Psychology and Youth Studies

The Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Youth Studies at the University of Suffolk offers a comprehensive exploration of the fundamental principles of human psychology combined with an in-depth understanding of issues affecting young people today. This innovative programme is designed to equip students with both theoretical knowledge and practical skills necessary for careers working with young people in a variety of settings, including education, social services, healthcare, and community development. Throughout the course, students will examine key topics such as developmental psychology, mental health, behavioural analysis, and social influences on youth behavior. A strong emphasis is placed on applying psychological theories to real-world scenarios, fostering critical thinking, research skills, and ethical awareness. The programme also emphasizes experiential learning through placements, workshops, and projects, providing vital hands-on experience and industry connections. Graduates will be prepared to pursue careers as youth workers, mental health practitioners, community development officers, or further academic study. Additionally, the programme encourages interdisciplinary approaches, integrating insights from sociology, education, and public health to provide a holistic understanding of youth issues. By combining rigorous academic content with practical application, the programme aims to produce well-rounded graduates capable of making significant contributions to society and supporting the development and well-being of young people. The curriculum is regularly reviewed to ensure relevance to current challenges faced by youth populations and the evolving requirements of employers. Students benefit from access to experienced faculty members, modern learning facilities, and active engagement with local communities. Whether you are passionate about psychology, dedicated to youth welfare, or seeking a rewarding career helping others, this course offers a strong foundation for your professional journey. The University of Suffolk is committed to providing a supportive learning environment that encourages personal growth and academic achievement. Join us to gain the knowledge, skills, and confidence needed to make a positive difference in the lives of young people and within the broader society.

Detailed Course Facts

• EUR 9240 Year (EEA)
• EUR 10360 Year (Non-EEA)

Students starting at UCS in September 2013 will be charged £8,000 for a full-time Bachelor degree.

Tuition fees for full-time undergraduate overseas fee payers for the academic year 2013-2014 are:

• Classroom-based 9,000 GBP (£)
• Laboratory-based 10,500* GBP (£)

• English

Course Content

First year modules

• Social Science Research Skills (Core)
• Foundations of Biological and Cognitive Psychology
• Foundations of Social and Developmental Psychology
• Introduction to Youth Studies
• Understanding Social Change
• Sociology and the Modern World

Second year modules

• Quantitative Data in Social Science (Core)
• Qualitative Data in Social Science (Core)
• Biological and Cognitive Psychology
• Social and Developmental Psychology
• Youth Culture and Identity

With a choice of 1 module from:

• Youth Justice
• Child Law
• Young People and Social Policy

Third year modules

• Research Dissertation
• Applied Studies

With a choice of 1 or 2 modules from

• Personality and Intelligence
• CognitionPsychology and Technology
• Contemporary Issues in Psychology
• Abnormal Psychology
• Forensic Psychology
• Comparative Youth Studies
• Youth and Development: Selected Issues

All modules are assessed using structured essays, reports, case studies, critiques, reviews and formal examinations.

English Language Requirements

IELTS band : 6 TOEFL iBT® test : 87

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

Requirements

All students are expected to be able to understand and express themselves fully in English in order to succeed on the course. Applicants whose first language is not English are welcome to apply but expected to undertake one of the Secure English Language Test (SELT) specified by the UKBA before joining the course. Non-EU applicants are required to submit SELT scores before a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) can be issued. Depending on your choice of course you are required to secure a minimum of CEFR B2 or C1 level.
Typically the following test scores are acceptable:

Undergraduate Courses:

• IELTS (academic): 6.0 overall (minimum 5.5 in all components)
• TOEFL: IBT (Internet Based Test) 87 overall
  (a minimum of 17 in listening 17 in writing; 18 in reading; and 20 in the speaking component) or equivalent Computer based/Paper based test
• Pearson PTE: 51 overall
• Diagnostic Radiography, Radiotherapy and Oncology, ODP and all Pre-Registration Nursing and Midwifery courses require IELTS 7.0 overall or CEFR C1 equivalent (minimum 5.5 in all components)
• Cambridge ESOL at CEFR B2 level

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 University Campus Suffolk.

Funding

UCS Financial Support

UCS Bursary 2013 Entry

From September 2013, UCS is introducing a new bursary scheme for students living away from the parental home, to help with accommodation costs while studying.

Successful applicants will receive a £1,000 bursary in their first year of study and a £500 bursary in both their second and third years of study.

National Scholarship Programme

The National Scholarship Programme (NSP) has been created to offer support to students from lower income backgrounds. The Government has awarded a number of Scholarships to UCS for students starting an undergraduate degree in September 2013. UCS has committed to matching these Scholarships, providing fee waivers to a larger number of students.

Successful full-time applicants will receive a total fee waiver of £6,000; £3,000 in their first year of study and £3,000 in their second year of study.

Successful part-time applicants will receive a fee waiver on a pro rata basis for their first and second years of study. For example part-time students studying 50% of the full time equivalent course in their first year will receive a fee waiver of £1,500.

Suffolk Access Champion Scheme

The Suffolk Access Champion Scheme is open to students who have studied in Suffolk and are applying to study a full-time undergraduate degree programme at UCS in 2013/14.

Successful applicants will become Suffolk Access Champions and will work over two years mentoring Year 10 and 11 students to encourage progression on to higher education.

In return for their participation in the scheme, Access Champions will receive a total fee waiver of £8,000; £5,000 in their first year of study and £3,000 in their second year of study.

UCS Science Fee Waiver

UCS is introducing a new Science fee waiver for students starting one of the four year science programmes in 2013. This scheme entitles successful applicants to a fee waiver of up to £1,500 across years two and three of their degree.

Ipswich Borough Council and UCS Bursary

Ipswich Borough Council (IBC) is working in conjunction with UCS to offer a non-repayable bursary scheme to selected full and part-time students from lower income backgrounds to help with costs associated with their course of study.

A total of four IBC and UCS bursaries are available in 2013/14. Successful applicants will receive £1,000 in their first year of study. Awards are expected to continue into Year 2 of study on the condition that household income remains within the scheme threshold

The BA (Hons) in Psychology and Youth Studies at the University of Suffolk is a comprehensive undergraduate program designed to provide students with a deep understanding of psychological theories, concepts, and practices, alongside insights into youth culture, development, and issues affecting young people today. This interdisciplinary course aims to equip students with both theoretical knowledge and practical skills that are highly relevant in various professional settings, including social work, counselling, education, youth work, and mental health services.

The program covers core areas of psychology, such as developmental psychology, social psychology, cognitive psychology, and abnormal psychology, offering students the opportunity to explore how psychological principles apply to real-world situations. It also delves into youth studies topics, including issues related to identity, community engagement, mental health challenges faced by young people, and contemporary societal influences on youth behavior. Throughout the course, students engage in various types of learning activities, including lectures, seminars, group discussions, case studies, and supervised practical placements, which are designed to enhance understanding and foster applied skills.

A distinctive feature of this program is its focus on critical thinking and research methods. Students learn how to design, conduct, and analyze psychological research, gaining skills essential for evidence-based practice. The program also emphasizes the development of communication, teamwork, and problem-solving skills, ensuring graduates are well-prepared to meet the demands of today's dynamic working environments.

The course is structured to build progressively in complexity, with foundational modules in the first year that establish core knowledge, followed by more specialized topics and independent research projects in subsequent years. Students also have the opportunity to undertake work placements, which provide valuable practical experience and help facilitate connections with professionals in the field. This combination of academic study and practical exposure aims to produce graduates who are confident, reflective, and equipped to contribute effectively to healthcare, social services, education, or research organizations.

The university offers support services such as academic mentoring, career guidance, and access to cutting-edge facilities to enrich the student experience. Graduates of this program can pursue diverse career paths or continue their education through postgraduate studies in psychology, counselling, social work, or other related disciplines. The course's flexibility and relevance make it suitable for students aiming to make a positive impact on young people's lives through understanding and applying psychological principles in a youth context.

Overall, the BA (Hons) in Psychology and Youth Studies at the University of Suffolk is designed to develop versatile, knowledgeable, and compassionate professionals eager to address youth-related issues with a scientific and practical approach.