Psychology is the science of mental processes. It covers the perceptions, thoughts, feelings and actions of people from infancy to old age, ranging in focus from individuals to groups, organisations and societies. It is multidisciplinary, involving biology, medicine, chemistry, physics, computer science, mathematics and philosophy, and has a vast number of realworld applications. It also provides a gateway to many diverse and well-paid careers. Cognitive neuroscience is a related scientific discipline concerned with the study of the biological substrates underlying cognition, perception and action.
In the School of Psychology some of the research we do is ‘pure’, with the aim of testing and developing theories; and some is ‘applied’, with the aim of understanding how we learn, how accidents happen and what causes mental disorders. Approaches to investigation range from field surveys to laboratory experiments. These include studies that employ the latest brain imaging techniques and eye-tracking facilities.
Teaching is research-led, meaning that you will benefit from internationally-recognised scientists determining your curriculum and presenting lectures, tutorials, practical classes and seminars. On completion of your course you will have acquired a range of knowledge and skills including the ability to analyse and assess contemporary theories, empirical studies and practical applications.
Your knowledge of specialised areas of contemporary interest within psychology will be developed through your selection of special options and project work. Practical and project work will also develop your problem-solving skills, including the ability to design, conduct and analyse various types of psychological research. Additionally, the course will improve your oral and written communications skills, and your ability to use information technology and information retrieval systems. You will be assessed through a variety of methods including formal exams and coursework.
The BSc Psychology and BSc Psychology and Cognitive Neuroscience courses are identical in the first year to give you a good grounding in psychology. It is possible to change between the two degree courses at the end of first year. Both degree courses offer equally good career opportunities. The main difference between the two degrees is that psychology and cognitive neurosciences more focused on biological processes, whereas the psychology course is pure psychology.
During your first year, you will be introduced to the core areas of biological, cognitive, develop mental and social psychology. As well as theoretical principles, the modules cover the applied aspects of these subjects, for example in clinical, education and engineering settings. You will learn statistical methods of analysis and how to plan, carry out and report on psychological or cognitive neuroscience experiments. You will also have the flexibility to select up to two modules from other schools.
In your second year, you will expand your understanding, deal with more advanced theoretical problems, continue training in relevant research methods and be given greater independence in undertaking research. Practical sessions run in a series of five-week group projects and are accompanied by further statistics courses. Psychology and cognitive neuroscience students have specialist practical classes, focusing on neuroscience-based topics, as well as a series of extra lectures focusing on contemporary neuroimaging techniques.
There are opportunities to spend one or two semesters in your second year at our campus in the UK. The final year allows you to choose from a variety of advanced topics. If you are studying for the cognitive neuroscience degree, you will need to take 40 credits of cognitive neuroscience modules and the remaining credits can be any of the other modules on offer. However, psychology students have the flexibility to choose from both psychology and cognitive neuroscience modules.
You are also required to conduct an independent research study during your final year. Acting under the supervision of lecturers, you will be expected to take the initiative in designing and carrying out the research yourself, and completing a full research project report.
The degree is fully acredited by British Psychological Society.