Undergraduate programmes in Psychology

Transcription

1 Undergraduate programmes in Psychology We are one of the UK s strongest psychology departments, combining outstanding research and teaching. Over half of our research was recently recognised as being world leading, fifth in the UK. Professor Kim Shapiro Head of School of Psychology Create impact. School of Psychology

2 Contents Why study Psychology at Birmingham? 3 Our School 3 BSc Psychology 4 The third year 5 MSci programmes 6 Study abroad opportunities 6 How to apply 7 Hear from our students 8 Where will Psychology at Birmingham take you? 10

3 School of Psychology 3 Why study Psychology at Birmingham? Psychology is the study of behaviour, experience, the brain and the mind. It is a diverse and broad-ranging discipline, influencing our understanding of so many aspects of society. Psychologists work in education and child development; in clinical work dealing with phobias; in the courtroom acting as expert witnesses; in industry helping to design efficient machines or optimising business organisations; and in universities researching every branch of human behaviour from visual perception to sexuality. At Birmingham you will study many different aspects of psychology from child development to psychopharmacology, social psychology to neuroscience. Our School of Psychology is one of the largest in the UK, with approximately 800 undergraduate students, 250 postgraduates and over 120 research and teaching staff whose interests include all areas of contemporary psychology. As a Psychology student at Birmingham, you will have access to purpose-built facilities specifically equipped for work in human brain sciences (including brain imaging); psychophysiology; cognition and language, visual and auditory perception, neuropsychology; attention; food and nutritional psychology; psychopharmacology, social psychology, clinical and forensic psychology and child development. Most of our laboratories are equipped with state-of-the-art computers for experimental control, data collection and analysis. We also have two large computer laboratories for statistical analysis, word processing and access to the University s main network. Our degree programmes provide training in the use of all of these facilities. The School of Psychology also has extensive links with local hospitals and clinics, other universities, industry and local and national government departments. These links are beneficial to our students as they provide opportunities for individual research projects. The School s research is supported by approximately 8 million of grants per year and has the latest equipment and four specialised research centres: o Birmingham University Imaging Centre o Centre for Forensic and Criminological Psychology o Cerebra Centre for Neurodevelopmental Disorders o Centre for Computational Neuroscience and Cognitive Robotics Our School We are one of the largest and most active psychology schools in the UK, with an excellent reputation for teaching and research. Over half of our research activity was recently rated as world leading and we were ranked fifth in the Research Excellence Framework 2014 (REF 2014). Our approach to psychology Psychology is often defined as the study of behaviour, brain and mind. This simple description does not really capture the tremendous variety of things that psychologists actually do. The behaviour that interests them may range from apparently simple acts like feeding, to much more obviously complex skills like language and social interaction. In studying the brain, they may be concerned with identifying which areas deal with particular functions or with how individual nerve cells work and communicate with each other. If they are investigating the mind, they may deal with specific topics like seeing and remembering or with how these processes combine to make us conscious, intelligent beings. In designing our degree programmes, we aim to provide both a broad knowledge of contemporary psychology and the opportunity to specialise in the topics that interest you most. Rather than emphasising a particular approach, the first two years of the programme give equal weight to all the major areas of contemporary psychology and to the various techniques that they encompass. You will then be well-equipped to develop knowledge in greater depth through the project work and optional modules provided in your final year. The programme is designed to provide the full range of skills needed by a contemporary psychologist, including all the skills for subsequent professional training. It is our experience, however, that students who have taken science subjects at A level tend to get more out of the programme than those who have not. British Psychological Society accreditation Our programmes are accredited by the British Psychological Society as conferring eligibility for Graduate Membership of the Society with the Graduate Basis for Registration, provided the minimum standard of qualification of second class honours is achieved. This is the first step towards becoming a Chartered Psychologist. For more information see the British Psychological Society website.

4 4 School of Psychology BSc Psychology Because of the wide-ranging nature of psychology, we believe that students should examine all of its various approaches and interests before choosing an area in which to specialise. Hear from one of our students by watching this short film Our single honours BSc Psychology degree is therefore structured so that you will follow a common programme in all of the areas that make up the core of contemporary psychology. The degree programme is structured on a modular basis. In the first year, you will take either one 20 credit or two 10 credit modules outside the main discipline (MOMD) in a subject other than psychology. In your final year you will be offered a range of options, allowing you to concentrate on the themes which interest you most. Formal tuition is designed to provide a balance between theoretical issues and practical experience. However, the timetable of lectures, seminars, tutorials and practical classes accounts for only a portion of the week, and you will have the opportunity to structure your own work within these formal attendance requirements. As part of this work you will write course-related essays and prepare posters and reports of practical work which, together with written exams at the end of each session, contribute to the mark for each year and to the final degree classification. Programme structure The first two years of the course consist of a range of compulsory core modules which have been chosen carefully to provide a firm grounding in all the major areas of contemporary psychology. The Psychology course at Birmingham stood out to me because of the variety of things that it offers... it doesn t just focus on one area. Annabelle Psychology student First year o Research Methods A and B o Perception and Attention o Introduction to Psychobiology o Psychobiology of Memory, Motivation and Emotion o Introduction to Learning o Introduction to Developmental Psychology o Plus either one 20 credit or two 10 credit modules outside the main discipline (MOMD) Second year All modules are compulsory o Research Methods C and D o Social Psychology o Forensic Psychology o Cognition in Infants and Children o Introduction to Psycholinguistics o Neural Basis of Movement o Personality and Intelligence at Work o Visual Perception and Illusions o Development of Attachment Behaviour Modules outside the main discipline (MOMD) All students take either one 20 credit or two 10 credit MOMDs during the first year. These modules may be chosen from a wide range offered by other Schools either in science, humanities or social sciences. This is to allow you to continue to develop your interest in subjects you have previously studied or to take up a brand new subject. Performance in these modules contributes to the student s year mark. Timetabled tuition Lectures: For each core module there is normally a one-hour weekly lecture and related workshops or seminars. Research methods: In addition to the modules covering specific topics in psychology, we provide four courses covering research methods, statistics, data analysis and practical work. Each course comprises two components: statistics/ computing and practical work. The practical components each comprise two hands-on practicals supported by special lectures and weekly small group sessions with some self-study. Instruction is given in all types of practical psychology including formal controlled experiments, observational methods, semistructured interviews and questionnaire studies. Practicals are assessed by a variety of methods including written reports and oral presentation. The statistics/computing components consist of weekly lectures supported by hands-on computer workshops in which students work through example problems. Students are taught how to use the software in the School s computer laboratories. The research methods courses deal with the many statistical methods that psychologists use to analyse their research findings. Ethical issues are also discussed. The research modules are designed to complement other modules offered by the School, and provide the necessary skills to conduct scientific psychological research. Tutorials Students are assigned a Personal and Academic Tutor in their first year, and where possible will stay with this tutor until the end of the programme. Tutors serve a pastoral role, monitoring student progress and providing general academic guidance, and will provide small group teaching, discussion and feedback on your work in the first and second year. Continuous assessment Students progress is assessed by written examinations and coursework. Students hand in essays and practical work associated with the core modules according to a schedule of deadlines approximately one piece of work every two or three weeks. Successful completion of first-year work is a prerequisite for entry into the second year. The marks gained in the second year make up one-quarter of the final degree classification. Study abroad For study abroad opportunities, see page 6.

5 School of Psychology 5 The third year The third year of study is designed to be flexible and allow for the development of individual interests and abilities. Compulsory project work (accounts for one-third of the year s work) Under the guidance of a supervisor, each final-year student undertakes a substantial piece of independent research work. This project which usually begins at the end of the second year involves the student designing a study in their chosen research area, collecting and analysing, and interpreting the data, presenting an oral description of the work, and submitting a literature review and written report. This type of work gives students detailed experience in their chosen area during their third year. Option modules Students choose four modules from a wide range of subject groupings. The modules offered vary from year to year. Examples of current modules include: o Understanding Emotion o What Makes a Mental Illness? o Parental Cognition and Psychopathology o Visual Cognitive Neuroscience and Art o Why We Eat What We Eat o Clinical Psychology of Severe Intellectual Disability o Higher Cognitive Function in Children, Adults and Non-Human Animals o Sleep o Development and Disorders of Language in Children o Adult Neuropsychological Syndromes o Brain Damage and Ageing in the Attentional System o Communities and Social Action o Speaking and Reading o The Lying Brain o Why We Remember and Why We Forget Class sizes in the third year are kept small to encourage discussion and places are subject to availability. For each chosen module, there is usually a weekly two-hour lecture plus workshops or seminars. The lecturers at Birmingham have a lot of experience behind them and it s really nice to know that we re learning from people who are experts in the field that they are teaching. Chanchal Psychology student from The Philippines Final assessment Overall assessment for the final degree is based on several components: o The project report, literature review and project talk o Written examinations and coursework or practical work relating to the third-year option modules o Marks achieved during the second year Please note, the module information provided here may be subject to change.

6 6 School of Psychology MSci programmes We offer two four-year undergraduate Masters (MSci) programmes designed to enhance career opportunities for those interested in applied psychology or psychological research. You will study the same modules as students on the BSc Psychology programme for the first three years, followed by an additional fourth year in which all modules are at Masters level. The programmes provide relevant, specialist work experience through placements and projects helping to give you a head start in a career in psychology. Both MSci courses are accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS) as conferring eligibility for the Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership, provided the minimum standard of a lower second class honours is achieved. This is the first step towards becoming a Chartered Psychologist. MSci Psychology and Psychological Practice This programme is designed for those considering careers in clinical, forensic or educational psychology. During the fourth year, you will spend six months working for three days a week at an external work placement organised by the School, and gain hands-on experience of clinical, forensic or educational psychology in the real world. You will also attend lectures and seminars on the theoretical and methodological underpinnings of applied psychology. MSci Psychology and Psychological Research This programme is designed for those considering a career in research (eg, working in universities, think tanks or consulting). During the fourth year, you will do a three-month research placement and a six-month research project within the School, and gain experience of cutting-edge science. You will also receive training in transferable skills (eg, presentation and communication) and advanced scientific methods (eg, functional brain imaging). Course structure Years 1, 2 and 3 will follow the same course structure as BSc Psychology. A list of Year 4 modules can be found on the relevant course page. How to apply You can either apply through UCAS, or alternatively apply to transfer during your BSc Psychology degree. Please note that due to a very limited number of places on the MSci programmes, we are not able to consider applications for deferred entry. If you are made an offer and subsequently wish to defer, you can retain your offer for the BSc Psychology programme. Entry requirements Our typical A level offer is A*AA for both programmes and students may be required to attend an interview. Please see our website for more details on specific requirements including A level subjects that we accept. We do not consider Access applicants for these programmes. Study abroad opportunities Up to 20 students per cohort choose to take a year abroad between the second and third year. You can select your own placement at any non-uk university approved by the International Relations Office. You are also free to choose your own modules whilst away as long as they are broadly relevant to psychology. We will help you to choose an appropriate institution and modules, and will keep in touch with you while you are away. Recent destinations include the USA, Canada, Australia, Hong Kong and Singapore. Students taking this option will receive a BSc Psychology with Year Abroad. The MSci courses can be also be combined with the Year Abroad option.

7 School of Psychology 7 How to apply Application procedure Apply via UCAS at UCAS course codes o BSc Psychology C800 o MSci in Psychology and Psychological Practice C801 o MSci in Psychology and Psychological Research C890 A Level entry requirements For BSc Psychology: Our typical A level offer is AAB at A2 for applicants taking at least one science subject (Psychology is considered a science). If you are not taking a science subject, our typical offer is AAA at A2. A list of A levels not accepted is published on our website. Whilst A level Psychology is not a pre-requisite for our degree programme, it can provide a useful introduction to the course. It should be noted, however, that the content and demands of psychology courses at A level and degree level can differ markedly. International Baccalaureate For BSc Psychology our standard offer is Higher Level 6,6,5 (including a science subject) or 6,6,6 (with no science subject) with no less than 32 points overall, with 5 points in each of a Standard Level English and Mathematics. Alternative academic qualifications Alternative academic qualifications may be acceptable. Please contact the Student Recruitment Team for advice on whether your particular qualifications, or combination of qualifications, will meet the entry requirements. Please note that, in addition to the above, all candidates must fulfil the minimum requirement of GCSE Mathematics and English to grade C. Overseas applicants We welcome applications from overseas students. For application to our degree courses your qualifications should be equivalent to our usual A level offers. Applicant Visit Days We do not usually interview each candidate individually. Instead, we invite all those who are offered a place to one of our Applicant Visit Days, so that they can look round the School and campus, talk informally with staff and students, and generally form an idea of what it is like to be a Psychology student at Birmingham. Learn more If you require any further information, please contact: Student Recruitment Team School of Psychology Telephone: +44 (0) psychology-admissions@ contacts.bham.ac.uk Learn more

8 8 School of Psychology Hear from our students I enjoyed my first year a lot. I got to know friends from different countries on my course and also in sports teams. Although it is hard to adapt to the environment at the beginning, I felt happy that I got support from so many people. Christy Wong Hei Yan BSc Psychology I m an international student from Hong Kong. I think studying abroad can broaden my horizons and allow me to make new friends from different countries. I chose Birmingham as it is in the Russell Group and it has a good reputation. Also, the location is very convenient as the University is not far from town and there is Birmingham Airport nearby. We have different kinds of modules which cover different aspects of psychology. Also, I like the different style of teaching. As well as having lectures, we are involved in projects, seminars and workshops which I enjoy a lot. When we are having exams, my friends and I like to stay in the library together. During lunch and breaks, we love to chill on the grass around the campus. I think Birmingham is so convenient and town is not far from university. My friends and I love to shop in the Bullring during weekends. Chinatown is also nearby so we can get Asian food at the same time. Bullring is the best for shopping, ever! The Psychology department also seemed really well equipped and specialised in many different areas of psychology. Katie Lee BSc Psychology I decided to study here because I absolutely loved the campus, it s so pretty and I really liked that although it wasn t a city campus, it was still only a ten minute train journey from the city centre. Birmingham is huge yet you find your way about so quickly and the My first year was brilliant fun, it was all about meeting new people and getting to grips with university life and how to study for a degree. It was very different to life in Sixth Form and I had to get used to working more independently. However, there was so much support available, we had a personal tutor, an academic tutor and a student mentor assigned to our tutor group. What I most enjoy about my course is that the modules are so varied we cover every area of psychology. I really think the contact time and work required is suitable for the course and have enjoyed every minute of it! The feedback on work is also really good.

9 School of Psychology 9 What makes the course stand out for me is the infectious enthusiasm of the teaching staff in sharing with us the latest developments in their respective fields. Nicholas Loh BSc Psychology I chose to study at the University of Birmingham because the Psychology department is ranked amongst the top within the UK. I wanted to pursue my degree at a university that would be able to offer me an intellectually stimulating environment. My personal highlight of my time at Birmingham is Freshers Week where I got to make so many new friends, which helped me immensely with settling down in a foreign country. I m a member of the Psychology and Singapore Society as well as the University s Sailing and Skydiving Club. Living in Birmingham is really great, I can t describe it in words! I really love the weather here and how everyone is so welcoming to me although I m an international student. Living away from my family has really made me much more appreciative of everything back home but at the same time, it s a challenging experience that I m enjoying so much! Noureen Lakhani BSc Psychology With Birmingham being the second largest city in the UK and having such a warm, friendly environment on campus, I was certain from my first visit that I wanted to come here. Coming from a big city, I knew I didn t want to lose the buzz that it gave me. I also wanted to be part of a campus university with everything close to my reach. My first year has been such an adventure and I wouldn t change anything about it. I ve found it really easy to settle into the university life, with great support from my tutors and the School of Psychology always there. I ve taken on new challenges, been part of societies that I never would have thought I would and have already made such great friends, I don t know how I can beat an already great first year! I love coming out of every lecture and genuinely thinking I ve learnt more than one new thing in that time. My lecturers are so passionate about the field of psychology they are teaching, that they have inspired me to engage in the subject and want to learn more. I never thought that I d be able to relate psychology so much to my everyday life. I can say with certainty that my lecturers are the reason behind my success and enjoyment in Birmingham. One of my favourite things is walking onto campus in the mornings with hundreds of students around me rushing to places they need to be at. Simply walking in with the student crowd reinstates that spirit of student community that s so strong on the Birmingham campus. The campus has so much open space that sometimes I find myself just standing by the clock tower to get the best view and thinking to myself just how lucky I am to be part of such a beautiful campus. Above all, I can see how valued Psychology is as a subject, proven through its prominent, central location on campus, making it easy to get to and from other places. To read Christy, Katie, Nicholas and Noureen s top tips for prospective Birmingham students, visit

10 10 School of Psychology Where will Psychology at Birmingham take you? Our graduates are well respected and successful in finding careers both within psychology and in the wider professional, commercial and industrial world. Psychology graduates are qualified to take up a wide range of careers, and many continue in psychology. Our BSc Psychology and MSci graduates are eligible for graduate membership of the British Psychological Society and Graduate Basis for Registration of the BPS, which is the first step towards postgraduate training and careers in clinical, forensic, educational or occupational psychology. Other graduates study towards higher degrees or join a team as research assistants. Some also become teachers of psychology in schools, sixth form colleges or further education colleges. Alternatively, our graduates may enter careers in which their knowledge of psychology is a useful foundation, such as human resources, marketing, social work, the probation service, advertising or market research. Finally, some of our graduates find that the broadly scientific nature of our courses qualifies them for more general careers, including the scientific or administrative branch of the Civil Service, local government, the police, or broadcasting, journalism, computing, commerce or industry. Example employers for Psychology graduates o Autism West Midlands o Accenture o Birmingham and Solihull Mental Health Trust o Brain Injury Rehabilitation Trust o West Midlands Police o The Cambridge Institute o Fresh Winds Charity o Dorset Healthcare University NHS Foundation 94% OF OUR GRADUATES ARE IN EMPLOYMENT OR POSTGRADUATE STUDY WITHIN SIX MONTHS OF GRADUATING Employability data source: Destination of Leavers from Higher Education (DLHE) survey Please note the information in this brochure is correct at time of publication but may be subject to change (August 2015). The optional modules listed on the website for our programmes may unfortunately occasionally be subject to change. As you will appreciate key members of staff may leave the University and this necessitates a review of the modules that are offered. Where the module is no longer available we will let you know as soon as we can and help you make other choices.

11 School of Psychology 11 This degree gave me an excellent grounding in research skills and critical thinking, which will be essential for my career. Abbye Psychology student

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