Why study this course

Learn about the range of core psychological domains and methods, accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS)

Learn about and engage with on-site research projects, exploring contemporary issues such as mindfulness, psychopathy and the science of dreaming

Engage with a range of learning methods in small groups, receiving personalised feedback and getting to know your tutors

Enhance employability skills through specialist modules, placement and volunteering opportunities

Course summary

Through studying a Psychology degree at BGU you’ll gain an in-depth understanding of the scientific nature of the subject and of its wider cultural and social impact. This course will develop your understanding of psychology and its theories of the mind, emotions and behaviour and become familiar with how these theories are applied in our lives, communities and societies.

Key facts

Award

BA (Hons)

UCAS code

C214

Duration

3 years

Mode of study

Full-time

Start date

September

Awarding institution

Bishop Grosseteste University

Institution code

B38

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When you're ready to apply, the route you take will depend on your personal circumstances and preferred method of study. Click the relevant button below to start your application journey.

About this course

Do you ever wonder why is it we behave as we do? How do gangs, teams and friendship groups form? Do you wonder if smiling really does make you feel more positive? Do you often venture into the bigger questions about life and who we are?

Psychology has a science base, yet includes a balance of liberal arts, technological knowledge, statistics and computer-based skills. As well as classic psychological theories and research, on this undergraduate degree you’ll be debating social issues, studying specific mental processes, such as memory, language and attention, as well as broader issues and theories – both historical and contemporary. As well as applying psychological knowledge to a range of subjects, you will develop your skills in problem-solving, data analysis, predict and reasoning, with a focus on real-world application.

Here at BGU in Lincoln, we ensure you have close support and contact with your tutors and, with small group sizes, you’ll always get the support and feedback you need on your course. We also know how important it is to experience a real working environment so, through work placements and other projects, you’ll be equipped for whichever career path you may choose after your degree. With research-informed teaching and research-active staff, you’ll receive scientific training and gain an in-depth understanding of the nature of the subject, at the same time as applying your knowledge and theory to real-life.



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What you will study

As a student on this course, you may study some or all of the modules listed below.

This module will introduce you to core areas and methods integral to the discipline and study of psychology. It will provide a historical and contextual backdrop to psychology as a scientific discipline, as well as a focus on research methodologies. This module will introduce you to the wonderful world of numberland, where you will embark on a quantitative journey through research methods and statistical techniques. It will equip you with the tools necessary to investigate questions you may have about human psychology, and to do it in a robust and scientific manner. It will explore aspects of research design, underpinnings of statistical theory, as well as core statistical techniques such as t-tests and correlation. It will analyse data using statistical software and interpret related output appropriately. This module will also provide an introduction to qualitative research methods, where you will be introduced to a range of applied qualitative methods in psychology, the core philosophical underpinnings of such techniques, as well as its relation to quantitative methods.

The module will provide you with an understanding of developmental psychology across the lifespan, exploring physical development, cognitive development, social and emotional development throughout childhood and later into maturity. You will gain a deeper understanding of the theories, themes and concepts in developmental psychology and appreciate that development continues throughout the lifespan and is influenced by a range of factors including class, culture, gender, ethnicity and heredity. In addition, you will learn about the current issues and methods involved in lifespan research, together with specific empirical studies that address developmental research questions and contemporary and cross-cultural developments that have emerged in the field.

This module actively introduces you to the role of psychology in understanding the arts and the therapeutic benefits of engagement in both formal and everyday practice. The module focuses on theories, evidence, and methodologies and explores psychology at the interface of aesthetics, performance, music and literature. It encourages you to investigate and critically question the role of artistic expression in mental wellbeing and the place of community practice in social capital and psychological functioning. The module provides a unique opportunity within the degree for you to participate in arts-based activities as part of your learning, giving you a range of community and arts engagement opportunities, enabling personal reflection to be drawn on as a result of direct experience, to accompany academic insight. You will research, describe and report on a particular art form in the community, producing a written report of activities, explaining the role of arts in the community from different perspectives, supported by literature. You will reflect on your experience of taking part in an art-based activity /activities, and how this process helped to shape or inform the subsequent written report.

This module will immerse you in the origins of psychology, with respect to early understandings of what psychology is (Plato; Aristotle), as well as the development and establishment of Psychology as a discipline in its own right. You will be introduced to the history of science and the Scientific Revolution, as well as corresponding developments in metaphysics and epistemology as manifested in The Enlightenment, and how this contributed to the emergence and shaping of psychology as an experimental science from which behaviourism and the cognitive revolution later emerged. This context will enable you to understand debates within psychology that concern it’s standing as a science and the differences in psychological research methodologies that accompany those debates. Focus on the historicisation of psychology will prompt you to evaluate your perceptions of Psychology and how you, and society understand and identify with it in both professional and personal settings. Furthermore, “classic” studies in psychology will be explored in reference to recent research that demonstrates issues with their findings, especially in the context of the current replicability crisis in Psychology.

This module offers you the opportunity to engage with real research projects, under the support of an academic supervisor and by working in a small group. It involves participating in current research projects, learning about the research design process, collecting data and undertaking preliminary analysis and interpretation. Outcomes will be showcased at a mini-conference event, developing research presentation skills. Approximately four different staff-led projects, spanning a range of topics, will be offered for you to work on. You will be able to select your preferred topic area of these offered options, depending on availability. Project topics will relate to staff research expertise.

The aim of this Level 4 module is to introduce you to the theory and practice of BPS core areas of Applied Psychology and other associated career paths, in their broadest sense. The module enables you to gain an introductory understanding of professional development opportunities, essential competencies and skills to support theoretical knowledge acquisition and application of what is meant by applied psychology, and of the domains in which psychology can be applied (e.g., in business, education, law, health and the environment). It also debates the ethical, logistical, and methodological challenges in doing applied psychology. You will further explore and debate the theory and practice of Clinical and Counselling Psychology; Health Psychology; Educational Psychology; Forensic Psychology & Occupational Psychology. You will gain understanding of the importance and impact of research and your role as a researcher. The approach to the module will help you to develop your own interests and independence, providing a grounding for your Placement and final Dissertation development.

The aim of this Level 4 module is to introduce you to the theory and practice of Clinical Psychology in its broadest sense. The module will consider major theories and research findings of the causes, diagnoses and treatment of psychological and psychiatric disorders. It will also cover core topics in Clinical Psychology introducing the biopsychosocial model in the onset and maintenance of psychological disease and comorbidities, together with psychological responses to illness, diagnosis and treatment. This module will also provide an overview of the regulatory, professional and institutional context for professional practice and will introduce issues in working ethically with clients from a diverse range of social and cultural backgrounds (according to HCPC Standards of Conduct, Performance and Ethics; the BPS Code of Conduct, Ethical Principles and Guidelines as well as the Professional Practice Guidelines of the Division of Clinical Psychology). You will be supported in your learning by having access to and using various psychological theories to work on a series of case studies, documentaries and practical activities.

This Level 5 module will enable you to develop your communication skills through developing resources for public engagement with Psychological research and theory around behaviour change. The module will introduce you to the psychology of persuasion - you will draw on to disseminate Psychological knowledge to lay audiences and a range of relevant stakeholders. The module also builds on research skills developed at levels 4 as well as the theme of community engagement which is embedded into the core modules for this programme at all levels. The focus of the module on dissemination and public engagement also links to the development of transferrable skills which will aid employability. Finally, as the module is grounded in Psychological theories of health behaviour change you will engage with institutional and national policy to examine the Psychological underpinnings of initiatives like ‘Change 4 Life’. Indicative content for this module will include: Theory of Planned Behaviour; Theory of Reasoned Action; Protection Motivation Theory; Transtheoretical Model of Change; Social Cognitive Theory; Self Efficacy; Behavioural Capacity; Central and Peripheral routes to persuasion; Elaboration Likelihood Model; Fear Appeals; perceptual salience; mass communication; writing for lay readers; Visual Rhetoric; Action Research.

Personality and Individual Differences is a multifaceted module that covers the history, cornerstone theoretical frameworks and methodological approaches of personality research. The structure of human personality is examined using a trait-based approach, which is applied in a variety of sub-topics leading to a comprehensive understanding of how personality and individual differences influence thought and behaviour in different settings. The contributions of biological and environmental factors in the development of personality and individual differences, as well as associated controversies are also explored. You will consolidate your learning by utilising psychometric methods to design and run a quantitative study in an area of personality research of your choosing. Accordingly, this module helps to prepare you for your third-year dissertation module in providing experience of the research process, from design, gaining ethical approval, data collection and analysis to reporting and discussing findings.

This module provides you with an experience of work in the form of a placement in a community-based setting. It enables you to apply your developing knowledge and skills in a real-life context offering you a valuable experience to draw on when you present yourself to employers or selectors upon graduation. The placement also offers you the opportunity to apply psychological knowledge and understanding, and to reflect upon your own interactions, communications, behaviours and responses within a complex organisational dynamic. This work experience offers an invaluable opportunity for you to reflect upon issues of ethical practice and responsibility, and these will be attended to in detail in supervision. The module aims to provide you with increasing knowledge of community-based issues through experience of a local placement, and opportunities to take up longer-term volunteering. This is with a view to gain a better understanding of psychological relationships within different environments. This will provide you the opportunity to identify areas of interest for research purposes and/or potential career paths identified by the BPS. The module will also focus on employability, looking at Employment skills such as psychometric testing, CV writing, transferable and interviews skills, along with professional practices in terms of safeguarding, confidentiality, ethics, and diversity, difference and the law. This work will be supported in elements by BG Futures who will provide ongoing support and feedback during the volunteering and employment process. Visiting speakers and external visits will be providing an insight into a range of support offered to vulnerable individuals and groups within the community, and you will have the opportunity to experience first-hand the challenges that brings.

This module will develop your knowledge and understanding of social psychology, one of the core areas of psychology introduced in Researching Psychology I. Social Psychology will engage you with the breadth and diversity of social psychology as a discipline from social constructionism and group processes through to social cognition, collective behaviour, and social interactions. The purpose is to help you gain a detailed understanding of how people think, feel and act in relation to others and the world around them. Key topics will engage you with the indexical nature of the discipline locating historical and contemporary research and theory within its broader socio-economic and cultural context.

This module will build and extend on core methods and statistical techniques acquired at level 4 in Researching Psychology I. You will develop knowledge and skills integral to advanced psychological research designs, including the use of quantitative and qualitative analysis techniques. Specifically, this module covers three research methods strands including experimental, psychometric, and qualitative methods. Statistical underpinnings and application of techniques relevant to experimental (e.g., One-way ANOVA, Factorial ANOVA) and psychometric-based research (e.g., Regression, Multiple Regression) are covered and directly extend methods learnt in Researching Psychology I. Additionally, you will develop applied methods skills by utilising specialist software such as SPSS for the analysis of quantitative data. A variety of qualitative approaches, methods and analyses will also be considered such as interviewing skills, diaries and photo elicitation, discourse analysis, polytextual thematic analysis and descriptive phenomenology.

In this module, you will be introduced to the main themes in Evolutionary Psychology such as Sex and Mating; Parenting and Kinship; Group Living, and Life History Theory. You will draw on knowledge acquired earlier on in the degree as all aspects of psychology feed into and can be contextualised within an evolutionary psychological theoretical framework. You will develop an understanding of ultimate explanations for human thought and behaviour, and how they are observed cross-culturally as well as historically. The module will further explore the unique characteristics of human evolution, including the Social Intelligence Hypothesis.

This module will develop your knowledge and understanding of statistical methods used in psychological research. Specifically, you will be introduced to meta-analysis (which allows for the systematic summarising of large bodies of evidence) as well as multi-level modelling (which deals with data that are structured in a clustered/hierarchical manner). You will also be introduced to a syntax-based statistical program called R, where code is used to define and specify advanced level statistical models.

The Dissertation requires you to work independently in producing a substantial piece of research that demonstrates mastery of academic knowledge and research skills commensurate with Level 6. You will draw on your existing repertoire of experience garnered over the course of the degree in the development of a report akin to a journal style article, representative of the discipline. You will initiate your research protocol as defined in the first semester module, Research Project Design, and subsequently manage participant recruitment, data collection, and data analysis in accordance with the BPS Code of Ethics and Conduct. The Dissertation should aspire to produce published articles in the discipline (corresponding to the subject topic). The design of the study should successfully address the research question such that data collection and data analysis provide meaningful insight into the identified gap in the literature. You are expected to thoroughly scrutinise the findings in relation to relevant theoretical and methodological issues and in doing so, produce a meaningful contribution to the literature.

This module is an extension of the Level 4 module, Foundations in Clinical Psychology, and aims to equip you with a critical knowledge of the clinical psychology literature, as well as techniques relevant to working with specific clients (children, adolescents, adults, elders and their families). The module aims to develop your research, assessment, formulation, intervention and evaluation skills for work with specific clients. It will emphasise major theories of working with specific groups, and review literature on psychological disorders specific to different age groups. This module will emphasise the importance of ethics in clinical work (according to HCPC Standards of Conduct, Performance and Ethics; the BPS Code of Conduct, Ethical Principles and Guidelines and also the Professional Practice Guidelines of the Division of Clinical Psychology). You will consolidate your learning by having access to a series of case studies, documentaries and practical activities.

This module focuses upon the BPS Core domain Biopsychology, covering aspects of the biological basis of behaviours, emotions and mental health. The module aims to provide an overview of how the sub-disciplines within biopsychology (e.g., neuropsychology, cognitive neuroscience) approach psychological research questions. The module will support development of an in-depth understanding of neural conductance and major brain structures/systems to particular neurotransmitter systems as explanations of how the brain affects behaviour. The module aims to develop your understanding of the anatomical and physiological processes that underpin psychological experience whilst exploring the methodologies used to examine contemporary issues in biopsychology. To achieve these aims, the module will enable you to critically examine how contemporary biopsychological models are developed and evaluate these as explanations for behaviour using key examples (e.g., emotions, memory and learning, drugs and addiction and mental health disorders). This module promotes the application of multiple perspectives (including knowledge gained of other domains in previous years) to critique biopsychological theory and to critically appraise information, using evidenced based reasoning.

This module develops knowledge and understanding of the BPS core domain of Cognitive Psychology which you will have been introduced to at level 4 in Researching Psychology I. Throughout this module, there will be discussion and critical evaluation of a range of different cognitive psychological constructs (e.g., processing resources, attention, memory, language) as a toolkit for theorising mental functioning. You will critically engage with core constructs in cognitive psychology, associated methodologies and key perspectives (for example cognitive neuropsychology, neuroscience, fundamentals of the experimental method). Throughout the module, the use of computerised experimental paradigms will be explored, which underpin theories. For example, you will have the opportunity to engage with classical experimental paradigms or paradigms with a cognitive basis such learning, memory and problem-solving computerised tasks, within workshop sessions. The module aims to showcase the breadth of approaches to understand cognitive processes whilst critically engaging you with relevant associated methodologies. You will have opportunities to engage in a variety of cognitive experiments to facilitate your understanding of key topics and experimental approaches.

The module provides an opportunity for you to build upon and apply the key intellectual, transferable and practical skills gained at Levels 4 and 5 of the programme in order to design an appropriate research project for your Psychology dissertation. Throughout the module a series of lectures, seminars and workshops will further develop your research design skills in experimental, quasi-experimental, surveys and/or qualitative research methods. In addition, you will develop a critical understanding of ethical challenges associated with carrying out psychological research leading to the development of a research project that adheres to the British Psychological Society’s Code of Ethics and Conduct (2018) and BGU's Research Ethics Committee standards.

Occupational psychology focuses on aspects of human functioning in work environments. The Psychology in Organisations module aims to build upon your base of knowledge regarding principles of psychology as applied to the world of work and organisations. The module will provide you with a grounding in the theory and empirical evidence of organisational psychology using three organising principles: the organisation as a complex system, its processes, and the people in the workplace. The module will present you with various concepts in the study of organisational psychology such as work motivation; stress at work; individual differences; stereotyping and prejudice at work environments; and the relationship between organisation and community. The module will take a diverse and international view of organisations and psychological theory as pertaining to them and contextualise both theory and practice. This provides a key opportunity to further develop work-readiness, employability skills and apply learning acquired across the degree.

This module provides a critical overview of the broad nature, states, theories and approaches to studying consciousness. Specific examples will focus on staff expertise (for example dreaming, mindfulness). The module will draw together topics and methodological approaches from previously studied core content in Psychology, such as cognitive and biological psychology, and will require you to engage critically with the methodologies associated with those. You will need to gather data yourself and reflect upon its theoretical and methodological value in the assessment, building on subject specific and generic undergraduate level psychological skills. Indicative content includes: The nature of free will; hypnosis; whether identity can be biologically determined or is psychologically-oriented; drug-induced meta-states; the Freudian unconscious; disorders of consciousness such as agnosia, coma and persistent vegetative state; and familiar states of consciousness such as deja-vu, tip of the tongue and everyday amnesia.

Entry requirements

You will normally need 96-112 UCAS tariff points (from a maximum of four Advanced Level qualifications). We welcome a range of qualifications such as: A/AS Levels, BTEC, Access Courses, International Baccalaureate (IB), Cambridge Pre-U, Extended Project etc.

However this list is not exhaustive – please click here for details of all qualifications in the UCAS tariff.

You will also need GCSEs in English Language and Mathematics at grade 4 (previously C) or above (or equivalent).

Further information

Click here for important information about this course including additional costs, resources and key policies.

In accordance with University conditions, students are entitled to apply for Recognition of Prior Learning, RP(C)L, based on relevant credit at another HE institution or credit Awarded for Experiential Learning, (RP(E)L).

How you will be taught

There is no one-size-fits-all method of teaching at BGU – we shape our methods to suit each subject and each group, combining the best aspects of traditional university teaching with innovative techniques to promote student participation and interactivity.

You will be taught in a variety of ways, from lectures, tutorials and seminars, to practical workshops, coursework and work-based placements. Small group seminars and workshops will provide you with an opportunity to review issues raised in lectures, and you will be expected to carry out independent study.

Placements are a key part of degree study within many courses at BGU. They provide an enriching learning experience for you to apply the skills and knowledge you will gain from your course and, in doing so, give valuable real-world experience to boost your career.

Assessment

Assessments in Psychology take place at the end of each module in order for you to demonstrate your understanding of the objectives covered. A wide range of assessment methods is used to support your learning, including portfolios, presentations, displays and examinations and laboratory projects. The Psychology course includes assessments that are designed to develop and refine specific skills that you may well need to draw on as a psychologist, whether that is as specific as demonstrating your practical counselling skills in the Introduction to Psychological Therapies module, or openly argumentative as in the group debate in the Personality and Individual Differences module! Assessments are also designed to enhance your critical thinking and analysis skills – something that psychologists are well known for.

Careers & Further study

In Psychology we allow you to develop the knowledge and skills which will make you attractive to an employer. Psychology graduates go on to work in a range of sectors including teaching, education or training, local government, health and social work and in areas of industry including human resources management. By the end of this course, you will be ready to apply your knowledge of psychology to the world in which you live, with the necessary workplace skills for a variety of future careers. Future careers for Psychology graduates may include work within Clinical settings, Counselling, Mental Health services, Education and Research.

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Studying at BGU is a student-centred experience. Staff and students work together in a friendly and supportive atmosphere as part of an intimate campus community. You will know every member of staff personally and feel confident approaching them for help and advice, and staff members will recognise you, not just by sight, but as an individual with unique talents and interests.

We will be there to support you, personally and academically, from induction to graduation.

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A lot of student finance information is available from numerous sources, but it is sometimes confusing and contradictory. That’s why at BGU we try to give you all the information and support we can to help to throughout the process. Our Student Advice team are experts in helping you sort out the funding arrangements for your studies, offering a range of services to guide you through all aspects of student finance step by step.

Click here to find information about fees, loans and support which will help to make the whole process a little easier to understand.

Undergraduate course applicants must apply via UCAS using the relevant UCAS code. For 2024 entry, the application fee is £27, and you can make a maximum of 6 choices.
For all applicants, there are full instructions at UCAS to make it as easy as possible for you to fill in your online application, plus help text where appropriate.