Psychology

Description

On the BSc in Psychology, we deliver a high quality learning environment by providing a range of learning experiences which enable our students to engage with subject experts, develop attributes and perspectives that will equip them for life and work in a global society and make use of innovative technologies and a world class library that enhances their development as independent, lifelong learners. Examples of the opportunities provided for learning on this course are:

• Lectures : Lectures will provide you with core concepts and information about specific topics and will outline theoretical issues and debates. You should not count on lectures to be your sole source of information on any topic or issue as you will be expected to read around the lecture content using the resources provided to accompany the lecture. You should not think that the copy of any PowerPoint presentation used in the lecture provides sufficient information and you can therefore miss the lecture. They do not; they provide a guide to focus your note-taking and understanding.
• Practicals:You will undertake weekly laboratory practical classes throughout first and second year. These will develop your research methods and design skills and provide you with training in analytical methods and statistics. You will collect data during the classes from class mates or other set tasks. This will provide you with the background to undertake a group project in Level 2 and an individual large piece of research in Level 3. Due to timetabling constraints, and the fact the University considers you should attend the University 5 days per week, we are unable to change your allocated laboratory day, unless in the most exceptional circumstances.
• PDP tutorial sessions: In Levels 1 and 2 you will meet in small groups to discuss critical aspects of psychology and personal development planning. These are an important part of your educational experience allowing you to develop oral and written presentational skills and to plan for your future career. The sessions will review your exam performance, on a one-to-one basis, with your tutor. In Level 3 this review will be undertaken with your thesis supervisor.
• Group Projects:In Level 2 you will undertake a group project with other students. This will develop team working skills, often so crucial in your future career. You will also make a group presentation at the conclusion of the project. Your will be guided through the process by your supervisor but key to success is your effective working as a team, with all students contributing.
• E-Learning technologies: Information associated with lectures and assignments is often communicated via a Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) called Queen’s Online. A range of e-learning experiences are also embedded in the degree through, for example: interactive group workshops in a flexible learning space; IT and statistics modules; podcasts and interactive web-based learning activities; opportunities to use IT programmes associated with design in practicals and project- based work etc.
• Seminars/tutorials: Significant amounts of teaching are carried out in small groups (typically 10-20 students). These provide an opportunity for students to engage with academic staff who have specialist knowledge of the topic, to ask questions of them and to assess their own progress and understanding with the support of peers. You should also expect to make presentations and other contributions to these groups.
• Self-directed study: This is an essential part of life as a Queen’s student when important private reading, engagement with e-learning resources, reflection on feedback to date and assignment research and preparation work is carried out.

Careers

Studying for a Psychology degree at Queen’s will assist you in developing the core skills and employment-related experiences that are valued by employers, professional organisations and academic institutions. Graduates from this degree at Queen’s are well regarded by many employers (local, national and international) and over half of all graduate jobs are now open to graduates of any discipline, including Psychology.

Although the majority of our graduates are interested in pursuing careers in Psychology, significant numbers develop careers in a wide range of other sectors. Examples of these are: Market research, social work, nursing, advertising, sales, personnel management and careers guidance are all areas for which a psychology degree will provide a good basis.

Psychology graduates will have knowledge of the assessment of personality, intelligence and attitudes, interviewing techniques, questionnaire design and analysis, child development, and methods of teaching and learning.

A psychology degree is also a good basis for many jobs where employees receive additional training e.g. (the police, Armed Forces, advertising and broadcasting) or where they will gain further professional qualifications while working (e.g. banking, accountancy, management, personnel, market research). Psychology graduates may work in an interdisciplinary position with, for example, biologists, engineers, physiologists and physicists. However, employers are usually looking for general or 'transferable' skills, and a psychology degree provides an arguably unique combination of these.

Degree Plus and other related initiatives: Recognising student diversity, as well as promoting employability enhancements and other interests, is part of the developmental experience at Queen’s. Students are encouraged to plan and build their own, personal skill and experiential profile through a range of activities including; recognised Queen’s Certificates, placements and other work experiences (at home or overseas), Erasmus study options elsewhere in Europe, learning development opportunities and involvement in wider university life through activities, such as clubs, societies, and sports.

Queen’s actively encourages this type of activity by offering students an additional qualification, the Degree Plus Award (and the related Researcher Plus Award for PhD and MPhil students). Degree Plus accredits wider experiential and skill development gained through extra-curricular activities that promote the enhancement of academic, career management, personal and employability skills in a variety of contexts. As part of the Award, students are also trained on how to reflect on the experience(s) and make the link between academic achievement, extracurricular activities, transferable skills and graduate employment. Participating students will also be trained in how to reflect on their skills and experiences and can gain an understanding of how to articulate the significance of these to others, e.g. employers.

Detailed Course Facts

• EUR 4160 Year (EEA)
• EUR 13380 Year (Non-EEA)

England, Scotland and Wales £9,000; EU £3,575; International: £11,500

• English

Course Content

The first two years are spent covering the core syllabus laid down by the BPS and includes the following topics:

Cognitive Psychology
Conceptual and Historical Issues
Developmental Psychology
Experimental Design, Statistics and Research Methods
Individual Differences
Psychobiology
Social Psychology

The syllabus includes laboratory classes and computer use. A wide range of transferable skills - for example, in personal development planning, careers planning, time-management, report-writing, making oral presentations - are integrated into the syllabus at all levels.

In first year (Level 1), the equivalent of four core Psychology modules are taken by all BSc Honours Psychology students. These involve lectures, tutorials, statistics classes and practical laboratory work. Students also choose two additional Psychology modules or two modules from other areas.

In second year (Level 2), students normally take six Psychology modules. These involve a mix of lectures, tutorials, practical laboratory work and statistics, and working on a group project.

Final year (Level 3) modules allow students a choice of specialised topics to suit their interests and career intentions, see website for details. Most students will also undertake a substantial empirical study resulting in a thesis.

English Language Requirements

IELTS band : 6.5

To study at this university, you have to speak English. We advice you to

Requirements

• A-level ABB + GCSE Mathematics. There are no specific subject requirements at A-level
• Irish Leaving Certificate B2B2B2B2B2B2/AB2B2B2B2 + if not offered at Higher Level then Ordinary Level grade C in Mathematics

It is important that students who plan to study Psychology should apply to do so, rather than hope to transfer from other pathways once at Queen’s.

Work Experience

No work experience is required.

Related Scholarships*

• Academic Excellence Scholarship

  "The Academic Excellence Scholarship can provide up to a 50 % reduction in tuition per semester. These scholarships will be renewed if the student maintains superior academic performance during each semester of their 3-year Bachelor programme. The scholarship will be directly applied to the student’s tuition fees."

• Access Bursary

  Bursary for UK students all subjects where the variable tuition fee rate is payable.

• Alumni Bursary

  Alumni Bursary for UK Undergraduate students

* The scholarships shown on this page are suggestions first and foremost. They could be offered by other organisations than Queen's University Belfast.

Accreditation

The BSc (Hons) Psychology degree is accredited as conferring eligibility for the Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership, provided the minimum standard of a 2.2 is achieved. This is the first step towards becoming a Practitioner Psychologist. The postgraduate professional programmes at Queen's are also accredited by the BPS and Health Professions Council (HPC) and graduates of these programmes may proceed to register as Chartered Practitioner Psychologists with the HPC. Entry to these programmes is highly competitive.