Programme Specification for the 2024/5 academic year
BA (Hons) Psychological Studies
1. Programme Details
| Programme name | BA (Hons) Psychological Studies | Programme code | UFA3PSYPSY03 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Study mode(s) | Full Time |
Academic year | 2024/5 |
| Campus(es) | Streatham (Exeter) |
NQF Level of the Final Award | 6 (Honours) |
2. Description of the Programme
Psychologists are interested in why we do things, how we do them and how we relate to others as well as to the world at large. As a result, Psychology plays an important role in drawing together techniques, theories, findings and professional practice from several areas of expertise to address complex and socially and economically important questions about behaviour. Psychologists study people at all stages in their lives from birth to old-age, assessing how people perceive the physical and social world around them, how they think and use ideas, how they vary in intelligence and personality and how they are influenced by particular environments such as work, school and family. Psychology is the systematic and scientific study of behaviour and experience. As such it has a wide range of applications, such as in industry and commerce, in education and in health and social services.
Based in the Washington-Singer Laboratories on Exeter’s Streatham campus, The Department of Psychology is an expanding centre for academic teaching and research, committed to providing its staff and students with a friendly and stimulating intellectual environment. We are one of the UK's top Psychology departments, providing high-quality undergraduate programmes for intelligent and highly-motivated people, whatever their background. Our teaching staff are recognised internationally for their academic excellence and world-leading research investigating mood disorders, human cognition, animal behaviour, and social, environmental and organisational psychology.
The BA Psychological Studies degree has been designed to be stimulating and flexible with a strong reputation for intellectual rigour, academic excellence and practical value. The degree provides a solid grounding in major areas of psychology and our teaching is inspired and informed by our internationally-rated research. Our graduates are widely recognised as being thoroughly prepared for employment and professional training courses.
We encourage you to engage with our postgraduate students and you will also benefit from the establishment of the Mood Disorders Centre, funded by the Wellcome Foundation, a variety of neuropsychological testing laboratories, including TMS, EEG and eye-tracking, and a diverse range of multi-disciplinary research collaborations with research centres based in other areas of the University, such as the College of Medicine and Health, the Business School and the Law School.
A Psychological Studies degree from the University of Exeter will give you valuable academic, personal and professional skills that can be used in a variety of sectors such as education, business, health and the media. Our programme is designed to provide a fantastic platform for many future career paths.
There is no direct entry into the programme. You may only transfer into this programme if you fail the compulsory, non-condonable Statistics module(s) in either stage 1 or stage 2 in BSc Psychology, BSc Psychology with Study Abroad, BSc Psychology with Sport and Exercise Science, or MSci Applied Psychology (Clinical). Transfer into the programme as a result of failure in one of the above programmes will be at the discretion of the College and will require College approval.
3. Educational Aims of the Programme
We aim to promote the values described by McGovern et al (2010), providing an intellectual environment that allows you to develop into, ‘critical scientific thinkers and ethical and socially responsible participants in their communities’ (p.10).
Specifically, the aims of the undergraduate Psychology programme are:
- To provide an education of high quality in a stimulating and supportive environment that is enriched by research and/or current practice in the discipline;
- To provide training in scientific skills of problem analysis, research design, evaluation of empirical evidence and dissemination;
- To provide a range of academic and key skills that will prepare you confidently for employment, future study, or training for professional practice;
Additional aims specific to this programme are:
- To provide a thorough grounding in a range of skills.
- To promote specialist capabilities in specific areas of psychology congruent with the research focus of the College.
In doing so, we aim to encourage you to develop into individuals who, on graduation, will:
- Have a well-defined vocabulary and basic knowledge of the critical subject matter of Psychology
- Value the intellectual challenges required to use scientific thinking and the disciplined analysis of information to evaluate alternative courses of action
- Take a creative and amiable sceptic approach to problem solving
- Apply psychological principles to personal, social and organisational issues in work, relationships and the broader community
- Act ethically
- Be competent in using and evaluating information technology
- Communicate effectively in different modes and with many different audiences
- Recognise, understand and foster respect for diversity
- Be insightful and reflective about your own and other’s behaviour and mental processes
4. Programme Structure
5. Programme Modules
http://psychology.exeter.ac.uk/currentstudents/modules/
You may take optional modules as long as any necessary prerequisites have been satisfied, where the timetable allows and if you have not already taken the module in question or an equivalent module.
You may take elective modules up to 30 credits outside of the programme in Stage 1 as long as any necessary prerequisites have been satisfied, where the timetable allows and if you have not already taken the module in question or an equivalent module.
You are also permitted to take the five-credit module PSY3910 Professional Development Experience in the second or final years. Registration on this module is subject to a competitive application process. If taken, this module will not count towards progression or award calculation.
Stage 1
90 credits of compulsory modules, 30 credits of optional modules
Compulsory Modules
| Code | Module | Credits | Non-condonable? |
|---|---|---|---|
| PSY1202 | Introduction to Biological Psychology | 15 | No |
| PSY1203 | Introduction to Social Psychology | 15 | No |
| PSY1204 | Introduction to Clinical Psychology | 15 | No |
| PSY1205 | Introduction to Statistics | 15 | No |
| PSY1206 | Introduction to Research Methods | 15 | No |
| PSY1207 | Cognition, Emotion and Development | 15 | No |
Optional Modules
| Code | Module | Credits | Non-condonable? |
|---|---|---|---|
| PSY S1 BSc-MSci-BA Psy-App Psy opt 2021/2 | |||
| PSY1105 | Introduction to Behaviour and Evolution | 15 | No |
| PSY1126 | Classic Studies in Psychology | 15 | No |
| PSY1208 | Workplace Learning | 15 | No |
Stage 2
75 credits of compulsory modules, 45 credits of optional modules (you will be required to either take PSY2206 Methods and Statistics in Psychology II, a first year optional module (PSY1105, PSY1126, or PSY1208) that you have not previously taken or a module from another discipline for which you meet the pre-requisites, where the timetable allows and there is space on the module. You will also be required to take two 15-credit practical modules, one in each term. In term 1, you will select between PSY2209, PSY2210, PSY2214 and PSY2218. In term 2, you will select between PSY2212, PSY2213, PSY2216, and PSY2217. You will not be able to take both PSY2209 and PSY2212 and can select only one of PSY2210, PSY2213 and PSY2218.)
Compulsory Modules
| Code | Module | Credits | Non-condonable? |
|---|---|---|---|
| PSY2203 | Social Psychology II | 15 | No |
| PSY2205 | Personality and Individual Differences | 15 | No |
| PSY2303 | Cognition and Emotion | 15 | No |
| PSY2304 | Biological Basis of Behaviour | 15 | No |
| PSY2306 | Development Psychology and Psychopathology | 15 | No |
Optional Modules
| Code | Module | Credits | Non-condonable? |
|---|---|---|---|
| PSY S2 BA Psy opt 2021/2 | |||
| PSY2206 | Methods and Statistics in Psychology II | 15 | No |
| PSY2209 | Cognition Practical I | 15 | No |
| PSY2210 | Social Practical I | 15 | No |
| PSY2212 | Cognition Practical II | 15 | No |
| PSY2213 | Social Practical II | 15 | No |
| PSY2214 | Observations and Experiments in Animal Behaviour | 15 | No |
| PSY2216 | Qualitative Methods and Interview Skills | 15 | No |
| PSY2217 | Wild Behaviour | 15 | No |
| PSY2218 | Social Practical III | 15 | No |
Stage 3
45 credits of compulsory modules, 75 credits of optional modules
a You must choose four 15-credit seminar modules in the series starting PSY3410. Seminars are arranged into three groups: Group 1, Group 2, and Group 3. The groupings may vary slightly from one year to the next and so prospective students should contact Psychology before making any firm decisions. You must take at least one seminar from each group and you must take two in each term. You will also be required to either take PSY3402 Methods and Statistics in Psychology III, a second year practical module (PSY2209, PSY2210, PSY2212, PSY2213, PSY2214, PSY2216, PSY2217 and PSY2218) that you have not previously taken or a module from another discipline for which you meet the pre-requisites, where the timetable allows and there is space on the module.
Compulsory Modules
| Code | Module | Credits | Non-condonable? |
|---|---|---|---|
| PSY3403 | Contemporary Issues in Psychology | 15 | No |
| PSY3405 | Psychology Dissertation | 30 | No |
Optional Modules
| Code | Module | Credits | Non-condonable? |
|---|---|---|---|
| PSY3402 | Methods and Statistics in Psychology III | 15 | No |
| PSY SF BSc-BA Psy S3 MSci Psy App - Group 1 2021/2 [See note a above] | |||
| PSY3411 | Psychology and Law | 15 | No |
| PSY3412 | The Psychology of Gender | 15 | No |
| PSY3416 | Work and Organisational Psychology | 15 | No |
| PSY3432 | The Moral Mind | 15 | No |
| PSY3443 | The Social Psychology of Ageing and Ageism | 15 | No |
| PSY3424 | Applied Social Psychology: Health, Environment and Society | 15 | No |
| PSY3439 | Social Exclusion and Inclusion in Childhood and Adolescence | 15 | No |
| PSY3447 | Solitude and Social Withdrawal across the Lifespan | 15 | No |
| PSY3452 | Social and Affective Neuroscience | 15 | No |
| PSY3458 | The Psychology of Inequality, Conflict and Social Change | 15 | No |
| LAW3169 | Equality and Diversity at Work | 15 | No |
| PSY3464 | The Psychology of Human-Animal Intergroup Relations | 15 | No |
| PSY3463 | Violence against Women and Girls: Causes, Consequences and Interventions | 15 | No |
| PSY SF BSc-BA Psy S3 MSci App Psy - Group 2 2021/2 [See note a above] | |||
| PSY3417 | The Associative Mind | 15 | No |
| PSY3418 | Processes of Human Memory | 15 | No |
| PSY3419 | Studying Cognition and Emotion with Brain Imaging | 15 | No |
| PSY3420 | Brain Plasticity and Language Learning across the Lifespan | 15 | No |
| PSY3427 | Compulsive Behaviour | 15 | No |
| PSY3431 | Comparative Approaches in the Study of Brain and Behaviour | 15 | No |
| PSY3437 | The Psychology of Addiction | 15 | No |
| PSY3444 | Foundations of Human Behaviour | 15 | No |
| PSY3445 | Mechanisms of Face Recognition | 15 | No |
| PSY3436 | Neuropsychology of Ageing and Dementia | 15 | No |
| PSY3449 | The Evolution of Social Behaviour | 15 | No |
| PSY3450 | Philosophy of Mind | 15 | No |
| PSY3461 | Neuroscience of Cognition and Behaviour | 15 | No |
| PSY SF BSc-BA Psy S3 MSci App Psy - Group 3 2021/2 [See note a above] | |||
| PSY3411 | Psychology and Law | 15 | No |
| PSY3425 | Cognitive Behavioural Approaches to Mood Disorders | 15 | No |
| PSY3426 | Parental Psychiatric Disorders and Children's Development | 15 | No |
| PSY3446 | Prevention Science in Developmental Psychopathology | 15 | No |
| PSY3448 | Sleep and Psychology | 15 | No |
| PSY3451 | Clinical Neuroscience: Brains, Drugs and Psychiatry | 15 | No |
| PSY3454 | Lifecourse Influences on Behaviour and Cognition | 15 | No |
| PSY3455 | Environmental Psychology | 15 | No |
| PSY3456 | Cognitive Biases in Emotion and Psychopathology | 15 | No |
| PSY3457 | The Psychology of Play | 15 | No |
| PSY3460 | Health Neuroscience | 15 | No |
| PSY3462 | Women's Reproductive Mental Health | 15 | No |
| NEU3003 | Psychology Applied to Health | 15 | No |
6. Programme Outcomes Linked to Teaching, Learning and Assessment Methods
Intended Learning Outcomes
A: Specialised Subject Skills and Knowledge
| Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) On successfully completing this programme you will be able to: | Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) will be... | |
|---|---|---|
| ...accommodated and facilitated by the following learning and teaching activities (in/out of class): | ...and evidenced by the following assessment methods: | |
1. Demonstrate detailed knowledge about a range of core subject areas with in-depth specialisation at the forefront of the subject in certain areas. | ILO 1 is developed in Stages 1 and 2 of the programme through lectures and tutorials. In-depth specialisation is developed in Stage 3 via seminars and the Independent Study module (a dissertation). ILOs 2 and 3 are developed throughout the programme, via practical classes, and lectures. Independent study also forms a major part of the programme’s teaching and learning methods. | ILOs 1 and 3 are assessed by a combination of written examinations, and continuous assessment essays. ILOs 2 and 3 are assessed via practical reports. |
Intended Learning Outcomes
B: Academic Discipline Core Skills and Knowledge
| Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) On successfully completing this programme you will be able to: | Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) will be... | |
|---|---|---|
| ...accommodated and facilitated by the following learning and teaching activities (in/out of class): | ...and evidenced by the following assessment methods: | |
4. Apply skills of scientific writing and presenting results. | ILOS 4, 5 and 6 are developed through Research Methods, Key Skills, and Statistics lectures, tutorials and practicals at Stage 1; through research practical modules at Stage 2, and through the dissertation at Stage 3. ILOs 4 and 7 are also developed throughout the programme in lectures, seminars, and continuous assessment. Independent study and practice also forms a major part of our teaching and learning methods. | ILOs 4 and 7 are assessed by a combination of written examinations, and continuous assessment essays. ILOs 5 and 6 are assessed via written examinations, practical reports, and coursework assignments. |
Intended Learning Outcomes
C: Personal/Transferable/Employment Skills and Knowledge
| Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) On successfully completing this programme you will be able to: | Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) will be... | |
|---|---|---|
| ...accommodated and facilitated by the following learning and teaching activities (in/out of class): | ...and evidenced by the following assessment methods: | |
8. Think independently, critically and creatively. | ILOs 8-10 are developed through the process of acquiring subject knowledge and core academic skills (see A and B above). ILO 11 is developed through group discussions in academic tutorials and seminars, as well as through working in groups in practicals. ILO 12 is developed through you progressing through a teaching programme that is gradually more self-managed, and the personal tutorial and Personal Development Planning system. Independent study and practice also forms a major part of our teaching and learning methods. | ILOs 8-10 are assessed primarily through continuous assessment essays, practical reports, and the final dissertation. ILOs 11 and 12 are indirectly assessed – in the sense that where modules require development of these skills, it would be very difficult to achieve a good mark in the assessments without having developed such skills. |
7. Programme Regulations
Programme-specific Progression Rules
If you take and pass the optional module PSY2206 Methods and Statistics in Psychology II in stage 2, and you meet all other progression requirements for the stage, you will have the opportunity to transfer to the BSc Psychology.
Classification
8. College Support for Students and Students' Learning
You will be allocated a personal tutor who will remain with them throughout the first and second year of the programme, where possible. Personal tutors are able to provide guidance and feedback on assessment performance, guidance in generic academic skills, and pastoral support. They are also able to refer students to more specialist support services, both within the College and elsewhere across the University. In the final year of the programme each student will be allocated a dissertation supervisor as part of the PSY3405 Psychology Dissertation module, who will also act as personal tutor, providing academic, tutorial, and pastoral support.
You will have access to the computer cluster in the Washington-Singer Laboratories (when not in use for teaching or assessment purposes) along with the pay-per-print laser printer installed there. The University IT Services provide a range of central services, including open and training clusters of PCs available on a 24/7 basis. Network access is available from all rooms in the hall of residence on site.
9. University Support for Students and Students' Learning
10. Admissions Criteria
11. Regulation of Assessment and Academic Standards
12. Indicators of Quality and Standards
The programme is not subject to accreditation and/ or review by professional and statutory regulatory bodies (PSRBs).
13. Methods for Evaluating and Improving Quality and Standards
14. Awarding Institution
University of Exeter
15. Lead College / Teaching Institution
College of Life and Environmental Sciences (CLES)
16. Partner College / Institution
Partner College(s)
Not applicable to this programme
Partner Institution
Not applicable to this programme.
17. Programme Accredited / Validated by
0
18. Final Award
BA (Hons) Psychological Studies
19. UCAS Code
N/A
20. NQF Level of Final Award
6 (Honours)
21. Credit
| CATS credits | ECTS credits |
|---|
22. QAA Subject Benchmarking Group
[Honours] Psychology
23. Dates
| Origin Date | 31/10/2018 |
Date of last revision | 06/02/2024 |
|---|
