produced. This aspect of the module emphasises a research style that aims to produce rounded understandings of the person on the basis of rich, contextual and detailed data. It encourages the self-awareness and being reflective in order to develop an appreciation of how the individual and the surrounding culture shape research and its interpretation. It provides a useful applied grounding in contemporary methodology for any student interested in working within a health, social work, psychology child-care or elder setting.

Taken together, the quantitative and qualitative aspects of the course provide a balanced and thorough grounding in psychological research methods.

PSY2103 Cognitive and Biological Psychology: The mind is perhaps the last great frontier of science. This module examines the higher mental processes (such as how and why we remember and forget, how vision generates perception, how we recognise what we see, and how the mind represents and processes information).

The module provides a critical approach to the cognitive view of the mind that holds so much sway in psychology today. A second strand to the cognitive element of this module investigates thinking, reasoning and language abilities that are central to human achievement. For example, you will explore how we understand language, solve problems, acquire skills and knowledge and make decisions.

The module also deals with language deficits and neuropsychological themes in the study of human abilities, and is of relevance to students interested in careers such as language therapy, as well as encompassing crucial subjects of psychological research. Finally, the biological element of the module familiarises you with the structure and functioning of the human nervous system and other bodily features which may influence our behaviour. No specialist prior knowledge of biology is assumed.

Applied Psychology: You will take a module in Applied Psychology, choosing a module from Health Psychology, Educational Psychology or Sport Psychology.

Year 3

This comprises a compulsory dissertation and compulsory modules in Research Methods and Mind, Body and Consciousness. You will need to choose six other modules from the options available.

PSY3101 Dissertation: This module allows you to conduct your own primary research in an area of psychology that is of interest to you. You will have the opportunity to identify a research question, conduct a relevant literature search, generate and test hypotheses, write up your results and discuss their implications. While you will be developing your skills at working independently, you will also receive supervision and guidance from one of the Psychology tutors.

PSY3102 Research Methods 3: This module provides advanced training in qualitative and quantitative research methods. It builds on the previous related modules to complete the British Psychological Society curriculum for research methods training while providing a forum for additional dissertation support.

Quantitative methods considered include regression analysis and related advanced statistical procedures, ranging from multiple regression through to factor analysis and discriminate function analysis. You will practice using these techniques on computerised statistical packages. The qualitative part of the course examines discourse analysis and the criteria used to evaluate the reliability and validity of all forms of qualitative psychological research.

PSY3105 Mind, Body and Consciousness: The module provides a critically evaluative understanding of conceptual issues in the scientific study of mind, body and behaviour. The aim is to empower you to reason about current directions in psychological science.

PSY3103 Work Psychology: During this module you will explore the application of theoretical perspectives and insights from other core areas of the discipline to issues such as employee selection, training, stress and stress management and job design. It also contributes to the study of employee wellbeing and effective management and is concerned with the experience of women and minorities in the work place. All of these issues feature in this module which also provides a grounding for those students who may be considering postgraduate qualifications in this area.

PSY3104 Personal Relationships: The module examinines the form and function of a variety of close relationships, ranging from the early attachment of the child to a caregiver, through children's peer relationships, to adult friendships and romantic love. Consideration is given to both successful relationships and to patterns of dysfunction and collapse.

PSY3106 Deconstructing Abnormal Psychology: This module will introduce you to the critical study of abnormal psychology, providing you with a critical understanding of the variety of perspectives and how they apply to specific disorders.

PSY3107 Evolutionary Psychology: This module aims to explore how human psychology has been influenced by evolutionary factors. You will examine how behaviours such as aggression, mate selection, helping and parenting have evolved and what the implications are for our understanding of crime, mental disorder and schooling.

PSY3108 Psychology of Substance Misuse: Addressing the topic of addiction from all relevant angles, this module encourages you to explore the psychological and biological aspects of addiction, and to develop an independent viewpoint on many of the important issues raised.

PSY3109 Abnormal Psychology: This module will introduce you to the study of abnormal psychology and psychiatric disorders. It aims to provide you with a thorough understanding of a variety of perspectives in psychology and how they apply to specific mental disorders. You will develop an understanding of the relative merits of a medical/clinical model (diagnosis and treatment) of specific disorders, which will include schizophrenia (and other personality disorders), attention-deficit / hyperactivity disorders, bipolar-mood disorders and cognitive disorders related to aging and autism. You will be encouraged to critically analyse the medical model of mental disorders, as seen from the historical, social, psychopharmacological (neuroscience / neuropsychological) and medical perspectives.

PSY3110 Critical Perspectives in Developmental Psychology: This builds on the Level 5 Developmental Psychology and Research Methods modules. It questions the position of the child in society by employing a political perspective. Models and images of childhood, especially many of those underpinning traditional developmental psychology and educational policy, will be critiqued.

PSY3111 Memory in the Real World: This module will provide a detailed overview of classic and contemporary research, examining the different components of human memory and how they function in everyday life. Reference will be made to the historical conflict that exists between applied and laboratory-based memory researchers. A detailed overview of the investigative techniques used by both types of memory researcher will also be provided.

PSY3112 Evolutionary Psychology: This module provides an evaluative knowledge and understanding of the application of evolutionary science to the study of human behaviour.

EDP3003 Psychological Predictors of Learning and Achievement: This module will explore how psychology has informed our understanding of how learning and achievement are influenced by psychological factors at all phases of education, from primary school through to university. This module will set in the policy context of the ways in which achievement data is currently used. Such an understanding will be highly relevant if you’re entering any profession in the educational sector: teaching, educational psychology or educational research.

The Psychology of Reading: In this module you will learn about the processes involved in visual word recognition which underlies reading. In addition to fluent reading, the module examines reading development, specific learning difficulties (dyslexia) and reading in profoundly deaf individuals.

EDP3006 Individual Differences in Learning: Every student has experience of education and you will draw on your own individual experience and theory to critically explore current strategies and systems. Education takes place in a social framework and this module will critically examine the relationship between the social settings in which learning takes place and the psychological models that explore how learning takes place. The module also explores the range of what are identified as Special Educational Needs and how the educational needs of the child may best be met. The module is likely to be of particular interest if you’re contemplating a career in clinical psychology, education, and/or who wish to enhance your understanding of your own experience and awareness of social processes.

EDP3007 Neuroscience in Education: This module will examine educational approaches and quality of discussion around an increasing range of educational issues that are associated with ADHD, Learning Difficulties and Mental Health in young children and adolescents. You will be taken through brain development (prenatal, postnatal, infancy, childhood, adolescence, and adulthood). The module will examine the affects of drugs (prescribed and non-prescribed in the developing foetus (maternal use / misuse). Neuroscience and Developmental Disorders will be explored in detail, which may include dyslexia, dyscalculia and mental disorders first diagnosed in childhood and adolescence. You will explore cognitive neuroscience, the methods employed and the effects on how school teaching is informed by changes in scientific understanding of how children learn.

HPS3004 The Psychology of Health Promotion: This module considers the important relationship between behaviour and health. Health promotion has become a focus of intense interest in medical, public health and academic communities over the past twenty to thirty years, and psychologists in particular have developed a knowledge, skill and theoretical base which underpin the psychology of health promotion. This module will examine and differentiate between interventions aimed at individuals and populations.