Psychology BSc (Hons)

 

Course Code

UCAS Code: C800
International Code: HLSU216

Location

Coventry University (Coventry)

 

Study mode

Full-time
Sandwich

Duration

3 years full-time
4 years sandwich

Start date

September 2022
January 2023

How to apply
Book an Open Day
Download a prospectus
Register for updates

Course overview

Study level: Undergraduate

Our Psychology BSc (Hons) aims to provide a you with a comprehensive grounding in the major psychological approaches to the study of human behaviour.

  • Accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS), providing eligibility for the Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (GBC) (additional costs may apply), access to postgraduate training and careers in psychology.
  • Covering psychological theory, research and practical skills, it aims to help you understand how psychology is applied to real life and how to select, use and report appropriate psychological methods and research techniques.
  • Work experience* is a key part of the course helping to ensure that you graduate not only with academic qualifications, but with relevant work experience and a host of transferable skills
  • Taught by staff with a variety of professional experience as forensic, sports, organisational and health psychologists, many actively conducting research
globe decorative icon

Global Ready

An international outlook, with global opportunities
human silhouette teaching in front of a blackdoard

Teaching excellence

Taught by lecturers who are experts in their field
Resume icon displaying a paper and a pen

Employability

Career ready graduates, with the skills to succeed

Why you should study this course

This course aims to help you to develop a thorough understanding of psychology as a discipline - the core areas and their application to ‘real world’ scenarios, its historical origins, theoretical and methodological underpinnings, concepts, community contribution and responsibility and limitations. This course takes a scientific approach to understanding the human mind.

In addition to the core areas of psychology required by the British Psychological Society accreditation*, you will also have the opportunity to study optional modules in a range of interesting and contemporary areas of psychology including mindfulness and meditation, drug use and addiction, and criminal behaviour. You will also have the opportunity to explore the darker side of psychology, such as social control mechanisms, and how psychology is represented in popular culture.

  • Work experience* is a key part of the course helping to ensure that you graduate not only with academic qualifications, but with relevant work experience and a host of transferable skills, including critical analysis, problem solving, and leadership upon successful completion. This should put you in an excellent position to secure postgraduate education or employment in an increasingly competitive graduate education and job market.
  • You’ll be allocated a personal tutor and taught by experienced academic staff, many of whom are involved in research. You’ll also have the opportunity to join our active and vibrant student-led Psychology Society, which arranges a variety of social excursions and activities (subject to availability , fees may apply).
  • There is the opportunity to attend guest lectures, which have previously included contributions from Coventry Refugee Centre advisors, as well as people recovering from substance abuse problems and neuropsychological conditions, such as strokes (subject to availability).
  • The Faculty of Health and Life Sciences currently has links with the Local Education Authority (LEA), local schools and numerous healthcare providers, including Coventry and Warwickshire Mind, Entrust Care Partnership, and Grapevine. Organisations such as these offer services to young people and adults with mental health difficulties and learning disabilities and their carers. In the past, previous students have taken up roles involving socialising and supporting members of the community, volunteering in a buddying service, planning and organising resources to set up events to help raise awareness of young people’s needs or mobilise individuals who need support.

Coventry University was recently named a global top 200 university for Psychology according to the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2021.

A global top

200 university for Psychology according to the 

Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2021

Accreditation and Professional Recognition

This course is accredited and recognised by the following bodies:

The British Psychological Society

The British Psychological Society

This course is accredited and recognised by the British Psychological Society (BPS) for the 2022/23 intake. If the accreditation of this course changes, we would seek to notify applicants and students as soon as possible.

Current accreditation by the British Psychological Society (BPS) meaning that as a graduate, provided you achieve at least a 2:2, you will be eligible for the Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (GBC). Additional costs may apply. Please check with the membership body for details.

What you'll study

During the first two years of your course we aim to provide a thorough grounding in the major psychological approaches to the study of human behaviour: biological psychology, cognitive psychology, developmental psychology, social psychology and individual differences.

Modules

  • This module introduces the first of three modules over the course that aim to develop your skills and professional identity. Through the personal tutoring system and an employability focus, the module seeks to develop your academic and career journey by introducing transferable skills.

    Compulsory

    Assessment: Coursework

  • The primary objective of this module is to provide you with an overview of key areas in psychology in a way which is designed to provide the knowledge required to understand how the different theoretical and methodological strands in psychology link together. It aims to provide a thematic based approach to key concepts and theories within psychology, for example, Social Identity, Perceptual and Cognitive Development, Context and Culture, Emotional Development, Interpersonal Relationships and Maladaptive Behaviour. Subthemes under each of these overarching categories will reflect the contemporary subjects relating to human behaviour.

    Compulsory

    Assessment: Coursework

  • This module aims to help you to gain an understanding of the historical development of psychology and the way in which psychological findings can be misrepresented and misused. You will explore whether psychology is as scientific as it is often claimed to be, how psychology has been used fraudulently and inappropriately at times, and the myths that have developed from psychological research and theory.

    Compulsory

    Assessment: Coursework

  • How does psychology work as a scientific discipline? How can we draw reliable inferences about the human mind by observing human behaviour? This module aims to introduce the various experimental and non-experimental research methodologies utilised by psychologists, as well as the basic descriptive and inferential statistics commonly used in psychological research. The module focuses on the skills and knowledge required to design, conduct, summarise, evaluate, and present psychological research.

    Compulsory

    Assessment: Coursework, exam

  • This module aims to investigate the popular perception of psychology and how psychology informs popular culture. You will explore a range of portrayals of psychology in the popular media to facilitate psychological thinking and aims to demonstrate how psychological ideas have infiltrated every aspect of everyday life and how they are portrayed in popular media such as newspapers, magazines, film, TV and on the internet. Subject matter is drawn from diverse areas such as forensic psychology, ’mental illness‘, and the burgeoning area of self-help and other therapies. The module aims to highlight how psychology has been viewed when applied to everyday settings. In each case the module will also begin to look at the more complex reality behind these “pop” portrayals of the role of psychology.

    Compulsory

    Assessment: Coursework

  • This module provides an overview of key topics in the area of mental health and wellbeing, from a biological, psychological and cultural perspective. You will have the opportunity to explore the psychological theories and concepts that underpin mental health and wellbeing and develop an understanding of what mental health is in contemporary context. You will consider factors that contribute to poor mental health, interventions designed to treat various disorders and the promotion of wellbeing.

    Compulsory

    Assessment: Poster presentation

  • The focus on preparing students for successful futures sets Coventry apart as a university.

    The Add+vantage modules explore a range of work experience and extra-curricular activities that are taken each year, and aim to broaden your knowledge and skills within a work focused environment. There is a very wide range of Add+vantage free-choice subject areas, and they are arranged in themes.

    Compulsory

During your second year, you will have the opportunity to complete work experience with an external organisation*. Past students have undertaken a wide variety of roles, including working in women’s refuges, with the police, sports centres, prisons and schools.

Modules

  • This module aims to enable you to build on skills relevant to employability in a potential career as a psychologist upon successful completion. It is designed to build upon the academic skills you have gained in various psychology modules, and enables you the opportunity to showcase these skills to prospective employers following graduation. You will be provided with the opportunity to develop practical skills (e.g. time management, CV writing, cover letters and interviewing techniques) that could assist you when you choose to apply for work experience** in psychological settings. You will have access to resources such as our Talent Team, the university’s employability support team and careers service, to aid in identifying relevant work placement.

    Compulsory

    Assessment: Coursework

  • This module aims to provide coverage of the core domains of biological psychology, social psychology, cognitive psychology, developmental psychology and individual differences. Themes that are contemporary and of global significance will be discussed, therefore they may change in any given year. You will be required to examine individual and group responses to the issues presented, encouraged to draw on knowledge and understanding of key topics within each of the core domains.

    Compulsory

    Assessment: Coursework, test

  • This module integrates knowledge gained in the Year 2 theory module Psychological Perspectives 1 with the applications of quantitative research methods. You will have the opportunity to gain an understanding of how to conduct, report, and interpret a range of statistical tests using data associated with complex experimental and correlational designs. This module focuses on building on previous research methods modules in Year 1 including the Research into Human Behaviour module.

    Compulsory

    Assessment: Coursework, test

  • This module aims to enhance the development of your understanding of the core domains of psychology and challenges you to consider how this knowledge could contribute to solving a community-focused issue. It continues the aim to provide coverage of the core domains of biological psychology, social psychology, cognitive psychology, developmental psychology and individual differences.

    Compulsory

    Assessment: Coursework, test

  • The knowledge gained in the Year 2 Psychological Perspectives 1 is integrated with the applications of qualitative research methods in this module. You will have opportunities to develop your understanding of how to design, conduct and report qualitative research using a variety of data collection methods and analytical techniques. This module also aims to develop your ability to plan psychological research projects and guides you through the fundamental processes involved in developing and disseminating a research proposal (e.g. conceptual, methodological and ethical considerations).

    Compulsory

    Assessment: Coursework

  • You will have the opportunity to apply for work experience* in an organisation relevant to your future career aspirations. This may be in the form of paid employment or voluntary work. You will have the opportunity to gain experience in researching and sourcing opportunities for work experience and may utilise the Talent Team, Coventry University’s employability support team, the Talent Team.

    Compulsory

    Assessment: Coursework

  • The focus on preparing students for successful futures sets Coventry apart as a university.

    The Add+vantage modules explore a range of work experience and extra-curricular activities that are taken each year, and aim to broaden your knowledge and skills within a work focused environment. There is a very wide range of Add+vantage free-choice subject areas, and they are arranged in themes.

    Compulsory

Following year 2 here is the opportunity to complete the course over four years by applying for an optional year of work placement or to study abroad*.

Modules

  • Optional

The final year of your degree is your opportunity to specialise in the areas that you find most exciting – choosing from a range of optional modules in areas of greatest interest to you.

You will collaborate with a member of academic staff and apply the knowledge of research methods obtained during the first two years of your degree to design and conduct your own piece of research in an area of your choice. In the past, students have investigated areas such as arousal regulation in sport, imagery use and its implementation, psychological rehabilitation from injury, mindfulness in sport and the influence of motivation on anticipatory skills.

Modules

  • This module is designed to equip you with a range of essential personal and professional skills required to be a successful student and graduate employee. You will have the opportunity to appraise and critique your own skills in; fluent writing and speaking, working in groups, and personal reflection in career development and you will be given advice on finding placements and experience in your future careers.

    Compulsory

    Assessment: Coursework

  • Your knowledge of research methods and theory should combine in order to pursue an in-depth supervised independent piece of empirical research. In this module you will design a suitable empirical research project that incorporates an appropriately expressed psychological research question. You will be supported to identify and propose suitable research methods to address the proposed research question, within an ethical framework, and to develop a research ethics application.

    Compulsory

    Assessment: Coursework, test

  • This module is the focal point of your psychological training, combining your knowledge of research methods and theory to pursue an in-depth supervised independent piece of empirical research. This module is designed to help you develop and demonstrate skills in report writing needed to meet the professional standards of psychology. This module is also designed to enable you to develop a critical understanding of psychological research methodology.

    Compulsory

    Assessment: Coursework

  • The focus on preparing students for successful futures sets Coventry apart as a university.

    The Add+vantage modules explore a range of work experience and extra-curricular activities that are taken each year, and aim to broaden your knowledge and skills within a work focused environment. There is a very wide range of Add+vantage free-choice subject areas, and they are arranged in themes

    Compulsory

  • Choose two from the following:

    • Mindfulness and Meditation - 20 credits : In this module you will be introduced to the western secular-based mindfulness interventions and explore their essential theoretical, applied and empirical bases. The interventions you will study include Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction, Mindfulness-Based Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy, Focusing Oriented Psychotherapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Dialectical Behaviour Therapy, and Compassion Focused Therapy.
      Assessment : Coursework
    • Psychology of Gender and Sexuality - 20 credits : Taking an international perspective, in this module you will examine how gender and sexuality are understood across different historical and cultural contexts. You will draw upon many areas of psychology including social psychology (e.g. sexual prejudice), developmental psychology (sexual and gender identity development across the lifespan); and biopsychology (e.g. biology of sex and sexual orientation) to consider how the psychology of gender and sexualities intersects with applied areas such as educational, clinical, health, forensic and sports psychology.
      Assessment: Coursework
    • Educational Psychology and Psychology of Special Needs - 20 credits: By choosing this module you will study key theories and research that relate to the psychology of development, teaching and learning and the application of those theories to applied educational contexts. By examining issues of assessment, labelling, intervention and remediation you should have greater awareness of the special educational needs experienced by children and adults and how these difficulties impact on their experiences growing up.
      Assessment: Coursework
    • Psychology of Gender and Sexuality - 20 credits: Taking an international perspective, in this module you will examine how gender and sexuality are understood across different historical and cultural contexts. You will draw upon many areas of psychology including social psychology (e.g. sexual prejudice), developmental psychology (sexual and gender identity development across the lifespan); and biopsychology (e.g. biology of sex and sexual orientation) to consider how the psychology of gender and sexualities intersects with applied areas such as educational, clinical, health, forensic and sports psychology.
      Assessment: Coursework
    • Drug Use and Addiction - 20 credits: The subject of psychopharmacology focuses on the interrelationship between drugs, psychology and behaviour, drawing on several areas of psychology, in particular cognitive and biological approaches. These principles will be considered in relation to the effects of addiction and the motivations to sustain substance abuse. Relevant findings from several branches of science, including psychophysics, psychopharmacology and molecular biology will be considered. Assessment: Coursework
    • Criminal Behaviour and its contexts - 20 credits:  How does psychology contribute to how we view criminal behaviour? By studying this module you will explore the development of explanations of crime across different contexts in society, and will have the chance to apply psychological theories in relation to three types of crimes which include violent, sexual and economic in family, workplace and sports contexts. By the end of the module you will be able to demonstrate the impact psychology has made in specific areas of the criminal process, and the prevention of crimes.
      Assessment: Coursework



    *Optional module choices are subject to change in any given year

    Optional

We regularly review our course content, to make it relevant and current for the benefit of our students. For these reasons, course modules may be updated.

What our students say

I have done 75 hours placement in the last year, it helped me to become confident and to be a better team-player. It helped me learn how to lead teams and be a good leader, and also gave me knowledge in the field of business psychology.

Virag Karkecz, BSc (Hons) Psychology, quoted in 2019, graduated 2020
Lady holding a brain section model

How you'll learn

This course is taught using a mixture of lectures, small group seminars and practical, ‘hands-on’ skills workshops. Core course content will be delivered during the lectures, while seminars and workshops offer opportunities for you to explore topics more independently, receive guidance on coursework assignments, begin to apply your knowledge and develop your academic and transferable skills.

You should be able to design, conduct and analyse the results of psychological experiments, and spend time working collaboratively on group projects with other students. In addition, your Professional and Personal Tutor will be available for one-to-one bookable meetings throughout every semester and will review and discuss your progress and continual personal development. Outside of contact time, your personal study hours will be guided by materials posted on your module web pages.

Work experience and field trip opportunities* are also an integral part of the course. We aim to arrange international field trips each year for students at all levels of our undergraduate Psychology courses.*

In a typical teaching week you will have approximately 14 ‘contact’ hours of teaching. This generally breaks down as:

  • Personal tutorial/small group teaching/one to one supervision: meetings are arranged on a mutual basis as necessary.
  •  Medium group teaching: up to 6 hours of practical workshops or seminars each week
  • Large group teaching: up to 8 hours of lectures each week.

Contact hours will vary by stage and semester of course and any options chosen.

Some ‘contact’ hours may take the form of synchronous online learning (e.g. live online lectures, meeting tutors via video calling etc)

Assessment 

This course will be assessed using a variety of methods which could vary depending upon the module. Assessment methods include coursework and phase tests.

This course is predominantly assessed by coursework.

Job ready

Our courses have been designed to provide practical work experience* and equip you with a range of skills and competencies that should help to set you apart from other graduates and make you attractive to potential employers, such as group work, literature reviewing, critical analysis and the delivery of oral presentations.

As well as the work experience module delivered in year two and option to spend a sandwich year on placement*, in all years we offer professional development modules. These aim to help you learn how to identify suitable employment and training opportunities after graduation, submit competitive, professional applications and perform well in interview situations.

Coventry University is committed to preparing you for your future career and giving you a competitive edge in the graduate job market. The university’s Talent Team provides a wide range of support services to help you plan and prepare for your career.

International experience opportunities

As well as offering a range of short international field trips*, you also have the opportunity to complete the course over four years with a year spent studying abroad*. The university has current links with over 20 institutions in Cyprus, France, Malta, Spain, Sweden and Turkey, as well as several other countries around the world.

In previous years, students have visited Amsterdam, San Francisco and Tokyo. While in San Francisco, the students visited The Exploratorium, a public learning laboratory exploring the world through science, art, and human perception. They were able to participate in immersive exhibits, such as sensory deprivation, as well view exhibits, including a history of psychiatry and the changing attitudes of society towards mental illness. These trips also provide an opportunity to reflect on cross-cultural differences and counter cultures, such as the gay rights movement in San Francisco.

Entry requirements

Typical offer for 2022 entry

Requirement What we're looking for
A level BBB Excludes General Studies
GCSE Minimum 5 GCSE's graded 9-4 / A* - C including English Language and Mathematics, or specified equivalents. 
BTEC DDM
IB Diploma 30 points to include 15 points at Higher level. 

We recognise a breadth of qualifications, speak to one of our advisers today to find out how we can help you.

Chat with UK admissions

Are you eligible for the Fair Access Scheme?

We believe every student should have the opportunity to dream big, reach their potential and succeed, regardless of their background.

Fair Access Scheme

Select your region to find detailed information about entry requirements:

Europe

Americas

Middle East

South Asia

South East Asia

East Asia

Africa

Russia and Central Asia


You can view our full list of country specific entry requirements on our Entry requirements page.

If you do not have the typical entry requirements, you may want to consider studying this course with an international foundation year. Upon successful completion our International Foundation Year - Public Health will provide you with the knowledge and skills you need to progress onto this undergraduate degree.

Alternatively, visit our International hub for further advice and guidance on finding in-country agents and representatives, joining our in-country events and how to apply.

English language requirements

  • IELTS: 6.0 overall (with at least 5.5 in each component area)

If you don't meet the English language requirements, you can achieve the level you need by successfully completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course. 

For more information on our approved English language tests visit our English language requirements page.

Chat with International admissions

Fees and funding

2022/23 Tuition fees

Student Full time Part time
UK £9,250 per year Not available
International £16,650 per year Not available

For advice and guidance on tuition fees and student loans visit our Undergraduate Finance page and see The University’s Tuition Fee and Refund Terms and Conditions.

We offer a range of International scholarships to students all over the world. For more information, visit our International Scholarships page.

Tuition fees cover the cost of your teaching, assessments, facilities and support services. There may be additional costs not covered by this fee such as accommodation and living costs, recommended reading books, stationery, printing and re-assessments should you need them. Find out what's included in your tuition costs.

As well as covering UK field trips, key materials and laser print, the fees for this course also include:

  • Costs of any mandatory UK day visits
  • Student membership of the British Psychological Society for the final year of the course
  • Disclosure and Barring Service (formally CRB Disclosure) for those undertaking placements with children

Facilities

Our specialist teaching facilities include light and dark multisensory laboratories, ‘mock’ prison cells, an observation suite, counselling rooms and specialist software, such as Gorilla, Opensesame experiment builder, E-Prime, SPSS statistical analysis, Pinnacle Studio and NVIVO.

Woman inside the observation suite at desk with three monitors

Specialist facilities

Specialist teaching facilities include an observation suite, counselling rooms and specialist software, such as OpenSesame experiment builder, E-Prime, SPSS statistical analysis, Pinnacle Studio and NVIVO.

Several people walking around the library's entrance

The Library

The library provides you with access to subject-specific databases. These are full of journal articles related to Psychology, and guidance on how to find and access to psychological tests and measures.

 

Student observing prisoner inside mock prison cell

Prison cells

Our Criminology and Psychology students can use our mock cells to experience the practical aspects of life in prison.

 

 

Careers and opportunities

Successful completion of this degree course could provide you with a route into the career you choose to pursue, both within and outside the field of psychology. With further training, you may choose to become a qualified psychologist, pursuing a career in the community, for example, as an occupational, forensic or social psychologist; in mental wellbeing as a clinical or counselling psychologist; in physical wellbeing as a health, sport or neuropsychologist; working with children as a developmental or educational psychologist.

Coventry University is committed to preparing you for your future career and giving you a competitive edge in the graduate job market. The University aims to provide a wide range of support services to help and support you to plan and prepare for your future career.

Where our graduates work

Many of our graduates have gone on to pursue postgraduate qualifications and work as practising psychologists, others have become researchers, lecturers, teachers, administrators, managers, or health and care professionals.

Further study 

You can choose to continue your studies at Coventry University with the Psychology Msc. You may be entitled to an alumni discount on your fees if you decide to extend your time with us by progressing from undergraduate to postgraduate study

How to apply

You may also like

Hands placing a brain activity measuring device on a man's head

Browse Psychology courses
Coventry University (Coventry) Female sat on a bunk bed inside a cell with the door slightly open

Criminology and Psychology BA
Coventry University (Coventry) Lady with short hair writing on a whiteboard

Psychology MSc
Coventry University (Coventry) Males in a gym using weights

Sport and Exercise Psychology BSc (Hons)

Your next steps

Student life
Accommodation
Fees and funding

Discover Uni stats

  • Student Contract

    By accepting your offer of a place and enrolling with us, a Student Contract will be formed between you and the university. A copy of the 2021/22 Contract can be found here. The Contract details your rights and the obligations you will be bound by during your time as a student and contains the obligations that the university will owe to you. You should read the Contract before you accept an offer of a place and before you enrol at the university.

    Tuition fees

    The tuition fee for the course that is stated on the course webpage and in the prospectus for the first year of study will apply. We will review our tuition fees each year. For UK and EU students, if Parliament permit an increase in tuition fees, we may increase fees for each subsequent year of study in line with any such changes. Note that any increase is expected to be in line with inflation. Following the UK’s exit from the European Union, EU students should be aware that there may be a change to UK laws following the UK’s exit, this may change their student status, their eligibility to study part time, and/or their eligibility for student finance. We will act in accordance with the UK’s laws in force in relation to student tuition fees and finance from time to time.

    For International students the tuition fee that is stated on the course webpage and in the prospectus for the first year of study will apply. We will review our tuition fees each year. For international students, we may increase fees for each subsequent year of study but such increases will be no more than 5% above inflation.

    Accreditations

    The majority of our courses have been formally recognised by professional bodies, which means the courses have been reviewed and tested to ensure they reach a set standard. In some instances, studying on an accredited course can give you additional benefits such as exemptions from professional exams (subject to availability, fees may apply). Accreditations, partnerships, exemptions and memberships shall be renewed in accordance with the relevant bodies’ standard review process and subject to the university maintaining the same high standards of course delivery. 

    Facilities

    Facilities mentioned on this page may not be relevant for every course. Due to the ongoing restrictions relating to COVID-19, some facilities (including some teaching and learning spaces) and some non-academic offerings (particularly in relation to international experiences), may vary from those advertised and may have reduced availability or restrictions on their use.

    Placements and study abroad opportunities

    Please note that we are unable to guarantee any placement or study abroad opportunities and that all such opportunities may be subject to additional costs (e.g. travel, visas and accommodation etc.), competitive application, availability and/or meeting any applicable visa requirements. To ensure that you fully understand the requirements in this regard, please contact the International Office for further details if you are an EU or International student.

    Additional costs

    This course may incur additional costs associated with any field trips, placements or work experience, study abroad opportunities or any other opportunity (whether required or optional), which could include (but is not limited to), equipment, materials, bench fees, studio or facilities hire, travel, accommodation and visas).