UNIVERSITY OF WEST LONDON PSYCHOLOGY

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1 UNIVERSITY OF WEST LONDON PSYCHOLOGY

2 Content Welcome to Psychology 2 Five reasons to study psychology at UWL 4 One - Course variety and quality 6 BSc (Hons) Psychology 7 BSc (Hons) Psychology with Counselling Theory 8 BSc (Hons) Psychology with Substance Use and Misuse Studies 9 BSc (Hons) Psychology with Criminology 10 CONTENT BSc (Hons) Psychology with Applied Forensic Investigation 11 BSc (Hons) Psychology with Foundation Year 12 Two - High employability 16 Three - Student focus 18 Four - Research and innovation 21 Five - Location 26 Student success stories 30 Contact us 31 2

3 Welcome to Psychology Here at the University of West London we have one of the longest standing psychology courses in the country, accredited with the British Psychological Society since 1986, and this is reflected in the experience and expertise we put into designing and delivering our range of courses. The team in this department are dedicated to continually providing and improving a high quality, engaging and exciting student experience focused on equipping students with a strong foundation in psychological theory as well as the skills they need for further study and the world of work. All courses we deliver have a strong focus on employability and linking learning to the world of work, and this is reflected in an emphasis on application of theory and knowledge to real-life situations and scenarios. This helps students connect with their community and engage with the wider world, something that staff and students alike participate in regularly. Psychology is also part of the wider School of Psychology, Social Work and Human Sciences, and as such we are able to offer course pathways that utilise these other specialities and provide a more diverse learning experience. The school teaching facilities are also equipped with modern technologies and instrumentation such as the eye-tracker, biopacs and other physiological equipment, and forensic investigation suites. This helps us to provide a stimulating learning environment in which students develop the knowledge, skills and confidence they need for their academic and professional development. First and foremost we pride ourselves on providing high quality teaching and student support, and when our students leave us they not only feel that they have learned a great deal, they are also confident and eager to put that knowledge to good use. Choosing the right course at the right university is one of the biggest choices you will ever make. We hope that this brochure will give you all the information you need to make the right choice. Looking forward to seeing you soon. Dr. Maddie Ohl Head of School Psychology, Social Work and Human Sciences WELCOME TO PSYCHOLOGY 3

4 Five reasons to study psychology at UWL FIVE REASONS TO STUDY PSYCHOLOGY *According to Employment Performance Indicators (EPI) figures published by HESA in July Course variety and quality 2 High employability Our psychology courses are designed and delivered in ways that give students the best possible learning experience beginning with the course content. The long-standing, BPS-accredited BSc (Hons) Psychology course covers the core psychological content required at undergraduate level, as well as providing exciting first and third year module choices to stimulate, engage and inspire students. In addition, there is a range of pathways for students to choose from that add that extra bit of direction and flavour to suit specific student needs and career choices. Employability is a high priority across all departments at the University of West London and psychology is no exception. Our psychology graduates contribute to the 96%* of graduates across the university that are in employment within six months of graduating, and the structure of the courses plays a significant part in that. Least of all our unique Experiencing Psychology in Practice module in third year that oversees student placements in a variety of working and voluntary positions. When our graduates leave us, they not only feel prepared, they are eager to continue putting their skills into practice. 4

5 3 Student focus The Psychology Team have one thing at the forefront of their minds at all times the student experience. From designing and delivering engaging, interesting, and challenging lectures and seminars, to providing unparalleled levels of student support at all levels, the team are there to make sure that you fulfil your true potential as an undergraduate. 4 Research and innovation 5 Location As well as their student focus, the Psychology Team are also dedicated to conducting world-class, innovative research in a variety of psychological disciplines. From investigating attitudes behind domestic abuse and sexual violence to developmental risk factors for schizophrenia and adolescent online and offline risk-taking, the team are conducting research that has very real and dramatic implications for psychological theory and social policy. And where does all this happen? Based in popular west London, the University is in the heart of one of the UK s most successful business regions. This is a significant factor in why psychology undergraduates gain relevant, related placements in their chosen fields and industry experts contribute heavily to the teaching on the Psychology in the Real World module in first year. FIVE REASONS TO STUDY PSYCHOLOGY 5

6 1 Course variety and quality Our psychology courses have a long history. Our first psychology degree, a BA in Humanities, was accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS) in The degree was updated and changed to a BSc (Hons) in Psychology in Since then we have added new pathways, BSc (Hons) Psychology with Counselling Theory, BSc (Hons) Psychology with Criminology, and more recently BSc (Hons) Psychology with Foundation Year, all accredited by the BPS. Brand new in were two new pathways, BSc (Hons) Psychology with Substance Use and Misuse Studies, and BSc (Hons) Psychology with Applied Forensic Investigation. COURSE VARIETY Our psychology courses put an emphasis on applying theory to practice by linking learning to the world of work. In our Experiencing Psychology in Practice module in year three students spend a short period of time in a work-based or volunteering environment giving them the opportunity to apply the knowledge and theory they have gained during their degree. Importantly this affords our students the chance to make connections with people in areas where they are likely to seek employment. It is no coincidence that there are high employment rates across the University - 96% - and our Experiencing Psychology in Practice module that gives our students valuable and relevant work experience opportunities. We are student-focussed and pride ourselves on delivering an excellent student experience. We ensure that students develop a range of skills with varied assessment methods. Alongside traditional assessments such as essays and exams we also have poster style reports, critical analyses, information packs, presentations, and book reviews. The option modules in years one and three are constructed around staff research and students therefore benefit from first-hand knowledge of up-todate and cutting edge research. Our portfolio: BSc (Hons) Psychology BSc (Hons) Psychology with Counselling Theory BSc (Hons) Psychology with Substance Use and Misuse Studies BSc (Hons) Psychology with Criminology BSc (Hons) Psychology with Applied Forensic Investigation BSc (Hons) Psychology with Foundation 6

7 BSc (Hons) Psychology Have you ever been fascinated by people s behaviour, or wanted to know what makes people tick? How we develop across the lifespan? How and why we make certain decisions? Or why we act the way we do as men and women? This course can help you understand and answer some of these questions, and get you asking many more. Award BSc (Hons) UCAS Code C800 Duration Three Years Also available part-time Location Brentford site Course Overview This course will enable you to gain knowledge in all aspects of psychology and will give you the opportunity to meet practising psychologists. The curriculum for this course is engaging, challenging and interesting. It emphasises psychology as a science and applies psychological theory to real life situations wherever possible. As such, there is a strong emphasis on applied psychology and we regularly invite practising psychologists to speak about current developments in their field of work. In addition, our lecturers regularly work their own research interests and developments into the course content to keep students on the cutting edge of developments in their fields. Employability is a key focus of this course, and in addition to the speakers mentioned above, students also complete the Experiencing Psychology in Practice module in third year, giving them insight into application of psychology in everyday life. This takes place in a variety of settings - from market research companies to victim support schemes - and focuses on encouraging students to put their theoretical knowledge into practice. Modules Year One Behaviour and Mind Psychology in the Real World (10 credits) Think Psychology (10 credits) Research Methods 1 Research Methods 2 Growing Up History of Psychology (10 credits) Option module (10 credits)**. Year Two Biological and Atypical Psychology Cognition in Action Lifespan Development Further Research Methods Individual Differences Social Psychology. Year Three Experiencing Psychology in Practice Dissertation. Plus FOUR options from a range that includes Health Psychology Psychology of Mental Health Introduction to Cognitive Neuropsychology Forensic Psychology Gender Psychology Occupational Psychology Introduction to Theories of Counselling Violent Relationships Positive Psychology Language and Mind Philosophy of Psychology Developmental Psychopathology. Career Options Graduates from this course progress to careers in a wide range of public and private sector professions, including positions in social and welfare organisations, business and finance, education, marketing and advertising. This course provides the opportunity to gain Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership of the British Psychological Society and some students also choose to engage in further study on one of our masters courses including Health Psychology and Global Health Psychology. BSC (HONS) PSYCHOLOGY **Criminal Minds, Addictive Behaviour or Mental Health Wellbeing 7

8 Award BSc (Hons) UCAS Code C8B9 Duration Three Years Also available part-time Location Brentford site BSc (Hons) Psychology with Counselling Theory On this course students are provided with a full grounding in psychology, but with a focus on the specialist area of counselling. Option choices in Years 1 and 3 make this a truly specialist pathway for those interested in pursuing a career in counselling psychology. BSC (HONS) PSYCHOLOGY WITH COUNSELLING THEORY Career Options On successful completion of this course, you will have the option of a diverse range of professions within a range of bodies including mental health organisations, education and the caring professions, and in management, business and industry. Graduates from this course can progress to further training to become a professional counsellor or therapist. Course Overview This course pathway is based on one of the longest established psychology courses in the UK which has been accredited by the British Psychological Society since It will enable you to gain knowledge in all aspects of psychology and will give you the opportunity to meet practising psychologists. The curriculum for this course is engaging, challenging and interesting. It emphasises psychology as a science and applies psychological theory to real life situations wherever possible. Our lecturers regularly work their own research interests and developments into the course content to keep students on the cutting edge of developments in the those fields. This particularly pathway places a strong focus on counselling and the work of counsellors. As such, students have Developing Basic Motivational Interviewing Skills and Mental Health Wellbeing as compulsory modules in year 1, as well as Introduction to Theories of Counselling and Psychology of Mental Health as compulsory third year modules. In addition, students dissertations and xxxx placements must be related to counselling or mental health. Modules specific to this pathway are shown with an *. Modules Year One Behaviour and Mind Think Psychology (10 credits) Developing Basic Motivational Interviewing Skills (10 credits)* Research Methods 1 Research Methods 2 Growing Up History of Psychology (10 credits) Mental Health Wellbeing (10 credits)*. Year Two Biological and Atypical Psychology Cognition in Action Lifespan Development Further Research Methods Individual Differences Social Psychology. Year Three Experiencing Psychology in Practice Dissertation Psychology of Mental Health* Introduction to Theories of Counselling*. Plus TWO options from a range that includes Health Psychology Introduction to Cognitive Neuropsychology Forensic Psychology Gender Psychology Occupational Psychology Violent Relationships Positive Psychology Language and Mind Philosophy of Psychology Developmental Psychopathology. 8

9 BSc (Hons) Psychology with Substance Use and Misuse Studies This course is a career focused, innovative course that will provide you with the knowledge and skills to identify and work with substance misuse related issues in a variety of sectors. Interested in why people use and misuse alcohol and other substances? And want to learn about different intervention strategies that can be employed to help, as well as learning about the context and history of substance use and misuse? Then this is the course for you! Course Overview At the end of this course you will have a Psychology degree which confers eligibility for Graduate Basis for Chartered membership (GBC) of the British Psychological Society 1, and be eligible to register with the Federation of Drug and Alcohol Professionals (FDAP). Membership of two professional bodies will enhance your CV and add to your employability. During the course, you will learn motivational interviewing skills, which will be very useful if you work with clients with substance misuse problems or anyone who requires or desires behavioural change (eg in the field of eating disorders, mental health or sexual health). In the SUMS modules you will have the opportunity to learn how psychological theories are applied in treatment and prevention of substance misuse; you will also learn about the biological/psychological/ social and cultural aspects of substance use and misuse. Modules specific to this pathway are shown with an *. Modules Year One Behaviour and Mind Think Psychology (10 credits) Developing Basic Motivational Interviewing Skills (10 credits)* Research Methods 1 Research Methods 2 History of Psychology (10 credits) Addictive Behaviour (10 credits) Growing Up Year Two Cognitive Psychology Developmental Psychology Further Research Methods Individual Differences Social Psychology Substance Use and Misuse in Context*. Year Three Experiential Learning Dissertation Biological Psychology Advanced Dual Diagnosis: Exploring Interventions for People with Mental Health and Substance Misuse Problems* Advanced Substance Misuse: Treatment Interventions* Plus ONE option module from the list on page 7 Award BSc (Hons) UCAS Code 1C11 Duration Three Years Also available part-time Location Brentford site Career Options While this exciting degree can lead to a career in the area of substance misuse, this does not preclude career pathways in the more traditional psychology arena as all core psychology topics are covered within this degree. BSC (HONS) PSYCHOLOGY WITH SUBSTANCE USE AND MISUSE 1 Accreditation pending for this course 9

10 Award BSc (Hons) UCAS Code C8L3 Duration Three Years Also available part-time Location Brentford site BSc (Hons) Psychology with Criminology This course will provide you with a full grounding in psychology and provide you with an insight into the specialist areas of criminal behaviour and the treatment of offenders. Interested in what goes on in a criminal mind? Then delve a little deeper with this course! BSC (HONS) PSYCHOLOGY WITH CRIMINOLOGY Career Options Further training is required to practise as a forensic psychologist, but this course may be attractive to students intending to progress to masters level training in Forensic Psychology This course provides the opportunity to gain Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership of the British Psychological Society. Course Overview This course is based on one of the longest established psychology courses in the UK which has been accredited by the British Psychological Society since It will enable you to gain knowledge in all aspects of psychology and will give you the opportunity to meet practising psychologists. The curriculum for this course is engaging, challenging and interesting. It emphasises psychology as a science and applies psychological theory to real life situations wherever possible. As such, there is a strong emphasis on applied psychology and we regularly invite practising psychologists to speak about current developments in their field of work. In addition, our lecturers regularly work their own research interests and developments into the course content to keep students on the cutting edge of developments in their fields. Modules Year One Behaviour and Mind Psychology of Crime Research Methods 1 Research Methods 2 Growing Up Prisons and Probation*. Year Two Cognition in Action Lifespan Development Further Research Methods Individual Differences Social Psychology Theories of Criminal Behaviour*. Year Three Experiencing Psychology in Practice Dissertation Biological Psychology Forensic Psychology* Penal Theory* Sentencing*. This pathway places a strong focus on the workings of the criminal mind and the justice system. Students have Biological Psychology and Forensic Psychology as compulsory third year modules. In addition, students dissertations and Experiencing Psychology in Practice placements must be related to criminology or forensic psychology. Students will also take a number of modules from the law school, highlighted with an * 10

11 BSc (Hons) Psychology with Applied Forensic Investigation This course will provide you with a full grounding in psychology and provide you with an insight into the specialist areas of Forensic Investigation. Want to know what happens at a crime scene? And how evidence is used to build profiles of criminal and criminal behaviour? Then get your gloves on and take this course! Course Overview This course pathway is based on one of the longest established psychology courses in the UK which has been accredited by the British Psychological Society 1 since It will enable you to gain knowledge in all aspects of psychology and will give you the opportunity to meet practising psychologists. This new, innovative course will provide students with a full grounding in psychology with a focus on the specialist area of Forensic Psychology along with the practical, scientific bases of Forensic Investigation. This applied course focuses on contemporary issues in the psychological understanding of the human mind, brain and behaviour, particularly in a criminal/ forensic context. Students will also gain a firm understanding of forensic investigation in a laboratory context, for example examining blood spatter, DNA evidence and the investigative process. The course is provided by a multidisciplinary team of experts from areas of Psychology, Policing and Forensic Science, many of whom have a background in applied areas of practice as well as teaching and research. Invited experts from many areas of psychology and forensic investigation also contribute to the teaching in this course, providing expertise from multiple applied areas of the disciplines. 1 Accreditation pending for this course Employment opportunities are vast and wide-ranging in relation to this degree pathway with Experiencing Psychology in Practice forming a fundamental part of the course. In addition, students dissertations and placements must be related to forensic psychology or forensic investigation and across the course students will take a number of modules from the Forensic Science department (shown with an *). Modules Year One Behaviour and Mind Introduction to Forensic Science* Research Methods 1 Research Methods 2 Growing Up History of Psychology (10 credits) Criminal Minds (10 credits)* Year Two Cognition in Action Lifespan Development Further Research Methods Individual Differences Social Psychology Forensic Investigation of Crime* Year Three Experiencing Psychology in Practice Dissertation Biological Psychology Forensic Psychology* Forensic Investigation Techniques* Plus ONE option module from the list on page seven. Award BSc (Hons) UCAS Code C80C Duration Three Years Also available part-time Location Brentford site Career Options Further training is required to work in the field of forensic investigation, however this course equips students with the firm theoretical and practical knowledge they need to understand what careers in forensic psychology and forensic investigation involve. BSC (HONS) PSYCHOLOGY WITH APPLIED FORENSIC INVESTIGATION 11

12 Award BSc (Hons) UCAS Code C801 Duration Four Years Location Brentford site BSc (Hons) Psychology with Foundation Year This course contains an extra year designed to prepare you for the challenge of completing an undergraduate degree in Psychology. Whether it is gaining confidence, additional skills, or getting to grips with some common theoretical approaches in psychology, this course will help you to achieve your true potential in higher education. BSC (HONS) PSYCHOLOGY WITH FOUNDATION YEAR Career Options Graduates from this course progress to careers in a wide range of public and private sector professions, including positions in social and welfare organisations, business and finance, education, marketing and advertising. This course provides Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership of the British Psychological Society and some students also choose to engage in further study on one of our masters courses including Health Psychology and Global Health Psychology. Course Overview This course includes a foundation year, which offers a range of modules to help you develop the knowledge and skills needed to successfully complete the BSc (Hons) Psychology degree, outlined on page seven. Psychology at the University of West London is one of the longest established Psychology courses in the UK and has been accredited by the British Psychological Society since It will enable you to gain knowledge in all aspects of psychology and will give you the opportunity to meet practising psychologists. The curriculum for this course is engaging, challenging and interesting. It emphasises psychology as a science and applies psychological theory to real life situations wherever possible. As such, there is a strong emphasis on applied psychology and we regularly invite practising psychologists to speak about current developments in their field of work. In addition, our lecturers regularly work their own research interests and developments into the course content to keep students on the cutting edge of developments in their fields. Employability is a key focus of this course, and in addition to hearing from external speakers, students also complete the Experiencing Psychology in Practice module in the third year. This placement could take place in any number of settings from market research companies to victim support schemes, all focussing on encouraging students to put their theoretical knowledge into practice. Modules Foundation Year Exploring Approaches in Psychology Handling Data in Psychology Professional Skills Development in Psychology Exploring Physiological Approaches in Psychology Good Science, Bad Science Researching and Presenting. Year One Behaviour and Mind Psychology in the Real World (10 credits) Think Psychology (10 credits) Research Methods 1 Research Methods 2 Growing Up History of Psychology (10 credits) Option module (10 credits)**. Year Two Biological and Atypical Psychology Cognition in Action Lifespan Development Further Research Methods Individual Differences Social Psychology. Year Three Experiencing Psychology in Practice Dissertation Plus four option modules from the list on page seven. **Criminal Minds, Addictive Behaviour or Mental Health Wellbeing 12

13 Getting to teach about something that is very close to my heart but that is also so important is a real privilege. The study of gender and what we understand gender to mean has important implications for all of us, and I enjoy challenging students to engage with and explore what gender means to us as individuals. Dr. Ben Hine Lecturer In terms of applying theory to practice, when I m volunteering and I meet somebody or a family member or an elderly person, you tend to bring in what you ve learnt and everything comes into focus. Third year student 13

14 2 High employability Due to the changing landscape of higher education, enhancing employability is more important than ever before, and at the University of West London this is one of our continuing aims. As part of the second theme of the University s Ambition 2018 strategy to link learning to the world of work the Psychology courses focus on employability at all levels. This involves not only equipping undergraduates with the firm theoretical foundation they need for their chosen careers, but by encouraging application of that knowledge throughout their degree. Students who choose this course will get access to industry professionals from all areas of psychology - giving students direct advice and information on their fields of study and work. In addition, our unique and highly successful Experiencing Psychology in Practice module (see opposite page) provides students with an opportunity to get out into the community to apply the theory they have learned, all whilst gaining valuable experience HIGH EMPLOYABILITY I have gained so much confidence, as providing face-to-face advice and communicating with the public was completely out of my comfort zone. It has been an extremely rewarding and beneficial time and helped me identify my strengths and weaknesses. I have developed from knowledge of the theory to applied practice in stopping smoking and health promotion Third year student about their placement 14

15 Psychology in the Real World Year One In this module, diverse applications of psychological theory are showcased by various professionals from a wide range of fields. A number of external speakers visit throughout the module, presenting and discussing their career pathways and vocational demands. Students are encouraged to reflect on their own career plans by mapping out required skills, as well as a plan on how to attain them - thus aiming to enhance their employability. Experiencing Psychology in Practice Year Three In year three, our students get a chance to see how psychology is used in practice and students link their learning to their career plan. Students can go to organisations such as mental health drop-in centres, human resources departments, hospitals, mental health support lines, youth offending teams, drug and alcohol projects, police support, reading schemes, equine therapy, schools, play schemes for children with special needs, and eating disorders units. These opportunities represent examples of the eighth theme in the universities Ambition 2018 plan of connect with our community. We have 20 years of experience of running this work-based module so we have plenty of links and opportunities to offer, and the work experience gained makes a big difference to the jobs open to our students and the further training they can apply for. HIGH EMPLOYABILITY Placement example The Pyramid Scheme Pyramid is an early intervention for quiet, shy, withdrawn or anxious children aged 7 to 14 that is now managed at University of West London. The 3-stage Pyramid model has run in hundreds of schools across the UK and has been extensively evaluated over the past 20 years. Pyramid provides the opportunity for Psychology students to train and take part in a schoolbased intervention which is excellent experience for those who are considering either Clinical or Educational Psychology career paths. Undergraduates can also use data gathered at Pyramid clubs in their dissertations. 15

16 picture: Liory teaching wih brain - not sure what picture this is... Dr Liory Fern-Pollak teaching students about the anatomy of the brain 16

17 My student experience has been really amazing. Everyone has been really friendly and I ve made really good friends, and I m also part of the mentoring service there are really good volunteering schemes you can take part in at UWL Third year student One of the things I really enjoy about the course is the seminars after lectures. You get split into smaller groups and you can ask questions about things that you are unsure about, and you get to discuss things in more detail which helps your understanding First year student 17

18 3 Student focus The Psychology Team are here to make your undergraduate experience the very best it can be, and to help you achieve your true potential. They take pride in delivering the highest quality teaching, providing an exciting and interactive environment, and integrating current research into their approaches and course content. Students in psychology are allocated a personal tutor when they begin their course who guides them throughout their time at the University. In addition, a year lead at each level of study deals with issues at cohort level, as well as module leaders and course leaders who deal with subject specific queries. This all adds up to an incredible level of support for students throughout their course. As well as support within the department, the mentoring service (see page 21) provides more general support across the university. This is all part of the first theme in the University s Ambition 2018 plan to provide a high quality student experience. STUDENT FOCUS Choosing a psychology degree gives you so many amazing transferable skills. In my part time job I m a data officer for a marketing company because I have the skills that I have learned from my degree. Second year student 18

19 I have found the accessibility of the staff amazing you can knock on their door and say Hi, can we just go over something? and they are happy to help. Second year student There s always been times when I ve been unsure about what I am going to do with regards to assignments and it s always really nice to know that your lecturers are there to support you you can just knock on their doors and speak to them about anything you need to. First year student 19

20 MENTORING SERVICE I think, in my experience, I found that there s a lot of support in place, any time you have troubles throughout the course, not just at the beginning. People were approachable and the mentoring scheme was there when I really needed it. Second year student 20

21 Mentoring Service The UWL Mentoring service provides one-to-one support through drop-in sessions which are available daily to all students. The drop-ins are run by the mentoring service coordinators, Alison and Jonathan, who are both psychology graduates of the University of West London. They are there to offer guidance and support and to help with any aspect of a student s experience that is causing concern or confusion, from first semester to graduation. No appointment is necessary, just come to one of the drop-ins. The mentoring service also provides on-going support by pairing students with peers who are working at a level above them on the same course. Many students who have used the service themselves go on to become mentors and use the knowledge and experience they ve gained to guide others on the same course. Both the drop-ins and the mentor pairings aim to help students make the transition in to UWL and to adjust to each new level of study as they progress through their course. alison.griffin@uwl.ac.uk mentoring.service@uwl.ac.uk If it wasn t for my mentor I really don t know if I would have made it this far. Just by taking the time to explain things from a different perspective has made me understand things better Mentee I enjoyed volunteering as a student mentor in my second year. It was extremely rewarding supporting first year students and seeing them gradually become more confident. Mentor MENTORING SERVICE 21

22 4 Research and Innovation We are lucky to have staff who are interested in researching a wide range of topics, areas and questions across all fields of psychology. We produce research which influences social policy, contributes to academic fields, and makes a real difference to people s lives. Our researchers also present their work at international conferences, write for prestigious journals, and engage in global academic discussion within their areas. Not only does this make an impact within the academic world, it also influences the quality of the teaching and course content on offer to undergraduates. In addition, lecturers offer exciting third year modules based on their areas of interest, students are kept right on the cutting edge of developments within different fields. All of this is part of the university s third Ambition 2018 theme to create and disseminate useful knowledge. RESEARCH AND INNOVATION On the opposite page, research Snapshots provide a brief insight into the work of some of the groups within the department. However many more areas are covered and students will be able to explore these with researchers in their final year dissertation module. You also have the opportunity to work with your lecturers on research they might be doing. I got the chance to work with two of my lecturers on a study about attitudes towards sexual violence, and I was involved in the recruitment and analysis of the study data. It was a really exciting experience to be a part of that. Third year student 22

23 Educational Psychology Research within the educational sector is ongoing. Present projects include studies on the effectiveness of afterschool clubs specifically designed to support children at the early stages of their secondary education. Moreover we are investigating what helps university students to be successful, in terms of their personal characteristics, the academic support provided and the types of assessments, together with whether media multi-tasking affects their learning. Implementing our findings helps us improve our practice as educators, thus providing a better service to our students Health Psychology Substance Use and Misuse The alcohol research group has recently published some new findings in Alcohol: Clinical and Experimental Research, a top international journal. This study showed that young, healthy, binge drinkers are more likely to act impulsively without reflecting on the outcome compared to controls. Binge drinkers also have their attention captured more easily by objects related to alcohol. Other research includes: investigating the impact of binge drinking on emotion recognition, whether the motivation to drink is different in the UK and Italy, and how Facebook affects drinking habits Health and well-being research within the school includes research looking at women s experiences of termination of pregnancy for foetal abnormality, perceptions of obesity and healthcare workers infection control behaviour. The research team are also involved in on-going research concerning delivery of psychological healthcare in rural India, patients coping with breast and colorectal cancer, and developing successful medical, midwifery and anaesthesia procedures RESEARCH AND INNOVATION Sexual Violence Sexual violence is a worldwide problem with frightening statistics surrounding both men and women. For example 1 out of 6 American women, and 3% of American men, are the victim of an attempted or completed sexual assault in their lifetime. The team at UWL is interested in exploring the attitudes behind sexual violence that contribute to the perpetration of sexual assault and sex-based crime. We are also exploring whether these attitudes affect the progression of sexual violence cases through the judicial system by working with police and judges 23

24 RESEARCH AND INNOVATION Using UWL Like psychology, technology is all around us and involved in nearly everything we do. At the University of West London, we incorporate technology in every aspect of the learning process. From recorded lectures that are available to watch again online to state-ofthe-art research equipment, we offer students the opportunity to participate in and conduct innovative and pioneering research with technologies such as Eye-trackers, Biopacs and Cantab. Technology is also an important research question in itself. How do we interact with technology? And how does the use of technology affect our behaviour and how we interact as people? Lecturer Anthony Murphy testing out physiological equipment in a music and exercise experiment Some of these research questions can be explored with our Tobii TX300 Eyetracker. The Eye-tracker allows us to investigate what people look at when they are surfing the web and to answer questions such as: do men and women view online content differently or how attention-grabbing is online advertising? 24

25 Technology and psychology go hand-in-hand at the University of West London, to create an innovative, interactive and engaging learning environment. As the dedicated technician, I am here to support and promote innovative research ideas. Tony Northeast Psychology Technician Smart devices are another key example, they have revolutionised our lives and changed how we interact with each other. Students have access to a smartphone app platform to exploit this previously untapped source of research data. Students smartphones are important in the classroom too as students will be able to contribute instantly to lectures via their smartphones. RESEARCH AND INNOVATION 25

26 5 Location Based in popular west London, the University is in the heart of one of the UK s most successful business regions. Many of our teaching staff still work in their respective industries, and pass on valuable insights and knowledge grounded in real practice. As a result, we have forged close links with numerous multinational corporations. Among others, the BBC, GlaxoSmithKline, British Airways, PriceWaterhouseCoopers, O2, Oracle, British Gas and Microsoft have a major presence locally, offering lots of opportunities for work-placements and part-time jobs. LOCATION The region has excellent transport links. Our campus is close to Heathrow Airport, served by fast rail links and has excellent local bus services. The University runs a free shuttle bus between Ealing Broadway and South Ealing stations and our Ealing and Brentford sites. At the University of West London, we re committed to providing you with an education that expands your skills, realises your full potential and increases your chances of employment. In other words, we can help improve your career prospects. Not only are you situated near a thriving region for business, but also the hustle bustle of London s attractions, shopping districts and legendary nightlife. 26

27 27 LOCATION

28 A3002 Our west London sites Ealing 7 To M1 Walpole Park Lammas Park 4 LOCATION BOSTON MANOR (PICCADILLY LINE) WINDMILL R OAD 5 BRAMLEY RD AIREDALE RD Little Ealing OCCUPATION LANE 8 Gunnersbury Park South Acton BOSTON MANOR ROAD To South West and Wales 6 BRENTFORD STATION To Central London B452 1 Ealing Site Academic Office Administration Bookshop Ealing Law School Ealing School of Art, Design and Media London College of Music London School of Hospitality and Tourism Pillars Restaurant Student Services Students Union Teaching Centre University Accommodation Service 2 Walpole House Administration 3 Ealing Studios Ealing School of Art, Design and Media London College of Music 4 Vestry Hall London College of Music 5 Bramley Road Surgery 6 Brentford Site College of Nursing, Midwifery and Healthcare Library Paragon Residential Accommodation School of Psychology, Social Work and Human Sciences Nursing Simulation Centre The Claude Littner Business School 7 Villiers House Library School of Computing and Technology 8 Student Village Housing Shuttle bus stop 28

29 Directions Ealing site St Mary s Road, Ealing London W5 5RF Despite being one of London s largest boroughs, Ealing has a distinctively green and leafy environment with more than 1,900 acres of park and open spaces. It is just 30 minutes on the Underground from Central London or eight minutes by fast train to Paddington, with its huge range of theatres, cinemas and other entertainment. The Ealing site is just 20 minutes from London Heathrow International Airport. It is served by fast rail links from Reading and London, and has excellent local bus services. Ealing is easy to reach from all London Underground stations. St Mary s road has undergone major renovation and expansion work over as part of the universities Future Campus Project. As well as the brand new Heart social space for students, rejuvenated teaching and practical learning suites provide the ideal learning environment. By Bus There are several bus routes which run close to the Ealing site. These are as follows: 65, E2, E8, 207, 427, 607, E3 and E9. By Underground The nearest Underground stations are South Ealing (3 mins walk), which is on the Piccadilly Line and Ealing Broadway (8 10 mins walk) which is on the Central and District Lines. By Train There is one train station within walking distance of our Ealing site, which is Ealing Broadway. There is a regular rail service to and from London Paddington (8 mins), Slough (20 30 mins) and Reading (40 mins) By Road The Ealing site lies on the B455 between the A4 and the A4020, Uxbridge Road. The M4 motorway is a few minutes drive away from Ealing (Junction 2), and the A40, M40 and M25 are all easily accessible. Brentford site Boston Manor Road, Brentford Middx TW8 9GA Our Brentford site is located 1.5 miles south of the Ealing site. There are excellent bus and rail services nearby giving quick and easy access to central London. In addition, the free shuttle bus runs to and from both sites, and local tube stations. By Bus There are several bus routes which run close to the Brentford site. These are as follows: 65, E2, E8 and H91. By Underground The nearest underground station is Boston Manor (15 minutes walk), which is on the Piccadilly Line. By Train Brentford mainline train station is a five minute walk from the Brentford site with scheduled trains into central London arriving at Waterloo station. By Road The Brentford site is located on the A3002, Boston Manor Road which is just off of the A4, Great West Road. LOCATION 29

30 Jamila Al Ibrahim Jamila Al Ibrahim graduated with First Class Honours in November 2013 and she is currently completing a Masters degree in Occupational Psychology. Why UWL? I based my decision on three main criteria: the lecturers, the course content and the environment. Once I had applied the lecturers contacted me straight away, and they were very supportive and answered all my queries. STUDENT SUCCESS STORY The course was also very comprehensive and had recognition from the British Psychological Society which was important to me. Also, out of all the universities I looked at, UWL seemed to be the one who could provide a multi-cultural environment. The course met my expectations The academic environment was very welcoming and lecturers were very approachable and happy to talk to you after the lecture either in their office or by . They are also very encouraging and will discuss content beyond the theory so you can understand why the information is valuable. I enjoyed the critical and evidence-based approach adopted and appreciated the seminars because they give you the opportunity to discuss the lecture material. It s an active way of learning as they help you to generate ideas, to clarify misconceptions and to remember the knowledge learnt even months later. The course paved the way for my masters degree The covered content is varied and has thoroughly paved the way for my Masters programme, providing me with a very strong foundation. I haven t struggled at all at Masters level, thanks to the knowledge that I acquired on the undergraduate degree at the University of West London. The experiential module required me to engage in a work placement which I really enjoyed. Its reflective element was good practice for my present assessments and to real life application of psychological knowledge. The staff are really student orientated Being an undergraduate student can be daunting at the start as it all looks very scary at the beginning. You will have likes and dislikes in terms of topics but actually, once you get through the first week things start falling into place and you can really enjoy being here. The staff are really helpful and you can be confident that they will be there to help you as they are really student-oriented. If you ask for help then you can be confident that you will succeed. This University is a very friendly environment and I really enjoyed studying here. 30

31 Some more success stories from our facebook wall... Josie Hannaford Final year psychology student, has been awarded a place at UCL s Institute of Cognitive Neuroscience to study for her MSc in Cognitive Neuroscience. This is one of the most rigorous and competitive postgraduate neuropsychology programmes in the world. Josie worked on her undergraduate psychology dissertation at UWL with Dr. Liory Fern Pollak. Dominick Carty Has accepted an unconditional offer from Brunel to study for his MSc in Sports Psychology from September Dominick, who graduated with a 2:1 BSc in Psychology from UWL in July 2014, has a long-standing interest in this area of the discipline, sparked (in part) by his own active participation in football and the martial arts. Dominick s BSc dissertation, supervised by Bob Lockie, concerned personality differences between individual and team athletes. Alex Horton One of the first UWL BSc Psychology with Foundation year students to graduate (with first class honours!), has secured a place on the MSc in Occupational Psychology at Birkbeck College, starting this autumn. Joanna Bennett Third year Psychology student has been accepted onto the Masters programme at Goldsmiths University to study Clinical Psychology and Health Services starting in the next academic year. Congratulations and well done from the Psychology Team at UWL! MORE STUDENT SUCCESS STORIES Michael Ben-Yehuda This former UWL student is currently studying an MSc in Cognitive Neuroscience at Oxford University, and has been accepted to study a fully funded PhD at the same institution investigating sense of agency. 31

32 Interested? Intrigued? UNIVERSITY OF WEST LONDON PSYCHOLOGY Open days If you d like to find out more, the best way is to come to one of our open events. We hold them throughout the year and you can get up-to-date information on upcoming events as well as book your place at uwl.ac.uk/open If you can t attend one of our open events, we offer campus tours throughout the year. To book your place on a tour visit uwl.ac.uk/campustours How to apply For information on how to apply visit, uwl.ac.uk/apply Scholarships and bursaries We offer a wide range of scholarships and bursaries, which reward academic excellence, but also provide financial support to those who need a little extra help. Visit uwl.ac.uk/scholarships Contact us (0) University of West London Contact the Psychology facebook.com/ UWLPsych